The year 1986 was packed with interesting events, cool trends, and unforgettable moments. It was a time when people listened to catchy songs, watched memorable movies, and followed exciting sports. From the rise of new technology to key world events, 1986 had a lot to offer. Whether you were around during that time or just curious about it, there’s so much to learn and remember.
Today, we will share some fun trivia about 1986 that will take you back in time. You’ll find out about popular TV shows, classic films, and the top songs that shaped the year. Plus, we’ll look at notable events that happened globally. Whether you are a trivia buff or simply want to learn something new, this trip down memory lane will be enjoyable for everyone. Get ready for some surprising facts and fun stories that bring 1986 back to life!
1986 Trivia
Movies That Stole the Show in 1986
1. What classic film featured Tom Cruise as a cocky fighter pilot? (Answer: Top Gun)
2. Who played the character of Ferris Bueller in the popular movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? (Answer: Matthew Broderick)
3. What animated film introduced a group of misfit toys? (Answer: The Great Mouse Detective)
4. Which movie featured the line “I’ll be back”? (Answer: The Terminator)
5. What film released in 1986 revolves around a group of friends who awaken their inner creativity? (Answer: Stand by Me)
6. In which film did Michael J. Fox portray a teenager who traveled back in time? (Answer: Back to the Future)
7. What movie starred Elisabeth Shue as a high school dropout in Needham, Massachusetts? (Answer: The Karate Kid Part II)
8. Who is the director of the horror film Aliens released in 1986? (Answer: James Cameron)
9. What animated feature was released by Disney that year featuring characters like Basil of Baker Street? (Answer: The Great Mouse Detective)
10. Which film was a sequel to a hit movie about a young martial artist? (Answer: The Karate Kid Part II)
Chart-Topping Tunes of 1986
1. What hit song by Madonna became an anthem for female empowerment? (Answer: True Blue)
2. Which song by Whitney Houston was released in 1986 and became hugely popular? (Answer: How Will I Know)
3. What 1986 song by Huey Lewis and the News is famously associated with a movie? (Answer: Power of Love)
4. Who sang the 1986 hit song “Kiss”? (Answer: Prince)
5. What song, famously sung by Cyndi Lauper, asks if girls just want to have fun? (Answer: Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
6. What 1986 song by Bon Jovi led the way for glam metal? (Answer: Livin’ on a Prayer)
7. Who performed the haunting ballad “History” in 1986? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
8. Which artist had a hit with the song “West End Girls”? (Answer: Pet Shop Boys)
9. What duet between Lionel Richie and Diana Ross topped the charts in 1986? (Answer: Endless Love)
10. Which Flock of Dimes song blended rock and funk in 1986? (Answer: I Got You Babe)
Television Moments That Defined 1986
1. What classic family sitcom debuted in 1986, featuring the Tanner family? (Answer: Full House)
2. Which iconic animated show featuring yellow characters premiered in 1986? (Answer: The Simpsons)
3. What television series featured a group of aliens who lived undercover on Earth? (Answer: ALF)
4. Who was the host of the popular game show Wheel of Fortune during 1986? (Answer: Pat Sajak)
5. What long-running medical drama premiered in 1986, featuring the character Dr. Mark Greene? (Answer: ER)
6. Which show introduced us to the Cosby family in 1986? (Answer: The Cosby Show)
7. What detective series starred Tom Selleck as a private investigator? (Answer: Magnum, P.I.)
8. What adventure series featured a character named Jason Bourne? (Answer: The Bourne Identity)
9. Who was the famous family on the reality series The Osbournes that started in 1986? (Answer: The Osbourne family)
10. Which cult classic TV series featured a young boy raising an alien?! (Answer: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial)
Sporting Events That Shook 1986
1. Which baseball team won the World Series in 1986? (Answer: New York Mets)
2. What event marked an important year for the NFL in 1986? (Answer: The Super Bowl)
3. Which famous tennis tournament saw Boris Becker triumph in 1986? (Answer: Wimbledon)
4. Who won the NBA championship in 1986? (Answer: Boston Celtics)
5. What racing event took place in 1986 that celebrated its 70th anniversary? (Answer: The Indianapolis 500)
6. Which Olympic event featured amateur boxers in 1986? (Answer: The Goodwill Games)
7. Who was the first Italian driver to win the Formula One World Championship in 1986? (Answer: Alain Prost)
8. What famous female gymnast gave a stunning performance at the 1986 World Championships? (Answer: Mary Lou Retton)
9. What year did a famous wrestling match occur featuring Hulk Hogan? (Answer: 1986)
10. What famous event did the New England Patriots participate in 1986? (Answer: The Super Bowl
Famous Faces of 1986
1. Who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1986? (Answer: William Hurt)
2. Which actress became iconic for her role in Aliens? (Answer: Sigourney Weaver)
3. Who was known as the King of Pop in the mid-1980s? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
4. Which comedian became famous for her stand-up special in 1986? (Answer: Rosie O’Donnell)
5. What cult director was known for the horror film The Fly released in 1986? (Answer: David Cronenberg)
6. Which famous model was the face of several advertising campaigns in 1986? (Answer: Cindy Crawford)
7. Who was the legendary rock artist who released “Live in the Sky” in 1986? (Answer: David Bowie)
8. What young actress was known for her breakout performance in Blue Velvet? (Answer: Isabella Rossellini)
9. Which musician was known for singing “What Have You Done for Me Lately?” in 1986? (Answer: Janet Jackson)
10. Who was the iconic late-night talk show host during this time? (Answer: Johnny Carson)
Global Events That Made History in 1986
1. What major nuclear disaster occurred in 1986 at a power plant in Ukraine? (Answer: Chernobyl)
2. What famous American singer was shot in 1986, leading to global headlines? (Answer: John Lennon)
3. Which space shuttle was tragically destroyed shortly after takeoff in 1986? (Answer: Challenger)
4. What event marked a significant moment in South African history in 1986? (Answer: The anti-Apartheid movement)
5. Which major American civil rights leader died in 1986? (Answer: Coretta Scott King)
6. What major trade agreement was signed in 1986 between Canada and the USA? (Answer: The Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement)
7. What important treaty was signed in 1986 between superpowers regarding nuclear arms? (Answer: The INF Treaty)
8. Which iconic structure was completed in 1986 in Japan? (Answer: Tokyo Tower)
9. What annual celebration symbolizing love and peace took place across the globe in 1986? (Answer: World Peace Day)
10. Which legendary world leader died in 1986, leading to major political changes? (Answer: Indira Gandhi)
Final Thoughts
Looking back at 1986 gives us an exciting glimpse into a year full of unforgettable moments. From captivating movies that steal our hearts to catchy tunes that keep us humming, the trivia from this year highlights how diverse and vibrant it was. We learned about significant sporting events and the faces that made headlines while watching world events shape our future. Whether you enjoyed reliving the entertainment or reflecting on the pressing issues of the time, 1986 truly has a history worth celebrating!
If you’re eager to explore more fascinating trivia, check out our other topics, such as the exciting 1980s trivia or dive into our extensive 1980s trivia 2. Each topic offers a unique chance to learn and reminisce!