What Things Were Popular in the 80s?
The 1980s was a decade that was full of iconic trends, movies, music, and TV shows that still entertain us today. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore what things were popular in the 80s.
The Music of the 80s
- New Wave and Synth Pop: The 80s saw the rise of new wave and synth pop, with bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Police dominating the airwaves.
- Pop Music: Music genres like pop, rock, and dance music were incredibly popular, with hits like "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!, and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper.
- Rock Music: Rock music was also popular, with the emergence of new sub-genres like Glam Rock and Heavy Metal. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi were huge hits.
Fashion of the 80s
- Big Hair: Big hair was a staple of 80s fashion, with bouffants, mullets, and plenty of hairspray.
- Neon Colors: Neon colors were all the rage, with acid-washed jeans, neon-colored clothing, and disco balls.
- Leather Jackets: Leather jackets were a classic 80s fashion item, popularized by bands like Guns N’ Roses and The Bangles.
- Platform Shoes: Platform shoes were a popular fashion item, often worn with jeans and a band t-shirt.
TV Shows of the 80s
- The Cosby Show: This popular sitcom was the highest-rated show of the decade, with Aisha Tyler‘s character Clair Huxtable becoming a household name.
- The A-Team: This action-packed TV show was set in Vietnam and starred George Peppard, D.B. Sweeney, and Dana Elcar.
- Family Ties: This sitcom was about a conservative father and his liberal son, with Michael J. Fox and Susan Sleeper.
- The Wonder Years: This coming-of-age sitcom was about a young boy growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, with Fred Savage and Kim Fields.
Movies of the 80s
- Ghostbusters: This supernatural comedy classic was a huge hit in 1984, with Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis.
- The Terminator: This sci-fi action film was the first movie to use CGI (computer-generated imagery), with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: This beloved classic was released in 1982 and has since become a staple of 80s pop culture.
- Back to the Future: This time-traveling adventure was released in 1985 and starred Michael J. Fox, Claudia Wells, and Thomas F. Wilson.
Toys of the 80s
- Cabbage Patch Kids: These adoptable dolls were incredibly popular in 1983, with the concept of adopting your own unique Cabbage Patch Kid.
- My Little Pony: These colorful ponies were a staple of 80s childhood, with Rainbow Bridge and Starlight Glimmer being some of the most popular.
- G.I. Joe: These action figures were huge hits in the 1980s, with High Grade and Runaway Commando being some of the most popular.
- Sit-Tight Seats: These plastic seats were a staple of 80s playgrounds, with kids competing to see who could sit in a tight enough position.
Technology of the 80s
- Desktop Computers: The 80s saw the rise of desktop computers, with Apple Macintosh and IBM PC being some of the most popular.
- Mobile Phones: The first mobile phone was released in 1983, with Motorola DynaTAC being the first commercially available phone.
- Amusing Brand: These electronic beepers were popular in the 80s, with Tokyofa being one of the most popular.
- Sinet 1: This internet-based network was launched in 1983, providing access to online content for the first time.
Key Statistics of the 80s
- Internet Speed: The average internet speed in 1985 was around 300-400 kilobits per second (kbps), compared to today’s speeds of 2.4 gigabits per second (Gbps).
- Population Growth: The US population grew by 40% between 1975 and 1980, with 131 million people.
- Gas Prices: The average gas price in 1985 was around 37 cents per gallon, compared to today’s prices of $2.75 per gallon.
- TV Viewership: The average TV viewer in 1985 was around 33 million, compared to today’s 144 million.
Conclusion
The 1980s was a decade that was full of iconic trends, movies, music, and TV shows that still entertain us today. From the rise of new wave and synth pop to the popularity of 80s fashion and technology, there were so many things that were popular during this time period. Whether you’re a nostalgic 80s kid or just curious about the decade, there’s no denying the influence that the 1980s had on popular culture.