🧠 Inventions of 1986
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
Supercomputer (Cray-2)
2 
Artificial Intelligence Neural Networks Revival
3 
Portable GPS Receiver
4 
CD Burner Prototype
5 
Medical MRI Contrast Agents
6 
Automated Airline Reservation Systems
7 
Digital Telephone Switching Expansion
8 
Personal Laser Printer
9 
Electric Vehicle Research Program
10 
Space Telescope Deployment (Hubble Concept)
HEADLINES ON May 16, 1986
Full News Archive
- Headline: Exploring 'The Boy in Blue' Film. Impact: Ned Hanlan's cinematic journey sparked an unexpected wave of Canadian pride, leading to an influx of Canadian-themed clichés in Hollywood. Yes, folks, it was all downhill from there in terms of originality.. Fact: Fun fact: If you put all the clichés from this movie into a hat, you'd have enough material for a dozen Hallmark movies..
- Headline: On the Edge: A Runner's Journey. Impact: This middle-aged runner's struggle became a symbol of perseverance, inspiring a generation of couch potatoes to at least consider jogging... from the couch to the fridge.. Fact: Did you know that running is often touted as the best exercise? Good luck convincing those who think walking to the fridge counts!.
- Headline: SCREEN: AGNES VARDA'S 'VAGABOND'. Impact: Varda's portrayal of a teen drifter introduced a whole genre of films that romanticize wandering souls, which inadvertently led to countless hipsters adopting the 'lost artist' persona. Thanks, Agnes!. Fact: Fun fact: 'Vagabond' is often cited as a precursor to the modern 'influencer' lifestyle, just with fewer selfies and more existential dread..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1986, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #1
MCD
McDonald's
Price in 1986
$2.07
Value in 2025
$154,145
McDonald's - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $154,145 today (154.1x return)
Rank #2
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1986
$0.08
Value in 2025
$3,574,639
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $3,574,639 today (3574.6x return)
Rank #3
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1986
$0.06
Value in 2025
$8,149,367
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1986, it would be worth $8,149,367 today (8149.4x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1
$50
Watchmen #1
$300
Swamp Thing #46
$75
Maus #1
$100
Crisis on Infinite Earths #12
$15
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Laser Tag
$75.00
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Jenga
$300.00
My Little Pony (Generation 1)
$300.00
G.I. Joe (A Real American Hero line)
$1350.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$350.00
Metroid
$500.00
Castlevania
$90,000
Dragon Quest
$200.00
Out Run
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan Rookie Card
$250,000
Fleer Michael Jordan Sticker
$16,900
1986-87 Fleer Basketball Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
$6,500
1986 Garbage Pail Kids (3rd Series)
$3,000
Topps 1986 Traded Barry Bonds XRC
$745