Whether they were dancing through detention or saving the world with the power of karate, these '80s icons defined a generation of pop culture. From blockbuster hits and primetime dramas to MTV music videos, their faces were everywhere - and their posters plastered on bedroom walls across the globe.

So, what happened to your favourite stars of the decade? Let's rewind the VHS and take a trip down memory lane to catch up with the teen dreamboats, TV crushes, and pop queens who ruled the neon-soaked decade of excess.

The "Pretty in Pink" actress is now a TV star

Molly Ringwald

The definitive queen of John Hughes' teen universe, Molly Ringwald was one of the biggest movie stars and teen idols of the '80s. From iconic flicks like Sixteen Candles (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986) to the timeless The Breakfast Club (1985), Molly always captured the emotional heart of angsty adolescence - all while wearing enviable pink outfits. With her penchant for vintage fashion and iconic flaming red hair, she also brought some much-needed girl power to the legendary Brat Pack.

These days, Molly has gone from Hughes to Netflix darling, appearing in both Riverdale (2017-2023) and the romcom film series The Kissing Booth (2018-2021). She continued her streaming streak portraying Shari Dahmer, stepmother to Evan Peters' Jeffery Dahmer in the first season of Monster (2022), and more recently appeared as real-life '60s model Joanne Carson on the second season of Feud (2024) alongside fellow '80s sweetheart Demi Moore.

Ralph is still lending his skills to the "Karate Kid" franchise

Ralph Macchio

The karate-chopping star wasn't officially part of the Brat Pack, but certainly rubbed elbows with them during the golden age of teen classics. Ralph Macchio was the ultimate underdog hero in The Karate Kid (1984) and its late '80s sequels, and prior to that, appeared in the legendary flick The Outsiders (1983), the definitive launchpad for many of the era's most well-known stars.

Fast forward to today, Ralph is once again honing his karate skills in the hit Karate Kid sequel show Cobra Kai (2018-), graduating from mentee to mentor as sensei Daniel LaRusso. He also returned to the big screen universe in the franchise's sixth film, Karate Kid: Legends (2025) alongside martial arts legend Jackie Chan. Now that's a kicking career.

Rob is one of the Brat Pack's most iconic poster boys

Rob Lowe

One of the core members of the Brat Pack, Rob Lowe exploded onto the scene via - what else? - The Outsiders (1983), which also launched the careers of actors like Tom Cruise and Matt Dillon. He solidified his status as a major heartthrob in the romcom St. Elmo's Fire (1985) and appeared in countless teen magazines as the ultimate '80s poster boy.

Rob remains a steadfast Hollywood pro, and is one of the most well-known former '80s idols today. He's known to sitcom fans for appearing as the happy-go-luck auditor Chris Traeger in Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), and equally to 9-1-1 watchers as Captain Owen Strand in the popular spin-off series 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020-). He's also currently hosting the popular American game show The Floor (2024-), a trivia competition where contestants must conquer all the giant LED squares on the floor to win the grand prize.

Teen idols of the 80s - where are they now?