A lot of 80’s cartoons produced in America were made with one purpose in mind, and that was to sell toys. Anyone who grew up at the time remembers theirbeloved Hasbro collectionsthat they would un-ceremoniously clash together when recreating the latest battle they saw on the TV the night before.
Of course, a number of properties were just too interesting to restrict themselves to the confines of a single decade. Some would go on to become incredible cult hits, while others would spawn some ofthe biggest franchises known today. What follows is a list ofsome ofthe best80’s cartoons that are still around and kicking.
6He-Man
He-Man and The Masters of the Universe Debuted In 1983
Master of The Universefollows Prince Adam, also known as the most powerful man alive, He-Man, as he works to defend Eternia from the forces of Skeletor. During the 80’s and 90’s, this was a full-time job, with there being a number of other shows in the franchise following He-Man’s escapades.
During the early 2000s, the Eternian hero took a bit of a hiatus until his latest stint on Netflix,Revolution,andRevelation, created by the one and only Kevin Smith. While its quality is hotly debated, it’s clear that He-Man’s general appeal has withstood the test of time.
5Transformers
The Transformers Debuted In 1984
Transformerscame to be in 1984 as an incredibly successful toy line, and around the same time, a cartoon series was established to accompany it. The Autobots have been rolling in the dough ever since.
Through multiple animated series, and an incredibly successful string of live-action movies initially helmed by the illustrious Michael Bay, fans ofTransformershave beeneating good for years. Next on the docket isTransformers One, a CG film featuring the voices of some of the hottest names in Hollywood lately, like Brian Tyree Henry, and Chris Hemsworth.
4Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Debuted In 1987
The train thatTMNTset in motion back in ‘84 has never truly stopped barreling down the tracks. There has been a steady stream of comics, live-action movies, and video games over the years, making it safe to say that the franchise has taken on alife of its own.
Most recently, the 2023 animated movieMutant Mayhemdebutedto critical acclaim, and a related animated series is on its way. It just goes to show that even the weirdest concepts have the potential to garner the largest audiences.
3DuckTales
DuckTales Debuted In 1987
DuckTales was the premiere show featuring Disney’s now beloved ducks, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Uncle Scrooge. After 3 successful years on Disney Channel,Ducktaleswas taken off the air, but itslegacy would live on.
In fact, the show got a successful series reboot as a 3-season, self-contained stint from 2017-2021. The show was nominated for a number of awards, including some Daytime Emmys, proving that the show’s potential was not just the product of30 years of nostalgia.
2Garfield
Garfield and Friends Debuted In 1988
Beginning as a newspaper comic strip, Garfield has captured the hearts of audiences all over withhis lazy persona. However, as the character has been developed further, more and more lovable wrinkles have been added to the lasagna-loving feline.
In 1980, Garfield was first brought to the small screen in compilation television shows, as well as a few specials. Since then, he has been brought to life in just about every medium, from children’s books to stage plays. Most recently, his latest animated movie has seen huge success financially, becoming the number 1 movie in the franchise.
1Chip ‘N Dale
Rescue Rangers Debuted In 1989
While Chip N’ Dale had been around for a time in various Disney shorts, they were always playing second fiddle to the rest of Disney’s illustrious cast of characters. However, when it came time for the two to show their stuff in their own Disney show, Rescue Rangers, they did an admirable job for the series’ 3 season run.
In 2022, a newRescue Rangersmovie was released, as a kind of meta joke on thepair’s entire existence. It has settled at 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, and saw some solid viewership numbers, meaning a potential sequel to this hilarious take on these adorable rodents is not out of the realm of possibility.
