
Classic 80s Party Games
Do you miss the totally awesome days of the 1980s, when mixtapes were a thing, neon was everywhere, and party games were actually fun? Good news: you can bring those good vibes back with a throwback bash packed full of classic 80s party games that’ll make everyone say, “Like, totally tubular!”
Whether you're throwing an 80s-themed birthday party, a retro game night, or just feel like dancing to some Madonna, this list has the best 1980s party games for kids, teens, and adults. So tease up that hair, grab your leg warmers, and let the fun begin!
Fun 80s Themed Party Games
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Twister: The Ultimate Pretzel Game
Let’s start with the twistiest of them all, Twister! While it debuted in the '60s, Twister exploded in popularity in the 80s and became a staple at every party.
Pro tip: Get the Twister Ultimate version for more room and more chaos! It’s perfect for groups and guaranteed to get everyone laughing (and tangled).
Classic Indoor and Outdoor Party GamesTwister Game, Party Game
Twister Ultimate: Bigger Mat Party Game
80s Video Game Station
Level up your party by creating a mini 80s arcade! Set up games like:
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Pac-Man
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Donkey Kong
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Tetris
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Frogger
If you don’t have a vintage console lying around, no worries, there are online emulators and plug-and-play retro consoles available. Bonus points if you decorate the area like an actual arcade (think black lights and posters!).
Rock Band or 80s Karaoke Showdown
Bust out the karaoke machine or Rock Band set and challenge your guests to belt out their favorite 80s hits! Whether it’s solo or a full group jam, this is always a party favorite.
Ideas: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Take On Me,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Make it even more fun with 80s-style prize categories:
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Best Hair Band Performance
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Most Dramatic Power Ballad
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Most Epic Air Guitar Solo
80s Themed Charades
Charades + 80s pop culture = a match made in retro heaven! Make cards ahead of time with classic 80s:
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Movies (Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club)
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Songs (Thriller, Like a Virgin)
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TV Shows (Full House, Knight Rider)
Divide into teams and let the miming madness begin!
80s Costume Contest
Get everyone dressed to impress in their best 80s looks! You can:
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Encourage guests to come as an 80s icon
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Set up a dress-up station with neon clothes, leg warmers, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves
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Hold a “5-minute 80s Fashion Challenge” for bonus laughs
Give out prizes like “Best Use of Neon” or “Most Totally Rad Outfit.”
80s Trivia Night
Test everyone’s knowledge with an 80s trivia challenge! Cover topics like:
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Music
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Movies
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TV Shows
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Fashion trends
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Even 80s slang!
Or grab a board game like Totally 80s Trivia or Trivial Pursuit: 1980s Edition for ready-made questions
Games Like Totally 80's - Pop Culture Trivia Game
Printable 80s Party Games
Want an easy icebreaker? Try a printable “This or That: 80s Edition” game. Guests choose between two fun 80s faves (Madonna or Cyndi Lauper? Nintendo or Atari?) and then compare answers.
You can also print out:
Pictionary
Pictionary – Retro Style
Yep, Pictionary was a hit in the 80s too! Break out the whiteboards or sketch pads and take turns drawing 80s-themed clues.
Categories could include:
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80s fashion (big hair, shoulder pads)
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Movies or characters (E.T., Ghostbusters)
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Gadgets (Walkman, boombox)
It’s fast-paced fun and guaranteed giggles!
Rubik’s Cube Relay
Split your guests into teams and give each team a Rubik’s Cube. The first team to solve it wins! Or, for a lighter version, time each person to see who gets closest to finishing in 2 minutes.
Not everyone’s a cube master? Try Rubik’s Cube races using mini cubes, or use printable paper cubes with scrambled stickers.
Rubik’s CubeThe Original Rubik’s Connected - Smart Digital Electronic Rubik’s Cube
Speed Cube Se
Simon Says (Retro Edition)
Simple, silly, and perfect for all ages, Simon Says still rocks. Add an 80s twist by using themed commands like:
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“Simon says do the Moonwalk!”
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“Simon says strike a Madonna pose!”
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“Simon says air guitar!”
Make it fun and fast-paced for big laughs.
Spin the Bottle (Truth or Dare Edition)
Yep, it’s a classic. But you can adjust the rules to match your group:
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For teens or kids: Spin the bottle to pick someone for a truth or dare
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For adults: Go full retro-romantic with the original version
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Add a twist: “Spin to Win” with silly challenges or mini prizes!
If playing with younger kids when the bottle points to them, they can choose a truth or dare. For adults you can revert back to the classic spin the bottle by letting the bottle decide who you will kiss!
80s Talent Show
Let your guests shine in a full-on 80s-themed talent contest! Encourage performances like:
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Lip syncing to 80s hits
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Moonwalking contests
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Breakdancing battles
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Dramatic reenactments of 80s movie scenes
Offer retro prizes (slap bracelets, candy necklaces, plastic trophies) for the winners!
An 80s party isn’t just about dressing up, it’s about the fun, the laughter, and the unforgettable games that brought people together. These classic 80s party games are the perfect way to turn back the clock and relive the best decade ever.
So go ahead, plan that retro bash, and don’t forget your boombox and shoulder pads. It’s time to get this party started, 80s style!
80s/90s Expansion Pack Party GamesMurder Mysteries 80s Mall Murder Madness
Lyrically Correct 80'S Adult Game Night and Fun Trivia
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