Prepare for a delightful trip down memory lane as we explore the ultimate collection of 80s cartoons that will bring back waves of nostalgia. Brace yourself for a blast from the past, as the cartoons from this iconic era left an indelible mark on an entire generation. Whether we were dreaming of adventuring with chipmunk siblings or imagining ourselves as pizza-loving ninja turtles, the 80s gifted us with an extraordinary television experience. This compilation includes a mix of hilarious cartoons and thrilling animated adventures from the groovy 80s.
One cannot deny the cultural impact of the legendary show, The Simpsons. Following the everyday lives of the Simpson family in Springfield, this show has been injecting excitement (thanks to Homer) into our lives since it was created by the talented Matt Groening in 1989. Remarkably, it is still on the air today, holding the record for the longest-running American animation of all time.
Alongside The Simpsons, we have other fantastic 80s shows like DuckTales and The Gummi Bears. The Transformers, a beloved TV series from the 80s, even spawned a series of blockbuster films. It graced our screens from 1984 to 1987, leaving an everlasting impression.
So, where do your treasured 1980s shows stand in this extraordinary compilation? Join us in celebrating the magic of the 80s and relive the joy of these timeless cartoons that captured our hearts. Let’s embark on this exhilarating journey together!
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
One of the all-time favorite animated series on TV, this show was a game-changer for the Ninja Turtles merchandise craze back in the late 80s. It revolves around the adventures of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Rafael as they take on the evil Shredder, Krang, and a bunch of other baddies. What’s intriguing is that while the show initially kicked off with silly villains, the final three seasons took a noticeably darker and more mature turn, cranking up the action to a whole new level.
Actors: Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Barry Gordon, Townsend Coleman, Renae Jacobs
12/28/1987
2. ThunderCats
After the ThunderCats escape their dying home planet, they make their way to Third Earth and set up a hideout. However, things take a turn when the Mutants track them down and pose a threat to their survival and the safety of Third Earth. The ThunderCats have no choice but to engage in a fierce battle to defend themselves and their newfound home.
This beloved show has left a lasting impact, leading to the creation of numerous comic series and video games that further fueled its popularity.
Actors: Peter Newman, Gerrianne Raphael, Robert McFadden, Larry Kenney, Earl Hammond
1/23/1985
3. The Transformers
Hasbro’s second try at a product-based TV show, following G.I. Joe, was a huge success. Inspired by the Japanese toyline Microman, they created a show about alien robots battling each other. It was a total hit! The Autobots and Decepticons gained massive popularity right from the start. And guess what? The franchise is still going strong today, firmly established in the mainstream.
Actors: Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Corey Burton, Chris Latta, John Stephenson
9/17/1984
4. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Prince Adam is able to transform into the powerful He-Man and gain magical abilities thanks to the Sword of Power. Teaming up with his loyal companion, Battle Cat, He-Man takes on the duty of protecting Eternia from the wicked Skeletor. This immensely popular show even led to the creation of a spin-off called She-Ra: Princess of Power.
Actors: John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Lou Scheimer, Linda Gary
9/5/1983
5. DuckTales
In the classic Disney show DuckTales, Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews embark on exciting treasure hunts, especially after Donald joins the Navy. One of the reasons why DuckTales became so popular is because it cleverly pays tribute to classic stories and popular culture. Throughout the series, you’ll find hilarious parodies of Shakespeare, Indiana Jones, Sherlock Holmes, and many other iconic characters and tales.
Actors: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern, Frank Welker
9/18/1987
6. G.I. Joe
In the early 1980s, Marvel Productions got the job of making commercials for the G.I. Joe Marvel Comics series. These commercials became super popular, so they decided to make “The M.A.S.S. Device” special. And guess what? That special was such a hit that it led to G.I. Joe becoming a full TV series.
Actors: Michael Bell, Gregg Berger, Chuck McCann, Arthur Burghardt, Dick Gautier
9/12/1983
7. The Bugs Bunny Show
In the 1980s, The Bugs Bunny Show was a big hit despite being a collection of classic shorts. These old cartoons were in high demand and the rights to them were constantly being moved around between different TV stations. They were also combined with other beloved characters to create shows like The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show and The Bugs Bunny & Tweety Show. These shows brought together the best of Bugs Bunny and other popular characters to entertain viewers.
Actors: Mel Blanc
10/11/1960
8. The Smurfs
The Smurfs were a huge hit on NBC, running for a long time and gaining lots of success. They even managed to snag an Emmy award in 1983! The show follows the adventures of the Smurf Village as they battle against the wicked Gargamel.
Actors: Frank Welker, Don Messick, Michael Bell, Paul Winchell, June Foray
9/12/1981
9. Inspector Gadget
Cyborg police inspector, Inspector Gadget, is always on a mission to stop the plans of M.A.D., a crime organization known as “Mean And Dirty.” Despite having a wide array of gadgets at his disposal, it’s safe to say that the poor inspector is not exactly the most competent at his job.
Actors: Don Adams
9/10/1983
10. The Simpsons
Premiering in the final month of the decade, The Simpsons has become a staple in animation and holds the record for being the longest running American sitcom ever. It follows the adventures of the Simpson family and serves as a time capsule of mainstream American pop culture.
The show first hit the screens in December, marking the beginning of a phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With its witty humor and relatable characters, it quickly established itself as a beloved part of television history.
The Simpson family, comprised of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, has become iconic figures in the world of animation. Their misadventures and hilarious escapades have entertained viewers for over three decades.
What sets The Simpsons apart is its ability to reflect and comment on American society. From lampooning politics to satirizing celebrity culture, the show has always had its finger on the pulse of the nation. It cleverly incorporates references to current events and parodies well-known figures, making it both entertaining and insightful.
Throughout its long run, The Simpsons has tackled a wide range of topics, addressing everything from family dynamics to social issues. Its ability to blend humor with meaningful storytelling has made it a beloved show for generations.
As we enter a new decade, The Simpsons continues to entertain and resonate with audiences worldwide. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance and its ability to capture the essence of American life.
Actors: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria
12/17/1989
11. Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers
Detectives Chip and Dale, the dynamic duo, team up to solve crimes in their very own detective agency called Rescue Rangers. Their specialty? Investigating cases that are often considered too trivial for the regular police force, but always involve animal clients.
Chip and Dale have made a name for themselves as the go-to detectives for creatures great and small. From missing acorns to stolen cheese, no case is too small for their expertise. With their keen sense of observation and unrivaled problem-solving skills, they are determined to crack the case and bring justice to their clients, no matter how big or small the crime may be.
Operating outside the confines of traditional law enforcement, the Rescue Rangers have built a reputation for their unique approach to solving mysteries. They rely on their resourcefulness and quick thinking to uncover clues and gather evidence, often leading them down unexpected paths.
Through their efforts, Chip and Dale have become trusted allies to the animal community, who know they can count on the duo to lend a helping paw whenever trouble strikes. Their dedication to their clients and relentless pursuit of justice make them the ultimate champions of the underdog, proving that even the smallest of crimes deserve attention and resolution.
Actors: Corey Burton, Tress MacNeille, Jim Cummings, Peter Cullen
3/4/1989
