Inventions & Breakthroughs of January 1985
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
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
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON January 18, 1985
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 'Maria's Lovers' Screening Event. Impact: The release of 'Maria's Lovers' set the stage for countless awkward dinner conversations about relationships, leading to an increase in awkward silences in family gatherings across the globe. Who knew one film could cause so much emotional discomfort?. Fact: Did you know that the film inspired a new genre of existential crises? Congratulations, 'Maria's Lovers'—you've changed lives... for the worse!.
- Headline: Exploring 'That's Dancing!' Film Anthology. Impact: The mediocrity of 'That's Dancing!' led to a mass exodus of film critics to the world of food blogging, forever altering the trajectory of culinary journalism. Thanks a lot, MGM!. Fact: Fun fact: This anthology was so spotty that it inspired the phrase 'a buffet of mediocrity'—which is what I call my dinner parties..
- Headline: John Hurt Stars in '1984' Adaptation. Impact: John Hurt's portrayal of Winston Smith in '1984' sparked a worldwide obsession with dystopian fiction, inadvertently leading to an increase in sales of tinfoil hats and conspiracy theory books. Who knew totalitarianism could be such a trendsetter?. Fact: Did you know that '1984' was such a hit that it made Big Brother the most popular 'family' member? Sorry, actual family members!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1985, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
JNJ
Johnson & Johnson
Price in 1985
$0.84
2025 dataset value
$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
2025 dataset value
$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
2025 dataset value
$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