15 Magazines That Shaped How We Thought in the ’80s and ’90s
These iconic magazines didn’t just inform us — they influenced an entire generation’s perspective.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Magazines used to be the go-to source for news, trends, and opinions. Certain publications became cultural touchstones, guiding everything from politics to pop culture back in the ’80s and ’90s. Here are 15 magazines that helped define the way we saw the world during those influential decades.
1. Time
AK Rockefeller on Flickr
A weekly staple in waiting rooms and coffee tables, Time offered sharp takes on global affairs. Its bold covers often sparked national conversations. Whether covering politics or people of the year, it balanced reporting with cultural pulse.
2. Rolling Stone
jewell willett on Flickr
More than music, Rolling Stone shaped attitudes on politics, entertainment, and rebellion. It gave a voice to the counterculture while spotlighting artists who defined generations.
3. National Geographic
Jose Francisco Del Valle Mojica on Flickr
With breathtaking photography and in-depth explorations of science and culture, this magazine expanded horizons. Kids and adults alike flipped through its yellow-bordered pages in awe.
4. Newsweek
Mathieu Thouvenin on Flickr
A rival to Time, Newsweek brought thoughtful analysis with a slightly edgier tone. It tackled current events, politics, and tech with clarity and urgency. Its coverage of Cold War tensions and global shifts made it a required reading.
5. Seventeen
Joe Shlabotnik on Flickr
For teen girls, Seventeen was more than a magazine — it was a guidebook to growing up. From fashion to first crushes, it offered relatable advice with a friendly tone.
6. People
Joe Wolf on Flickr
Celebrity gossip, human-interest stories, and feel-good profiles — People was all heart. It humanized stars while celebrating everyday heroes. Its annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue was a cultural event.
7. The Source
Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
Known as the “Bible of Hip-Hop,” The Source brought credibility to a growing genre. It covered artists, albums, and street culture with insider insight.
8. Mad Magazine
Kevin O’Mara on Flickr
Satirical, subversive, and totally weird — Mad poked fun at everything and everyone. It shaped the sense of humor of a generation. Parodies, comic strips, and Alfred E. Neuman made it unforgettable.
9. Teen Beat
cottonbro studio on Pexels
This was the poster paradise for every teen crush in the ’80s and ’90s. Featuring heartthrobs from TV and film, it was sugary and shallow — and that was the point.
10. The New Yorker
John McQuaid on Flikcr
For readers who liked their culture highbrow and their humor dry, The New Yorker was the ticket. Its cartoons were legendary, and its essays were unmatched in depth.
11. TV Guide
Jasperdo on Flickr
More than a program listing, TV Guide shaped how Americans watched and understood television. Its covers boosted shows and stars into the spotlight. Quick blurbs and behind-the-scenes exclusives made it a must-have.
12. YM (Young & Modern)
Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
Aimed at tween and teen girls, YM was sassier than Seventeen but just as influential. It featured real talk, bold colors, and quizzes galore. It was known for its “Say Anything” embarrassing stories.
13. Byte
Wikimedia Commons
A tech geek’s dream, Byte covered early computing when it was still niche. It discussed hardware, software, and coding before most people even owned PCs.
14. Vibe
Sarifdn on Pexels
Founded by Quincy Jones, Vibe blended music, fashion, and urban culture with a sleek edge. It spotlighted R&B and hip-hop with high-gloss style and smart commentary.
15. Highlights for Children
cottonbro studio on Pexels
While technically older, Highlights was still a staple in every dentist’s office throughout the ’80s and ’90s. “Goofus and Gallant” taught lessons, while hidden picture puzzles entertained for hours.