The Forgotten Gems of Pop Culture in the 80s
Remember the 80s? Was it really that long ago? If you’re feeling nostalgic for the era of neon clothes, big hair, and awesome music, you’re not alone. The 80s was a decade of fun and creativity in pop culture, and it produced some of the most iconic movies, TV shows, and music of all time. However, many gems of the era have been forgotten. That’s why we’re here to revisit some of the forgotten gems of pop culture in the 80s.
Movies
The 80s produced some of the most memorable movies in the history of cinema. From John Hughes’ Brat Pack classics to Spielberg’s epic adventures, the decade was filled with innovative filmmaking and unforgettable characters. However, some movies seem to have been forgotten over time.
One such movie is ‘The Last Starfighter.’ Released in 1984, this sci-fi adventure movie features a young man recruited by an alien race to help fight their wars. The movie was notable for its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and its influence on future sci-fi movies.
Another gem is ‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen.’ This movie, released in 1988, was directed by Terry Gilliam and stars John Neville as the titular character. The movie tells the story of the legendary Baron Munchausen and his adventures in a magical world filled with bizarre creatures and fantastic landscapes.
TV Shows
The 80s saw the rise of the sitcom and the dominance of network television. However, while many shows from the decade have become classics, there are still shows that deserve a revisit.
One such show is ‘Max Headroom.’ This cyberpunk-themed show was set in a dystopian future where corporations rule the world and a computer-generated personality named Max Headroom becomes a symbol of rebellion. The show was ahead of its time, predicting the rise of social media, reality TV, and the celebrity culture.
Another gem is ‘Moonlighting.’ This show, starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, was a dramedy about two co-workers who fall in love while solving crimes. The show was known for its witty banter and its clever use of pop culture references.
Music
The 80s was a decade of innovation in music, with the rise of MTV and the birth of new genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music. While many iconic musicians from the era are still popular today, there are musical gems that have been forgotten.
One such gem is ‘The Cocteau Twins.’ This Scottish band was known for its dreamy and ethereal sound, with the vocals of Elizabeth Fraser being a defining feature. Their music was influential in the shoegaze genre and has been sampled by artists like Janet Jackson and Massive Attack.
Another forgotten gem is ‘The Art of Noise.’ This British group was known for its experimental and avant-garde approach to music, with samples and electronic instruments being manipulated to create new sounds. Their music was hugely influential in the development of electronic dance music and hip-hop.
Conclusion
While there are many pop culture icons that have stood the test of time from the 80s such as ‘Top Gun,’ ‘The Breakfast Club,’ and ‘Thriller,’ it’s important not to forget the forgotten gems of the decade. These movies, TV shows, and musicians may have been ahead of their time or just didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. By revisiting them, we can rediscover the magic of the 80s and appreciate the creativity and innovation that made it such an iconic era in pop culture.
