These 31 Vintage Photos Will Instantly Transport You to 1985

Written by Rachel Schneider on May 28, 2025

Two musicians perform energetically on an outdoor stage; one in a white suit plays a saxophone, the other in a sleeveless shirt and jeans plays an electric guitar. The crowd and stadium seating are visible in the background.

“Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, way before Nirvana” — it’s 1985! Every room smelled like Aqua Net and all the cool kids wore sunglasses, trying their best to look like the starring character in a John Hughes flick. Ask today’s teens to emulate the ’80s, and they’ll wear too much eyeshadow, leg warmers, and everything neon and patterned. But these pictures depict a more accurate look into what ’85 truly looked like.

1. Musician Dee Snider Speaking Out Against Censorship

A person with long, curly blonde hair speaks into a microphone at a hearing, seated behind a nameplate that reads "Mr. Snider," with a water pitcher and glass on the table. Several people sit in the background. — misguidedfun

2. Breakdancing Crew: The Suburban Street Rockers

Six kids in 1980s-style outfits pose confidently in front of a brown station wagon with "Sharon Street Rockers" written on the door. Houses and trees are visible in the background. — 5eeso

3. John Travolta Dancing With Princess Diana at The White House

A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a black evening gown dance together in an elegant ballroom, watched by a crowd of formally dressed guests. The woman smiles as she extends her arm, holding the man's hand. — Civaro

4. An American Dad and Canadian Mom as Niagara Falls for Halloween

Two people stand indoors wearing a homemade airplane costume decorated with American and Canadian flags. The man on the left has a mustache and the woman on the right wears glasses and a patterned shirt. — j_d0tnet

5. Bike Trip From Minnesota to the West Coast

A man and a woman sit on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in a driveway. The man is driving and the woman is sitting behind him, both wearing jackets. There is a packed bag behind them and a garage and house in the background. — HighlanderTCBO1

6. The Rambo Big Wheel

A young boy wearing a red headband and blue shorts rides a "Rambo" themed tricycle outdoors, barefoot and shirtless, smiling at the camera. — Gonzoman_thk

7. Trying To Look Like Characters in a John Hughes Film

Two people pose on brick steps. The woman with curly red hair and blue sunglasses stands behind a man with short light brown hair and black sunglasses, who wears a patterned shirt. Both look at the camera with neutral expressions. — DiscoScotty67

8. World’s Coolest Baby

A baby wearing sunglasses and a patterned shirt sits on a swing, drinking from a bottle. The image is black and white and has a relaxed, playful mood. — chiefwhatdidyousay

9. The Checkered BMX Bike

A young person wearing sunglasses and a striped shirt rides a bicycle down a quiet, tree-lined suburban street on a sunny day. — chiefwhatdidyousay

10. Make a Wish

A young girl in a light dress smiles excitedly at a birthday cake with candles on a table, sitting in front of a curtain. Party cups and decorations are also on the table. — ra1phw1ggums

11. The Early Years of Metallica

Four young men with long hair, dressed in casual 80s rock clothing, stand together in front of a white tour bus on a wet pavement, posing confidently for the camera. — UserDeleted

12. Swimming off the USS Enterprise

Two men are swimming in the ocean with only their heads visible above water. Behind them is a large aircraft carrier, crowded with people and fighter jets on the deck. — SquishyLogic

13. Commodore Christmas

A young child in pajamas excitedly holds a boxed Commodore 64 computer in front of a decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath. — AnhedonicOptimist

14. Mötley Crüe Meets Garfield

A person with blonde hair poses in a bedroom decorated with rock band posters. They wear a black sleeveless top, black shorts, and accessories, standing next to a bed with a patterned blanket and an "I love to color" poster. — melogalla

15. The Raddest High School Band Portrait

PrizePsychology1169

16. Gremlins Bag on the First Day of School

A young child with short blonde hair, wearing a white shirt and a red pinafore dress, stands smiling. The child holds a red bag with a Gremlins character, Gizmo, on it. A leafy plant is visible on the left side. — skippystew

17. Dorm Room Decor

A room corner with shelves, books, and several large posters of 1980s new wave and goth musicians on the walls and ceiling, including dramatic portraits with bold hairstyles and makeup. — UserDeleted

18. At Sea, Lobster Fishing

A person with light hair and a cap holds a radio microphone, standing at the controls inside a boat’s cabin. Various switches, dials, and electronic equipment are visible on the control panel. — Vore-

19. Brothers Who Camp Together

Two men stand at a picnic table cooking on a portable stove at a campsite with a pop-up camper and trees in the background. One wears a gray shirt and blue shorts, the other a teal shirt and black shorts. — Mallll4

20. A Brooklyn Couple

A man in a red shirt and glasses sits next to a woman in a white dress and sunglasses. They are outdoors, sitting on a low wall with bushes and buildings in the background, looking in different directions. — darnitcamus

21. On the Set of ‘Good Morning Vietnam’

A group of men, some shirtless and wearing dog tags, pose together outdoors. One man in the center wears a green military jacket and cap. Trees and a tent canopy are visible in the background. — CanadianJackass

22. Four Times the Trouble

Four young boys are on a suburban sidewalk; one is on a tricycle, two are on bikes, and one stands holding a toy sword and shield. The boys appear playful, and one wears sunglasses. Houses and cars are in the background. — TwirlieWhirlie

23. Sipping Coffee in the Kitchen

A woman with curly hair holds a mug and stands in a vintage kitchen with floral curtains, dark wood cabinets, and various items on the counter near the sink and stove. — johnnyapplesneeze

24. The Hat and Shades

A young child stands confidently in front of a car, wearing sunglasses, a light blue cap turned sideways, a red shirt, blue jacket, blue pants, and gray sneakers. The child has hands in pockets and a cool expression. — Ms_Tite

25. Stephen King Signing a Poster for a Fan

A man wearing glasses signs a large poster on the bent back of a woman, who is standing in front of him. The man appears focused, while the woman remains still to support the poster as he writes. — Puzzleheaded_Cut3634

26. Kids Riding in the Truck Bed

Four children sit and smile inside the back of a covered pickup truck, surrounded by blankets, bags, and toys, suggesting a road trip or camping adventure. The truck interior is metallic and cozy. — Kutiecat

27. Their First Microwave, How Sweet

A smiling couple poses beside a decorated Christmas tree with wrapped gifts. In front of them sits a large, vintage microwave oven with a keypad and display. The setting appears cozy and festive. — bethevoid713

28. A Young Tupac Hanging Out With Friends

A smiling teenage boy sits on a red scooter, holding a matching helmet. Three other boys stand nearby on a city sidewalk, chatting and smiling. Concrete steps and a fence are visible in the background. — wecookingitup

29. Biking Through the Playground

A young boy stands confidently with one leg on each side of a silver bicycle in a park, wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts, socks, and sneakers. There is green grass and a tree in the background. — UserDeleted

30. Looking Like a Proper Mobster

A man in a suit gently holds a newborn baby in his arms, looking down at the child with affection. A framed sign hangs on the wall behind them. — Maerendel

31. Ebony Magazine’s Prediction of What Michael Jackson Would Look Like in 2000

A magazine page titled “Portraits of the Stars: What They May Look Like in the Year 2000” featuring a young Michael Jackson illustration with short hair, mustache, gray suit, and light blue jacket. Text appears beside the portrait. — Mackteague

Curious what else was going on in the ’80s?

Read These 31 Photos Will Take You Straight Back to the 1980s and 13 Popular Products From the 1980s. And don’t miss 15 Photos of 1980s Fashion That Oozed Wealth and 17 Vintage Prom Photos That Capture Peak ’80s Fashion.