10 greatest '80s cartoons that are still worth rewatching today

The 1980s were a great decade for film and TV, and in the latter, it saw a variety of cartoon shows, some of which are still as good today as they were back then. The list of the best TV shows of all time has some animated titles from different decades and aimed at different audiences. Although cartoon shows are often associated with children, there are plenty of cartoons made for more mature audiences, such as The Simpsons, South Park, and Rick and Morty.

However, most cartoon shows have a family-friendly approach, thus appealing to both children and adults – however, not all can brag about being timeless classics that can still be watched decades later. The 1980s had a wide variety of cartoon shows, with some notable franchises having their start in that decade with animated shows. These cartoons are now considered classics, and some are even among the best animated TV shows of all time.

The 1980s saw cartoon shows based on toys, famous movies, Japanese properties, and comic book characters, so there was always something for everyone to enjoy. Some of these cartoons are still as great today as they were when they originally aired, and while some have some elements that haven’t aged well, they are, overall, worth rewatching today.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

1983-1990

The virtual band Alvin and the Chipmunks made its TV debut in 1983 in the animated TV show of the same name. Created by Ross Bagdasarian Jr. and Janice Karman, Alvin and the Chipmunks is a sitcom that follows chipmunk brothers Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, who have their own band but also do their best to live normal lives with their human father (and manager), David Seville. Alvin often gets his brothers into trouble, with every episode featuring a musical performance.

The show’s hand-drawn animation, musical numbers, and 1980s elements have infused Alvin and the Chipmunks with a good dose of nostalgia. The adventures of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are still fun, as is the show’s comedy, and the show’s writing is quite clever, which makes it appealing to both kids and adults.

Inspector Gadget

1983-1985

Inspector Gadget is an animated sci-fi comedy show created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin, and Bruno Bianchi. Inspector Gadget follows the title character, a police inspector with several bionic gadgets built into his body, who goes on different missions to stop the evil plans of Dr. Claw. Gadget counts on the help of his niece Penny and their dog, Brain, making an unlikely but very entertaining team.

Inspector Gadget is one of the most creative cartoons of the decade, with a very fun main character with a degree of unpredictability brought by the many gadgets in his body. The comedy of Inspector Gadget still holds up, and despite the main character’s job, the show isn’t violent, nor does it depict truly dangerous situations, and it offers valuable lessons to its audience (which are still relevant these days).

ThunderCats

1985-1989

ThunderCats is a sci-fi fantasy TV series created by Tobin Wolf. ThunderCats follows cat-like humanoid aliens who escaped from their home planet, Thundera, during its destruction. Led by Lord Lion-I, the ThunderCats have to battle different villains who want to steal the Eye of Thundera, found in the Sword of Omens.

The concept and world-building of ThunderCats are the biggest contributing factors to its enduring popularity and quality, along with its detailed animation and unique characters. Despite its fantasy elements, ThunderCats has relatable characters, particularly Lion-O, and the show covers themes that are still relevant today, such as justice, truth, community, and loyalty.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

1987-1996

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a sci-fi animated show based on the comic book characters of the same name by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles follows the title team – formed by Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo – who live in the sewers of New York City. With the help of their mentor and father figure, Master Splinter, the turtles fight crime in the city.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was responsible for making these characters part of pop culture, and, as such, it’s loaded with nostalgia that continues to draw the audience back. Its campy humor, animation, and iconic theme song make Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles worth revisiting, while it also expands the stories of the turtles and Splinter.

Voltron

1984-1985

Voltron is a sci-fi animated TV series based on the Japanese anime series Beast King Go-Lion. Voltron follows space explorers Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Sven, who pilot robot lions that, when combined, form the mighty robot Voltron. The team defends the planet Arus from the forces of King Zarkon, along with his son, Prince Lotor, and the witch Haffar, who create the monstrous robots Robeasts.

Voltron is one of the most influential TV shows of the 1980s, with franchises like Transformers and Power Rangers taking note of its style and success. Voltron wasn’t scared of going into darker territory without sacrificing action and fun, and, like the rest of the shows on this list, it’s heavy on nostalgia with its hand-drawn animation.

The Real Ghostbusters

1986-1991

The Real Ghostbusters is a spinoff and sequel to the 1984 movie Ghostbusters, and as such, it follows the legendary team, secretary Janine Melnitz, accountant Louis Tully, and mascot Slimer as they go on different missions across New York City (and other parts of the world, too) to capture ghosts, spirits, specters, and more.

The Real Ghostbusters was key to expanding the world of Ghostbusters, and it’s so well-written that it’s widely considered better than the sequels to the original movie, giving the characters the development they deserved. The Real Ghostbusters knew how to perfectly balance comedy and horror elements, making it spooky but still kid-friendly enough.

The Transformers

1987

The Transformers is an animated action-adventure sci-fi show based on Hasbro and Takara’s toy line of the same name. The Transformers follows the robotic aliens Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons, led by Megatron, who crash-land on Earth and wake up millions of years later. The Decepticons begin to attack Earth for its resources, and so it’s up to Optimus Prime and his team to protect humanity.

The Transformers was the basis for the massive franchise everyone now knows, and it's widely considered a classic for those who watched it during its initial run. The animation and design of the characters, along with its tone mixing comedy and action, make The Transformers worth revisiting after all these years.

Spider-Man

1981

The 1980s saw the return of Spider-Man to TV after the 1967 animated series. The 1981 Spider-Man animated show followed Peter Parker as he did his best to balance his life as the title superhero in the streets of New York City, and his life as a university student and photographer for the Daily Bugle, while he also looked after Aunt May. Spider-Man saw the web-slinger facing a variety of villains, most notably Sandman, Lizard, Red Skull, Kraven the Hunter, and Doctor Doom.

Spider-Man is a faithful adaptation of the characters and their stories, bringing that charm from the comic books to TV through its classic animation style. Spider-Man focuses on the struggles of Peter but without turning too dark and serious (like his live-action adaptations have done), and it’s that charming, lighter, and funnier tone that still makes it great after all these years.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

1983-1985

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a sword and planet animated TV show based on Mattel’s Masters of the Universe toy line. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe takes the audience into Eternia, a planet of magic and fantasy. Prince Adam uses a magical sword to transform into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, and as such, he defends Castle Grayskull from Skeletor, who wants to take control of it.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is one of the best animated TV shows of the decade, and it still holds up today. Its animation and character designs made it stand out for its colors and cheesiness, which further added to the show’s charm. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe has well-developed characters and moral lessons in every episode, which have made the show a timeless classic.

DuckTales

1987-1990

DuckTales is a Disney animated TV series. DuckTales sees Donald Duck’s chaotic nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, being sent to Uncle Scrooge McDuck after Donald joins the Navy. The triplets’ hyperactivity clashes with McDuck’s calmer, money-focused lifestyle, but he eventually warms up to them, and they go together on different adventures.

DuckTales is one of the most influential cartoons in the field of animation, with Disney’s work on it being compared to the high quality of its animated movies. This, along with its fun adventures, charming characters, light tone, and exciting adventures, makes DuckTales a timeless classic that can still be enjoyed nowadays.