Let’s go crazy, Slackers!

Ah, it's been 40 years since 1984, a year filled with superstars and franchise movies topping the charts. This is definitely one of those oddly Gen X defining years. The early X-ers celebrated their last year as teenagers, while kids like me were just starting to explore music and movies separate from our parents.

The music charts featured numerous songs from hit movie soundtracks, new wave artists, and established superstars. Stars like Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Billy Joel were sharing the charts with Prince, Cyndi Lauper, and Madonna. 

Bands really hitting their stride were The Cars, Duran Duran, and Huey Lewis & the News. And so many pop groups making the charts with their biggest hits, often unreplicated in their later careers. 

The box office top 10 was filled with first installments of huge franchises, mixed in with sequels to established series. Plus we have the first hit movie for a sitcom actor that would go on to be one of the biggest stars in the world.