Believe it or not, 1985 was 40 years ago. But if that makes you feel old, it helps to remember that not everything has changed.
Plenty of things that started in the 1980s are still alive and well today. From shows to toys to gadgets, here are 10 things that are still around after 40 years.
1
Rubik’s Cubes
When the Rubik’s Cube won a German Game of the Year award in 1980, the rest was history. Back then you could get one for just under two bucks, and now, the best in the world are solving them in three seconds.
2
CNN
Founded in 1980, CNN is still one of the most trusted names in news. And for that reason, it’s one of the least trusted names in news.
3
MTV
Believe it or not, your favorite pop culture channel in the 1980s is still landing the biggest celebrity names for its award shows.
4
Blade Runner
Swap out Harrison Ford for Ryan Gosling, and you have a blockbuster just the same. Many film nerds rate Bladerunner: 2049 as one of the better movies of the decade.
5
Rap
Although rap has been around for longer, the 1980s were its breakout decade as a genre. All these years later, and rap and hip hop are still some of the most popular contemporary genres.
6
The Simpsons
First airing in 1987, it’s hard to believe that this animated sitcom is still running, and in its 36th season. Its place in pop culture is irreplaceable, and it has likely earned immortal status in our zeitgeist.
7
Big League Chew
If you grew up playing baseball, then you know about Big League Chew gum. The most intense 10 seconds of flavor you’ll ever experience was first created in 1980, but can still be found in the checkout aisle of sports stores around the country.
8
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
With a 2023 blockbuster movie, this band of superhero brothers has come a long way from their 1987 TV show.
9
Indiana Jones
Although we can be fairly confident that we’re FINALLY done forcing Harrison Ford to do movies he doesn’t want to do, there was still a new 2023 film. Hard to imagine that Raiders in 1981 would lead to this.
10
David Hasselhoff
Yes, he’s only 72, and apparently doing great. You can even hire him as a motivational speaker. What’s he charging?
