If You're An '80s Kid, These 12 Cartoon Shows Were Definitely The Highlight Of Your Childhood

The Simpsons actually started way back in the '80s before it gained popularity in the '90s.

Sophia

• Published in Film & TV
• July 6, 2022

Gone are the days when we just woke up on a fine rainy morning without any responsibilities yet in life, and we just had to sit in front of the TV and watch our favorite cartoons. But as bittersweet as it is to recall these memories, it was definitely one of the most special times of our lives—one that we would like to run back to because this scenario was such a comforting thing back then.

Contrary to the cartoon shows that were aired in the earlier decades, the '80s cartoons were pretty much a lot more thought-provoking and courageous—brave heroes fighting their enemies, adult jokes discreetly embedded in their dialogue, innuendos, and references, and generally, cartoons in this decade were a lot more funky and flashy. That's probably why they are still so memorable and still have fans even today.

Weekend mornings were dedicated to cartoons, and we really have come to love them. That being said, a lot of us are still left feeling nostalgic when we see or hear things that reference these cartoons because they were definitely a highlight of our childhoods!

There were some cartoons that have already aired before the '80s but gained skyrocketing property once they hit the decade, along with the ones that were just released. Can you remember some of them?

Now, lo and behold, here are some of the best '80s cartoons that you definitely loved back then!

1. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

The He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, is a combination of fantasy and sci-fi, featuring our favorite superhero He-Man as he takes on his arch-nemesis Skeletor. The show is set on a fictional planet called Eternia.

The show was one of the most popular cartoons in the '80s, which ran 1983-1985. And good news, you can still rewatch it on Netflix!

2. DuckTales

What's not to love about ducks? This show was about Huey, Dewey, and Louis who take on hilarious adventures along with their Uncle Scrooge. There was Launchpad McQuack, who always seemed to crash every plane he flies, as well as the Beagle Boys who are intent on stealing from Uncle Scrooge.

This show ran from 1987 to 1990, and it had a spin-off for McQuack called Darkwing Duck.

3. Garfield and Friends

Who doesn't even remember Garfield? This cartoon started as a '70s comic strip and became a show in 1988.

However, it got canceled in 1994.

4. Alvin and the Chipmunks

Before the CGI-born chipmunks in the movie, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore already had a show in the '80s.

The series also featured the "Chipettes," Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor. Take a look at their iconic theme song:

5. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

G.I. Joe was undoubtedly one of the best cartoons from the '80s.

It began as a two five-part mini series back in 1983 and 1984. Fortunately it became a regular show for the next two years after that, and kids fell in love with the show all over the world.

Soon long after, there were a lot of G.I. Joe action figures sold. That's how much it was loved back then!

6. The Simpsons

The Simpsons may have gotten popular in the '90s, but it was actually in the '80s when they started. They are the most successful and longest-running cartoon show on this list.

The show was actually made to attract adults when it was first released, but of course, children caught on. Who could ignore those yellow people, anyway?

Take a look at the Retro version of The Simpsons below:

7. The Smurfs

Yep, the Smurfs also already aired from 1981-1991, and it was based on a Belgian cartoon named Les Schtroumpfs.

The series was a major success, and also became one of the longest-running morning cartoons in TV history.

8. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers

They're not really reliable with real emergencies, but they are still the cutest pair ever.

However, the show only lasted from 1989 to 1990, but reruns were still aired years later.

9. Inspector Gadget

The absent-minded inspector is set to deal with evil Dr. Claw and his organization MAD. However, it was Gadget's niece named Penny and her dog Brain that were revealed to be the masterminds.

The show had a lot of spin-offs, including a live action version in 1999, starred by Matthew Broderick.

10. ThunderCats

The ThunderCats were this odd group of anthropomorphs from the fictional planet of Thundera. The show followed the adventures of these ThunderCats as they fight the evil Mumm-Ra.

The show aired in 1985, and it has produced a lot of merchandise that kids went fawning over.

11. The Transformers

The ever classic Transformers had an animated series that was aired from 1984 to 1987. It was a three-part mini-series that follows the storylines of Optimum Prime's Autobots and Megatron's Decepticons.

Evidently, the characters became extremely popular and have spawned a lot of films and games as years went by.

12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Named after historical figures, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael are pizza-loving superhero turtles that are intent on fighting evil and planning their strats in their sewer hideout.

Their first syndication ran for three years until 1990, and it has spawned a franchise withfilms and toys over the years.

Nothing truly beats the feeling of just not having any care and the world, and it's just us with our TVs that play our favorite cartoons. It's no wonder most of these shows still have cult followings at present time, and they definitely deserve all the recognition!

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Sophia