1980s Trivia Questions with Answers About the Most Iconic Decade in History

The 1980s were absolutely iconic, weren’t they? From neon colors and big hair to unforgettable movies and music that still gets us dancing today, the decade was pure magic. I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear a classic 80s song, I’m instantly transported back to a time when life seemed simpler and everything was just a little more fun.

That’s exactly why I’ve put together this massive collection of 200+ 1980s trivia questions for you! Whether you’re planning a themed party, want to test your family’s knowledge during game night, or just love reminiscing about the good old days, these questions will take you on the ultimate trip down memory lane.

I remember playing trivia games with my family when I was younger, and the 80s questions always sparked the most animated discussions. My dad would get this huge grin whenever someone asked about classic rock bands, while my mom would light up at questions about 80s fashion trends. There’s something special about trivia that brings people together, especially when it’s about such a beloved decade.

80s Movies Trivia

The 1980s absolutely revolutionized Hollywood with some of the most quotable, rewatchable movies ever made. From action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming comedies, this decade delivered cinematic gold that we still can’t get enough of today.

What 1980 movie featured the famous line “Here’s Johnny!” Answer: The Shining
Which 1985 film featured a DeLorean time machine? Answer: Back to the Future
In “The Breakfast Club,” how many students were in Saturday detention? Answer: Five
What was the name of the hotel in “The Shining”? Answer: The Overlook Hotel
Which 1982 movie featured a young boy and his alien friend? Answer: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” what type of car did they take for a joyride? Answer: Ferrari 250 GT California
What 1984 movie featured the Ghostbusters theme song? Answer: Ghostbusters
Which actor played the Terminator in the 1984 film? Answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger
What was the name of the dance club in “Dirty Dancing”? Answer: Kellerman’s
In “The Karate Kid,” what was Mr. Miyagi’s first name? Answer: Kesuke
What 1986 movie featured the song “Take My Breath Away”? Answer: Top Gun
Which 1980s movie had the tagline “Be afraid. Be very afraid”? Answer: The Fly
In “Big,” what was the name of the fortune-telling machine? Answer: Zoltar
What 1985 movie featured “The Truffle Shuffle”? Answer: The Goonies
Which 1987 film starred Patrick Swayze as a bouncer? Answer: Road House
In “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” what was Indiana Jones afraid of? Answer: Snakes
What 1982 movie featured the line “I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley”? Answer: Airplane!
Which 1984 movie featured Kevin Bacon dancing in a warehouse? Answer: Footloose
What was the name of the computer in “WarGames”? Answer: WOPR (War Operation Plan Response)
In “Sixteen Candles,” what did Samantha’s family forget? Answer: Her birthday
Which 1986 movie featured Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger? Answer: Platoon
What 1983 movie featured the famous pottery scene with “Unchained Melody”? Answer: Ghost (Actually released in 1990, but the song is from the 80s)
In “Scarface,” what was Tony Montana’s favorite word? Answer: The F-word (various uses)
What 1987 movie featured the line “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”? Answer: Dirty Dancing
Which 1985 movie featured a group of teenagers stuck in Saturday detention? Answer: The Breakfast Club

Want more movie-related conversation starters? Check out our collection of questions to ask a guy!

80s Music and Bands Trivia

The music of the 1980s was absolutely revolutionary! From the birth of MTV to the rise of synth-pop and new wave, this decade gave us some of the most iconic songs and artists that still dominate our playlists today.

Which band recorded “Don’t Stop Believin'” in 1981? Answer: Journey
What was Madonna’s first hit single in 1983? Answer: Holiday
Which British band sang “Sweet Child O’ Mine”? Answer: Guns N’ Roses (American band)
What 1983 Michael Jackson album became the best-selling album of all time? Answer: Thriller
Which band performed “Eye of the Tiger” for the Rocky III soundtrack? Answer: Survivor
What was Prince’s real name? Answer: Prince Rogers Nelson
Which duo sang “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”? Answer: Wham!
What 1984 song by Cyndi Lauper became a feminist anthem? Answer: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Which band recorded “Livin’ on a Prayer”? Answer: Bon Jovi
What was the name of Duran Duran’s biggest hit from 1982? Answer: Hungry Like the Wolf
Which female artist sang “Gloria” in 1982? Answer: Laura Branigan
What 1985 charity single featured multiple artists singing “We Are the World”? Answer: USA for Africa
Which band performed “Pour Some Sugar on Me”? Answer: Def Leppard
What was the name of David Bowie’s 1983 album? Answer: Let’s Dance
Which new wave band sang “Tainted Love”? Answer: Soft Cell
What 1982 song by The Human League topped the charts? Answer: Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Actually by Simple Minds
Which band recorded “Every Breath You Take”? Answer: The Police
What was Blondie’s biggest hit of the 1980s? Answer: Call Me
Which band sang “Love is a Battlefield”? Answer: Pat Benatar
What 1984 song featured the lyrics “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy”? Answer: Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen, but from 1975)
Which artist recorded “Flashdance… What a Feeling”? Answer: Irene Cara
What was the name of Talking Heads’ 1980 hit about a large suit? Answer: Once in a Lifetime
Which band performed “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”? Answer: Eurythmics
What 1987 George Michael song was about faith? Answer: Faith
Which band sang “Come on Eileen”? Answer: Dexys Midnight Runners

Looking for more music-related questions? Try our random questions to ask a girl!

80s TV Shows Trivia

Television in the 1980s was absolutely incredible! From family sitcoms that made us laugh until our sides hurt to action-packed dramas that kept us on the edge of our seats, this decade delivered some truly unforgettable shows that are still beloved today.

What was the name of the bar in “Cheers”? Answer: Cheers
Which character did Tom Selleck play in “Magnum P.I.”? Answer: Thomas Magnum
What was the name of the Huxtable family’s youngest daughter in “The Cosby Show”? Answer: Rudy
In “Miami Vice,” what were the names of the two main detectives? Answer: Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs
Which family lived at 1630 Revello Drive in “Full House”? Answer: The Tanner family
What was MacGyver’s first name? Answer: Angus
In “The A-Team,” what was B.A. Baracus afraid of? Answer: Flying
Which character did David Hasselhoff play in “Knight Rider”? Answer: Michael Knight
What was the name of the talking car in “Knight Rider”? Answer: KITT
In “Dynasty,” what was the name of the Carrington family patriarch? Answer: Blake Carrington
Which show featured the character Magnum living in Robin Masters’ estate? Answer: Magnum P.I.
What was the name of the alien character in “ALF”? Answer: Gordon Shumway
In “Family Ties,” what was Alex P. Keaton’s middle initial? Answer: P
Which show featured the Seaver family? Answer: Growing Pains
What was the name of the helicopter in “Airwolf”? Answer: Airwolf
In “Dallas,” who shot J.R. Ewing? Answer: Kristin Shepard
Which character did Mr. T play in “The A-Team”? Answer: B.A. Baracus
What was the name of the high school in “Head of the Class”? Answer: Millard Fillmore High School
In “Webster,” what was Webster’s last name? Answer: Long
Which show featured detectives working undercover in high school? Answer: 21 Jump Street
What was the name of the ranch in “Dallas”? Answer: Southfork Ranch
In “Diff’rent Strokes,” what was Arnold’s famous catchphrase? Answer: “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”
Which character did Joan Collins play in “Dynasty”? Answer: Alexis Carrington
What was the name of the agency in “Moonlighting”? Answer: Blue Moon Detective Agency
In “The Facts of Life,” what was the name of the boarding school? Answer: Eastland School

Want to dive deeper into TV trivia? Check out our television trivia collection!

80s Fashion and Pop Culture Trivia

The 1980s were absolutely wild when it came to fashion and pop culture! From shoulder pads that could take out an eye to hairstyles that defied gravity, this decade was all about making bold statements and having fun with style.

What popular 80s hairstyle was inspired by David Bowie? Answer: The Mullet
Which workout video made leg warmers a fashion staple? Answer: Jane Fonda’s Workout
What type of jeans were extremely popular in the 1980s? Answer: Acid-washed jeans
Which fashion accessory was worn on the wrist and came in neon colors? Answer: Slap bracelets
What dance move became popular after Michael Jackson performed it? Answer: The Moonwalk
Which hairstyle required a lot of hairspray and teasing? Answer: Big hair/Feathered hair
What type of shoes were popular for both men and women in the 80s? Answer: High-top sneakers
Which makeup trend involved bright, colorful eyeshadow? Answer: Neon/Electric makeup
What fashion trend involved wearing multiple polo shirts with collars up? Answer: Preppy style/Popped collars
Which exercise craze led to the popularity of headbands and leg warmers? Answer: Aerobics
What type of jacket became popular after “Top Gun”? Answer: Bomber jackets
Which accessory was worn around the neck and came in different colors? Answer: Rubber/silicone necklaces
What hairstyle involved shaving one side of the head? Answer: The asymmetrical cut
Which dance became popular in the mid-80s and involved robotic movements? Answer: The Robot
What type of pants were tight at the ankle and loose at the top? Answer: Parachute pants
Which fashion trend involved wearing clothes inside-out? Answer: The inside-out trend
What type of sunglasses were extremely popular in the 80s? Answer: Ray-Ban Wayfarers
Which hairstyle required crimping? Answer: Crimped hair
What fashion accessory was large and worn on the ears? Answer: Big earrings/Door-knocker earrings
Which fabric became popular for workout clothes? Answer: Spandex/Lycra
What type of belt was worn with jeans? Answer: Wide belts
Which shoe brand became extremely popular with teenagers? Answer: Converse
What fashion trend involved wearing bright, neon colors? Answer: Neon fashion
Which hairstyle was popularized by Madonna? Answer: The bow/headband look
What type of clothing was popular for layering? Answer: Tank tops/Multiple shirts

Interested in more style conversations? Check out our topics to talk about with your crush!

80s Technology and Inventions Trivia

The 1980s were absolutely revolutionary when it came to technology! This decade introduced us to gadgets and innovations that completely changed how we lived, worked, and entertained ourselves. It’s amazing to think about how these “cutting-edge” inventions paved the way for everything we use today.

What portable music device was introduced by Sony in 1979 but became huge in the 80s? Answer: The Walkman
Which home video game console was released by Nintendo in 1985? Answer: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
What was the first commercially available cell phone called? Answer: Motorola DynaTAC
Which computer company introduced the first graphical user interface? Answer: Apple (Lisa and Macintosh)
What storage device could hold about 1.44 MB of data? Answer: Floppy disk
Which video format won the format war against Betamax? Answer: VHS
What gaming character first appeared in 1981? Answer: Donkey Kong (and Mario/Jumpman)
Which compact disc technology was introduced in 1982? Answer: CD (Compact Disc)
What was the name of IBM’s first personal computer? Answer: IBM PC
Which gaming system was released by Atari in 1977 but dominated the early 80s? Answer: Atari 2600
What cable TV network launched in 1981 with “Video Killed the Radio Star”? Answer: MTV
Which printer technology became popular for home computers? Answer: Dot matrix printers
What was the storage capacity of the original floppy disks? Answer: 5.25 inches
Which programming language was commonly used on early home computers? Answer: BASIC
What device allowed you to record TV shows for later viewing? Answer: VCR (Video Cassette Recorder)
Which company released the first laptop computer in 1981? Answer: Osborne Computer Corporation
What technology allowed computers to connect to phone lines? Answer: Modem
Which gaming company created Pac-Man in 1980? Answer: Namco
What was the name of the first space shuttle launched in 1981? Answer: Columbia
Which electronic organizer became popular in the late 80s? Answer: Filofax
What device could you use to change TV channels without getting up? Answer: Remote control
Which computer memory type was measured in kilobytes? Answer: RAM
What gaming accessory was used to control characters on screen? Answer: Joystick
Which technology allowed you to copy cassette tapes? Answer: Dual cassette deck
What was the most popular computer monitor type in the 80s? Answer: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

Love talking about technology? Try our interesting questions to ask a guy!

80s Sports Trivia

Sports in the 1980s were absolutely electrifying! From legendary athletes who became household names to unforgettable moments that are still talked about today, this decade delivered some of the most exciting and memorable sports history ever.

Which hockey team won four Stanley Cups in the 1980s? Answer: New York Islanders
Who won the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” hockey game against the Soviet Union? Answer: United States
Which boxer was known as “The Hit Man” in the 1980s? Answer: Thomas Hearns
What team won Super Bowl XX in 1986? Answer: Chicago Bears
Which tennis player won Wimbledon five consecutive times in the 80s? Answer: Björn Borg (actually ended in 1980)
Who was known as “The Great One” in hockey? Answer: Wayne Gretzky
Which baseball team won the 1986 World Series? Answer: New York Mets
What boxer fought Sugar Ray Leonard in the famous 1987 fight? Answer: Marvin Hagler
Which basketball team won the most NBA championships in the 1980s? Answer: Los Angeles Lakers
Who was the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers during their 80s success? Answer: Joe Montana
Which tennis player was known for his on-court tantrums? Answer: John McEnroe
What team did the Edmonton Oilers beat to win their first Stanley Cup? Answer: New York Islanders
Which golfer won the Masters Tournament four times in the 1980s? Answer: No golfer won it four times in the 80s
Who was the heavyweight boxing champion for most of the 1980s? Answer: Larry Holmes
Which baseball player broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games streak? Answer: Cal Ripken Jr. (but in the 90s)
What NBA team was known as “Showtime” in the 1980s? Answer: Los Angeles Lakers
Which soccer team won the 1982 World Cup? Answer: Italy
Who was known as “The Bird” in basketball? Answer: Larry Bird
Which track and field athlete won four gold medals in the 1984 Olympics? Answer: Carl Lewis
What team won the 1980 Winter Olympics hockey gold medal? Answer: United States
Which tennis player was Björn Borg’s biggest rival? Answer: John McEnroe
Who was the Boston Celtics’ star center in the 1980s? Answer: Robert Parish
Which baseball team was involved in the famous 1986 World Series comeback? Answer: New York Mets
What boxer was known as “Marvelous”? Answer: Marvin Hagler
Which country hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics? Answer: South Korea (Seoul)

Want more sports conversations? Check out our sports trivia collection!

80s World Events Trivia

The 1980s were a decade of incredible change and historic moments that shaped our world forever. From political revolutions to technological breakthroughs, these events defined a generation and continue to influence us today.

Which wall came down in 1989? Answer: The Berlin Wall
Who was the U.S. President for most of the 1980s? Answer: Ronald Reagan
What nuclear accident occurred in 1986? Answer: Chernobyl
Which country invaded Afghanistan in 1979, continuing into the 80s? Answer: Soviet Union
What space shuttle exploded in 1986? Answer: Challenger
Which British Prime Minister was known as the “Iron Lady”? Answer: Margaret Thatcher
What disease was first identified in the early 1980s? Answer: AIDS
Which country fought Britain over the Falkland Islands in 1982? Answer: Argentina
What volcano erupted in 1980 in Washington State? Answer: Mount St. Helens
Which leader introduced “Glasnost” and “Perestroika”? Answer: Mikhail Gorbachev
What treaty was signed between the U.S. and Soviet Union in 1987? Answer: INF Treaty
Which country experienced a revolution that overthrew the Shah? Answer: Iran (1979, but effects continued into 80s)
What war began when Iraq invaded Iran in 1980? Answer: Iran-Iraq War
Which papal assassination attempt occurred in 1981? Answer: Pope John Paul II
What economic crisis affected Latin America in the 1980s? Answer: Latin American debt crisis
Which country invaded Grenada in 1983? Answer: United States
What terrorist attack occurred at the 1988 Olympics? Answer: No attack (Pan Am Flight 103 was in 1988)
Which country’s military junta was defeated in 1982? Answer: Argentina
What natural disaster struck Mexico City in 1985? Answer: Earthquake
Which airline was bombed over Lockerbie in 1988? Answer: Pan Am Flight 103
What policy did Reagan implement regarding the Soviet Union? Answer: Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars)
Which country experienced the Solidarity movement? Answer: Poland
What major oil spill occurred in 1989? Answer: Exxon Valdez
Which leader was known for his reforms in the Soviet Union? Answer: Mikhail Gorbachev
What ended in 1989, symbolizing the end of the Cold War? Answer: Fall of the Berlin Wall

Interested in more historical discussions? Try our philosophical questions!

80s Food and Drinks Trivia

Food and drinks in the 1980s were absolutely wild and wonderful! This decade gave us some of the most memorable (and sometimes questionable) culinary trends, from colorful cocktails to innovative snacks that are still popular today.

What clear cola was introduced by Pepsi in 1982? Answer: Crystal Pepsi
Which artificial sweetener became popular in diet sodas? Answer: Aspartame
What frozen yogurt chain became extremely popular in the 80s? Answer: TCBY
Which cocktail was popular and included vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice? Answer: Sex on the Beach
What pasta salad became a staple at 80s parties? Answer: Bow-tie pasta salad
Which chocolate bar was advertised with “Give me a break”? Answer: Kit Kat
What spicy snack food became popular in the 80s? Answer: Hot wings/Buffalo wings
Which ice cream brand introduced Cookies & Cream flavor? Answer: Breyers
What diet trend involved eating only certain food combinations? Answer: Food combining
Which restaurant chain was known for its salad bar? Answer: Sizzler
What colorful drink was popular at bars and parties? Answer: Blue Hawaii/Colorful cocktails
Which candy was known for popping in your mouth? Answer: Pop Rocks
What breakfast cereal featured a rabbit trying to get the cereal? Answer: Trix
Which restaurant introduced the “Where’s the beef?” campaign? Answer: Wendy’s
What Japanese cuisine became popular in American cities? Answer: Sushi
Which bottled water brand became trendy in the 80s? Answer: Perrier
What frozen food brand became synonymous with gourmet dining? Answer: Lean Cuisine
Which candy bar was known for its peanut butter and chocolate combination? Answer: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
What health food trend involved eating raw vegetables? Answer: Raw food movement
Which soft drink was marketed as “The Real Thing”? Answer: Coca-Cola
What pasta shape became extremely popular in the 80s? Answer: Fusilli/Rotini
Which wine cooler brand was extremely popular? Answer: Bartles & Jaymes
What Mexican food became mainstream in the 80s? Answer: Fajitas
Which pizza chain used the slogan “Avoid the Noid”? Answer: Domino’s
What dessert involved layers of pudding and cake? Answer: Trifle

Love talking about food? Check out our food trivia collection!

80s Toys and Games Trivia

The 1980s were absolutely magical for toys and games! This decade introduced us to some of the most beloved and innovative playthings that sparked our imaginations and created memories that last a lifetime. I still get nostalgic thinking about the excitement of unwrapping these amazing toys on Christmas morning.

Which doll was the must-have toy of 1983? Answer: Cabbage Patch Kids
What cube puzzle became a worldwide phenomenon? Answer: Rubik’s Cube
Which action figures were known as “robots in disguise”? Answer: Transformers
What electronic pet required constant care and feeding? Answer: Tamagotchi (actually 90s, but similar electronic pets existed)
Which dolls were small and lived in a magical kingdom? Answer: Strawberry Shortcake dolls
What building blocks allowed you to create space vehicles? Answer: LEGO Space sets
Which action figure line featured “Real American Heroes”? Answer: G.I. Joe
What game involved trying to remove body parts without buzzing? Answer: Operation
Which toy horse was popular throughout the decade? Answer: My Little Pony
What electronic game tested your memory with colors and sounds? Answer: Simon
Which action figures were based on a popular cartoon about warriors? Answer: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
What drawing toy used a magnetic stylus? Answer: Magna Doodle
Which toy allowed you to create pictures with colored pegs? Answer: Lite-Brite
What card game involved trading and collecting? Answer: Baseball cards (though modern trading cards came later)
Which electronic toy could repeat what you said? Answer: Teddy Ruxpin
What toy featured small figures that could be launched into the air? Answer: Stompers
Which board game involved moving pieces around a colorful board? Answer: Trivial Pursuit
What toy allowed you to make your own music? Answer: Casio keyboards
Which action figures were based on popular wrestlers? Answer: WWF Wrestling figures
What toy featured transforming robots that became cars? Answer: Transformers
Which doll line featured fashion and glamour? Answer: Barbie
What game involved stacking colored blocks? Answer: Tetris (late 80s)
Which toy allowed you to create art with spiraling patterns? Answer: Spirograph
What handheld electronic game was extremely popular? Answer: Game & Watch
Which toy featured small figures with colorful hair? Answer: Troll dolls

I remember spending hours playing with these incredible toys, and they never got old! The creativity and innovation of 80s toys really set the standard for everything that came after.

Why 1980s Trivia is Perfect for Any Gathering

Here’s the thing about 80s trivia – it’s absolutely perfect for bringing people together! The decade was such a cultural phenomenon that almost everyone has some connection to it, whether they lived through it or discovered its awesomeness later on.

What I love most about 80s trivia is how it combines pure entertainment with a fun history lesson. You’re not just testing knowledge; you’re celebrating an era that gave us some of the most memorable movies, catchiest songs, and most outrageous fashion trends ever. Plus, the answers often spark amazing conversations and stories that keep everyone engaged long after the game ends.

I’ve used these questions at family gatherings, and let me tell you, they never fail to get people talking and laughing. There’s something magical about watching someone’s face light up when they remember their favorite 80s movie or that song they used to blast on their Walkman.

Looking for more conversation starters? Check out our collection of interesting topics to talk about!

Ready to test your friends and family with these totally awesome 1980s trivia questions? I guarantee they’ll spark some amazing conversations and bring back incredible memories of this unforgettable decade. Did you know all the answers, or did some of them stump you?

Looking for more game night ideas? Check out our collection of would you rather questions!

The 1980s truly were an incredible time filled with innovation, creativity, and pure fun. Whether you lived through the decade or just love learning about this amazing era, these trivia questions are perfect for bringing people together and celebrating everything that made the 80s so special. So grab your friends, put on some classic 80s music, and get ready for the ultimate trip down memory lane!