The Most Unforgettable '80s Cartoons
  • Photo 1:
    • Toei Company / AKOM
  • Photo 2:
    • Hasbro / Sunbow Productions
  • Photo 3:
    • CBC Television
TV|TV Programs

The Most Unforgettable '80s Cartoons

Ranker TV
Updated October 15, 2025 615.6K views 80 items
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19.9Kvoters289.6Kvotes
13reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite animated TV shows that aired during the 1980s

Ah, the '80s – a golden era for cartoons that weren't just for Saturday mornings. They were a vibe, a legit culture that has stuck with us over the years. We're talking about shows that fueled our imagination and made us rush home from school. So, in a love letter to that rad time, we've pulled together a list celebrating the best 1980s cartoons of all time.

From the epic adventures of The Transformers to the sewers of New York with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, these series were more than just entertainment; they became legends. They introduced us to worlds where cars could transform into giant robots and turtles mastered ninjutsu. Each episode wasn't just a show; it was a whole experience. So, get ready to take a nostalgia-packed trip down memory lane with this list of the best 80s cartoons of all time - and be sure to vote on your favorites to influence the rankings for future readers.

Most divisive: The Flintstone Kids
Over 19.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Unforgettable '80s Cartoons
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.
Ranked by
  • ThunderCats
    1

    ThunderCats

    January 23, 1985
    7,560 votes

    After the ThunderCats flee their dying home planet, they reach Third Earth and establish a lair. When the Mutants follow them there, they must fight them off to ensure their survival as well as the safety of Third Earth. Several comic series and video games were made based on the show, contributing to its lasting popularity.

    • Actors: Peter Newman, Gerrianne Raphael, Robert McFadden, Larry Kenney, Earl Hammond
  • The Transformers
    2

    The Transformers

    September 17, 1984
    7,591 votes

    Inspired by Japanese toyline Microman, Hasbro's second attempt at a product-based television show (after G.I. Joe) was even more successful. Alien robots fighting each other was a no-brainer and the popularity of the Autobots and Decepticons was immense upon release. To this day, the franchise remains in the mainstream.

    • Actors: Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Corey Burton, Chris Latta, John Stephenson
  • He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
    3

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

    September 5, 1983
    7,802 votes

    Prince Adam, through the Sword of Power, transforms into He-Man and is endowed with magical powers. Along with his closest ally Battle Cat, He-Man must defend Eternia from the evil Skeletor. The wildly successful show spawned the spin-off She-Ra: Princess of Power.

    • Actors: John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Lou Scheimer, Linda Gary
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    4

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    December 28, 1987
    7,690 votes

    One of the most popular animated series in television history, the series launched the merch boom of the Ninja Turtles in the late 80s. The show follows Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Rafael as they battle Shredder, Krang, and other bad guys. Interestingly, though the show started off lively with inept villains, the last three seasons of the cartoon were notably darker and more mature and the action was turned up several notches.

    • Actors: Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Barry Gordon, Townsend Coleman, Renae Jacobs
  • DuckTales
    5

    DuckTales

    September 18, 1987
    7,327 votes

    Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews go treasure hunting (after Donald enlists in the Navy) in this classic Disney show. The popularity of DuckTales can be attributed partially to its homages to classic stories and popular culture, as they parodied Shakespeare, Indiana Jones, Sherlock Holmes, and more.

    • Actors: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern, Frank Welker
  • The Bugs Bunny Show
    6

    The Bugs Bunny Show

    October 11, 1960
    3,468 votes

    Essentially just a compilation of classic shorts, The Bugs Bunny Show was still insanely popular in the 1980s. The rights for these old cartoons was shuffled around between stations as well as merged with other popular characters to make blocks like The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show and The Bugs Bunny & Tweety Show.

    • Actors: Mel Blanc