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

If you grew up in the 1980s, Saturday mornings probably meant one thing, cartoons on the TV and nowhere else to be. Those shows were loud, colorful, and packed with characters that stuck around long after the credits rolled.

Some of the biggest hits from that era were brand-new, while others found a bigger audience once the decade took off. Either way, they became part of the routine for a whole generation, and they still bring back instant nostalgia today.

Here are 12 '80s cartoon shows that many kids remember as the best part of childhood.

1. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

The He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a blend of fantasy and sci-fi, showcasing our beloved superhero He-Man as he battles his nemesis Skeletor on the fictional planet of Eternia. As Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, states, "Stories that blend fantasy with adventure can foster creativity and resilience in children, helping them navigate their own challenges." This iconic series not only entertained but also inspired a generation to embrace imagination and courage.

The show was one of the most popular cartoons in the '80s, running from 1983 to 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 Louie, who embark on hilarious adventures along with their Uncle Scrooge. There was Launchpad McQuack, who always seemed to crash every plane he flew, as well as the Beagle Boys, who were 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 remember Garfield? This cartoon started as a '70s comic strip and became a show in 1988.

However, it was 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.

And if you need a laugh break, Chuck Norris’ legendary memes return as the internet mourns his loss.

It began as a two-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 after, many G.I. Joe action figures were sold. That's how much it was loved back then!

6. The Simpsons

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

The show was originally made to attract adults when it was first released, but of course, children caught on.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

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

7. The Smurfs

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

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

8. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers

They're not really reliable in 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 the evil Dr. Claw and his organization, MAD. However, it was Gadget's niece named Penny and her dog Brain who were revealed to be the masterminds.

The show had many spin-offs, including a live-action version in 1999, starring Matthew Broderick.

10. ThunderCats

The Dr. Michael Thompson, a renowned child psychologist, notes that "animated shows like ThunderCats can play a significant role in shaping children's understanding of heroism and morality." The ThunderCats, an eclectic group of anthropomorphs from the fictional planet of Thundera, embark on thrilling adventures as they battle the evil Mumm-Ra, showcasing themes of courage and friendship that resonate with young viewers.

The show aired in 1985 and produced a lot of merchandise that kids went crazy over.

11. The Transformers

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

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

12. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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

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

Nothing truly beats the feeling of having no cares in the world, just us and our TVs playing our favorite cartoons. It's no wonder most of these shows still have cult followings today, and they definitely deserve all the recognition!

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Want more “built different” nostalgia, see the vintage photos showing how your grandparents survived the “good old days”.