1986

What Was Happening in 1986

Chernobyl's shadow, Maradona's hand, and a space shuttle's final flight

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1986 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Every Loser Wins"

Nick Berry

The EastEnders actor's ballad topped the UK chart for three weeks. It was the year's best-selling single in Britain — proof of the soap opera's enormous cultural power in the 1980s.

US #1

"That's What Friends Are For"

Dionne Warwick & Friends

A charity single for AIDS research featuring Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John. It raised over $3 million and won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Group.

Biggest Films of 1986 — Box Office Hits

Top Gun

Box Office: $357 million

Tom Cruise became the biggest movie star in the world as fighter pilot Maverick. The film boosted US Navy recruitment by 500% and made aviator sunglasses and leather jackets essential fashion items.

Fashion and Style of 1986

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1986

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1986

More About 1986

What Was Happening — A journey through the years