Ah, the 80s – it was a time when everything felt a bit more free, a bit more colourful, and a lot more simple. For those of us who grew up in that decade, there’s a certain magic that lingers in the memories of neon colours, pop music, and chunky gadgets. It wasn’t just the fashion or the technology, but the way life moved at a different pace. Kids played outside until the streetlights came on, and the only way to settle a debate was to wait until someone could dig up the right encyclopedia. I still have many of my toys, games, and gadgets from the 80s, including my old Nintendo and my Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Yes, I’m that old! Whether you lived it or you’re just fascinated by the era, here are 15 things people really miss about the 80s. I bet this list unlocks a few memories for you.
1. Saturday Morning Cartoons
Back in the 80s, Saturday mornings meant only one thing – cartoons! From He-Man to Thundercats, kids across Britain glued themselves to the telly, munching cereal while watching their favourite heroes battle it out. It wasn’t like today, where you can stream any show anytime – Saturday morning cartoons were a weekly event you looked forward to all week.
2. VHS Tapes and Video Rentals
Before streaming, there was the excitement of renting a VHS from the local video shop. The thrill of walking down the aisles, picking up Ghostbusters or E.T., was something you couldn’t replicate today. And remember the frustration of a tape that hadn’t been rewound? “Be kind, rewind” was more than just a phrase – it was a rule of the time.
3. Walkmans and Cassette Tapes
Long before smartphones, the Walkman was the ultimate way to take your music on the go. Whether it was listening to Duran Duran or Wham! on your cassette tapes, there was something satisfying about clicking ‘play’ and hearing the crackle before the music started. And let’s not forget the patience needed to rewind or fast-forward to your favourite track.
4. Classic British Sweets
If you grew up in Britain in the 80s, you probably remember the joy of popping down to the corner shop for your favourite sweets. Things like Texan bars, Spangles, and Wham bars weren’t just snacks – they were little moments of happiness. Nowadays, many of these treats are gone or have changed, but they still hold a special place in the hearts of those who remember.
5. Arcades and Pinball Machines
Before video game consoles took over living rooms, arcades were the place to be. Spending pocket money on Pac-Man or Space Invaders, with the satisfying clink of coins in your pocket, was a rite of passage. The bright lights, the sounds of the machines – it was a sensory overload, and it was glorious.
6. Phone Boxes and Rotary Phones
There was a time when phone boxes were dotted around every corner, and they weren’t just a place to make a call – they were iconic symbols of Britain. At home, you might have had a rotary phone, where dialing took time, and you had to hope nobody was calling just to chat because calls cost per minute! It’s a stark contrast to today’s instant, non-stop communication.
7. Fashion That Stood Out
The 80s was the era of big hair, neon colours, and shoulder pads. Whether it was a pair of acid-washed jeans or a neon scrunchie, the clothes were bold, loud, and unapologetic. Looking back, it’s hard not to smile at the sheer fun of it all – and yes, some of us do miss those perms and legwarmers.
8. The Simplicity of the High Street
Shopping was a more personal experience in the 80s. There were no massive online retailers, just your local high street, with its variety of independent shops. People went to Woolworths for pick ‘n’ mix, or maybe to a record store to browse LPs. It wasn’t about next-day delivery; it was about the joy of discovery.
9. Music That Defined a Generation
The 80s gave us some of the most unforgettable tunes, from New Wave to synth-pop. Bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Smiths were at the top of their game, and their music defined the decade. People miss the days when you’d sit by the radio, waiting for your favourite song to come on, and tape it for later.
10. Cabbage Patch Dolls and Other Toys
Kids today might have endless digital entertainment, but 80s kids had Cabbage Patch Dolls, Rubik’s Cubes, and Transformers. There was something magical about playing with toys that didn’t need to be plugged in or updated. You could use your imagination for hours on end, and that’s something a lot of us miss.
11. Real Film Cameras
In the 80s, if you wanted to capture a memory, you used a camera with actual film. There was no deleting bad photos or retaking them until you got the perfect shot. You had to wait to get the film developed, and when you finally saw the pictures, it was like opening a time capsule of moments you’d nearly forgotten.
12. Classic TV Shows
Television in the 80s wasn’t just about the cartoons; it was also home to classic series like Only Fools and Horses, Blackadder, and The Young Ones. These shows weren’t just a part of the culture, they shaped it. The characters and the humour have left an impression that’s still felt today. As an aside, I am the biggest Black Adder fan. It’s just so ridiculously clever and utterly hilarious. And the cast is out of this world.
13. The Excitement of a New Record
Before playlists and algorithms, there was the thrill of buying a new record. Carefully lowering the needle onto the vinyl and hearing that first crackle before the music started was a ritual in itself. And flipping the record halfway through? That’s an experience music lovers can’t easily replicate today.
14. Timeless Video Games
The 80s was a golden age for video games, with titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong shaping the childhoods of many. The pixelated graphics and simple gameplay weren’t about hyper-realism – they were about pure fun. It’s no surprise that many people still revisit these games today.
15. Freedom Without Mobile Phones
Perhaps one of the things people miss most about the 80s is the freedom from constant connection. Without mobile phones, you made plans and stuck to them. If someone wanted to talk to you, they called your house, and if you were out, you were just… out. Life felt a bit simpler without being available 24/7.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
