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Experience the Music, Movies, and Style of the 80's
Relive the magic of the decade that defined a generation.
Dive into the unforgettable movies, chart-topping music, groundbreaking technology, and nostalgic toys that made the 1980s an iconic era.
Entertainment
Discover the movies, music, games, and TV shows of the 80s and how they changed the way we have fun.
Fashion
From neon jumpsuits to shoulder pads and spandex, explore the colorful fashion trends of the 80s.
Technology
The 80s saw the birth of the personal computer, compact disks, Nintendo, and home entertainment systems.
The Decade By Year
The 1980s were a vibrant mix of groundbreaking entertainment, bold fashion, and rapid technological advancements. Blockbuster movies like Star Wars and Back to the Future captivated audiences, while MTV redefined music culture, making icons out of artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna. Fashion was all about making a statement, with power suits, neon colors, and athletic wear dominating the scene. The tech world saw a revolution, with personal computers becoming household staples and gaming consoles like the NES transforming home entertainment. From the first cell phones to the Game Boy, the 80s were a decade where everything was bigger, brighter, and more connected than ever before.
1980
1980 kicked off the decade with The Empire Strikes Back, which hit theaters, solidifying Star Wars as a pop culture juggernaut. Pac-Man was gobbling up quarters in arcades across the globe, and, fashion was starting to shift away from the disco vibes of the 70s. Power suits began making their mark, signaling the start of an obsession with oversized shoulders and bold patterns.
1981
1981 was the year music got visual. MTV launched and suddenly, music videos were the hottest thing. People couldn’t get enough of the new designer jeans that made denim a fashion statement rather than just casual wear. IBM introduced its first personal computer, which set the stage for the home computing revolution.
1982
1982 was all about E.T. and it became one of the biggest movies ever. The fitness craze was also in full swing, and it showed. Leg warmers, headbands, and other workout gear weren’t just for the gym—they were everyday wear. The Commodore 64 made personal computers more accessible, and Tron brought computer graphics into the spotlight.
1983
1983 was a big year for Star Wars fans, as “Return of the Jedi” brought the original trilogy to an epic conclusion. Madonna burst onto the scene, influencing fashion with her layered looks, lace gloves, and unique accessories. Substandard games being released for the Atari 2600 and 5200 caused mistrust in gaming systems resulting in the Video Game Crash of ’83.
1984
1984 was a blockbuster year with Ghostbusters and The Terminator becoming instant classics. Fashion saw the rise of power dressing—sharp blazers, shoulder pads, and a no-nonsense attitude. Apple shook up the tech industry with the launch of the Macintosh, the first personal computer with a graphical user interface, opening up new possibilities for users.
1985
In 1985, Back to the Future hit theaters, and everyone was talking about time travel, hoverboards, and Marty McFly. Fashion took a preppy turn, with polo shirts, khakis, and loafers becoming the go-to look for many. Microsoft launched the first version of Windows, making computers easier to use, which was a big step towards the user-friendly systems of today.
1986
1986 was all about speed and thrills, thanks to Top Gun, and aviator sunglasses became the must-have accessory. Fashion continued to embrace boldness, with acid-wash jeans, oversized tops, and statement pieces dominating wardrobes. The world saw the first portable cell phones. They were mind-blowing, and they marked the beginning of a new era in communication.
80s Fashion Accessories
1987
In 1987, Dirty Dancing hit the screens, and it was impossible to escape the film’s influence. Leather jackets, ripped jeans, and a more rebellious style were all the rage, thanks to the growing influence of rock and punk fashion. And, IBM introduced their PS/2 line of computers, which introduced the world to the VGA display standard that made computer graphics sharper and more vibrant.
1988
1988 brought us Beetlejuice, a movie that blended humor, horror and it quickly became a cult classic. Fashion stayed loud and proud with big hair, bright colors, and lots of personality. The Sega Genesis burst onto the scene, giving Nintendo some real competition in the gaming world. And, the battle between game consoles provided gamers with more choices and better graphics.
80s Video Game Consoles
1989
1989 was the year of big blockbusters with Batman hitting theaters, bringing super heroes back in style. Fashion was moved to sleeker, more streamlined looks, with spandex and fitness-inspired clothing. Nintendo’s Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming, allowing people to take their favorite games with them wherever they went.
What were the most popular movies of the 1980s?
The top 1980s movies include classics like Back to the Future, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Breakfast Club, and Ghostbusters.
What were the biggest fashion trends in the 1980s?
The 1980s fashion featured big hair, neon colors, leg warmers, shoulder pads, acid-wash jeans, and bomber jackets.
What video games were popular in the 1980s?
Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and Tetris were among the most popular video games in the 1980s.
What were the top music hits of the 1980s?
Hits like Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Madonna’s Like a Virgin, and Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer defined the 1980s music scene.
What technological advancements were made in the 1980s?
The 1980s saw the rise of personal computers, early mobile phones, the Walkman, and the launch of the first Space Shuttle.
About The 80s Today!
Nicholas Minshall, the author behind The 80s Today, grew up on Florida’s Gulf Coast during the vibrant 80s. His firsthand experience of the era’s unique culture, from the music and fashion to the technological advancements, has fueled his passion for preserving and sharing the magic of the 80s. Nicholas’s deep connection to the decade is reflected in his writing, making him a trusted voice for anyone looking to explore or rediscover this iconic time.
Nicholas has been creating content online since 2005, and has self-published more than a dozen books on personal and professional development. Today, he spends his days teaching English at an international academy in the Philippines.
