The Biggest Pop Culture Moments Of The '80s

You didn't grow up in the 80s if Jane Fonda didn't blast from your TV at least once telling you the best way to get lean! The actress was featured in dozens of homework-out VHS videos that of course included neon bodysuits and funky legwarmers! 

The birth of hip-hop was of course started in this fun decade, but many rap enthusiasts credit the group N.W.A for launching the genre into the kind of popularity it has today. Featuring artists like Eazy E, Ice Cube and Dr.Dre, N.W.A birthed a genre that spanned many generations to come!

MTV was a massive success when it first aired in 1981! The birth of MTV was huge, as it was the first televised event that allowed artists to share video productions along with their singles. Thus, the music video was born! 

One of the first-ever MTV Awards in 1984 changed award shows as we know it forever! Madonna, being the risque artist and head-turner that she is, did something no other artist before her had ever done! The pop sensation wore not only lingerie, but the hyper-sexualized performance caused much controversy. Since that iconic moment, stars today still emulate that sexy concert!

We Are The World in 1985 was a major pop culture moment! The star-studded video was done to raise money for Aid to Africa, and it was widely successful. Artists like Bob Dylan, Lionel Richie, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder all took part in the song, and to this day is remembered as a passionate plea for help.

John Lennon was a major icon throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s, so it makes sense that his murder was one of the most memorable moments of the decade. The Beatle was shot outside of his apartment at the beginning of the decade in 1980, and the world mourned the incredible loss. Fans to this day still visit that New York apartment to leave memorabilia and share their condolences of the traumatic event. 

Michael Jackson changed the way we understood music videos forever! The King of Pop not only created a wicked dance song but his choreography, cinematography and production of the whole thing were unbeatable! Decades later we're still doing the iconic "Thriller" move!

Princess Diana and Prince Charles wed in 1981 and was the most-watched Royal wedding of all time. The wedding shaped the decade for more reasons than one. Not only did countries outside the commonwealth begin to adore the Windsor's, but Diana was relatable, beautiful, and above all likeable. Her entrance into the family came at a time when many thought of the Royal's as outdated and redundant. Princess Diana shaped the future!

There's no denying that Tom Cruise in Risky Business was super iconic! The film was adored, and the scene of him dancing in nothing but a shirt and boxers has been recreated so many times we've lost count!

Finally, you can't mention the 80s and forget about John Hughs! The director was responsible for a huge 80s aesthetic, like Molly Ringwald in The Breakfast Club! Hughs created a ton of teenage dramas that are still widely adored today!