25 Trivia Questions Every 1980s Alabama Kid Should Be Able to Answer

Only true ’80s kids will get these right! Whether you were rocking jelly shoes down your Alabama school hallway, watching He-Man, or chugging down Ecto Cooler, the 1980s had a little bit of everything—wild toys, catchy tunes, and unforgettable TV shows.

Think you still remember it all?

These trivia questions will test just how much of an ’80s kid you really were.

What Was the Name of the Alien Who Loved Reese’s Pieces?

If you were a kid in the ’80s, there’s a good chance you remember watching “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and crying your eyes out.

E.T. was the lovable alien who just wanted to go home, and he became best friends with a boy named Elliott. E.T. had a huge head, a glowing finger, and a serious love for Reese’s Pieces.

That little candy actually became super popular thanks to this movie.

E.T. hit theaters in 1982 and quickly became one of the most successful films of all time. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and captured the magic of childhood, friendship, and aliens who hide in closets full of stuffed animals.

Just hearing E.T. say “phone home” still brings back all the feels.

Back in the day, Reese’s Pieces weren’t even that big of a deal—M&M’s actually turned down the chance to be in the movie.

Oops!

Hershey, who made Reese’s Pieces, said yes, and after the movie came out, their sales shot through the roof. E.T. didn’t just touch hearts—he sold candy like nobody’s business.

What Video Game Caused Kids to Line Up at Arcades?

Long before people were yelling at each other over Fortnite, ’80s kids were lining up to play a yellow circle munching dots. That’s right—Pac-Man was the game everyone was obsessed with.

It came out in 1980 and was nothing like the space shooter games that were popular before it.

Pac-Man was super simple: just eat all the dots and avoid the ghosts named Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. But it was crazy addicting.

Kids would drop quarter after quarter into the arcade machine just to beat their high score or figure out the perfect pattern to win.

This little yellow guy got so popular that he ended up with his own Saturday morning cartoon and a hit song called “Pac-Man Fever.” You could even get Pac-Man lunchboxes, pajamas, and cereal.

If you didn’t know how to clear at least a few levels of Pac-Man, were you even a real ’80s kid?

Who Was the Most Famous Wrestler With a Blond Mustache and Bandana?

If you heard “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” and didn’t get chills, you might’ve missed out on the golden age of wrestling. Hulk Hogan was the face of the WWF (now WWE) during the ’80s and was a larger-than-life character that every kid wanted to imitate.

With his massive muscles, bandana, and signature red-and-yellow gear, Hulk Hogan was everywhere.

He wasn’t just a wrestler—he was a cartoon character, action figure, and even had a Saturday morning show called “Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.”

Kids would tear their shirts like he did and pretend to body slam their siblings on the couch.

He fought against villains like André the Giant and Rowdy Roddy Piper, and fans would cheer like crazy whenever he entered the ring. Whether or not you liked wrestling, you definitely knew who Hulk Hogan was.

And if you said your prayers and took your vitamins, you were living the Hulkamania dream.

What Snack Had a Mascot With Crazy Hair and Sunglasses?

When you opened your lunchbox and found a bag of Doritos, that was already a good day. But if it was a pack of “Planters Cheez Balls” or “Dunkaroos,” you knew your parents loved you.

But one snack that stood out for its commercials and wild mascot was the original Cheetos, starring Chester Cheetah.

Chester wasn’t just a cool cat—he was sunglasses-wearing, smooth-talking, and obsessed with getting his paws on those crunchy, cheesy snacks. His catchphrase?

“It’s not easy being cheesy.”

He was everywhere on TV during Saturday morning cartoons, slipping around trying to grab a bag of Cheetos like it was a top-secret mission.

Cheetos left that bright orange dust on your fingers that was both gross and amazing. You’d lick your fingers or wipe them on your jeans—no shame. Every ’80s kid knew that once you opened a bag, there was no going back. Chester made junk food feel like a wild adventure.

What Music Video Changed MTV Forever?

MTV launched in 1981 with the words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll,” and then boom—music videos became a thing. But the one that changed the game was Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

It wasn’t just a video; it was a full-blown mini-movie, and kids couldn’t stop talking about it.

Directed by John Landis, “Thriller” had werewolves, zombies, and that iconic red jacket. It was spooky but in the coolest way possible.

The dance moves became legendary, and suddenly every kid at a school dance was trying to do the zombie shuffle. You might not have nailed it, but you definitely tried.

The “Thriller” video turned MTV into a pop culture powerhouse. Before that, most of the videos were just bands playing in front of weird backdrops.

Michael Jackson changed all that. Now, music videos had stories, costumes, and wild effects—and everyone wanted to be part of the action.

What Cartoon Had a Muscle Man Who Yelled, “I Have the Power!”?

Before there was a Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was a guy with a sword, furry boots, and a lot of yelling. He-Man from “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe” was the ultimate action hero for ’80s kids.

With his powerful sword, he’d shout, “I have the power!” and turn from Prince Adam into the mighty He-Man.

The show was packed with epic battles, magical lands, and a super creepy villain named Skeletor, who had a skull for a face and a voice that sounded like a mix between a witch and a goat. Kids were glued to the screen every time He-Man rode into action on Battle Cat.

He-Man also had a massive line of toys that filled toy store shelves.

The figures had bulging muscles and weapons, and kids would spend hours creating their own adventures. If you didn’t have at least one He-Man toy—or know the name of Castle Grayskull—you were definitely missing out.

What Movie Had Kids Fighting Ghosts With Giant Proton Packs?

When someone said, “Who you gonna call?” every kid in the ’80s knew the answer: Ghostbusters!

This 1984 movie was part comedy, part spooky fun, and totally awesome. It had a group of scientists who used high-tech gear to trap ghosts all over New York City.

The team—played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson—fought off green slime, floating librarians, and a 100-foot-tall marshmallow man. Their ghost traps, proton packs, and Ecto-1 car were so cool that kids everywhere wanted to dress up like them for Halloween.

Ghostbusters wasn’t just a movie—it turned into cartoons, toys, lunchboxes, and more.

Kids would sing the theme song on the school bus and argue about who got to be which Ghostbuster. Even now, if someone hums that tune, “da-na-na-na-na—Ghostbusters!” you can’t help but smile.

What Type of Phone Did Zack Morris Use?

Phones today can fit in your pocket and take selfies, but back in the ’80s, if you had a cell phone, it was huge. The “brick phone” was made famous by Zack Morris from “Saved by the Bell.”

It looked like a walkie-talkie and weighed about as much as a small puppy.

Zack would pull it out like it was no big deal, even though almost nobody had one of those in real life. It was mostly rich adults and businesspeople who had cell phones then, and they were more for show than anything else.

The battery life was terrible, and they cost a fortune.

Still, it was super cool to see someone using one. It made you feel like they were living in the future. And when Zack used his phone in the middle of class or on the bleachers, you just knew he was the smoothest kid on TV.

What Animated Band of Bears Taught Kids to Share Their Feelings?

Long before Pixar got us all crying over animated feelings, the Care Bears were showing kids how to care. These colorful bears lived in the clouds and each had a different symbol on their belly, like hearts, rainbows, or stars.

They weren’t just cute—they taught kids how to be kind and work as a team.

Each bear had a personality. Cheer Bear was always bubbly, Grumpy Bear had a bad attitude, and Tenderheart Bear was basically the group therapist.

When things got serious, they’d all line up and use the “Care Bear Stare,” a rainbow beam from their tummies that zapped bad vibes away.

Care Bears had their own TV show, movies, books, and about a million stuffed animals. If you were a kid in the ’80s, you probably had one on your bed—or at least begged your parents for one.

These bears weren’t just toys—they were the first emotional support squad for kids in the ’80s.

What Soda Was Launched to Compete With Pepsi and Totally Flopped?

In the 1980s, Coca-Cola made a big move and introduced “New Coke.” They wanted to beat Pepsi, which had been doing really well, especially after the “Pepsi Challenge” taste test ads.

So, Coca-Cola changed its classic formula and rolled out a brand-new version.

The reaction?

Let’s just say people were not happy.

Fans of the original Coke were outraged. Folks even started hoarding cases of the old stuff and writing letters demanding the company bring back the real deal. Some people even organized protests. That’s how serious it got.

After only a few months, Coca-Cola gave in and brought back the original version as “Coca-Cola Classic.”

It was one of the biggest marketing backfires of the decade, but it also reminded people just how much they loved the original. Even now, “New Coke” is a punchline for bad ideas.

What Kind of Pants Did Everyone Cram Into Their Socks?

If you didn’t peg your jeans in the ’80s, were you even trying to be cool?

Pegging jeans meant folding and rolling them tightly so they tapered around your ankles. And then, of course, you had to tuck them into white socks—bonus points if those socks were scrunched.

This style went hand in hand with puffy Reeboks or high-top sneakers. Everybody was doing it—from kids at school to characters on sitcoms.

It was part fashion statement, part attempt to avoid getting your jeans caught in your bike chain. Sometimes it took several tries to get your pegs just right. And if they unrolled during gym class?

Instant embarrassment.

But when they held up, you strutted through the hallway like a mini fashion icon with perfectly tight cuffs and a Walkman in your pocket.

What Hair Accessory Did Every Girl Have in Her Backpack?

Scrunchies were the ultimate ’80s hair accessory. Big, colorful, and soft, these fabric-covered elastics were everywhere.

Girls used them to tie up their side ponytails, high ponytails, or even just wear them on their wrists like a bracelet.

You could match your scrunchie to your outfit—or clash on purpose to make a bold statement.

There were velvet scrunchies, neon ones, patterned ones—you name it. And forget plastic clips or boring rubber bands. If it wasn’t a scrunchie, it wasn’t cool.

Even now, scrunchies have made a comeback. But back in the ’80s, they ruled the school.

Just ask any girl who kept at least five of them stuffed in her Trapper Keeper, ready to lend one to a friend or switch things up during lunch.

What Game Show Made You Yell at the TV When the Wheel Landed on “Bankrupt”?

“Wheel of Fortune” was already popular with adults, but in the ’80s, a lot of kids watched it too—especially when Vanna White became a household name. Spinning that giant wheel and trying to solve the puzzle was the perfect mix of luck and smarts.

The best part?

Watching people get really close to winning a car or a big prize—then landing on “Bankrupt” at the last second.

The groans from the audience, the look of horror on the contestant’s face—it was pure TV drama. And everyone at home would shout what the puzzle was way before the players did.

The show had cool prizes, goofy sound effects, and that unforgettable theme music.

Whether you watched it with your grandparents after dinner or caught reruns on a sick day, “Wheel of Fortune” was (and for some people still is) must-see game show gold.

What Kind of Tape Did You Use to Make a Mixtape for Your Crush?

Before Spotify playlists or burned CDs, there was only one way to show someone how you felt—by making them a mixtape. You’d grab a blank cassette, hit “record,” and carefully time your favorite songs to fill both sides.

Bonus points if you made a cover with markers and stickers.

Tapes were delicate. One bad rewind could tangle the whole thing, and you had to use a pencil to wind it back in.

But somehow, that made it more special. You couldn’t just click and drag a song—you had to wait for it to play in real-time. Every mix was a labor of love.

Whether it was full of hair metal ballads, synth-pop jams, or sad break-up tunes, mixtapes were the way to say, “I like you… but also, here’s a song by Journey.”

If you got one from someone, you knew it meant something.

What Animated Show Had Robots That Turned Into Cars and Planes?

“Transformers” totally blew kids’ minds when it came out. These weren’t just robots—they were robots in disguise.

One second, you had a semi-truck, and the next, it turned into Optimus Prime, the heroic leader of the Autobots. Talk about cool.

The Decepticons were the bad guys, led by Megatron, who turned into a gun (yes, seriously). Battles between good and evil played out in cartoon episodes, comic books, and on your living room floor thanks to all the awesome toys.

Transformers combined cars, space, and fighting—all things ’80s kids loved.

And those toys? Some of them were so tricky to transform, you had to read the instructions like you were defusing a bomb.

But once you got the hang of it, you felt like a genius.

What Music Format Was Smaller Than a Record and Played in a Boom Box?

CDs weren’t really a thing until the late ’80s, and before that, it was all about cassette tapes.

But the real jam?

Popping a tape into a boom box, cranking the volume, and blasting your favorite tunes outside with your friends. That’s how you turned your driveway into a dance floor.

Boom boxes were big, bulky, and battery-hungry, but they were awesome. Some even had dual cassette decks so you could copy tapes from one to another. (Totally legal? Maybe not. Did everyone do it? Absolutely.)

And let’s not forget those who carried them on their shoulders like a boss.

Songs didn’t sound super clear, and sometimes the tape would get eaten by the machine—but nobody cared. If your boom box worked and the tape played, it was party time.

Whether it was Madonna, Prince, or the Beastie Boys, cassette tapes were the soundtrack of the decade.

What Fast Food Chain Gave Out Plastic Buckets for Halloween?

If you went trick-or-treating in the ’80s, there’s a good chance you were carrying a bright orange plastic pumpkin bucket from McDonald’s. These little “Boo Buckets” were part of a Halloween Happy Meal promotion, and kids went wild for them.

They came with cute faces—some happy, some spooky—and you could reuse them year after year.

McDonald’s even made glow-in-the-dark versions and added lids shaped like witch hats. It wasn’t just about the food—it was the bucket you really wanted.

Those buckets became collectible, and some families still have them tucked away in their attic.

They weren’t very big, so they’d fill up fast, but that was fine. It just gave you an excuse to go home, dump out your loot, and head back out for more candy.

What Board Game Had You Buying Hotels on Boardwalk?

Before video games took over everything, families spent hours playing board games—and none was bigger than Monopoly.

If you didn’t fight with your siblings over who got to be the car or the dog, you probably weren’t playing it right.

Monopoly could take hours. You’d roll the dice, move your little piece, and hope to avoid landing on someone’s hotel on Boardwalk. People made secret alliances, stole from the bank, or flipped the board when things got too intense.

It was less “friendly family game” and more “battle for total domination.”

Even though the game came out way before the ’80s, that’s when it became a sleepover staple. Every home had a beat-up Monopoly box with missing money and random pieces.

But somehow, it still worked—and everyone still played.

What School Supply Was Cooler Than Any Notebook?

Before iPads or Chromebooks, the ultimate school flex was having a Trapper Keeper. This wasn’t just a binder—it was a full-on organization station with folders, Velcro, and wild designs.

Some had kittens, some had race cars, and some just had neon lightning bolts that screamed “rad.”

Trapper Keepers made you feel like you had your life together, even if all you did was stuff crumpled worksheets inside. They made that satisfying “rriiiip” sound when you opened them, and you could show them off at your desk like a briefcase of pure power.

Teachers didn’t always love them because they were kind of bulky and noisy. But kids didn’t care.

If you had a Trapper Keeper, especially one with a matching pencil case, you were running the school supply game like a pro.

What Toy Told You the Future With a Little Blue Triangle?

If you ever asked, “Does my crush like me back?” and then shook a toy like it held the secrets of the universe, you were probably using a Magic 8-Ball. This black plastic ball looked like an oversized billiard ball, but inside was a floating 20-sided die with answers written on it.

You’d shake it, flip it over, and peer into the little window.

If it said “Outlook good,” your whole day was made. If it said “Don’t count on it,” you either shook it again for a better answer or tossed it across the room in frustration. Either way, it was strangely addicting.

Magic 8-Balls weren’t high-tech, but they felt magical. Every slumber party or bus ride seemed to include at least one round of goofy questions.

Whether you believed its answers or not, every ’80s kid remembers the suspense of watching that blue triangle float into view.

What Were Those Squishy, Brightly Colored Dolls That Smelled Like Fruit?

If you walked into a toy store in the ’80s, it probably smelled like a fruit salad thanks to Strawberry Shortcake dolls. These adorable, wide-eyed characters weren’t just cute—they came with fruity scents baked right into their plastic hair.

Strawberry Shortcake was the main star, of course, but she had a whole crew: Blueberry Muffin, Raspberry Tart, Lemon Meringue, and more.

Each one had a different smell, a matching outfit, and a tiny pet. Kids collected them, played with them, and sniffed them like it was totally normal.

They were a hit with younger kids, but even older ones couldn’t deny they were pretty awesome.

There were TV specials, coloring books, and lunchboxes. If you still catch a whiff of fake strawberry today and it makes you smile, that’s pure ’80s memory magic at work.

What Trendy Shoes Had Velcro Instead of Laces?

If tying your shoes felt like a waste of time, you were probably rocking a pair of LA Gear sneakers. These shoes were known for flashy styles, wild colors, and best of all—Velcro straps.

You could get them on and off in two seconds flat.

Some LA Gear models even lit up when you walked. That was the kind of feature that made kids sprint across the blacktop just to show them off.

They weren’t exactly built for sports, but they were perfect for strutting down the school hallway with confidence.

Of course, there were other popular shoes too, like high-top Reeboks or Air Jordans. But LA Gear stood out because they were loud, proud, and didn’t care if you couldn’t tie a knot.

In the ’80s, looking cool was more important than being practical—and Velcro was cool.

What TV Puppet Lived on Melmac and Loved to Eat Cats?

Say hello to ALF—short for Alien Life Form. This wisecracking alien with a long snout and sarcastic attitude crash-landed on Earth from the planet Melmac and ended up living with a suburban family called the Tanners.

ALF had a weird obsession with eating cats (don’t worry, he never actually did), loved snacking, and constantly got into trouble.

The show mixed goofy humor with family drama and had a laugh track that played every time ALF made a joke—which was pretty much every scene.

The puppet was controlled by multiple people behind the scenes, but to kids watching, ALF was totally real. He even had his own line of plush toys, books, and trading cards.

If you ever said “No problem!” in a weird voice, you were probably channeling your inner ALF.

What Tiny Collectible Toys Were Disguised as Food, Furniture, or Cars?

Before Shopkins and Pokémon cards took over, there were toys called M.U.S.C.L.E. figures and something even stranger: The Trash Bag Bunch. But one of the quirkiest collectible crazes was the “Transformers” for everyday items—called “McDonald’s Changeables” and “Popples.”

Popples were adorable plush toys that could flip inside themselves and become balls.

But Changeables were little plastic McDonald’s food items—like a burger or fries—that could transform into mini robots. It was the perfect combo of fast food and futuristic fun.

These toys came free in Happy Meals, and kids tried to collect them all. They didn’t do much, but that didn’t matter.

If you had a milkshake that turned into a tiny robot warrior, you were living the ’80s dream. Toy boxes were filled with stuff like this—and every single piece was a treasure.

What Sugary Drink Came in Tiny Plastic Barrels?

If you were ever handed a drink that looked like a mini barrel and had to bite the little plastic cap off with your teeth, you know all about Little Hug Fruit Barrels.

These brightly colored drinks were a lunchbox favorite and tasted like pure liquid sugar with a splash of mystery flavor.

They came in colors like red, blue, green, and purple—but don’t ask anyone what the actual flavors were. Most kids just picked their favorite color and hoped for the best.

The barrels weren’t fancy, but they were cheap, sweet, and easy to chug during recess or after riding bikes around the neighborhood.

Little Hugs were especially popular at birthday parties and summer cookouts. The plastic bottles would pile up fast, and kids didn’t care if they stained their tongues bright blue.

If your childhood included at least one ice-cold Hug on a hot day, you definitely grew up in the ’80s.

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