The 1980s was a golden age for Saturday morning cartoons. With the rise of home video and the growing popularity of animation, networks were able to produce more and more high-quality cartoons for kids. As a result, the 1980s saw the release of some of the most iconic and beloved cartoons of all time.
In this article, we'll take a look at the top 50 cartoons of the 1980s. We'll explore the different genres and styles of cartoons that were popular during this time, and we'll discuss why these cartoons have stood the test of time.
Genres and Styles
The cartoons of the 1980s were a diverse lot. There were action cartoons, comedy cartoons, adventure cartoons, and even some educational cartoons. Some of the most popular genres included:
- Action cartoons: These cartoons featured heroes who fought against villains and saved the day. Some of the most popular action cartoons included He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Thundercats, and G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero.
- Comedy cartoons: These cartoons were designed to make kids laugh. Some of the most popular comedy cartoons included The Simpsons, Rugrats, and Animaniacs.
- Adventure cartoons: These cartoons followed the adventures of characters as they explored new worlds and faced new challenges. Some of the most popular adventure cartoons included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, DuckTales, and The Gummi Bears.
- Educational cartoons: These cartoons were designed to teach kids about different subjects. Some of the most popular educational cartoons included The Magic School Bus, Sesame Street, and The Electric Company.
Why These Cartoons Are Classic
The cartoons of the 1980s are classic for a number of reasons. First, they were well-made. The animation was often top-notch, and the stories were engaging and exciting. Second, these cartoons were often groundbreaking. They introduced new characters and concepts that would go on to influence future generations of cartoons. Third, these cartoons were simply fun to watch. They were full of humor, adventure, and excitement.
The List
Here is the list of the top 50 cartoons of the 1980s, as ranked by the author of the YouTube video.
#1. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was one of the most popular cartoons of the 1980s. The show followed the adventures of He-Man, a muscular barbarian who could transform into a powerful superhero. He-Man fought to protect the planet Eternia from the evil Skeletor.
#2. The Transformers
The Transformers was another hugely popular cartoon of the 1980s. The show followed the adventures of a group of robots that could transform into vehicles and other objects. The Transformers fought a war between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons.
#3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a groundbreaking cartoon that helped to usher in the era of superhero cartoons. The show followed the adventures of four mutant turtles who trained in the art of ninjutsu. The turtles fought crime in New York City, battling the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan.
#4. The Simpsons
The Simpsons is one of the most popular and influential cartoons of all time. The show follows the lives of the Simpson family, a dysfunctional family living in the fictional town of Springfield. The Simpsons is known for its biting satire and social commentary.
#5. Ren & Stimpy
Ren & Stimpy was a controversial cartoon that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on children's television. The show followed the adventures of Ren, a foul-mouthed chihuahua, and Stimpy, a dim-witted cat. Ren & Stimpy was known for its gross-out humor and absurdist humor.
#6. DuckTales
DuckTales was a beloved cartoon that followed the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, a wealthy duck who lived in the fictional town of Duckburg. Scrooge was joined by his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie on their adventures.
#7. G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe was a military-themed cartoon that followed the adventures of a group of soldiers who fought against Cobra, a terrorist organization. G.I. Joe was known for its action-packed stories and realistic military hardware.
#8. ThunderCats
ThunderCats was a science fiction-themed cartoon that followed the adventures of a group of cat-like aliens who fled their home planet of Thundera. The ThunderCats landed on the planet Third Earth, where they fought against the evil Mumm-Ra.
#9. Voltron: Defender of the Universe
Voltron: Defender of the Universe was a mecha-themed cartoon that followed the adventures of five young pilots who could combine their robots to form the giant robot Voltron. Voltron fought to protect the planet Arus from the evil Galra Empire.
#10. My Little Pony
My Little Pony was a popular cartoon that followed the adventures of a group of magical ponies. The ponies lived in the magical land of Equestria, where they used their magic to help others.
Other notable cartoons from the 1980s include:
- The Real Ghostbusters
- The Care Bears
- The Smurfs
- The Muppet Babies
- The Jetsons
- The Flintstones
- Inspector Gadget
- The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle
- The Magic School Bus
The 1980s were a golden age for Saturday morning cartoons. The decade produced a variety of classic shows that are still enjoyed by fans of all ages.