The 1980s was a vibrant and exciting time filled with unforgettable music, classic movies, and unique fashion trends. Think of neon colors, big hair, and cassette tapes! Popular culture during this decade introduced us to amazing icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and movies like “The Breakfast Club” and “Back to the Future.” Many of us remember those moments with a smile, even if we weren’t around at the time. The 80s shaped a generation and left a lasting impact on everything that came after it.
Today, we’ll look at some fun trivia that will take you back to this awesome decade. Did you know that the Rubik’s Cube became a huge craze in the 80s, or that MTV launched the first music video that featured the legendary band, The Buggles? From the toy crazes to the top TV shows, there are so many interesting facts about the 80s that will surprise you. Whether you lived through this era or have a love for its culture, there’s plenty to learn. Get ready for a nostalgic journey filled with fun facts and stories from a decade that changed the world!
Trivia From The 80S
Totally Awesome Tunes From The 80S
1. Which pop star was known as the “Material Girl”? (Answer: Madonna)
2. What song by Michael Jackson became known as the “Thriller” song? (Answer: Thriller)
3. Who sang the famous track “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”? (Answer: Whitney Houston)
4. What rock band released the hit “Livin’ on a Prayer”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
5. Which 80s hit features the lyrics “Don’t stop believin'”? (Answer: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey)
6. Who is referred to as the King of Pop? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
7. Which group performed “Take on Me”? (Answer: a-ha)
8. What was Madonna’s first big hit? (Answer: Holiday)
9. Whose debut album was titled “Purple Rain”? (Answer: Prince)
10. Which artist is famous for the song “Eye of the Tiger”? (Answer: Survivor)
Iconic Flicks From The 80S
1. What time-traveling car is featured in “Back to the Future”? (Answer: DeLorean)
2. Who directed the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”? (Answer: Steven Spielberg)
3. In which film does Molly Ringwald star as a character named Samantha? (Answer: Sixteen Candles)
4. Which movie features the quote “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”? (Answer: Dirty Dancing)
5. What is the name of the ghost in “Ghostbusters”? (Answer: Slimer)
6. Which 1985 film features the breakfast club of detention students? (Answer: The Breakfast Club)
7. Who played the character Ferris Bueller in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”? (Answer: Matthew Broderick)
8. What 1989 film features a character named maverick? (Answer: Top Gun)
9. Which movie is about a high school science project turning into a real creature? (Answer: Weird Science)
10. In “The Goonies,” what treasure are the kids searching for? (Answer: A pirate’s treasure)
Trendy Toys From The 80S
1. What colorful cube puzzle became a massive craze in the 80s? (Answer: Rubik’s Cube)
2. Which popular doll, known for her big hair, was launched in 1980? (Answer: Cabbage Patch Kids)
3. Which toy features small plastic figures with various faces and outfits? (Answer: My Little Pony)
4. What was the name of the popular handheld electronic game by Nintendo? (Answer: Game Boy)
5. Which toy was released in the 80s and features a small playhouse and tiny characters? (Answer: Polly Pocket)
6. What action figure series became famous for their “real American hero” tagline? (Answer: G.I. Joe)
7. Which toy line gave birth to characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee? (Answer: Transformers)
8. What little robot toy, known for saying “beep beep,” became popular in the 80s? (Answer: Speak & Spell)
9. Which building toy became famous for its interlocking plastic pieces? (Answer: LEGO)
10. What little troll dolls were known for their colorful hair? (Answer: Troll dolls)
Television Classics From The 80S
1. Which long-running series featured the lives of the Ewings in Texas? (Answer: Dallas)
2. What 80s sitcom starred a family with the catchphrase “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night?” (Answer: Saturday Night Live)
3. Which fictional family drove a van with a distinctive paint job in “The A-Team”? (Answer: The A-Team)
4. What detective starred in the show “Magnum P.I.”? (Answer: Thomas Magnum)
5. In which show did the character Alex P. Keaton appear? (Answer: Family Ties)
6. What was the name of the hospital in the show “M*A*S*H”? (Answer: Mobile Army Surgical Hospital)
7. Who played the lead role in the detective series “Columbo”? (Answer: Peter Falk)
8. What animated sitcom became famous for featuring a talking baby? (Answer: Rugrats)
9. Who were the main characters on “Cheers”? (Answer: Sam Malone and Diane Chambers)
10. What was the title of the popular detective series starring Tom Selleck? (Answer: Magnum P.I.)
Incredible Innovations From The 80S
1. What video game console first became popular in the 80s? (Answer: Nintendo Entertainment System)
2. Which mobile device started hitting the market in the late 80s? (Answer: The mobile phone)
3. What was the name of the first widely-used personal computer by IBM? (Answer: IBM PC)
4. Which appliance became popular in homes for making popcorn during movies? (Answer: Microwave oven)
5. What popular video game franchise featured characters like Mario and Luigi? (Answer: Super Mario Bros)
6. What household cleaning device became popular for its ease of use? (Answer: The vacuum cleaner)
7. Which popular film also launched the use of CGI in movies? (Answer: Tron)
8. What new technology allowed for video recording and playback at home? (Answer: VCR)
9. What home entertainment system became hugely popular in the 1980s? (Answer: VHS)
10. Which software company launched Microsoft Windows in the 80s? (Answer: Microsoft)
Fashion Trends From The 80S
1. What type of clothing became popular for its bright colors and bold patterns? (Answer: Neon clothing)
2. Which hairstyle was characterized by big volume and often teased? (Answer: Big hair)
3. What type of pants, popularized in the 80s, featured tapered legs and were often worn high-waisted? (Answer: Parachute pants)
4. What accessory became a must-have for both men and women and often featured bright colors? (Answer: Leg warmers)
5. Which shoe brand was famous for its vibrant high-top sneakers in the 80s? (Answer: Adidas)
6. What fabric, associated with exercise wear, gained popularity in the 1980s? (Answer: Spandex)
7. Which colorful fashion style often included oversized jackets and lots of accessories? (Answer: Glam rock)
8. What popular headwear featured a stiff brim and was often worn backward? (Answer: Baseball cap)
9. What was the name of the fashion movement that focused on casual and athletic styles in the 80s? (Answer: Athleisure)
10. Which accessory, popular with both genders, was used to hold up pants? (Answer: Suspenders)
Bold Moments In 80S History
1. What space shuttle made its first flight in April 1981? (Answer: Columbia)
2. Which breakup in 1989 led to the fall of the Berlin Wall? (Answer: The Cold War)
3. In what year did the Chernobyl nuclear disaster occur? (Answer: 1986)
4. Which world leader was known for the famous phrase “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”? (Answer: Ronald Reagan)
5. What scandal involved a U.S. president and led to a significant political investigation in the 80s? (Answer: Iran-Contra Affair)
6. Which global sporting event took place in Los Angeles in 1984? (Answer: Summer Olympics)
7. What disease was first identified as a major health issue in the 1980s? (Answer: AIDS)
8. What war began in 1980 and lasted until 1988? (Answer: Iran-Iraq War)
9. What was the name of the first-ever social media platform launched in 1985? (Answer: Aol Instant Messenger)
10. Which political movement became prominent in the 80s, advocating for independence in Eastern Europe? (Answer: Solidarity)
Final Thoughts
The 1980s were not just a decade; they were a vibrant era filled with unforgettable moments that left a lasting impact on history and culture. From the catchy tunes of pop icons to legendary movies that still resonate today, the trivia from the 80s showcases the spirit of innovation, creativity, and style of that time. Whether it was the fashion trends or the groundbreaking technologies that emerged, each aspect of the 80s enriched our lives in its unique way. There’s always something new to discover, and if you want more fascinating information, consider exploring 80s movie trivia or dive into 80s pop culture trivia! Let the nostalgia continue.