50 Fascinating Photos That Prove The 1980s Were Wild

While we’ve already touched on some of the biggest hits, it’s impossible to show appreciation for the 1980s without giving the decade more credit for its music. Almost all of Prince’s iconic songs came from the ’80s, along with many of Madonna’s. Michael Jackson also had plenty of classics from this decade, as well as Whitney Houston. 

We can’t forget about all of the amazing groups from this era too: Duran Duran, The Smiths, The Cure, N.W.A., R.E.M., New Order, Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, The Clash, Joy Division, and more. David Bowie was also on fire during the ’80s, alongside Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, and Cher. You could easily stick to only music from the 1980s for the rest of your life and still have great tunes to play in any situation!    

Another aspect of the 1980s that we can never forget is the incredible fashion of the decade. When you think of the ’80s, bright colors, spandex, and fanny packs might come to mind. But there was so much more! Vogue published a piece breaking down the biggest fashion trends of the era, and they first mention women’s power suits. Big shoulder pads and blazers over tight skirts were all the rage, even for women who weren’t in business.

On the other hand, many women were also stepping into spandex and Lycra bodysuits to get their jazzercise on. Fitness outfits from the ’80s were iconic, with vibrant colors, big scrunchies, leg warmers, and more. There was no time in the 1980s when you could avoid being a fashionista, not even while you worked out alongside a Jane Fonda tape!   

As for men’s fashion choices in the 1980s, hip-hop influenced a lot of people. Bucket hats, gold chains, acid-wash jeans, and tracksuits were popularized after fans saw their favorite celebrities sporting them. But women were inspired by their favorite stars too, with many taking inspiration from Madonna’s iconic looks or Princess Diana’s posh wardrobe. And, of course, many took fashion inspiration from what they saw on the screen. If you loved an outfit that appeared in a John Hughes film, you might try to recreate it yourself.

Just like with fashion and music, our preferences in movies are subjective. But no matter what you like to watch, I’m sure there’s an ’80s film out there that you love! And if you’re in need of some suggestions, Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a list of the most beloved films from the decade of decadence.

Now, let’s start with the top ten: Back to the Future, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Ghostbusters, Star Wars: Episode V, Sixteen Candles, The Shining, Raging Bull, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Do the Right Thing, and The Princess Bride.     

If those films aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to choose from. If you’re looking for more action or something sci-fi, Blade Runner and The Terminator are great options. If you want a comedy, Airplane! never disappoints. And of course, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a hit too. If you want a wholesome romantic comedy, you can’t go wrong with Say Anything or When Harry Met Sally. And if you want a coming-of-age film, The Breakfast Club is the way to go. 

Today, the 1980s are often romanticized in the media as a nearly perfect decade. Kids had just enough technology to enjoy arcade games, but they weren’t glued to their cell phones. The average person could own a camera and capture moments from their life, but they didn’t have to worry about how they were perceived on social media. Of course, there were still plenty of issues during that time, from the Cold War to the AIDS epidemic. But overall, it seemed like a much simpler period than the one we're currently experiencing.  

We’ll never be able to return to the ’80s (unless someone out there is developing a time machine à la Doc Brown), but that doesn’t mean that we can’t bring it back in our own ways. If you’ve held onto your Walkman and cassette tapes for decades, keep listening to them! If you still have the VHS tapes with your children’s favorite films, never give them away. And if that old point-and-shoot camera will still work with some new batteries and a fresh roll of film, there’s no reason to stop using it. Why not infuse a bit of nostalgia into your everyday life?  

Is this list inspiring you to pull your old scrunchies, denim jackets and fanny packs out from storage, pandas? We hope you’re enjoying this trip down memory lane! Keep upvoting the photos that you find incredibly iconic, and let us know in the comments below if there’s anything in particular that you miss from the 1980s. Then, if you’re interested in checking out another list from Bored Panda that might make you super nostalgic, look no further than right here!