Rewind to '85: Top 12 Fascinating Fun Facts from the Unforgettable Year 1985

1. Ghostbusters Debuts

When there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call in 1985? The hilarious trio of parapsychologists who find their true calling zapping ghastly ghouls for the good of New York City: 1985 marked the release of "Ghostbusters," the comedy classic starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis, featuring Rick Moranis as a hapless accountant entangled in supernatural shenanigans. This spook-tacular hit led to a cartoon series, merchandise, and sequels, making "Ghostbusters" a household name and proving that bustin' ghosts can indeed bring laughter.
Source => imdb.com

2. Iconic Movies of 1985

Marty McFly and John Bender walk into a bar; the bartender says, "This must be 1985!": As it turns out, not only did "Back to the Future" time-travel its way to the big screen that year, but other blockbuster films made their mark, including "The Breakfast Club," "Rocky IV," and "Rambo: First Blood Part II."
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that in 1986, a spacecraft named Giotto became the first to encounter and image the nucleus of not just one, but two comets? 🚀💫 Discover more about this cosmic matchmaker's historic achievements!

=> Fun Facts about 1986

3. New Coke Fiasco

In 1985, the world witnessed a classic case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," as Coca-Cola took a swig from the potion of sweet innovation only to realize the drink was better left untouched: In an effort to out-sweeten rival Pepsi, the company released "New Coke," a reformulated version of their iconic drink, which was met with widespread public outrage as devoted fans were left thirsting for the original flavor – and staged dramatic sewer-drain funerals for the New Coke bottles. Within months, Coca-Cola was forced to sweetly wave the white flag and reintroduce the original recipe as "Coca-Cola Classic," effectively turning New Coke from the golden child to the forgotten middle sibling.
Source => history.com

4. GPS's Baby Steps

Holy GPS, Batman! We've time-traveled to 1985 when GPS still wore diapers: The last of the pioneering Block I series satellites was launched this year, marking the end of the very first generation of GPS tech. But don't worry, our sat-navs have come a long way since then, with the fully operational Block II series kicking in from 1990 – and despite what you might have heard, they didn't even need a full squad of 24 satellites to get the job done!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

5. Discovering the Kuiper Belt

Before the solar system started a game of interstellar hide-and-seek, teams of eager space sleuths in 1985 were already hot on their tails, using snazzy new detectors that would make Sherlock Holmes jealous: Thus, their cosmic detective work ventured beyond Neptune, discovering Kuiper Belt occupants such as Quaoar, Haumea, Orcus, and Makemake, and rewrote the astronomical rulebook—leaving Pluto to trade in its planet status for a humbler, dwarf-sized badge.
Source => aaas.org

6. Nintendo's U.S. Invasion

Quacking the code of the gaming industry with a bang: Nintendo dove into the U.S. market in 1985, releasing just 17 games including the timeless classics Duck Hunt and Kung Fu, along with the Zapper light gun and R.O.B. the Robot Operating Buddy. Despite a humble start of 50,000 consoles sold, the company soon spread its digital wings and solidified its spot as an iconic video game platform.
Source => wired.com

7. Windows 1.0 Launch

Before Windows took a byte out of the Big Apple: On November 20, 1985, Windows 1.0, the very first major installment of Microsoft's famed operating system, graced the screens of American computer users, all thanks to Bill Gates' curiosity piqued by a Visi On software demo back in 1982.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Chart-Topping Tunes

As Aretha Franklin put it, "Who's zoomin' who?" - well, the USA for Africa charity single was climbing the charts while other '80s icons played a competitive game of musical chairs: In May 1985, "We Are The World" remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, as Madonna's "Crazy For You" and Simple Minds' "Don't You (Forget About Me)" vied for the coveted number one position.
Source => billboard.com

9. Care Bears Movie Breakthrough

In 1985, the cuddly, colorful protectors of good vibes and cheer embarked on a cinematic adventure that warmed even the frostiest of hearts, proving that sometimes, hugs and rainbows can truly conquer all: The Care Bears Movie made its debut, introducing the original ten Care Bears and their chums, the Care Bear Cousins, dazzling audiences with tales of heartfelt heroics on a budget of just $2 million. This family-friendly flick from Nelvana amassed a whopping $34 million globally, breaking Canadian and non-Disney records, reinjecting life into children's films in the US market, and igniting a firestorm of toy-based animation endeavors.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

10. Golden Girls Premiere

Who needs two blue pills and four strong coffees to finish a house party? Hold your horses, the fabulous geriatrics have already got it covered! Brace yourselves for the wit and charm of four elderly ladies who redefined friendship and flat-sharing in the 80s: The Golden Girls hit the small screen in 1985, with each of its leading ladies bagging Emmy Awards – one of only four sitcoms to achieve this impressive feat!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Ender's Game's Evolution

Before sailing off to battle aliens and save the planet, Ender Wiggin had to pass the test of time: In 1985, Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game" evolved from a humble short story, published in Analog magazine in 1977, into a full-fledged novel that went on to capture both the prestigious Hugo and Nebula Awards, cementing its legacy as a beloved classic in the realm of science fiction.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

12. Freddie Mercury at Live Aid

If Mercury were in retrograde in 1985, it must have been in the form of Freddie Mercury owning the stage: On July 13, 1985, at the Live Aid benefit concerts, Queen delivered an iconic 20-minute performance that included hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions," with the frontman exploding the crowd with his charisma and talent. The monumental gigs, masterminded by Bob Geldof, raised over $125 million for famine relief in Africa, with performances from legends such as Elton John, Madonna, and The Who, and were broadcast live to a whopping one billion viewers in 110 countries.
Source => history.com