1984: Transformers
How many toys do you know have inspired a film and television series? Well, Transformers did just that. The toys that shift from vehicles, animals and more into robots became so popular that two years after their introduction to the market they inspired an animated television series.
Decades later Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and the game inspired a blockbuster film series that starred some of the biggest names in Hollywood. To this day new generations of fans are captivated by Transformers and the toys still rank among the highest selling toys every year.
1985-1986: Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin dominated the holiday season for multiple years, and who would be surprised about that? Not only was the bear cute and cuddly, but he told you stories. Just insert the tape into his back and sit back and enjoy a good book.
Not only did he tell you a story, but his eyes and lips moved in coordination with the tape. Be honest, when you were little you weren’t sure whether Teddy was real or a toy, were you?