In the realm of cultural epochs, few decades ignite nostalgia quite like the 1980s.
Recently crowned by Gen Z as the epitome of cool, the 80s aren’t just making a comeback—they’re dominating the scene with a fervour that rivals a PacMan high score.
Picture this: neon lights, Rubik’s Cubes, and the unmistakable charm of Woolworths’ Pick n Mix—a trifecta of 80s icons that defined an era.
From the electrifying beats of Madonna and George Michael to the cinematic brilliance of Beverly Hills Cop’s Axel Foley (cue the iconic theme), the 80s wasn’t just a decade; it was a cultural renaissance.
According to a recent survey, commissioned in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Beverly Hills Cop, a staggering 60% of young Brits would choose to live through the 80s if given the chance.
And who could blame them? It was the age of arcade marvels like PacMan, where every visit to the local hangout meant mastering the art of pixelated adventure.
But it wasn’t just about games and movies. The 80s reshaped fashion with Adidas Sambas and varsity jackets becoming the must-haves, while MTV blasted the latest hits from the likes of David Bowie and Whitney Houston into living rooms across the globe.
Fast forward to today, where shows like Stranger Things pay homage to the decade’s aesthetic, and retro gaming consoles fly off the shelves faster than Billy Joel’s mix tapes.
It’s a revival driven by a craving for simpler times—a sentiment echoed by nearly 70% who long for the straightforward joys of 80s life.
Mark Molloy, director of the new Netflix release, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, encapsulates this sentiment: “The 80s were a melting pot of creativity and innovation.
Whether it’s the enduring appeal of Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley or the resurgence of 80s fashion, there’s something timeless about that era.”
Indeed, the 80s wasn’t without its quirks—waterbeds and shoulder pads may induce cringes today—but its impact on music, movies, and fashion remains undeniable.
As Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the Beverly Hills Cop series, notes, “The 80s pushed boundaries and defined a generation. Its influence continues to shape our culture, 40 years on.”
So, as we dust off our leg warmers and fire up the NES for another round of Mario Bros., let’s toast to the decade that not only defined cool but continues to inspire new generations.
Whether you’re a child of the 80s or a Gen Z enthusiast, one thing’s for sure: the 80s are back, and they’re cooler than ever.
| # | Iconic 1980s Element | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Woolworths Pick n Mix | 36% |
| 2 | David Bowie | 34% |
| 3 | George Michael | 31% |
| 4 | VHS tapes | 31% |
| 5 | Walkman cassette players | 31% |
| 6 | Whitney Houston | 29% |
| 7 | Madonna | 29% |
| 8 | Tina Turner | 29% |
| 9 | Nintendo NES | 28% |
| 10 | Boy George | 27% |
| 11 | Rubik’s Cubes | 27% |
| 12 | The A-Team | 26% |
| 13 | Blockbuster Video stores | 26% |
| 14 | PacMan | 26% |
| 15 | Beverly Hills Cop | 25% |
| 16 | Saying “ET phone home” | 25% |
| 17 | Duran Duran | 25% |
| 18 | Making Mix tapes | 24% |
| 19 | Michael J Fox | 22% |
| 20 | Bananarama | 22% |
| 21 | The Goonies | 21% |
| 22 | MTV | 21% |
| 23 | Billy Joel | 20% |
| 24 | Cyndi Lauper | 20% |
| 25 | Prince | 19% |
| 26 | Leg warmers | 18% |
| 27 | Skateboards | 18% |
| 28 | Rollerskating | 17% |
| 29 | Wearing Neon | 17% |
| 30 | Transformers | 16% |
| 31 | Shoulder pads | 16% |
| 32 | Neighbours being on twice a day | 15% |
| 33 | Adidas Sambas | 15% |
| 34 | Ferris Bueller’s Day Off | 14% |
| 35 | Wearing double denim | 14% |
| 36 | Scrunchies | 14% |
| 37 | Breakdancing | 12% |
| 38 | Boomboxes | 12% |
| 39 | Aerobics | 10% |
| 40 | Waterbeds | 6% |