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Are you looking for the ultimate 80s quiz? You’ve come to the right place then!
The 1980s was a time of big hair, neon colours, and new music. It was a time of change and growth.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for the 80s, take this quiz! It will test your knowledge about everything from fashion to pop culture.
We’ve included various rounds of questions. The first two are general knowledge questions about the 1980s (trivia and multiple-choice).
After that, it gets a bit more specific. Each round will be themed. There are topics such as history, music, geography, pop culture, 80s movies, TV shows and more.
You will also find a free 80s picture quiz at the end! Don’t hesitate to save it on your computer and print it out for your friends or players (if you are organising a pub quiz)
How many of these 80s quiz questions can you answer correctly? Let’s find out!
Round 1: Easy 80s Trivia questions
- Which nuclear power plant in Ukraine exploded in 1986?
- What does HIV stand for?
- Which famous Jamaican singer died in 1981?
- Who was the Pope during the 80s?
- Who was the US president from 1981 to 1989?
- Which company did Steve Jobs get fired from in 1985?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 80s?
- Who sang Girls just want to have fun?
- Which dance did Michael Jackson first perform in 1983?
- An outbreak of which disease was identify in the UK in the 80s?
- What does ‘CD’ stand for?
- Which disease did the the World Health Organisation officially declared eradicated in May 1980?
Round 1: Answers
- Which nuclear power plant in Ukraine exploded in 1986? Chernobyl
- What does HIV stand for? Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Which famous Jamaican singer died in 1981? Bob Marley
- Who was the Pope during the 80s? Pope Saint John Paul II
- Who was the US president from 1981 to 1989? Ronald Reagan
- Which company did Steve Jobs get fired from in 1985? Apple
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the 80s? Margaret Thatcher
- Who sang Girls just want to have fun? Cyndi Lauper
- Which dance did Michael Jackson first perform in 1983? The Moonwalk
- An outbreak of which disease was identify in the UK in the 80s? Mad Cow Disease
- What does ‘CD’ stand for? Compact Disk
- Which disease did the the World Health Organisation officially declared eradicated in May 1980? Smallpox
READ MORE: 190 Easy Trivia Questions for adults (+ Answers!)
Round 2: 80s Multiple Choice questions
- When did Prince Charles marry Diana Spencer?
- 1981
- 1983
- 1986
- 1989
- The first US female supreme court justice was appointed in 1981. Who was she?
- Sandra Day O’Connor
- Barbara Boxer
- Carol Moseley Braun
- Hillary Clinton
- When was the first Back to the Future movie released?
- 1980
- 1983
- 1985
- 1988
- What was Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative nicknamed?
- Planet Program
- Moon Plan
- Star Wars
- Pearl Harbor
- Which discovery was announced on May 16, 1985?
- DNA
- RNA-sequencing
- Ozone Hole
- Penicillin
- Which game was released on May 22, 1980?
- Tetris
- Breakout
- Space Invaders
- Pac-Man
- Who was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1982?
- Lech Wałęsa
- Ronald Reagan
- The Computer
- Mikhail Gorbachev
- Which Disney World Park opened on October 1, 1982?
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood Studios
- How long was the Iran–Iraq War in the 80s?
- 10 months
- 2 years
- 8 years
- 11 years
- Who directed the movie Beetlejuice?
- Martin Scorsese
- Tim Burton
- Steven Spielberg
- Luc Besson
Round 2: Answers
- When did Prince Charles marry Diana Spencer? 1981
- The first US female supreme court justice was appointed in 1981. Who was she? Sandra Day O’Connor
- When was the first Back to the Future movie released? 1985
- What was Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative nicknamed? Star Wars
- Which discovery was announced on May 16, 1985? Ozone Hole
- Which game was released on May 22, 1980? Pac-Man
- Who was named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1982? The Computer
- Which Disney World Park opened on October 1, 1982? EPCOT
- How long was the Iran–Iraq War in the 80s? 8 years
- Who directed the movie Beetlejuice? Tim Burton
READ MORE: 100 Multiple Choice Trivia Questions and Answers for your next Quiz Night
Round 3: 80s Quiz – True or False
- The Wreck of the RMS Titanic was discovered in the 80s.
- The Simpsons started in the 80s.
- The Channel Tunnel was inaugurated in the 80s.
- The Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ was released in the 80s.
- MTV began in the 80s.
- The Louvre Pyramid was designed in the 80s.
- The song ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ was released in the 80s.
Round 3: Answers
- The Wreck of the RMS Titanic was discovered in the 80s. True
- The Simpsons started in the 80s. True
- The Channel Tunnel was inaugurated in the 80s. False, the construction started in 1988 but it only open in 1994.
- The Disney movie ‘The Little Mermaid’ was released in the 80s. True
- MTV began in the 80s. True
- The Louvre Pyramid was designed in the 80s. True
- The song ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ was released in the 80s. False, it was released in 1979
Round 4: 80s History Quiz Questions
- Who famously visited Harlem Hospital and hugged an HIV patient in 1989?
- Where did the Exxon Valdez oil spill occur?
- Which NASA space shuttle exploded on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds after liftoff?
- Which criminal case was over the aggravated assault and rape of a woman in Manhattan’s Central Park on April 19, 1989?
- Who became the first American woman in space in 1983?
- Which London department store was the target of the IRA bombings on the 17th December 1983?
- Which 10-week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom happened in 1982?
- Which year was the fall of the Berlin wall?
- Which US president was elected in 1988?
- Who was the final leader of the Soviet Union?
Round 4: Answers
- Who famously visited Harlem Hospital and hugged an HIV patient in 1989? Princess Diana
- Where did the Exxon Valdez oil spill occur? Prince William in Alaska
- Which NASA space shuttle exploded on January 28, 1986, just 73 seconds after liftoff? Challenger
- Which criminal case was over the aggravated assault and rape of a woman in Manhattan’s Central Park on April 19, 1989? The Central Park Jogger case (or Central Park Five Case)
- Who became the first American woman in space in 1983? Sally Ride
- Which London department store was the target of the IRA bombings on the 17th December 1983? Harrods
- Which 10-week undeclared war between Argentina and the United Kingdom happened in 1982? The Falkland war
- Which year was the fall of the Berlin wall? 1989
- Which US president was elected in 1988? George H.W. Bush
- Who was the final leader of the Soviet Union? Mikhail Gorbachev
READ MORE: Easy History Quiz: 70 Easy Questions and Answers about History
Round 5: 80s Movies Trivia questions
- ‘What a Feeling’ is a song in which musical movie of the 80s?
- What is Baby’s actual first name in Dirty Dancing?
- Who directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?
- Which actor played Tony Montana in Scarface?
- In which 80s movie can you see William Zabka, Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita?
- Who directed the Shinning?
- Who played Jareth in Labyrinth?
- Complete the name of this 80s movie “When Harry Met ______”.
- Who played Noodles in “Once Upon a Time in America”?
- Which actor played James Bond in Octopussy?
Round 5: Answers
- ‘What a Feeling’ is a song in which musical movie of the 80s? Flashdance
- What is Baby’s actual first name in Dirty Dancing? Frances
- Who directed E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial? Steven Spielberg
- Which actor played Tony Montana in Scarface? Al Pacino
- In which 80s movie can you see William Zabka, Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita? The Karate Kid
- Who directed the Shinning? Stanley Kubrick
- Who played Jareth in Labyrinth? David Bowie
- Complete the name of this 80s movie “When Harry Met ______”. Sally
- Who played Noodles in “Once Upon a Time in America”? Robert De Niro
- Which actor played James Bond in Octopussy? Roger Moore
READ MORE: 80s Movie Quiz: 45 Quiz Questions about 80s Movies
Round 6: 80s Sports Trivia questions
- In which city were the 1980 Summer Olympics held?
- Which sport is Wayne Gretzky known for?
- Which major league went on stroke in 1981?
- Which NBA team was Michael Jordan playing for in 1985–86?
- Who did Muhammad Ali fight in 1980 in the Last hurrah?
- Which country won the 1982 FIFA World Cup?
- Which two countries co-hosted the first Rugby world cup in 1987?
- Which sport is Joe Montana known for?
- What did Tennis player John McEnroe famously screamed at Wimbledon in 1981?
Round 6: Answers
- In which city were the 1980 Summer Olympics held? Moscow
- Which sport is Wayne Gretzky known for? Ice Hockey
- Which major league went on stroke in 1981? Baseball Major League
- Which NBA team was Michael Jordan playing for in 1985–86? Chicago Bulls
- Who did Muhammad Ali fight in 1980 in the Last hurrah? Larry Holmes
- Which country won the 1982 FIFA World Cup? Italy
- Which two countries co-hosted the first Rugby world cup in 1987? New Zealand and Australia
- Which sport is Joe Montana known for? American Football
- What did Tennis player John McEnroe famously screamed at Wimbledon in 1981? ‘You cannot be serious!’
READ MORE: Easy Sports Quiz: 55 Easy Questions and Answers about Sport (inc. Picture Round!)
Round 7: 80s Music Trivia questions
- “It’s close to midnight, And something evil’s lurking in the dark, Under the moonlight” is the opening line of which famous 80s song?
- Which country is the pop band A-ha from?
- Who sang “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”?
- Which album was ‘lay all your love on me’ by ABBA from?
- Who sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart”?
- Elvis Presley’s house was opened to the public on June 7, 1982. What is the name of this mansion?
- Live Aid was held simultaneously in two venues. Which ones (1 point each)?
- Who sang “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984?
- “I said, “Do you speak-a my language? He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich” are lyrics from which 80s song?
- What was the first album released by Queen in the 80s?
- Which band released the song ‘Built This City’ in 1985?
Round 7: Answers
- “It’s close to midnight, And something evil’s lurking in the dark, Under the moonlight” is the opening line of which famous 80s song? Thriller by Michael Jackson
- Which country is the pop band A-ha from? Norway
- Who sang “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”? Wham!
- Which album was ‘lay all your love on me’ by ABBA from? Super Trouper
- Who sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart”? Bonnie Tyler
- Elvis Presley’s house was opened to the public on June 7, 1982. What is the name of this mansion? Graceland
- Live Aid was held simultaneously in two venues. Which ones (1 point each)? Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia
- Who sang “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in 1984? Band Aid
- “I said, “Do you speak-a my language? He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich” are lyrics from which 80s song? Down Under by Men at Work
- What was the first album released by Queen in the 80s? The Game
- Which band released the song ‘Built This City’ in 1985? Starship
READ MORE: 80s Music Quiz: 70 Quiz Questions and Answers about 80s Music
Round 8: 80s & Geography Quiz Questions
- Which country were people leaving during the 1980 Mariel boatlift?
- Where in London did Prince Charles and Princess Diana get married?
- In which city was John Lennon shot in 1980?
- Which volcano erupted in 1980 in in Skamania County, Washington, United States?
- In which country were the first CDs ever sold?
- What was Myanmar’s name before 1989?
- In which country was the 1984 Bhopal disaster?
- Which two countries join the EEC in 1986?
- In which city were the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre?
- Which two countries in the Middle East were at war from from September 1980 to August 1988?
Round 8: Answers
- Which country were people leaving during the 1980 Mariel boatlift? Cuba
- Where in London did Prince Charles and Princess Diana get married? St Paul’s Cathedral
- In which city was John Lennon shot in 1980? New York City
- Which volcano erupted in 1980 in in Skamania County, Washington, United States? Mount St. Helens
- In which country were the first CDs ever sold? Japanu
- What was Myanmar’s name before 1989? Burma
- In which country was the 1984 Bhopal disaster? India
- Which two countries join the EEC in 1986? Spain and Portugal
- In which city were the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre? Beijing, China
- Which two countries in the Middle East were at war from from September 1980 to August 1988? Iran and Iraq
READ MORE: Easy Geography Quiz: 53 Easy Questions and Answers about Geography (inc. Map & Picture Round!)
Round 9: 80s TV Shows Trivia questions
- Which popular 80s TV show has the same name as a Texan city?
- Which actor played Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard?
- In which city is The Jeffersons set?
- In which popular 80s TV show do you follow the adventures of Charles Ingall’s family?
- Which twins played Michelle Tanner on Full House?
- In which 80s series can you see two Police Department detectives working undercover in Miami?
- Which actor played Edmund Blackadder in the British TV Show Blackadder?
- What animal is Babar?
- In which cartoon do you follow the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors?
- Which year was the first episode of The Cosby Show released?
Round 9: Answers
- Which popular 80s TV show has the same name as a Texan city? Dallas
- Which actor played Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard? John Schneider
- In which city is The Jeffersons set? New York City
- In which popular 80s TV show do you follow the adventures of Charles Ingall’s family? The Little House on the Prairie
- Which twins played Michelle Tanner on Full House? Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
- In which 80s series can you see two Police Department detectives working undercover in Miami? Miami Vice
- Which actor played Edmund Blackadder in the British TV Show Blackadder? Rowan Atkinson
- What animal is Babar? An Elephant
- In which cartoon do you follow the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors? Dragon Ball Z
- Which year was the first episode of The Cosby Show released? 1984
READ MORE: TV Shows Quiz: 98 Quiz Questions and Answers about TV Series
Round 10: 80s Pop Culture Trivia questions
- Which Swiss watchmaker founded in 1983 by Ernst Thomke?
- What top was Freddie Mercury wearing at Live Aid?
- Which Nintendo product was launched in Japan on 21 April, 1989?
- What type of fabric is velour?
- In The Fox and the Hound, what animal is Tod?
- Which country is the car brand AMG from?
- Who directed Star Wars Return of the Jedi?
- In which country was Nintendo founded?
- Which Fashion brand came up with the slogan “Just Do It” in the 80s?
- What colour is the Energizer Bunny?
Round 10: Answers
- Which Swiss watchmaker founded in 1983 by Ernst Thomke? Swatch
- What top was Freddie Mercury wearing at Live Aid? A white tank top
- Which Nintendo product was launched in Japan on 21 April, 1989? The Game Boy
- What type of fabric is velour? Velvet
- In The Fox and the Hound, what animal is Tod? A fox
- Which country is the car brand AMG from? Germany
- Who directed Star Wars Return of the Jedi? George Lucas
- In which country was Nintendo founded? Japan
- Which Fashion brand came up with the slogan “Just Do It” in the 80s? Nike
- What colour is the Energizer Bunny? Pink
Round 11: 80s Picture Quiz
Round 11: 80s Picture Quiz Answers
- Walkman
- Air Jordans
- Spirograph
- Converse
- Cassette
- Fanny Pack
- Rubik’s Cube
- Game Boy
- Leg warmers
- Jelly Shoes
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