1983

What Was Happening in 1983

Star Wars in space, Return of the Jedi on screen, and the mobile phone arrives

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1983 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Karma Chameleon"

Culture Club

Boy George and Culture Club epitomised the New Romantic era. This catchy, reggae-inflected pop song was the UK's best-selling single of 1983 and a worldwide smash.

US #1

"Every Breath You Take"

The Police

Often mistaken for a love song, Sting's surveillance-themed track spent eight weeks at US number one. The Police were at their commercial peak before splitting up.

Biggest Films of 1983 — Box Office Hits

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

Box Office: $475 million

The concluding chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy. Audiences cheered as the Rebel Alliance defeated the Empire and Darth Vader was redeemed. The Ewoks divided opinion.

Fashion and Style of 1983

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1983

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1983

More About 1983

What Was Happening — A journey through the years