Are you looking for the perfect way to entertain your family and friends? Look no further than our collection of 100 80s trivia questions! Whether you’re a kid or an adult, this compilation is sure to bring hours of fun and even some friendly competition.
From TV shows to movies, music, and more, these trivia questions will take you on a nostalgic journey through the greatest decade ever. Get ready to challenge yourself with some truly classic pop culture knowledge!
Our 80s Trivia quiz features questions that span multiple topics such as video games, cartoons, songs, TV Shows, and Movies. We’ve also included some fun facts about the most iconic figures from that era. So get ready to test your memory – it’s time for some serious 80s nostalgia!
Sections
Music
What was the name of Michael Jackson’s first solo album?
Answer: Off the Wall.
Released in 1979, Off the Wall was a massive success, selling more than 20 million copies and becoming one of the best-selling albums ever.
Who wrote and produced the hit song “Take On Me”?
Answer: A-ha.
The music video for “Take On Me” won six awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards and is still considered one of the best music videos of all time.
Who was the lead singer of the band Duran Duran?
Answer: Simon Le Bon.
Duran Duran reached their peak of popularity in the 1980s, selling over 100 million records worldwide and becoming one of the most iconic bands of the decade.
Who wrote and produced the hit song “Hungry Like the Wolf”?
Answer: Duran Duran.
The music video for “Hungry Like the Wolf” won two awards at the 1983 MTV Video Music Awards, making it one of their most successful songs.
What year was the album “Purple Rain” released?
Answer: 1984.
Purple Rain was an international sensation and is widely considered one of the best albums ever made.
What popular 80s music video featured a group of kids dancing in front of an abandoned factory?
Answer: Thriller by Michael Jackson.
The iconic music video for Thriller remains the most-watched and best-selling music video of all time.
Who was the frontman for the popular 80s band, The Cure?
Answer: Robert Smith.
The Cure has been a major influence in rock music for decades and their songs are still played on the radio today.
Who wrote and produced the hit song “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”?
Answer: Whitney Houston.
The music video for “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” was an instant classic, winning four awards at the 1988 MTV Video Music Awards.
What year did Madonna release her debut album?
Answer: 1983.
Madonna’s debut album, Madonna, became a massive hit and established her as one of the most iconic figures in pop music.
Who wrote and produced the hit song “Sledgehammer”?
Answer: Peter Gabriel.
The music video for “Sledgehammer” was a huge success, winning nine awards at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards. It remains one of the most awarded music videos ever made.
Movies
Who directed the iconic 80s movie Back to the Future?
Answer: Robert Zemeckis.
Back to the Future was released in 1985 and became an instant classic, grossing more than $381 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films ever.
What year was the cult classic The Princess Bride released?
Answer: 1987.
The Princess Bride is widely considered to be one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made and still has a huge following to this day.
Who starred in and directed the classic 80s movie, “The Breakfast Club”?
Answer: John Hughes.
The Breakfast Club was a box office hit and has since become a cult classic, often referenced in pop culture.
What was the name of the popular teen comedy movie starring John Cusack and Ione Skye?
Answer: Say Anything.
The movie Say Anything is often cited as one of the best coming-of-age films ever made and remains a favorite among teens today.
Who starred as Ferris Bueller in the classic 80s movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”?
Answer: Matthew Broderick.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was a box office success and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic teen movies of all time.
What was the name of the popular 80s movie featuring a high school student who travels back in time?
Answer: Back to the Future.
Back to the Future has become a classic, inspiring sequel and even a theme park ride.
Who starred as Marty McFly in the classic 80s movie, “Back to the Future”?
Answer: Michael J. Fox.
Back to the Future was a box office hit and is widely considered one of the best science fiction movies ever made.
What popular 80s movie featured a group of teens battling an alien spacecraft in their hometown?
Answer: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
E.T. was a critically acclaimed box office smash and remains one of the most beloved films ever made about friendship, family, and acceptance.
What popular 80s movie featured a group of teens trying to win back their high school from bullies?
Answer: The Karate Kid.
The Karate Kid was an instant classic and has spawned several sequels over the years as well as a 2010 remake.
Who starred as Indiana Jones in the classic 80s movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”?
Answer: Harrison Ford.
Raiders of the Lost Ark was a critically acclaimed box office smash and is widely considered one of the best action/adventure movies ever made.
What popular 80s movie featured a group of kids trying to save their small town from vampires?
Answer: The Lost Boys.
The Lost Boys is still a cult favorite and has spawned its own comic book series, TV show, and video game.
What was the name of the popular 80s movie starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis?
Answer: Top Gun.
Top Gun was one of the highest-grossing films of 1986 and is still considered one of the best action movies ever made.
What classic 80s movie featured a group of misfits trying to save the world from a computer virus?
Answer: The Last Starfighter.
The Last Starfighter was the first movie to use extensive computer-generated imagery and is still considered one of the best sci-fi movies ever made.
What classic 80s movie featured a group of kids trying to save their small town from a killer clown?
Answer: It.
It is widely considered one of the scariest horror movies of all time and has spawned several adaptations over the years.
What popular 80s movie featured a group of teens trying to find out who killed their friend?
Answer: Heathers.
Heathers was an instant cult classic, becoming one of the most beloved dark teen comedies ever made.
In the classic 80s movie, “The Karate Kid”, what is the name of the protagonist?
Answer: Daniel LaRusso.
The Karate Kid was a huge box-office success and has spawned several sequels over the years.
Who starred as John McClane in the classic 80s movie, “Die Hard”?
Answer: Bruce Willis.
Die Hard was a critically acclaimed box office smash and has spawned several sequels over the years.
How many of the “Star Wars” films were released in the 1980s?
Answer: Three.
The Star Wars films released in the 80s were The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), and The Phantom Menace (1999).
Who starred as Axel Foley in the classic 80s movie, “Beverly Hills Cop”?
Answer: Eddie Murphy.
Beverly Hills Cop was a huge box office hit and is widely considered one of the best action comedies ever made.
Popular Culture
What taffy-like fruit candy featuring a balloon on the wrapper came out in 1985?
Answer: Laffy Taffy.
Laffy Taffy is still a popular candy today and has spawned several different variations over the years.
What popular toy was released in 1984, and featured an interactive robot with pre-programmed instructions?
Answer: The Transformers.
The Transformers were an instant hit, becoming one of the most popular toys of the 1980s.
What type of collectible cards featuring cartoon characters came out in 1988?
Answer: Garbage Pail Kids.
Garbage Pail Kids were an instant hit and have since spawned several different variations over the years.
What popular video game system featuring a light gun was released in 1985?
Answer: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
The NES was an instant success and went on to become one of the most popular gaming consoles of all time.
What popular animated series featuring a group of crime-fighting teens debuted in 1984?
Answer: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT).
The TMNT was an instant hit and has since spawned several different television shows, movies, and video games over the years.
What popular 80s toy featured small plastic figures with interchangeable accessories?
Answer: Masters of the Universe.
Masters of the Universe was an immensely successful toy line featuring action figures and playsets that spawned its own cartoon series and movie.
What popular 80s toy featured small plastic figures with interchangeable parts?
Answer: Strawberry Shortcake.
Strawberry Shortcake was a hugely popular toy line in the 1980s and spawned its own TV series, movies, and comics.
What popular 80s sitcom featured a family living in a wealthy neighborhood of Los Angeles?
Answer: The Cosby Show.
The Cosby Show was immensely popular and has been credited for paving the way for other African American family sitcoms.
What popular 80s video game featured an Italian plumber as the main character?
Answer: Super Mario Bros..
Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic video games of all time and has sold over 40 million copies since its release.
What was the name of the popular children’s doll that came out in the 1980s?
Answer: Cabbage Patch Kids.
The Cabbage Patch Kids were so popular at one point that a special police force was created to prevent the theft of the dolls.
People
Who was the President of the United States during most of the 1980s?
Answer: Ronald Reagan.
Ronald Reagan served as the 40th president from 1981 to 1989 and is widely considered one of the most influential presidents in US history.
Who starred in classic 80s movies such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink”?
Answer: Molly Ringwald.
Molly Ringwald is one of the most iconic actresses from the 1980s and starred in a string of successful teen movies during this time.
Who was the lead singer for the popular 80s band The Police?
Answer: Sting.
Sting, formerly known as Gordon Sumner, was the lead singer for The Police and one of the most popular musicians of the decade.
Who starred as MacGyver in the popular 80s TV show?
Answer: Richard Dean Anderson.
MacGyver was a huge hit and spawned its own merchandise, video games, and even an animated spinoff.
Who was the lead singer of the band U2?
Answer: Bono.
U2 has been a hugely popular rock band since they formed in 1976 and are still touring today.
Who was the lead singer of the popular 80s band The Go-Go’s?
Answer: Belinda Carlisle.
The Go-Go’s were one of the most successful female rock bands of all time and is credited as being a major influence on the New Wave movement.
Who was the lead actress in “Back to the Future”?
Answer: Lea Thompson.
Lea Thompson starred as Lorraine Baines-McFly in the iconic movie franchise and has since gone on to star in several other films and television shows.
Who was the lead singer of 80s new wave band The Talking Heads?
Answer: David Byrne.
David Byrne was the lead singer and primary songwriter for The Talking Heads and is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 1980s.
Who was the icominc lead singer of the punk band The Ramones?
Answer: Joey Ramone.
Joey Ramone was the iconic lead singer and co-founder of The Ramones and is credited as being one of the key influences in the development of punk music.
Science and Technology
What type of computer was used by many businesses during the 1980s?
Answer: IBM PC.
The IBM PC was the first widely used personal computer and revolutionized the way people interacted with technology.
What type of device allowed people to store information digitally for the first time?
Answer: Floppy Disk.
The floppy disk ushered in a new era of digital information storage and quickly replaced the cassette tape as the standard for data storage.
Who developed the World Wide Web in 1989?
Answer: Tim Berners-Lee.
Tim Berners-Lee is credited with developing the World Wide Web, which allowed people to access information online for the first time.
What type of medical imaging became popular during the 1980s?
Answer: MRI scans.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans allowed doctors to create detailed images of the body that could be used to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Who developed the first commercially available graphical web browser in 1993?
Answer: Marc Andreessen.
Marc Andreessen developed the first commercially available graphical web browser, Mosaic, allowing people to easily access the World Wide Web.
Who invented the portable CD player in 1984?
Answer: Phillip T. Young.
Phillip T. Young was a Canadian engineer who developed the world’s first portable CD player in 1984, allowing people to listen to audio CDs on the go.
Who created the popular video game “Super Mario Brothers” in 1985?
Answer: Shigeru Miyamoto.
Shigeru Miyamoto is one of the most legendary video game designers and created some of Nintendo’s most iconic titles, including Super Mario Brothers in 1985.
What type of computer was used by many consumers during the 1980s?
Answer: Commodore 64.
The Commodore 64 was one of the most popular home computers of the 1980s and is credited with ushering in a new era of personal computing.
What device helped revolutionize photography in the 1980s?
Answer: Autofocus camera.
Autofocus cameras allowed amateur photographers to capture sharp photos with ease, revolutionizing the world of photography in the 1980s.
Who developed the PostScript page description language in 1984?
Answer: John Warnock and Charles Geschke.
John Warnock and Charles Geschke developed the PostScript page description language, which allowed printers to produce high-quality graphics and text.
Events
What city hosted the 1984 Summer Olympics?
Answer: Los Angeles.
The 1984 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, California and was the first time an American city had hosted the games since 1932.
What country did Argentina fight against in the Falklands War of 1982?
Answer: United Kingdom.
The Falklands War of 1982 was fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom over control of the Falkland Islands.
What type of disaster occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986?
Answer: Nuclear meltdown.
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant suffered a catastrophic failure in 1986, resulting in one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.
What country hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics?
Answer: South Korea.
The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea and was the first time a city outside of North America or Europe had ever hosted the games.
What type of disaster struck parts of Central America during the 1980s?
Answer: Hurricanes.
Parts of Central America were hit by a series of devastating hurricanes during the 1980s, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
What type of agreement was signed between the United States and Soviet Union in 1987?
Answer: Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) was signed by the United States and Soviet Union in 1987, banning certain types of nuclear weapons.
What country hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup?
Answer: Mexico.
Mexico hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup and was the first time a country outside of Europe or South America had ever been chosen to host the tournament.
What event happened in 1989 that led to the reunification of Germany?
Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the end of German division and eventually led to the reunification of East and West Germany.
What event signaled the end of apartheid in South Africa in 1990?
Answer: The release of Nelson Mandela.
The release of Nelson Mandela from prison in 1990 signaled the beginning of the end of apartheid in South Africa and eventual racial equality.
What event happened on June 4, 1989, that led to nationwide protests in China?
Answer: Tiananmen Square Massacre.
The Tiananmen Square Massacre of 1989 led to nationwide protests in China and is considered one of the most important events in modern Chinese history.
Fashion
What type of fashion style was popular among women in the 1980s?
Answer: Power dressing.
Power dressing was a popular fashion trend among women in the 1980s, characterized by sharp tailoring, bold colors and shoulder pads.
What hair accessory became popular during the decade?
Answer: Scrunchies.
Scrunchies became a popular hair accessory during the 1980s, allowing people to keep their hair in place with a fashionable flair.
What type of shoe became popular among men and women in the decade?
Answer: Sneakers.
Sneakers also became increasingly popular during the 1980s, with more comfortable, stylish designs being marketed for both men and women.
What type of clothing became popular among teenagers in the decade?
Answer: Casualwear.
Casualwear such as jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and sneakers became increasingly popular among teenagers during the 1980s.
What item of clothing was popular among women in the 1980s?
Answer: Colourful blazers.
Colourful blazers were a popular item of clothing among women in the 1980s, often paired with brightly coloured trousers or skirts.
What type of jewelery was popular during the decade?
Answer: Chunky necklaces and earrings.
Chunky necklaces and earrings were popular during the 1980s, with many people wearing them to add a touch of glamour to their look.
What type of hairstyle was popular among men in the decade?
Answer: Mullets.
The mullet hairstyle became increasingly popular among men in the 1980s, characterized by long hair on the top and sides of the head and short hair at the back.
What type of clothing became popular among hip hop performers?
Answer: Tracksuits.
Tracksuits became a staple of hip hop fashion in the 1980s, with many performers wearing them to show off their athletic style.
What type of hairstyle became popular among women in the decade?
Answer: Big hair.
Big, voluminous hairstyles were popular among women in the 1980s, often accompanied by lots of backcombing and hairspray to get the desired look.
What accessory was often worn by punk rockers during the decade?
Answer: Safety pins.
Safety pins were a popular accessory among punk rockers in the 1980s, often worn in places such as jackets or hats to create an edgy look.
TV Shows
What was the longest-running sitcom in the 1980s?
Answer: Cheers.
Cheers was the longest-running sitcom of the 1980s, airing from 1982 to 1993 and winning numerous Emmy Awards during its 11-year run.
What popular sitcom featured a family living in Denver, Colorado?
Answer: The Cosby Show.
The Cosby Show was a popular sitcom in the 1980s, featuring an African American family living in Denver, Colorado and dealing with everyday life.
What was the name of the popular TV show featuring a family living in suburban Chicago?
Answer: Family Ties.
The popularity of Family Ties led to the launch of a spin-off series called The Art of Being Nick, which followed the life of Michael J. Fox’s character, Alex P. Keaton.
What ’80s TV show featured a group of young detectives solving mysteries?
Answer: Scooby-Doo.
Scooby-Doo was a popular cartoon show in the 1980s, featuring a group of young detectives solving mysteries with the help of their talking dog.
What sci-fi series featured an alien called “Q” who tested humanity?
Answer: Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Star Trek: The Next Generation was a popular sci-fi series in 1980s, featuring an alien called “Q” who tested humanity’s moral values and strength.
What sitcom starred Dudley Moore as a divorced man living in New York?
Answer: Arthur.
Arthur was a popular sitcom in the 1980s, starring Dudley Moore as a divorced man living in New York City and trying to make it on his own.
What police drama featured a team of undercover cops?
Answer: Miami Vice.
Miami Vice was a popular crime drama in the 1980s, featuring a team of undercover cops working for the Miami Police Department to take down drug lords and other criminals.
What was the name of the popular 80s TV show featuring a group of detectives solving mysteries?
Answer: Magnum P.I..
Magnum P.I. was an instant hit when it premiered in 1980 and is still considered one of the most iconic detectives shows ever made.
What show starred Rob Lowe as an attorney working in Los Angeles?
Answer: The West Wing.
The West Wing was a popular political drama in the 1980s, starring Rob Lowe as an attorney working for the White House and dealing with legal and political issues.
What medical drama starred Anthony Edwards as an emergency room doctor?
Answer: ER.
ER was a popular medical drama in the 1980s, starring Anthony Edwards as an emergency room doctor dealing with the daily struggles of a busy hospital.
Pop Icons
Who was the most popular female singer of the decade?
Answer: Madonna.
Madonna became a household name in the 1980s, becoming one of the most iconic singers of all time with her mix of pop, dance, and ballads.
Who was the biggest male movie star of the decade?
Answer: Tom Cruise.
Tom Cruise was the biggest male movie star of the 1980s, starring in several hit films such as Top Gun and Rain Man.
Who was the most popular action hero of the decade?
Answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was the most popular action hero of the 1980s, appearing in iconic films such as The Terminator, Commando and Predator.
Who was the biggest female pop star of the decade?
Answer: Cyndi Lauper.
Cyndi Lauper rose to fame in the 1980s with her debut album She’s So Unusual, becoming one of the most popular female singers of the decade.
Who was the biggest male rock star of the decade?
Answer: Bruce Springsteen.
Bruce Springsteen was one of the most popular rock stars of the 1980s, releasing hit albums such as Born in the USA and Tunnel of Love.
Who was a popular British singer-songwriter in the ’80s?
Answer: Duran Duran.
Duran Duran was a popular British band in the 1980s, releasing hit singles such as Hungry Like The Wolf and Rio.
Who was the biggest rap artist of the decade?
Answer: Run–D.M.C..
Run–D.M.C. was one of the biggest rap groups in the 1980s, pioneering the hip-hop genre with their groundbreaking albums such as Raising Hell and King Of Rock.
Who popularized the breakdance craze of the ’80s?
Answer: The Rock Steady Crew.
The Rock Steady Crew was a dance group that rose to prominence in the 1980s, popularizing the breakdancing craze with their highly energetic performances.
Who was the most popular actress in the ’80s?
Answer: Mary Tyler Moore.
Mary Tyler Moore was one of the most popular actresses of the decade, starring in hit shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and St. Elsewhere.
Who was the biggest comedian of the ’80s?
Answer: Eddie Murphy.
Eddie Murphy rose to fame in the 1980s with his stand-up comedy specials, becoming one of the biggest comedians of all time.
We hope that this article has given you some insight into the decade of the 80s and some fun trivia questions to ask your friends and family. Even if you are not a child of the 80s, these questions will give you a great way to learn more about the era. Whether you’re playing a game with your family, friends, or coworkers, these questions are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Not only that, but they offer an entertaining way to get people talking about music, movies, fashion, technology, and more from back in the day.
