10 Uniquely 80s Pop Culture Icons Who Still Influence Us Today
The 80s keeps getting further and further away in the rearview mirror. Yet some aspects of that unique era continue to be relevant in our modern world. This Retro Review is all about 10 uniquely 80s pop culture icons who still influence us today.
The 80s was a decade marked by flashy pop culture personalities, groundbreaking innovations, and distinctive fashion trends.
But beyond the most well-known trademarks of this electric era (Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Eddie Murphy, Harrison Ford, etc.) lies an abundance of surprising icons whose influence subtly, yet significantly, colours our modern world.
From pioneering musicians to unsung heroes of technology, each icon tells a story of innovation, resilience, and enduring relevance.
So, grab your Walkman, and let’s embark on this Retro Review of the 10 surprising 80s pop culture icons who still influence us today.
1) David Fincher – Crafting the Visual Language of Music Videos
Before becoming a revered film director, David Fincher was revolutionizing the music video industry in the 80s.
Directing Madonna’s “Express Yourself,” Fincher introduced a cinematic quality rarely seen in music videos at the time.
This video’s influence is evident in Billie Eilish’s “Bury A Friend” where similar thematic and visual elements are used. Blending the lines between the eerie and the artistic.
Fincher’s work on Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got a Gun” also set a narrative style that would later be seen in The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” His pioneering techniques laid the groundwork for narrative-driven, visually complex music videos that still remain popular today.
2) Siouxsie Sioux – Defining Goth Rock Aesthetics and Beyond
Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees was more than just a musician; she was a fashion icon whose influence extends beyond the goth scene.
Her distinctive look is characterized by dramatic makeup and edgy outfits. A look that is echoed in the styles of modern artists like Billie Eilish, whose use of bold visual elements mirrors Siouxsie’s aesthetic.
Additionally, Sioux’s impact is apparent in the fashion world. With designers like Alexander McQueen drawing inspiration from her unique blend of punk and glamour.
Her legacy lives on, influencing not only music, but also the broader realms of fashion and self-expression.
3) Shigeru Miyamoto: Master Storyteller of the Video Game World
Shigeru Miyamoto, a legendary video game designer for Nintendo, profoundly influenced the 80s gaming scene.
Known for creating iconic franchises like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda,” Miyamoto’s emphasis on narrative-driven gameplay and immersive worlds redefined video gaming.
Today, his influence is seen in narrative-rich games like “The Last of Us” and “Red Dead Redemption 2.” Games that continue Miyamoto’s legacy of combining deep storytelling with interactive gameplay.
4) Hayao Miyazaki,- Bridging Fantasy and Reality
Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary animator behind Studio Ghibli, redefined animation in the 80s with his blend of whimsical storytelling and profound themes.
His film “My Neighbor Totoro” has influenced countless animators and filmmakers. Including Pixar’s John Lasseter, who cites Miyazaki as a major inspiration.
The fantastical worlds Miyazaki created continue to inspire modern fantasy films and series. Evident in works like “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which shares thematic and aesthetic similarities with Miyazaki’s creations.
5) The Clash – Melding Punk with Social Commentary
The Clash, known for their politically charged music, made a lasting mark on the punk scene and beyond.
Their album “London Calling” influenced bands like Green Day, who blend punk with political and social commentary in a similar vein.
The Clash’s advocacy for social justice in their lyrics can also be seen reflected in modern artists like Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s music tackles contemporary social issues, echoing The Clash’s commitment to merging music with a message.
6) Edward Woodward – Redefining TV Heroism in “The Equalizer”
Edward Woodward’s portrayal of Robert McCall in “The Equalizer“ TV series brought a nuanced depth to the role of a TV vigilante.
His character, a complex hero with moral ambiguity, paved the way for characters like Walter White in “Breaking Bad.”
The show’s influence extends to the modern reboot of “The Equalizer,” starring Queen Latifah. Showing the enduring appeal of a hero fighting for justice outside the law.
7) Terry Gilliam – Master of Surreal Cinematic Experiences
Terry Gilliam, with his distinctive, surreal filmmaking style in the 80s, notably in “Brazil,” inspired a generation of filmmakers.
His influence is evident in recent films such as “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness“ and “The French Dispatch,” where the blending of reality and fantastical elements reflects Gilliam’s innovative narrative techniques.
These films, with their visually ambitious and thematically complex nature, are prime examples of Gilliam’s enduring legacy in cinema.
8) The Sony Walkman – Pioneering Portable Music Consumption
The Sony Walkman was more than a gadget; it was a cultural phenomenon that transformed how we consume music.
Its legacy is seen in modern personal audio devices like the iPod and streaming services like Spotify, which encapsulate the Walkman’s ethos of music on-the-go.
The Walkman’s influence extends to the broader culture, symbolizing the personalization and portability in technology that we take for granted today.
9) “Moonlighting” – Innovating TV Narrative and Style
“Moonlighting,” starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, was revolutionary for blending genres and “breaking the fourth wall.”
Breaking the fourth wall refers to a narrative technique where characters acknowledge their existence in a fictional work. Often directly addressing the audience or showing awareness of being part of a story.
This unique approach, a rarity in 80s television, added a layer of cleverness and self-awareness to the show.
Its narrative style and witty dialogue can be seen in modern shows like “The Office” and “Fleabag,” which similarly play with narrative conventions and engage the audience directly, echoing “Moonlighting’s” pioneering spirit.”
As does the R-Rated “Deadpool“ movie for those of you that don’t mind the odd F-word or two (more like two thousand).
10) “My Dinner with Andre” – Elevating the Art of Conversation in Cinema
“My Dinner with Andre” was a groundbreaking film for its focus on conversation as the primary driver of narrative.
Its influence is seen in modern podcasts and talk shows that prioritize deep, philosophical discussions, mirroring the film’s format.
Additionally, its impact is evident in recent films like “Marriage Story” (2019) and “The Two Popes” (2019). Both similarly explore human experience and relationships through dialogue-driven storytelling.
These films, along with other contemporary works, demonstrate how the art of conversation continues to be a powerful tool in cinema for exploring complex characters and themes.
The Enduring Echoes of the 80s: A Legacy That Resonates Today
As we’ve journeyed through the diverse and dynamic historiography of the 1980s, it’s clear that the decade’s cultural impact extends far beyond its years.
From David Fincher’s cinematic influence in music videos to the revolutionary Sony Walkman changing how we listen to music, each icon we’ve explored has contributed uniquely to the creation of our modern culture.
These figures, whether in music, film, television, or technology, were not just products of their time but visionaries who laid the groundwork for the trends and innovations we experience today.
The 80s, often remembered for its bold styles and experimental spirit, was more than just a decade of flashy pop culture. It was a period of significant change, where creative minds pushed boundaries and redefined the norms in their respective fields.
The legacy of these uniquely 80s pop culture icons, some celebrated and some unsung, continues to inspire and influence our current cultural landscape, proving that true creativity and innovation are timeless.
What 80s pop icons come to your mind when you think of who or what made significant impacts on today’s culture?
We’d love to hear from you as we attempt to give credit the more obscure or hidden retro trend-setters who were ahead of their time when they hit the scene in the 80s.
As always, we invite you to drop a comment to weigh in on the conversation. Having more voices is always more fun as we wax all nostalgic about the good, the bad, the rad, and the not-so rad aspects of this unique decade.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a rad rest of your day.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.