10 Greatest ’80s Cartoons That Are Still Worth Rewatching Today

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The 1980s produced many fantastic films and TV shows, especially cartoons – some of which remain enjoyable today. When people think of the best TV shows ever made, animated series from various eras and for different viewers often come to mind. While cartoons are often seen as entertainment for children, many are designed for adults, like The Simpsons, South Park, and Rick and Morty.

Most cartoons are designed to be enjoyed by the whole family, but not all of them become enduring classics. The 1980s were a particularly great time for animation, launching several popular franchises with their first TV shows. Many of these cartoons are now considered timeless classics and rank among the best animated series ever made.

In the 1980s, cartoons were everywhere, inspired by popular toys, films, Japanese animation, and comic books – meaning there was something for every viewer. Many of these shows still hold up incredibly well, and even the ones that haven’t aged perfectly are still fun to revisit today.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

1983-1990

Alvin and the Chipmunks, a virtual band, first appeared on television in 1983 with their animated show of the same name. Created by Ross Bagdasarian Jr. and Janice Karman, the show is a comedy about three chipmunk brothers – Alvin, Simon, and Theodore – who form a band while also trying to navigate everyday life with their human dad and manager, David Seville. Known for being a bit of a troublemaker, Alvin often gets his brothers into funny situations, and each episode includes a musical performance.

With its charming hand-drawn animation, catchy musical numbers, and a fun 1980s vibe, the new Alvin and the Chipmunks series brings a wave of nostalgia. The show remains entertaining for viewers of all ages, with clever writing and plenty of humor that kids and adults can enjoy together.

Inspector Gadget

1983-1985

Inspector Gadget is a funny, animated sci-fi series created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin, and Bruno Bianchi. The show centers around Inspector Gadget, a police officer with built-in robotic gadgets, as he tries to foil the evil schemes of Dr. Claw. He’s often assisted by his clever niece, Penny, and their resourceful dog, Brain, creating a surprisingly effective and amusing team.

Inspector Gadget is a remarkably imaginative cartoon, largely thanks to its entertaining and unpredictable main character and all the gadgets built into his body. The show remains funny even today, and despite being about a detective, it’s surprisingly non-violent and avoids genuinely scary situations. Plus, it teaches valuable lessons that still resonate with viewers.

ThunderCats

1985-1989

ThunderCats is a science fiction and fantasy television show created by Tobin Wolf. The series centers around a group of cat-like aliens who flee their home planet, Thundera, after it’s destroyed. Led by Lord Lion-O, the ThunderCats must fight various enemies who are after the Eye of Thundera, a powerful artifact hidden within the Sword of Omens.

The lasting appeal and high quality of ThunderCats largely come down to its imaginative story and well-developed world. The show also stands out for its detailed animation and memorable characters. Even with its fantastical setting, ThunderCats features characters viewers can connect with – especially Lion-O – and explores timeless themes like fairness, honesty, the importance of working together, and staying true to those you care about.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1987-1996

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a cartoon inspired by the comic book of the same name, created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The show centers around Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo – a team of ninja turtles who live in the sewers of New York City. They fight crime throughout the city with guidance from their teacher and father figure, Master Splinter.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a cultural phenomenon, and it still holds a special place in many people’s hearts. With its silly humor, classic animation style, and unforgettable theme song, it’s a fun show to revisit, and it also tells more in-depth stories about the turtles and Splinter.

Voltron

1984-1985

I’m a big fan of Voltron! It’s a really cool sci-fi cartoon that originally came from a Japanese anime called Beast King Go-Lion. The show is about a team of space explorers – Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Sven – who each control a robotic lion. When they combine their lions, they form this giant robot called Voltron! Together, they fight to protect the planet Arus from the evil King Zarkon, his son Prince Lotor, and this wicked witch named Haffar, who build these huge, scary monsters called Robeasts.

Voltron was a hugely popular TV show in the 1980s, and it paved the way for other hits like Transformers and Power Rangers. It wasn’t afraid to explore more serious themes while still delivering plenty of action and excitement. Like many shows from that era, Voltron is fondly remembered for its classic, hand-drawn animation.

The Real Ghostbusters

1986-1991

The Real Ghostbusters is a continuation of the original 1984 Ghostbusters movie. It follows the famous ghost-catching team – including Janine, Louis, and Slimer – as they travel around New York City and beyond, investigating and capturing all kinds of ghosts and spirits.

The animated series The Real Ghostbusters greatly expanded the world of Ghostbusters, and many fans actually consider it superior to the movie sequels. It gave the characters the depth they needed and skillfully blended humor with genuinely spooky moments, making it enjoyable for kids without being too frightening.

The Transformers

1987

Transformers is a cartoon about a battle between two groups of alien robots: the heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the evil Decepticons, led by Megatron. After crash-landing on Earth after millions of years, the Decepticons start attacking the planet for its resources, and it’s up to Optimus Prime and his team to defend humanity.

The original Transformers cartoon launched a huge franchise and remains a beloved classic for many who grew up watching it. Its memorable character designs, animation, and blend of humor and action make it a show that still holds up today.

Spider-Man

1981

After a hiatus since the 1967 cartoon, Spider-Man returned to television in 1981 with a new animated series. The show followed Peter Parker as he juggled his life as the iconic web-slinging superhero protecting New York City, his studies at university, and his job as a photographer for the Daily Bugle, all while caring for his Aunt May. Throughout the series, Spider-Man battled a range of villains, including memorable foes like Sandman, the Lizard, Red Skull, Kraven the Hunter, and Doctor Doom.

The animated Spider-Man series stays true to the spirit of the comic books, capturing their classic feel with its traditional animation. It explores Peter Parker’s challenges, but maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone – a refreshing contrast to some of the more serious live-action versions. This charming approach is a big reason why the show remains so enjoyable even today.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

1983-1985

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a classic animated series inspired by Mattel’s popular toy line. The show is set on Eternia, a fantastical world filled with magic. Prince Adam has a secret weapon: a magical sword that turns him into He-Man, the strongest man in the universe. As He-Man, he protects Castle Grayskull from the evil Skeletor, who is determined to take it over.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a truly great animated series from its time, and it remains enjoyable even now. The show’s bright colors and somewhat silly style actually contribute to its appeal. With well-developed characters and a positive message in each episode, He-Man has become a classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

DuckTales

1987-1990

I absolutely loved watching DuckTales growing up! It’s a classic Disney cartoon about Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. After their dad, Donald, joined the Navy, they went to live with their incredibly wealthy Uncle Scrooge. Those little guys were bundles of energy, and it was hilarious to see how their wild antics clashed with Scrooge’s more reserved, money-loving personality. But eventually, he really grew fond of them, and together they embarked on the most amazing adventures!

DuckTales is a highly impactful cartoon, often praised for animation quality rivaling Disney’s feature films. Its engaging stories, lovable characters, and upbeat, adventurous spirit have made it a classic that remains enjoyable today.

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2026-05-09 19:32