The 80s were a fantastic decade for cartoons. Every 80s kid fondly remembers Saturday morning cartoons — finally some television time for non-adults! Once cable television became popular, kids could watch cartoons any time of the day, but we remember a time when it was a special Saturday morning treat. These are 15 cartoons from the 80s that have permanently imprinted themselves on Gen X brains.
15. Spider-Man (1981-1982)
Spider-Man first appeared in comic books in August 1962. The character first appeared in an animated series on ABC in 1967-1970. The series was revived on NBC from 1981-1982, updating the character more casually to fit modern times. Ted Schwartz voiced Spider-Man and his alter ego Peter Parker, a university student and part-time photographer for the Daily Bugle.
14. The Smurfs (1981-1989)
The Smurfs was an extremely popular cartoon series that branched into a franchise that generated $4 billion. It was based on a Belgian comic series of the same name. It originally aired on NBC and was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The show featured over 100 Smurf characters. Its easy-going style and simple storylines made it timeless for younger viewers.
13. Garfield And Friends (1988-1995)
Garfield became a nationwide syndicated comic strip in 1978. Garfield and Friends chronicles the title character, a lazy cat, his human owner Jon Arbuckle, Odie the dog, and an imaginative pig Orson. Garfield and Friends went on small-scale adventures within their hometown. The popularity of the cartoon series led to feature films. Disney+ also has a soon-to-be-released production.
12. Jem And The Holograms (1985-1988)
This is a forgotten gem (no pun intended) featuring a diverse cast and outspoken female characters. It follows record company owner Jerrica, who assumes the persona of pop star “Jem” and her band, “The Holograms.” She can disguise herself via holographic computer Synergy. Plots involve the group dealing with love interests and rival bands while keeping their identities secret.
11. He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe (1983-1985)
He-Man emerged as a Mattel action figure in 1981 and its sales increased thanks to this cartoon series. He-Man is actually Prince Adam from a royal family that rules the planet of Eternia. He uses the Sword of Power which gives him magical abilities. He and a band of fellow heroes battle the show’s nemesis, the evil Skeletor.
10. Voltron: Defender Of The Universe (1984-1985)
A Japanese anime with overdubbed English, Voltron centered on five pilots who controlled robotic lions. The Lions would combine to form a robot named Voltron. This gave them the power to defeat the evil King Zarkon who terrorized their planet. This was a top-rated show during its run. Netflix recently created a reboot of the show.
9. Thundercats (1985-1989)
Thundercats simultaneously launched as an animated series and a line of action figures. It was a syndicated after-school weekday cartoon. The Thundercats are humanoid cat-like aliens who were forced to flee their dying home planet. They are hunted by mutants and the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra. Their enemies want the legendary mystic Sword of Omens, which holds the Eye of Thundera.
8. The Bugs Bunny & Tweety Show (1986-2000)
Tapping into the vault of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies from 1930 to 1969, this iteration brought an anthology of fun, classic cartoons that featured most of the cast. However, certain characters deemed insensitive to certain groups, such as Speedy Gonzales, were edited out. It focused on short, comedic sketches, many nonverbal, to appeal to audiences no matter language or location.
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as a comic book in 1984. The animated series debuted in 1987 telling the tale of mutant turtles Michaelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello who grew up underground with their mentor Splinter. They fight numerous villains throughout the series, including the Foot Clan and leader Shredder, and Krang, a highly intelligent brain in a jar.
6. Transformers (1984-1987)
Transformers is a wildly successful franchise of toys, comics, TV shows, and feature films. The Transformers are an alien race that can transform into cars, trucks, airplanes, and animals. Optimus Prime leads these heroic Autobots and they fight the villainous Decepticons, led by Megatron. Many fans secretly thought the villains were cool, too.
5. The Wind In The Willows (1984-1988)
Adapted from the classic 1908 novel of the same name, this stop-motion animation series follows the adventures of Toad, Rat, Badger, and Mole. They combat the Weasels, who are thieves out to steal Toad’s fortune. The characters are tea-loving British stereotypes who love to take strolls. This adaptation used mostly original stories rather than drawing from the book.
4. DuckTales (1987-1990)
This Disney series is based on the 1952 Uncle Scrooge comic book series and other Duck Universe comic books. The stories follow Scrooge McDuck, an elderly businessman with rooms full of money. He goes on trips around the world seeking treasure with his grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Along the way, they fight villains out to steal Scrooge’s gold.
3. The Looney Tunes / Bugs Bunny Comedy Hour (1985-1986)
This series taps into the Golden Age of Animation from the archives of Looney Tunes from 1930 to 1969. It features most of the classic characters. After CBS gave up its rights, ABC picked it up and refused to broadcast episodes with Speedy Gonzales, deeming them insensitive to some viewers.
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2. Dragon Ball (1986-1989)
Dragon Ball is a classic anime that started as a Japanese manga in 1984, and evolved into a huge franchise. It follows a young boy named Goku who befriends a teen girl named Bulma. Together, they hunt for the seven Dragon Balls that can summon a wish-granting dragon, Shenron. The series covers the first 194 chapters of the manga.
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1. The Simpsons (1989-present)
The Simpsons is the longest-running animated series, sitcom, and scripted prime time TV series in American history. It spawned a billion-dollar franchise. The show follows the Simpson family from Springfield and satirizes American life. Some quotes from the show are common vernacular. The Simpsons is not without controversy and criticism. Many have said the character Bart is a poor role model for children.
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