The 1980s were the coolest time for humans, and these photos prove that
A lot of things happened in the 1980s. Lady Diana became a princess, The Simpsons made their TV debut, the Berlin Wall was torn down, and all of the people on this list were living their best lives. Seriously, how were people this cool? Keep reading to see actual photos of peoples’ parents and grandparents from the 1980s.
We would do anything to have just an ounce of their confidence and swagger. The fashion is absolutely insane.
Chilling In Egypt
Reddit user heythatsprettygood posted this photo of his father in Egypt in the 1980s. Honestly, this looks like it could be a movie poster.
He looks so cool in those sunglasses, and that mustache is everything.
An Epic Victory
For U.S. sports fans, the decade got off to a memorable start as the U.S. national hockey team – composed mostly of college players – scored an improbable win over the mighty Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics.
The matchup was infused with Cold War drama and came with a little bit of extra importance, as it was played on home ice in Lake Placid, New York.
What A Car
This very ’80s photo features Reddit user RangerBrilliant1720’s aunt standing next to her first car, a Toyota Supra.
That matching tracksuit is very ’80s. As is her stylishly poofy hairstyle.
Hands Across America
It’s easy to forget about long-ago trends, so the Hands Across America fundraising event in 1986 isn’t talked about much today.
But for those who lived through it, they remember what a big deal it was. Approximately 5.5 million people took part.
Hanging Out With The Boys
Reddit user AmbientCowboy posted this photo of his grandfather (the guy on the left) hanging out with two of his best friends.
We love how they all match their cars. So amazing.
A Day at the Mall
Mall culture and the 1980s go together like peanut butter and jelly, but this 1980 photo of a mall looks a little more dated than other images of the era.
That’s because it shows shoppers at the Arcade in Cleveland, a shopping mall that was built in 1890 – so while it was a mall, it was decidedly more ornate than many midcentury structures.
Mom And Dad
Reddit user RedHotToaster posted this photo of his parents online. This photo is from back in the ’80s before they got married.
His dad looks like he could be a long-lost Bee Gees member.
Neon Motel Lights
This evocative image of an Oregon motel, bathed in neon light in August of 1987, will no doubt make some feel nostalgic for family road trips.
The heyday of roadside motels may have peaked in the 1960s, but these staples can still be found to this day.
An After-School Special
These boys look like they stepped right out of an after-school special.
From the geometric patterns on their clothes to the length of their shorts, everything is so very ’80s.
Sunny Days on the River
The weather looks gorgeous, even if the water looks a bit choppy, in this 1980s photo of families rafting down the Delaware River.
They’re taking part in a time-honored summer tradition for people in the area, one that’s still popular to this day.
Big Hair, Don’t Care
This group of friends epitomizes classic ’80s hair. Check out that guy on the far left. That’s a full head of hair if we’ve ever seen one.
They’re serving us straight-up ’80s realness.
A Trip to the Grocery Store
Many modern grocery stores have adopted a bougie, high-end format with prepared foods and wide open spaces.
This mid-’80s photo shows the kind of grocery store that ’80s kids remember: functional, compact, and bathed in harsh neon light.
They Match
Reddit user Ochreman posted this photo of his parents online from when they were dating in the 1980s.
How is it that they have the exact same hairstyle? It’s the exact same color, too.
John Mellencamp Went Through Some Names
The musician who eventually settled on the name John Mellencamp was in fact born with the name John Mellencamp – but not initially.
When Mellencamp first entered the mainstream, he was known as Johnny Cougar. This was later tweaked to John Cougar Mellencamp, and finally to just John Mellencamp.
Punk Rock
The punk scene was a huge part of the 1980s, and apparently it was a huge part of Reddit user CONGONEWILD’s father’s teenage years, too.
His dad was in a punk band back in the day.
The 1984 Olympics Were A Big Deal
Any time the Olympics take place in the United States, it’s a big deal – and the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles were most definitely a big deal.
The Soviet Union famously boycotted the Games, which opened the door to unprecedented U.S. medal wins – a situation that was heartily cheered on by fans of the host country.
Sipping On Her Drink
Reddit user flocka-flocka posted this picture of her aunt online. It looks like that drink is half her size.
The composition of this photo is absolutely perfect. And so is the backscratcher that came with the drink!
Vintage Has Always Been Popular
This photo shows trappings of earlier decades, from the greaser leather bike jacket to the 1957 Chevy Bel Air. But it wasn’t taken in the ’50s or ’60s, it was actually taken in the late ’80s.
It just goes to show that, regardless of the decade, people have always yearned for nostalgia.
What A Suit
Reddit user chetchetchet1 posted this photo online along with the caption, “My dad looking fresh in his waiters uniform from the early ’80s in NYC.
About 15 years after he immigrated to America alone at the age of 16.”
A Gritty Record Store
This 1980 photo shows a dingy record store in the Bronx. It would have been an exciting time on the New York music scene, as the burgeoning hip hop movement was just starting to emerge.
Record stores would continue to operate for another few decades, but have largely disappeared with the advent of streaming.
Hard Core
This woman was in the military in the 1980s. It looks like the camo uniform suits her super well, and that hat is everything.
Thank you for your service, wherever you are now.
Running With The Torch
This is a photo of Reddit user Ectobatic and his father in 1984, as they run with the Olympic torch.
What an incredible opportunity! If I were them I would have this framed on my wall.
Perfect Hair
This hair is quintessential ’80s fashion. Her bangs are at the perfect length and that sweater looks super cozy.
Do think there’s any chance that we could go back to this aesthetic?
So Edgy
This is what everybody looked like in the 1980s. Okay, maybe not everybody, but definitely a significant percentage of the population.
Such unique hairstyles… Which of these styles is your favorite?
High Flying
The ’80s was really the golden age of BMX bikes. These kids look like they’re having the best time.
Let’s bring BMX bikes back to the 2020s. They look like so much fun!
Strike A Pose
Reddit user bejewell posted a photo of her mom online. This photo was taken in the early ’80s.
It looks like this mom really understands her angles. What a model.
Lounging In The Sea
Well, this might take the award for the most glamorous photo on this list.
This looks like a scene straight out of Baywatch. That neon yellow bathing suit is everything.
Mr. Pizza Hut
This Pizza Hut employee from the 1980s has quite a head of hair. I wonder how long it took him to get those perfect poofy blonde waves.
He doesn’t look too thrilled in this shot, however.
A Happy Family
This family photo from the ’80s is giving us major turn-of-the-decade vibes.
The guy on the left has the best mustache I’ve ever seen. And they all look so happy… at least the people in the front row.
