Brat Pack films were films that generally featured a group of young actors and actresses who frequently appeared together in teen-oriented coming-of-age stories about the angst and woes of teenagers in the 80s. Many actors and actresses came to dislike this label as their careers grew in the film industry. Brat Pack films have been described as the most influential bit of pop culture in the 80s and revolutionary as far as fashion, sex, relationships, friendship, and even class and social distinction. Some popular films considered to be Brat Pack films are The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty In Pink.

        Molly Ringwald stars in the classic Brat Pack film The Breakfast Club

The 80s introduced a new style of film called high-concept films. These films featured relatively simple cinematic plots that were easily marketable. These films were also easily understandable and therefore appealed to the masses. The plots of these films could usually be summarized in just a few sentences. Most notable for the creation of these types of films in Hollywood is producer Don Simpson. Flashdance and Beverly Hills Cop are examples of high-concept films.

                                          Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop

During the late 80s, the hip hop scene continued to evolve and thrive with artists such as the Beastie Boys, Eminem, Run-D.M.C and a Tribe Called Quest. Hip hop as a genre developed more complex styles around the late 80s with the use of electro infused hip hop and drum machines such as the Oberheim DMX and the Roland 808. The use of large tape loops and new lyrical content also helped hip hop to evolve into many different sub genres during the 1980s.

                                        A Tribe Called Quest

Once MTV started becoming popular in the United States, music videos began to have a larger effect on the record industry and music lovers alike. Pop artists such as Duran Duran, Prince, and Madonna perfected the art of music videos and used this to gain popularity amongst people everywhere. 

                                              MTV logo circa 1980

Madonna was a female entertainer during the 80s and is one of the most easily recognizable icons of the 1980s. Her pop hits Like a Virgin and Everybody quickly became the anthems of the 80s. Her signature style of skirts over capri pants, fishnet tights and crucifix necklaces became the sought after style for most young girls living during the 80s. Her infamous MTV movie award performance in 1984 is widely viewed as the most iconic performance of all time on the MTV movie awards, in which she popped out of a wedding cake (adorned in full bridal attire and a “Boy Toy” belt buckle).

                          Madonna at the 1984 MTV movie awards

Heavy metal music is a genre of music with roots in blues rock and psychedelic rock that developed in the late 70s and early 80s. Bands that belonged to the heavy metal genre were characterized by heavily amplified distortion, lengthy guitar solos, and general loudness. Some of the first heavy metal bands include Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest. 

                                                           Led Zeppelin

                                                             Judas Priest