🧠 Inventions of 1985
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
Windows Operating System
2 
CD-ROM Drive
3 
Genetic Engineering Tool (PCR)
4 
Mobile Laptop Computer
5 
Digital Cellular Network
6 
Automated Manufacturing Cells
7 
Home Video Camcorder
8 
Medical Laser Lithotripsy
9 
Computer Animation Software
10 
Electronic Music Sampling Keyboard
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON January 1, 1985
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring Glass Techniques at GLASS AMERICA 1985. Impact: The explosion of glass techniques led to an unexpected renaissance in home decor, resulting in people obsessively collecting glass trinkets instead of actually improving their living spaces. Who knew that a glass unicorn could spark a nationwide obsession with tacky knick-knacks?. Fact: Did you know that in 1985, people were so enamored with glass art that they didn't realize they were setting themselves up for a future filled with awkward family heirlooms? It’s like a crystal ball predicting your next garage sale..
- Headline: FURNITURE: TO RESTORE OR REFINISH?. Impact: The debate over restoring or refinishing furniture caused a butterfly effect of DIY home improvement shows that ultimately led to the rise of social media influencers who think they can turn a broken chair into a viral sensation. Thanks, furniture restoration!. Fact: Did you know that 'restoration' and 'refinishing' are essentially just fancy ways of saying 'let's pretend this old junk is worth something'? It's like putting lipstick on a pig, but the pig is your grandmother's side table..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1985, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1985
$0.84
Value in 2025
$246,803
Johnson & Johnson - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $246,803 today (246.8x return)
Rank #2
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1985
$1.32
Value in 2025
$242,284
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $242,284 today (242.3x return)
Rank #3
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1985
$0.10
Value in 2025
$2,853,286
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1985, it would be worth $2,853,286 today (2853.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Crisis on Infinite Earths #1
$50
The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Secret Wars #8
$150
Albedo Anthropomorphics #2
$300
Love and Rockets #1
$250
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Care Bears Plush
$250.00
M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)
$250.00
My Buddy Doll
$700.00
Super Powers Collection
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros.
$1,000.00
Duck Hunt
$275.00
Excitebike
$50.00
Choplifter
$80.00
Gauntlet
$50.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1985 Nike Promo Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$18,000
1985 Topps Mark McGwire USA Baseball Rookie Card #401
$2,000
1985 Garbage Pail Kids Adam Bomb #8a
$189.95
1985 Donruss Shawon Dunston Rated Rookie #43
$150
1985 Star Michael Jordan Rookie Card #101
$480,000