54 trivia questions from 1986, with answers
Seven rounds about 1986 for a 40th birthday party in 2026, a class reunion or an 80s night: the year in the news, space and science, sports, films, songs, TV, and famous people born in 1986. Every answer links to its source.
54 questions · 1986 trivia questions with answers · answers included
Updated
No questions match these filters.
The year in the news
- 1
On May 25, 1986, millions of Americans tried to form one human chain across the country, to fight hunger and homelessness. What was the event called?
easy
Hint: Picture a line of people linking up from coast to coast.
AnswerHands Across America.
People gave $10 for a place in the line, and when the chain was complete everyone sang along to "We Are the World" for 15 minutes.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hands_Across_America?oldid=1357464761
- 2
In February 1986, the People Power Revolution in the Philippines sent President Ferdinand Marcos into exile. Who became president in his place?
medium
Hint: She was the widow of the opposition senator Ninoy Aquino.
AnswerCorazon Aquino.
It is also called the Yellow Revolution, after the yellow ribbons protesters wore, a nod to the song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree".
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_Power_Revolution?oldid=1382300506
- 3
In October 1986, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev held a summit in which country's capital?
medium
Hint: The leaders met in a house called Höfði.
AnswerIceland, in Reykjavík.
They met at Höfði House, and a photo shows a visibly angry Reagan leaving it with a solemn Gorbachev.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk_Summit?oldid=1369883082
- 4
The Iran–Contra affair broke in November 1986. The Contras were rebels fighting the government of which country?
medium
Hint: The Contras were based next door, in Honduras.
AnswerNicaragua.
The news first came out in a Lebanese magazine, Ash-Shiraa.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Contra_affair?oldid=1383293496
- 5
In 1986, Britain and France signed the Treaty of Canterbury, which set out how private companies would build and run which link between them?
medium
Hint: It connects Folkestone in England with Coquelles in France.
AnswerThe Channel Tunnel.
It opened in 1994 and is still the only fixed link between Great Britain and the European mainland.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Tunnel?oldid=1382272855
- 6
Which Andrew Lloyd Webber musical opened in London's West End in 1986, with Michael Crawford in the title role and Sarah Brightman as Christine?
medium
Hint: A falling chandelier is one of its big moments.
AnswerThe Phantom of the Opera.
It became the longest-running show in Broadway history and was the first Broadway show to reach 10,000 performances, in 2012.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera_(1986_musical)?oldid=1382589379
- 7
Which two countries joined the European Community in 1986?
hard
Hint: Their names start with S and P.
AnswerSpain and Portugal.
The European Community became the European Union in 1993.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986?oldid=1382846574
Space and science
- 8
On January 24, 1986, Voyager 2 made its closest approach to which planet, the first spacecraft ever to visit it?
easy
Hint: An ice giant; Voyager 2 went on to Neptune next.
AnswerUranus.
It measured a day there at 17 hours, 14 minutes, and it is still the only spacecraft to have visited either of the ice giant planets.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_2?oldid=1383262431
- 9
How many previously unknown moons of Uranus did Voyager 2 discover?
hard
Hint: More than ten, fewer than twelve.
Answer11.
They include Puck, Juliet, Ophelia and Desdemona.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_2?oldid=1383262431
- 10
Halley's Comet came back in 1986. In which year is it due to return?
medium
Hint: Add about 75 years to 1986.
Answer2061.
It appears roughly every 74 to 79 years, and in 1986 it was the first comet to be observed in detail by a spacecraft.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halley's_Comet?oldid=1383420369
- 11
Which European probe flew within 596 kilometers of the nucleus of Halley's Comet in March 1986?
hard
Hint: It shares its name with an Italian painter from around 1300.
AnswerGiotto.
It was named after the Italian painter Giotto di Bondone, who saw the comet in 1301 and painted it as the star of Bethlehem.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giotto_(spacecraft)?oldid=1383471796
- 12
Which Soviet space station began to take shape when its core module was launched in February 1986?
medium
Hint: A three-letter name.
AnswerMir.
It was the first modular space station, assembled in orbit over ten years, from 1986 to 1996.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mir?oldid=1383148255
- 13
In December 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager flew the Voyager aircraft around the world without stopping or refueling. About how long did the flight take?
medium
Hint: More than a week, less than two.
AnswerAbout 9 days.
They took off from Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert and flew 26,366 miles, heading west.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutan_Voyager?oldid=1347679046
- 14
Franklin Chang-Díaz, who first flew into space on the shuttle Columbia in 1986, was born in which Central American country?
hard
Hint: He was born in its city of San José.
AnswerCosta Rica.
He went on to fly seven Space Shuttle missions, tying the record for the most spaceflights.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_Chang-D%C3%ADaz?oldid=1383464091
Sports
- 15
Which team won Super Bowl XX in January 1986, beating the New England Patriots 46–10?
easy
Hint: Their stars included Walter Payton and William "The Refrigerator" Perry.
AnswerThe Chicago Bears.
It was the team's first Super Bowl, and defensive end Richard Dent was named MVP.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_XX?oldid=1379957508
- 16
Which song did the 1985 Chicago Bears record, weeks before winning the Super Bowl?
medium
Hint: It reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Answer"The Super Bowl Shuffle".
It was nominated for a Grammy, which it lost to Prince's "Kiss".
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Super_Bowl_Shuffle?oldid=1382838039
- 17
Which team beat the Boston Red Sox in seven games to win the 1986 World Series?
medium
Hint: They played at Shea Stadium.
AnswerThe New York Mets.
In Game 6 the Red Sox were twice one strike from the title, but the Mets won it on an error by first baseman Bill Buckner.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_World_Series?oldid=1382527247
- 18
At the 1986 Masters, which golfer won at 46 to become the oldest Masters champion?
medium
Hint: He won this tournament six times.
AnswerJack Nicklaus.
It was his record 18th and final major, and he shot 30 on the back nine on the final day.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_Masters_Tournament?oldid=1362444177
- 19
Argentina won the 1986 World Cup final 3–2 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Which team did they beat?
medium
Hint: They had won the World Cup in 1974 as hosts.
AnswerWest Germany.
Jorge Burruchaga scored the winner, three minutes after West Germany had come back from 2–0 down.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_FIFA_World_Cup_final?oldid=1380654665
- 20
TV pictures from the 1986 World Cup spread a crowd move around the world, where fans stand up and raise their arms in turn. What is it called outside North America?
easy
Hint: Name it after the host country.
AnswerThe Mexican wave.
Americans just call it the wave.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_(audience)?oldid=1382694453
- 21
In 1986, who became the first cyclist from outside Europe to win the Tour de France?
medium
Hint: An American who won the race again in 1989.
AnswerGreg LeMond.
He won it three times, the only American man to do so.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_LeMond?oldid=1382804991
- 22
Which 5-foot-7 player, one of the shortest in NBA history, won the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest?
hard
Hint: He played for the Atlanta Hawks.
AnswerSpud Webb.
In the final round he beat his Atlanta Hawks teammate, defending champion Dominique Wilkins, with two perfect 50-point scores.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spud_Webb?oldid=1379231415
At the movies
- 23
Which Vietnam War film, written and directed by Oliver Stone, won Best Picture for the films of 1986?
medium
Hint: Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger were both nominated for it.
AnswerPlatoon.
Stone also won Best Director, and Platoon won four Oscars in all.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/59th_Academy_Awards?oldid=1383654645
- 24
For the films of 1986, Marlee Matlin won Best Actress for Children of a Lesser God. Which two firsts did she set?
medium
Hint: One is about her age, one about her hearing.
AnswerShe was the first deaf performer to win an Oscar, and the youngest Best Actress winner.
She played Sarah Norman.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/59th_Academy_Awards?oldid=1383654645
- 25
Paul Newman won Best Actor for the films of 1986 as "Fast Eddie" Felson in The Color of Money. In which 1961 film had he first played the pool hustler?
hard
Hint: Its title is what Fast Eddie does for a living.
AnswerThe Hustler.
With the win, he and his wife Joanne Woodward became the second married couple to both win acting Oscars.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/59th_Academy_Awards?oldid=1383654645
- 26
Which band sang "Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun, the Oscar winner for Best Original Song?
medium
Hint: The band shares its name with a city.
AnswerBerlin.
Giorgio Moroder co-wrote it, and the song was first offered to another band, the Motels.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_My_Breath_Away?oldid=1379971066
- 27
In Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which car belonging to Cameron's father do the friends borrow?
medium
Hint: A red sports car.
AnswerA 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.
Close-up insert shots used a real 250 GT California, and John Hughes also had replicas made.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferris_Bueller's_Day_Off?oldid=1381368311
- 28
In Labyrinth, which rock star played Jareth, the Goblin King?
easy
Hint: Jennifer Connelly played opposite him as Sarah.
AnswerDavid Bowie.
Jareth gives Sarah, played by Jennifer Connelly, 13 hours to solve his labyrinth and save her baby brother.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labyrinth_(1986_film)?oldid=1383036228
- 29
In The Karate Kid Part II, Daniel goes with Mr. Miyagi to his home village. On which Japanese island is it?
medium
Hint: Mr. Miyagi's father lives there.
AnswerOkinawa.
The film was shot on Oahu, in Hawaii, which stood in for Okinawa.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Karate_Kid_Part_II?oldid=1383543665
- 30
Pixar's 1986 short film Luxo Jr. stars two of which everyday objects?
medium
Hint: You would find them on a desk, switched on.
AnswerDesk lamps, one big and one small.
It was the first computer-animated film nominated for an Academy Award, and the little lamp became Pixar's mascot.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxo_Jr.?oldid=1379988949
On the radio
- 31
Which charity song by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder was Billboard's number-one single of 1986?
medium
Hint: Its title says friends are there to help.
Answer"That's What Friends Are For".
It raised more than $3 million for AIDS research, and Rod Stewart had recorded the song first, in 1982.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That's_What_Friends_Are_For?oldid=1378565774
- 32
Which Bangles hit reached number one in the US in December 1986?
easy
Hint: Hold your arms like a figure in a tomb painting.
Answer"Walk Like an Egyptian".
Its writer, Liam Sternberg, got the idea on a ferry across the English Channel.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk_Like_an_Egyptian?oldid=1381893206
- 33
Which band's 1986 album Slippery When Wet included "Livin' on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name"?
easy
Hint: The band shares its name with its singer.
AnswerBon Jovi.
Jon Bon Jovi first thought "Livin' on a Prayer" was not good enough for the album.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_When_Wet?oldid=1378561195
- 34
Which hip-hop group covered Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith in 1986?
medium
Hint: Their album was Raising Hell.
AnswerRun-DMC.
It was the first hip-hop single to reach the top five on the Billboard charts.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk_This_Way?oldid=1377257409
- 35
Whose 1986 video for "Sledgehammer" won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards?
medium
Hint: An English rock musician; the album was called So.
AnswerPeter Gabriel's.
Nick Park, who later created Wallace & Gromit, animated part of it with Aardman.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sledgehammer_(Peter_Gabriel_song)?oldid=1382898223
- 36
Which Paul Simon album, recorded partly in Johannesburg with South African musicians, won Album of the Year at the 1987 Grammys?
medium
Hint: The title points to Elvis Presley's Memphis home.
AnswerGraceland.
It mixes pop and rock with South African styles such as mbaqanga.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graceland_(album)?oldid=1382731092
- 37
Which comedian had one of 1986's biggest hits, "Party All the Time"?
medium
Hint: Better known for his films than his songs.
AnswerEddie Murphy.
It was Billboard's seventh biggest single of 1986.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_Year-End_Hot_100_singles_of_1986?oldid=1368211244
- 38
Licensed to Ill, released in November 1986, was the first rap album to top the Billboard 200. Who made it?
hard
Hint: Their name ends in "Boys".
AnswerThe Beastie Boys.
Rick Rubin produced it for Def Jam, and it was certified Diamond in 2015, for ten million copies.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licensed_to_Ill?oldid=1380136616
On TV
- 39
Which daytime talk show went national on September 8, 1986, and ran for 25 seasons?
easy
Hint: Its host had just been nominated for an Oscar for The Color Purple.
AnswerThe Oprah Winfrey Show.
It made 4,561 episodes and is still the highest-rated daytime talk show in American TV history.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oprah_Winfrey_Show?oldid=1381962782
- 40
In the NBC sitcom that began in September 1986, what do the letters ALF stand for?
easy
Hint: He came from outer space.
AnswerAlien Life Form.
His real name is Gordon Shumway, from the planet Melmac, and he crash-lands in the Tanner family's garage.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALF_(TV_series)?oldid=1380178736
- 41
Which TV legend played Ben Matlock, a folksy Atlanta defense lawyer, when Matlock began in March 1986?
easy
Hint: An earlier show of his carried his own name.
AnswerAndy Griffith.
Matlock always wore a light gray suit, and in 2024 CBS launched a reboot starring Kathy Bates.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matlock_(1986_TV_series)?oldid=1378164876
- 42
On Pee-wee's Playhouse, which began on CBS in 1986, what were viewers told to do whenever someone said the secret word?
medium
Hint: Not quietly.
AnswerScream real loud.
The word was often given out by Conky the Robot.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee's_Playhouse?oldid=1380090181
- 43
The Fox network launched on October 9, 1986, with its first regular show, a late-night talk show. Who hosted it?
medium
Hint: Arsenio Hall later hosted the show for 13 weeks.
AnswerJoan Rivers.
She had been Johnny Carson's permanent guest host on The Tonight Show, and her show aired partly against his.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Late_Show_(1986_talk_show)?oldid=1376825262
- 44
In April 1986, Geraldo Rivera opened a walled-off room under a Chicago hotel, once used by Al Capone, live on TV. What was inside?
medium
Hint: It was a famous letdown.
AnswerOnly dirt and some empty bottles.
The special ran for two hours, including commercials.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mystery_of_Al_Capone's_Vaults?oldid=1382595545
- 45
At the 1986 Emmys, which Golden Girls star won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series?
medium
Hint: Her character was Rose.
AnswerBetty White, as Rose Nylund.
The Golden Girls also won Outstanding Comedy Series that night, and her co-stars Bea Arthur and Rue McClanahan were nominated against her.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/38th_Primetime_Emmy_Awards?oldid=1364628770
- 46
In the ABC sitcom Perfect Strangers, which began in March 1986, Balki Bartokomous comes to Chicago from which made-up Mediterranean island?
hard
Hint: It sounds a little like Mykonos.
AnswerMypos.
He was a shepherd there, and he celebrates good news with his cousin Larry by doing the "Dance of Joy".
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_Strangers_(TV_series)?oldid=1382576726
Born in 1986
- 47
Which singer, born in 1986, won an Oscar for "Shallow", from A Star Is Born?
easy
Hint: Her real name is Stefani Germanotta.
AnswerLady Gaga.
"Shallow" made her the first person to win an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and a Grammy in one year.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Gaga?oldid=1383644690
- 48
Which sprinter, born in 1986, set the 100 meters world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009?
easy
Hint: He is from Jamaica.
AnswerUsain Bolt.
He won eight Olympic gold medals and also holds the 200 meters record, 19.19 seconds.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usain_Bolt?oldid=1382643075
- 49
Which tennis star, born in 1986, won a record 14 French Open titles?
medium
Hint: A Spaniard nicknamed Rafa.
AnswerRafael Nadal.
He was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca and won 22 major titles in all.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Nadal?oldid=1382108129
- 50
Which rapper, born in 1986, first became known as the actor who played Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation?
medium
Hint: A Canadian; his first name is Aubrey.
AnswerDrake.
He was born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_(musician)?oldid=1383543291
- 51
Which actress, born in 1986, played both reunited twins in Disney's The Parent Trap (1998)?
medium
Hint: She also starred in Freaky Friday (2003).
AnswerLindsay Lohan.
She went on to play Cady Heron in Mean Girls (2004).
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsay_Lohan?oldid=1383519752
- 52
Which English actor, born in 1986, played the vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight films?
medium
Hint: He played Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
AnswerRobert Pattinson.
In the 2020s he starred in Christopher Nolan's Tenet and played Batman in The Batman (2022).
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pattinson?oldid=1383392740
- 53
Which twins, born in 1986, took turns playing baby Michelle Tanner on Full House?
medium
Hint: Their family name rhymes with "bolts in".
AnswerMary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
They began filming at nine months old, and in 2006 they founded the fashion label The Row.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary-Kate_and_Ashley_Olsen?oldid=1381916880
- 54
Which actress, born in 1986, played Rachel Berry on the Fox series Glee?
hard
Hint: She first used her stage name at her first audition.
AnswerLea Michele.
She made her Broadway debut at 8, as Cosette in Les Misérables, and played Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway in 2022.
Source: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lea_Michele?oldid=1383570663
Use this set at a 40th birthday party
Read a question, allow thinking time, then invite an answer. Play the guest of honor against the room: they answer each question alone, everyone else answers together, and the side with more right answers wins. At a class reunion, each table plays as a team. Save the last round, Born in 1986, for the end: everyone in it turns 40 the same year as the guest of honor. A guest born in 1986 remembers the 90s best, so add a 90s round for the years they lived through.
Timer and team scores
8 turns × 60 seconds = 8 minutes of play, plus instructions and breaks.
60
Pause whenever the group needs more time.
Team Lime's turn
Team Lime: 0
Team Violet: 0
Team Tangerine: 0
Team Sky: 0
Team Lemon: 0
Team Bubblegum: 0