The 1980s was a decade filled with unforgettable music, colorful fashion, and memorable movies. From big hair to neon colors, the ‘80s had a unique style that still influences trends today. This lively era introduced us to iconic pop stars, breakthrough films, and some excellent video games. Many people who grew up during this time remember it as a fun and exciting period, filled with roller skating, arcade games, and classic television shows.
Today, we’re going to test your knowledge with some fun eighties trivia. Whether you remember the hits of Michael Jackson and Madonna or can quote lines from movies like “The Breakfast Club” and “Back to the Future,” there’s something here for everyone. You might learn some new facts about your favorite bands, actors, and events from this unforgettable decade. Get ready to see how much you really know about the ‘80s! Grab a snack, sit back, and let’s get started with some awesome trivia that will take you right back to those neon days!
Eighties Trivia
Blast from the Past: Music of the Eighties
1. Which artist is known as the “King of Pop”? (Answer: Michael Jackson)
2. What song did Madonna sing that features the lyrics “Like a virgin, touched for the very first time”? (Answer: Like a Virgin)
3. Which rock band is famous for the song “Livin’ on a Prayer”? (Answer: Bon Jovi)
4. Who had a huge hit with the song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”? (Answer: Whitney Houston)
5. What genre of music saw a major rise in the ’80s with artists like Queen and Duran Duran? (Answer: New Wave)
6. Who was the lead singer of the band Culture Club? (Answer: Boy George)
7. Which song by Cyndi Lauper became an anthem for feminism? (Answer: Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
8. What was the name of Prince’s iconic album released in 1984? (Answer: Purple Rain)
9. Who is known for the hit single “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”? (Answer: Wham!)
10. What song features the lyrics “Don’t stop believin'”? (Answer: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey)
Cinematic Wonders: Movies of the Eighties
1. Who played the character Marty McFly in “Back to the Future”? (Answer: Michael J. Fox)
2. What ‘80s film features a school detention and the characters called “The Breakfast Club”? (Answer: The Breakfast Club)
3. Which movie has the tagline “In space, no one can hear you scream”? (Answer: Alien)
4. What 1984 film features a ghost-busting team in New York City? (Answer: Ghostbusters)
5. In “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” what does Ferris call his day of skipping school? (Answer: A day off)
6. Who directed the iconic ’80s film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”? (Answer: Steven Spielberg)
7. What is the name of the vampire in “The Lost Boys”? (Answer: David)
8. Which movie features the classic line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”? (Answer: Dirty Dancing)
9. What animated film became a massive hit featuring a blocky character falling in love? (Answer: The Little Mermaid)
10. Who is the main character in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”? (Answer: Indiana Jones)
Neon Fashions: Style Trends of the Eighties
1. What type of fashionable legwear became popular in the ’80s and was often worn with oversized sweaters? (Answer: Leggings)
2. Which hairstyle, characterized by volume and “bigness,” was all the rage during the decade? (Answer: Big Hair)
3. What fabric known for its shiny appearance was a popular choice for jackets and pants in the ’80s? (Answer: Spandex)
4. Which accessory was a must-have in the ’80s, often adorned with colorful beads? (Answer: Friendship Bracelets)
5. What type of shoes, often featuring rich colors and bulky designs, ruled the dance floors of the ’80s? (Answer: High-Top Sneakers)
6. What trend involved wearing multiple colorful rubber bracelets on each arm? (Answer: Jelly Bracelets)
7. What item, characterized by its acid wash finish, was a favored jeans style during the decade? (Answer: Acid Wash Jeans)
8. Which popular hair product was used to achieve the voluminous ’80s hairstyle? (Answer: Hair Spray)
9. What type of eyeglasses were popular for their oversized designs during the decade? (Answer: Aviator Sunglasses)
10. What category of clothing often included bright colors, patterns, and large shoulder pads? (Answer: Power Suits)
Video Game Mania: The Eighties Gaming Revolution
1. What iconic arcade game involved a yellow character who eats dots and avoids ghosts? (Answer: Pac-Man)
2. Which home gaming console was released by Nintendo in 1985? (Answer: Nintendo Entertainment System)
3. What arcade game, released in 1981, features a frog trying to cross a busy road? (Answer: Frogger)
4. Who is the hero in the popular video game series “The Legend of Zelda”? (Answer: Link)
5. What puzzle game became a worldwide hit involving colorful blocks? (Answer: Tetris)
6. Which ‘80s game allowed players to jump over barrels to rescue a princess? (Answer: Donkey Kong)
7. In “Super Mario Bros.,” what is Mario’s profession? (Answer: Plumber)
8. What fighting game featuring characters like Ryu and Ken debuted in arcades in 1987? (Answer: Street Fighter)
9. What home computer was popularized for gaming and featured the game “Prince of Persia”? (Answer: Apple II)
10. Which arcade racing game featured a red sports car speeding through city streets? (Answer: OutRun)
Television Time: Iconic Shows of the Eighties
1. What sitcom featured a family with three daughters and their father Danny Tanner? (Answer: Full House)
2. Which show followed the lives of six young adults living in New York City, often gathering at Central Perk? (Answer: Friends)
3. Who was the main character that solved crimes for the Los Angeles Police Department in “Magnum, P.I.”? (Answer: Thomas Magnum)
4. What animated series featured a boy who used a magic wand to create adventures? (Answer: DuckTales)
5. Which cop drama featured police officers fighting crime in an exaggerated and comedic way? (Answer: Miami Vice)
6. What family’s adventures were highlighted in “The Cosby Show”? (Answer: The Huxtable Family)
7. What supernatural drama featured characters like Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg? (Answer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
8. What long-running soap opera featured dramatic family relationships and rivalries? (Answer: Dallas)
9. Which late-night talk show was hosted by David Letterman in the ’80s? (Answer: Late Night with David Letterman)
10. What show featured a family of aliens living on Earth, known for their comedic scenarios? (Answer: ALF)
Pop Culture Moments: Events That Shaped the Eighties
1. What event in 1989 symbolized the end of the Cold War? (Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall)
2. Who was the famous doctor who ran for President of the United States in 1988? (Answer: Dr. Benjamin Spock)
3. What 1980 event marked a significant milestone in U.S. and Soviet relations? (Answer: The Olympic Boycott)
4. Which music festival in 1985 helped raise funds for African famine relief? (Answer: Live Aid)
5. What phenomenon in 1985 involved people worldwide enjoying a day off for a telethon? (Answer: Hands Across America)
6. What was the name of the first space shuttle launched by NASA in 1981? (Answer: Columbia)
7. Which flight disaster occurred in 1986, leading to new safety regulations? (Answer: Challenger Explosion)
8. Who famously declared “Tear down this wall!” in a speech in 1987? (Answer: Ronald Reagan)
9. What was the title of the popular young adult novel by Judy Blume released in the ’80s? (Answer: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret)
10. What major political event took place during the Iran Hostage Crisis, affecting the U.S. government? (Answer: 444 days of hostages)
Final Thoughts
The 1980s was truly a vibrant decade filled with memorable experiences, from chart-topping music and iconic films to revolutionary fashion and video gaming milestones. The ‘80s introduced trends that shaped future generations and created lasting impressions. Whether you were dancing to Whitney Houston or cheering for Marty McFly, this decade provided unforgettable moments. We hope this trivia has brought back some fond memories from the ‘80s or even introduced you to new information about this remarkable time. If you want to learn more about this fantastic decade, check out our 1980s trivia or dive into our 80s movie trivia for even more fun!