From the mid-1960s into the 2010s, Saturday mornings were a time when kids across America could come together with one shared mission: to sit down in front of the television and watch hours of programming created specifically for them.
You’d have the occasional live-action show in the mix, but for the most part, it was all about tuning in for the cartoons. Superheroes, sci-fi, funny animals… you name it, there was probably a series revolving around it.
While specific attachments inevitably depend on one’s generation, it’s fair to say the ‘80s were a bountiful period, even if a good number of those cartoons were actually airing in syndication — meaning they aired on weekdays rather than Saturdays.
Still, a cartoon is a cartoon, and everyone knows weekends are made for them. As such, here are Entertainment Weekly’s picks for the 20 best ’80s cartoons to rewatch this Saturday morning.
20. Garfield and Friends (1988–1994)
Paws, Inc.
It’s now inconceivable that a newspaper comic strip could become popular enough to spawn a prime-time special, let alone a Saturday morning cartoon, but that’s how successful Garfield was in the ’80s. Created by Jim Davis, Garfield got the bump to a weekly series in 1988, with the titular Friends including not only Garfield’s supporting cast from the comic strip – his owner Jon and Odie the dog – but separate segments for U.S. Acres, Davis’ other daily strip.
Thanks to showrunner Mark Evanier, the vocal talents of Lorenzo Music as Garfield, and the general popularity of the cat in question, the series started strong and only got stronger, ultimately running for seven seasons.
19. The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985)
Hanna-Barbera Productions
After what seemed like an interminable period where Scooby-Doo was saddled with his annoying nephew, Scrappy-Doo, viewers finally got a new incarnation of Scooby adventures in 1985. This time, there was an ongoing arc in which Scooby and Shaggy accidentally open the Chest of Demons, releasing 13 ghosts and demons into the world.
There’s notably no Fred or Velma here; in addition to Shaggy and Daphne, this Scooby instead includes a kid named Flim Flam and Vincent Van Ghoul, a warlock voiced by Vincent Price. Although the series lasted for 13 episodes, the 13th ghost wasn’t captured until 2019, when fans finally got closure with the direct-to-video movie, Scooby-Doo and the Curse of the 13th Ghost.
Where to watch The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo: Amazon Prime (to buy)
18. Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983–1990)
Courtesy Everett Collection
The saga of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore begins in 1958 with a novelty song called “Witch Doctor,” and their popularity was cemented later that year with “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late).” By 1961, they were popular enough to have their own primetime series, The Alvin Show. After struggling through the ’70s, the Chipmunks mounted a comeback in 1980 with a new album (Chipmunk Punk), which led to a 1981 holiday special (A Chipmunk Christmas), after which viewers got this new series (and its insidiously catchy synth-driven theme song).
This, by the way, is the series that first introduced the now-legendary Chipettes. It also spawned the Chipmunks’ first feature-length animated film, 1987’s The Chipmunk Adventure.
Where to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks: Not available to stream
17. The Smurfs (1981–1989)
Hanna-Barbera/Everett
Created by Belgian cartoonist Peyo in 1958, the Smurfs owe their spot on NBC’s Saturday morning lineup to legendary TV exec Fred Silverman, who bought his daughter a Smurf doll and thought they might make a good animated series. Boy, did they! For all the single-season animated flops on NBC during Silverman’s tenure — four words: The Gary Coleman Show — The Smurfs was an unbridled success, running for 256 episodes.
Yes, the use of “Smurf” as a noun, verb, and adjective got a little old after a while. But between the individual Smurfs, the deliciously despicable Gargamel, and his equally evil cat Azrael, the series kept the kids coming back for nine seasons, creating enough fond memories to turn the Smurfs into a film franchise three decades later.
16. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1989–1990)
Buena Vista Television/Everett
This duo got their start way back in 1943 in a Pluto short, Private Pluto. But when they became the nemeses of Donald Duck in 1947’s Chip an’ Dale, they finally found enough momentum to become Disney regulars, starring in a grand total of 23 shorts over the course of a decade. Thanks to writers Tad Stones and Alan Zaslove, however, Chip ‘n Dale got a new lease on life as detectives, of all things.
The chipmunks teamed with an Australian mouse named Monterey Jack, his dragonfly pal Zipper, and the team’s mechanic, Gadget Hackwrench, to battle such villainous characters as Fat Cat and Professor Norton Nimnul.
In 2022, director Akiva Schaffer helmed a new — and hilarious — film that revisited the characters, with John Mulaney and Andy Samberg voicing Chip ’n Dale, respectively.
15. Thundarr the Barbarian (1980–1981)
Ruby-Spears/Everett
Although it’s been virtually forgotten, Thundarr the Barbarian is an underrated series that warrants rediscovery. Created by Steve Gerber, best known for Howard the Duck and legendary runs on The Defenders and Man-Thing, the series is set in a post-apocalyptic 40th century, two millennia after a comet split the moon in half and caused major destruction to Earth.
Now, the planet is home to a civilization of “savagery, super-science, and sorcery.” Though evil is running rampant, Thundarr refuses to be kept down, battling back with the help of the sorceress Ariel and Ookla the Mok, a Wookie-like creature forced into the series by ABC over Gerber’s objections.
With production design by Jack Kirby and character design by Alex Toth, any comic book fan should already be familiar with this show, but if not, it’s high time for a binge.
Where to watch Thundarr the Barbarian: Amazon Prime (to buy)
14. ThunderCats (1985–1989)
Rankin/Bass Productions/Everett
As the planet of Thundera enters its death throes, a team of heroes — Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro, Tygra, WilyKit and WilyKat, and Snarf — go into suspended animation and make their way to Third Earth. Good news, right? Sure, until they discover the Mutants of Plun-Darr have followed them all the way from Thundara, only to join forces with the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra. Let the battle ensue… or should we say, “ThunderCats, ho?”
Oddly, this secret-origin story didn’t air until after the series’ first season, but it didn’t stop kids from getting obsessed with both the characters and the toys they inspired, keeping the show running for four seasons and two revivals: ThunderCats (2011) and ThunderCats Roar (2020), which got one season apiece.
13. She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985–1987)
Group W/Everett
So if She-Ra is He-Man’s twin sister, shouldn’t she be She-Woman? Apparently not, but somehow this Masters of the Universe spinoff rose above that confusing decision to bring in viewers… and no, not just the little sisters of the boys who were watching.
She-Ra — a.k.a. Prince Adam’s sister, Princess Adora — was originally introduced in the animated film He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword, which was then turned into the first five episodes of this series. Surprisingly, there are very few characters that cross over between the two series, and that includes the villains: Instead of Skeletor, She-Ra’s predominant nemesis is Hordak, who — get this! — was Skeletor’s teacher.
Between She-Ra’s two seasons, she did team up with her brother for He-Man and She-Ra: A Holiday Special.
Where to watch She-Ra: Princess of Power: Amazon Prime (to buy)
12. Spider-Man / Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981–1983)
Marvel
Things get confusing with Spider-Man’s ‘80s animated series. There were two of them — one a solo adventure, the other teaming Spidey with Firestar and Iceman — and both aired on NBC, usually back to back. But they had little, if any, shared continuity. Still, both were manna from heaven for up-and-coming comic nerds, providing inaugural animated appearances for a wide variety of Marvel characters, including the X-Men, which featured an Australian-accented Wolverine long before Hugh Jackman came along.
There’s one episode of the latter series you’ll have to dig for: “The Quest of the Red Skull.” Despite Disney+ having the entire Indiana Jones franchise, having Spider-Man fight a Nazi was apparently one step too far.
Where to watch Spider-Man / Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends: Disney+
11. My Little Pony (1986–1987)
Hasbro/Everett
Once upon a time, before there was a subset of the population known as “Bronies,” there was a toy line of ponies that inspired an animated feature and a TV series aimed at girls. The toys were a smash — an estimated 150 million ponies were sold in the ‘80s — and while the series couldn’t compete with those numbers, it still made an impression on those who tuned in.
Certainly, it made more of an impact than the other animated segments it was teamed with. Did you remember that My Little Pony was paired with characters like the Glo Friends, MoonDreamers, and the Potato Head Kids? We didn’t think so. Meanwhile, Buttons, Fizzy, Galaxy, Gusty, Mimic, Lofty, and North Star still live on in people’s memories.
10. The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991)
Courtesy Everett Collection
After the success of Ghostbusters (1984), there was immediate demand for a sequel. It took half a decade for a second movie to arrive, but fortunately for fans, the adventures of Messrs. Venkman, Stantz, Spengler, and Zeddemore continued in animated form a few years sooner.
The Real Ghostbusters — the “Real” having been added as a result of a lawsuit tied to the 1975 live-action series The Ghost Busters — was able to go places and incorporate creatures that never could’ve been pulled off on the silver screen.
It also gave the franchise an opportunity to use Slimer on a regular basis, providing instant comic relief for kids. But make no mistake, this show took its ghost stories seriously, resulting in a fanbase that extended to all ages.
9. Muppet Babies (1984–1991)
Henson Associates/Everett
What started out as a live-action segment in The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) turned into a cartoon so hip and clever, it’s unlikely to ever officially make its way to home video release or streaming. That’s due to a combination of cost-prohibitive music rights and clips borrowed from other films and TV series.
But it’s worth hunting it down on, ahem, other channels to appreciate just how great it was. With baby versions of Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Rolf, Animal, Scooter, and his twin sister, Skeeter, there should be cuteness overload. As with The Muppet Show, there’s enough humor for adult viewers to keep all ages entertained.
Where to watch Muppet Babies: Not available to stream
8. Jem (1985–1988)
Courtesy Everett Collection
She’s excitement, she’s adventure, she’s glamour and glitter, fashion and fame… Jem is her name, and no one else is the same. Some, if pressed, would even say she’s truly, truly, truly outrageous.
As frontwoman for the Holograms, Jem is the alter ego of record label owner Jerrica Benton. It’s not easy being an undercover rock star while also running Starlight Music, but she manages to do it with the help of her bandmates and a holographic computer called Synergy, which was built by Jerrica’s late father.
The series is a unique blend of music, sci-fi, and melodrama, unlike any other animated program of its time, with a running plotline in which Jem and the Holograms are competing with another female rock band, the Misfits. (Not Glenn Danzig’s legendary punk group that formed nearly a decade earlier.)
7. Dungeons and Dragons (1983–1985)
CBS
After hopping on a dark ride at a carnival, six kids — Hank, Eric, Diana, Presto, Sheila, and Bobby — are magically transported to a supernatural world, each having been given a new identity: Ranger, Cavalier, Acrobat, Magician, Thief, and Barbarian. Upon their arrival, they’re greeted by a wee man known only as the Dungeon Master, who enigmatically steers them through their new locale, keeping them safe from the evil forces of Venger while providing them with clues that will ostensibly lead them home.
Based on the iconic role-playing game, the series looked particularly epic and boasted top-notch writers. Though it ended with the kids still trapped, a script has since emerged that provides fans — and, perhaps more importantly, the characters — with a proper finale.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987–1996)
Nickelodeon
In 1984, independent comic books (i.e., basically anything not published by Marvel or DC) flew almost completely under the radar of the average consumer. So it’s no understatement to say that virtually no one saw the success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles coming. Within three years, however, it had made the jump from the printed page to the TV screen.
Granted, the tone of the Turtles’ adventures had been brightened up considerably from the comics, but kids ate it up. Under the tutelage of Master Splinter and the assistance of reporter April O’Neil, the crimefighting crew of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo ran for 10 seasons between Saturday mornings and syndication.
5. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983–1986)
Hasbro
Despite its jingoistic title and theme song, G.I. Joe really has nothing to do with America and everything to do with keeping the world safe from the terrorist forces of Cobra, including Cobra Commander, Destro, and Baroness. It’s no surprise that the series feels like something straight out of Marvel Comics: Not only was Marvel responsible for distributing the G.I. Joe comics, but it was Marvel Productions that produced the first animated commercials for the G.I. Joe toy line.
With a huge cast of characters, each of which inevitably scored their own action figure, G.I. Joe wasn’t just a hit in the States, it was an international success. In many countries, it was simply known as Action Force… and, really, can you blame them?
Where to watch G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero: The Roku Channel
4. DuckTales (1987–1990)
Buena Vista/Everett
Life is like a hurricane in Duckburg, filled with tales of derring-do, bad and good luck tales, which is why viewers never knew whether Uncle Scrooge and his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie might solve a mystery or, say, rewrite history. While its origins can be traced to old-school Disney shorts, the series evolved from the comic book adventures of the Duck family, including Donald.
Scrooge is famously wealthy — we all know the image of him swimming in his money vault — and a top-notch businessman, but he also enjoys a bit of adventure. With the aid of pilot Launchpad McQuack and inventor Gyro Gearloose, Scrooge and the ducklings travel the world, often stopping the Beagle Boys and Magica De Spell from stealing his treasures.
3. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983–1985)
Courtesy Everett Collection
Whenever Prince Adam holds aloft the Sword of Power and declares, “By the power of Greyskull, I have the power,” he transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. It’s a good thing he’s able to do that, too, since the planet of Eternia is perpetually at battle with the evil forces of Skeletor, including such figures as Beast Man, Evil-Lyn, Mer Man, Trap Jaw, and – lest we forget – Stinkor.
For his part, He-Man has a team that includes Battlecat, Man-at-Arms, the sorcerer Orko, Teela, and, uh… Fisto. The series was a major success, spawning a spinoff, a Christmas special (yes, really), and a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren as He-Man and Frank Langella as Skeletor.
Where to watch He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Amazon Prime (to buy)
2. Super Friends (1973–1985)
Courtesy Everett Collection
There are those who argue that Super Friends’ only glory years were the ’70s. No, not during that excruciating first season with Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog, but during Challenge of the Super Friends, a.k.a. the season with the Legion of Doom. Yes, that was a glorious time, but every season has a degree of merit.
It’s particularly worth seeking out the episodes that ran in 1984 and 1985: In addition to Superman, Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, The Legendary Super Powers Show adds Firestorm to the mix, while Galactic Guardians brings in Cyborg. These final two seasons also use more classic DC villains than ever — Darkseid! Brainiac! Lex Luthor! Joker! Penguin! Scarecrow! – and, in a bit of extra fun for old-school Batman fans, you get Adam West voicing the Caped Crusader.
1. Transformers (1984–1987)
Hasbro
In case you haven’t heard, there’s more to Transformers than meets the eye. It’s hard to place any other ‘80s cartoon in the top spot, given the way the franchise has continuously expanded beyond its animated incarnation. It started as a toy line of cars that could transform into robots, but soon became the story of two warring factions from the planet Cybertron — Autobots (good guys), led by Optimus Prime, and Decepticons (bad guys), led by Megatron — and their interactions with humanity on Earth.
Over time, we got Dinobots, Insecticons, and various other types. The mythos was further expanded with a feature film, cleverly titled Transformers: The Movie (1986). In 2007, the brand’s popularity was passed down to a new generation with Michael Bay’s live-action Transformers series.
