80s Archives : Page 16 of 26 : The Retro Network

M.U.S.C.L.E: The Pink Wrestler Army That Took Over the 80s

You thought the WWF had some bizarre characters? Please. Anybody who wanted to see some real oddball wrestling action in the mid-80s took a visit down to the M.U.S.C.L.E. arena. Those brawny battlers on television may have

Cartoons in the ’80s Based on Live-Action Shows

OldSchool80s

Back in the ’80s, Saturday Morning Cartoons featured several time-tested animated shows like Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes gang, Scooby Doo and the other Hanna-Barbera greats and The Smurfs not to mention all of

5 Nostalgic Movies Ruined By Time

Adam Pope

If you’ve read my writing online over the past 15 years or listened to any of my many (some would say too many) podcast projects, you know that I love collecting VHS tapes. I have

The Best Horror Movies of the 80s

The Retro Network

The 1980s was a phenomenal decade for horror films that pushed the genre forward and introduced iconic villains. Advancements in special effects allowed practical effects artists to create disturbing imagery that felt real and visceral.

History of Nickelodeon Part 2: June 1984

Karen Flieger

In June of 1984, Nickelodeon saw its first major transition. Cy Schneider, the network’s original president retired. His successor would change Nickelodeon’s direction from parent approved to “kid” focused. Not “young people”-focused, not “child-focused” KID-focused.

The Last Action Heroes: A Journey into the Golden Age of Action Movies

Pitfall Gary

In a world where action movies rule supreme, there is one decade that stands above the rest, the 1980s! Recently I discovered the book, The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops and Feuds of Hollywood’s

10 Best Vintage Masters of the Universe Action Figures

Adam Pope

Vintage Masters of the Universe figures weren’t just toys. They were bold, colorful heroes that turned bedroom floors into battlefields and gave an entire generation its first taste of epic, imagination‑powered adventure.

Looking Back at Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure

Jeff Sheldon

Some of my earliest memories include Pee-Wee Herman. My brother took piano lessons when I was really little, and on Saturday mornings after his lesson, my mother would try to wear us out and keep

A Brief History of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Brian Cave

I cannot think of a better example of the quintessential Saturday morning cartoon than He-man and the Masters of the Universe. It had everything a kid could ask for as part of their weekend plans:

The Original Marvel Cinematic Universe

Adam Pope

For kids growing up over the last 20 years, Marvel superheroes have always been big screen icons, beloved by children and adults alike for their extravagant silver screen adventures. But those of us who grew

First Watch: Raw Deal (1986)

Jason Gross

This “First Watch” review covers the 1986 action film Raw Deal starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Darren McGavin, Kathryn Harrold, and Sam Wanamaker. This movie was released in-between the blockbuster hits Commando and Predator. It was a flop at the

Memorable Sharks in Pop Culture History

Mickey Yarber

Throughout the years, people everywhere have been fascinated with sharks. So it’s no wonder that sharks of all kinds have popped up in various forms of pop culture in the decades of mass entertainment. As

Why The Last Starfighter Remains a Beloved ’80s Cult Movie

Mickey Yarber

The Last Starfighter captured that perfect 80s feeling that a high score could change your life, turning a quiet summer night and a glowing arcade cabinet into the beginning of a galaxy‑saving adventure.

First Watch: Swamp Thing (1982)

Jason Gross

This “First Watch” review covers the 1982 horror film Swamp Thing starring Ray Wise, Adrienne Barbeau, and Louis Jourdan. This was the fifth film written and directed by horror icon Wes Craven. Critics were divided

First Watch: Akira (1988)

Jason Gross

I’m on a mission to watch popular films that missed me the first time around and obscure films that just never found their way into my circles. This “First Watch” review covers the 1988 Japanese

Arcade All-Stars: Moon Patrol

Mickey Yarber

It wasn’t easy patrolling the rocky terrain of Moon Patrol, but if it was any consolation, they gave you a really cool car. The purple, six-wheeled, high-jumping, laser-blasting vehicle at the center of Moon Patrol was a dream

Retro Commercials: Michael J. Fox for Diet Pepsi

OldSchool80s

I don’t know about you, but commercials can often take me back to my formative years as quickly as any song or movie can. That is why we will continue this semi-regular feature on ’80s commercials