1988

What Was Happening in 1988

Pan Am 103 falls from the sky as acid house and rave culture explode

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1988 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Mistletoe and Wine"

Cliff Richard

The seemingly ageless Cliff Richard scored his 12th UK number one with this Christmas ballad. It was the best-selling single of 1988 in the UK.

US #1

"Faith"

George Michael

George Michael reinvented himself as a solo artist with this rockabilly-influenced pop track. The Faith album sold 25 million copies and proved Michael could succeed outside Wham!

Biggest Films of 1988 — Box Office Hits

Rain Man

Box Office: $354 million

Dustin Hoffman won the Oscar for his portrayal of autistic savant Raymond Babbitt opposite Tom Cruise. The film won Best Picture and made 'Rain Man' a cultural reference point for autism awareness.

Fashion and Style of 1988

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1988

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1988

More About 1988

What Was Happening — A journey through the years