The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today

As someone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I have to say that these three shows hold a special place in my heart! Each one of them brought joy, laughter, and adventure into our living rooms at a time when cartoons were truly magical.


Many American ’80s cartoons were primarily created with the intention of promoting toy sales. Those who lived during that era fondly remember their cherished Hasbro toy collections, often colliding them without much ceremony as they reenacted battles from the previous day’s television episodes.

Absolutely, several properties proved so engaging that they refused to be contained within the boundaries of a single era. Some would eventually achieve iconic status as cult favorites, while others would give birth to some of today’s most renowned franchises. Herein lies a compilation of some of the most enduring 80’s cartoons that continue to thrive.

6 He-Man

He-Man and The Masters of the Universe Debuted In 1983

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today

  • Creator(s): Mattel
  • Latest Outing: Masters of the Universe: Revolution

In the universe, the character known as Prince Adam, who is famously recognized as He-Man, the most potent man alive, is under observation. His mission involves safeguarding Eternia against the malevolent Skeletor. Throughout the 80s and 90s, this duty consumed his every waking moment, with a host of other series in the franchise detailing He-Man’s thrilling adventures.

In the early 2000s, the Eternian hero temporarily stepped away from active duty, but recently reappeared in the Netflix series “Revolution” and “Revelation,” produced by Kevin Smith. While opinions about its quality vary, there’s no denying that He-Man’s enduring popularity remains strong even after all these years.

5 Transformers

The Transformers Debuted In 1984

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today
  • Creator(s): Takara Tomy, Hasbro
  • Latest Outing: Transformers One (2024)

In 1984, Transformers were introduced as a highly profitable toy collection, and at about the same time, a television show was launched alongside it. Since then, the Autobots have been raking in the money.

As a passionate Transformers fan, I’ve been feasting on fantastic animated series and blockbuster live-action movies led by the legendary Michael Bay for years. Up next is “Transformers One”, a computer-generated film where big names like Brian Tyree Henry and Chris Hemsworth lend their voices to our favorite characters.

4 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Debuted In 1987

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today
  • Creator(s): Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird
  • Latest Outing: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) train, which was first put into motion in ’84, has never really slowed down or left the rails. There’s been a continuous flow of comics, live-action movies, and video games throughout the years, indicating that this franchise has developed a life of its own.

Most recently, the 2023 animated movie Mutant Mayhem debuted to 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.

3 DuckTales

DuckTales Debuted In 1987

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today
  • Creator(s): Carl Banks, Jymn Magon, Tedd Anasti, Patsy Cameron, Disney
  • Latest Outing: DuckTales (2017)

DuckTales was originally a hit show that introduced us to Disney’s cherished duck characters – Huey, Dewey, Louie, and their uncle Scrooge McDuck. The series ran for three successful years on the Disney Channel before it was temporarily discontinued, yet its impact continued to endure.

Indeed, the program underwent a successful revival in the form of a three-season run from 2017 to 2021, each season standing independently. This revamped series garnered numerous award nominations, including some Daytime Emmys, demonstrating that the show’s acclaim wasn’t solely based on three decades of fond memories but also on its own merits.

2 Garfield

Garfield and Friends Debuted In 1988

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today
  • Creator(s): Jim Davis
  • Latest Outing: The Garfield Movie (2024)

Initially appearing in a comic strip for newspapers, Garfield has won over countless fans worldwide due to his laid-back demeanor. Over time, this lazy cat character has been expanded upon, resulting in an ever-growing number of endearing characteristics, particularly his fondness for lasagna.

Beginning in 1980, Garfield made his debut on television in compilation shows and specials. Since then, he has been adapted into various forms, ranging from children’s literature to stage performances. Notably, his latest animated film has achieved significant financial success, ranking as the top movie in the franchise.

1 Chip ‘N Dale

Rescue Rangers Debuted In 1989

The Best 80s Cartoons That Are Still Around Today
  • Creator(s): Bill Justice
  • Latest Outing: Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)

Initially, Chip and Dale appeared in several Disney shorts, but they often took a backseat to other well-known Disney characters. Nevertheless, when given their own show, “Rescue Rangers,” they proved themselves worthy for the three seasons it ran.

2022 marked the debut of a fresh Rescue Rangers movie, which was cleverly designed as an inside joke about their ongoing storyline. Currently, it boasts an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has attracted substantial viewership, hinting at the possibility that a follow-up, packed with more laughter from these charming rodents, could be in the works.

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2024-08-04 15:34