10 Popular 80s Pop Culture Moments We Still Love Today

From neon leg warmers to walkmen, the 1980s were a decade of pop culture breakthroughs that continue to influence the world today. The movies, music, and fashion that defined the era have become timeless classics and left a lasting impact on society. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore 10 popular 80s pop culture moments we still love today.

1. The Brat Pack

The Brat Pack was a group of young actors who starred in coming-of-age films in the 80s. This group included iconic figures like Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, and Rob Lowe. These movies, such as “The Breakfast Club” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” continue to resonate with audiences and define the teenage experience.

2. MTV

Launched in 1981, Music Television (MTV) pioneered the music video format and had a massive impact on 80s pop culture. MTV introduced us to iconic VJs like Martha Quinn and Mark Goodman and gave us unforgettable moments like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.

3. New Wave Music

New Wave was a genre of music that emerged in the late 70s and early 80s and was characterized by its electronic sound and quirky, often colorful, style. Bands like Depeche Mode, The Police, and Duran Duran were pioneers of the genre and continue to influence music today.

4. John Hughes Movies

John Hughes was a filmmaker who captured the essence of teenage life in the 80s. His movies, like “Pretty in Pink,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” have become beloved classics that continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

5. Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube was invented by Hungarian architect Erno Rubik in 1974 but gained massive popularity in the 80s. This challenging puzzle toy was a massive fad that swept the world and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages today.

6. ‘ET: The Extra-Terrestrial’

“ET: The Extra-Terrestrial” was a 1982 movie directed by Steven Spielberg that became the highest-grossing film of all time. The touching story of a boy named Elliott and his special connection with an alien named ET captured the hearts of audiences and remains a beloved classic.

7. ‘Thriller’ Album

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time and solidified Jackson’s status as the King of Pop. The album spawned hits like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” and continues to be celebrated to this day.

8. ‘Back to the Future’

“Back to the Future,” a 1985 movie directed by Robert Zemeckis, became an instant classic and spawned two sequels. The story of Marty McFly traveling back in time in a DeLorean captured the imagination of audiences and remains a beloved favorite.

9. Madonna

Madonna burst onto the music scene in the 80s and became an instant pop icon. Her edgy, boundary-pushing style and catchy dance-pop hits like “Material Girl” and “Like a Virgin” made her one of the decade’s most influential artists.

10. The Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 and revolutionized the video game industry. The NES introduced iconic characters like Mario and Zelda and popularized classic games like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda.”

In conclusion, the 80s were an amazing time for pop culture and created a wealth of timeless classics that still resonate with audiences today. From movies to music to toys, the impact of the 80s lives on in the memories and hearts of those who lived through it and those who discovered it later.