We’ve picked out 11 of the most exciting events from the decade - the occasions that brought people together and created a buzz.
From the worlds of music, sport, film, TV, technology and politics, they were moments which gripped the collective consciousness.
We’ve focused on happy events from the 80s, which had their fair share of tragedy, in this pick of events that shaped the decade.
What do you think was the defining moment of the 80s, and what is your happiest memory of the decade?
If you’re after more 80s nostalgia, you might enjoy this look back at the decade’s most maligned cars.
1. Channel 4 is launched
It's hard for young people today to understand just how exciting the launch of a new TV channel, at a time when there had been only three, really was. Channel 4 was first broadcast in 1982 and brought a welcome wave of irreverence and anarchy to the nation's screens, plus cosy afternoon viewing fare like Countdown, which is still going strong more than 40 years later. | Getty Images
2. NES takes video games world by storm
The 80s began with Pac-Mania dominating arcades worldwide. But the decade really belonged to the Nintendo Entertainment System, better known as the NES. Released in 1983, it has been credited with saving the video games industry, which had been on its knees. Classic games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda helped make it one of the best-loved consoles of all time. The NES was so popular that the launch of a new game became a big event for players across the world. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: TENGKU BAHAR
3. Live Aid rocks Wembley
If there was one moment that united the world in the 80s, it was surely Live Aid. An estimated 1.9 billion people around the world watched the famous fundraising concerts live on July 13, 1985, but only around 72,000 were lucky enough to be inside Wembley Stadium to witness iconic performances by the likes of U2, David Bowie and Queen in the flesh. Who can forget Bob Geldof's impassioned plea, banging the table as he said: "There are people dying now, so give me the money." Or the moment he swore on live TV, saying: "F*** the address, let's get the numbers, because that's how we're going to get it." | Getty Images Photo: Hulton Archive
4. Michael Jackson's Bad tour
The death of Elvis Presley in 1977 had left a void at the top of the music industry. It was one Michael Jackson soon filled as he ascended to superstardom during the 80s, with the King of Pop replacing the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Thriller, released in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time, and he followed it up with another classic, Bad, in 1987. The Bad tour that followed also broke records, becoming the highest-grossing tour in history and the one with the biggest total audience. | Getty Images