The 1980s were a golden age for animation, with Saturday morning lineups and prime-time slots packed with unforgettable shows. From action-packed adventures to music-filled dramas, the decade offered something for everyone. Now, as '80s nostalgia sweeps through fashion, food, and entertainment, it's the perfect time to revisit these classic cartoons. Whether you grew up with them or are discovering them for the first time, these animated gems still hold up. Here are the best 80s cartoons worth revisiting.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984–1985)
This series has it all: space, robots, lions, and human heroes. A group of pilots controls lion-shaped robots that combine into a giant mecha called Voltron to fight evil. It's a stunning blend of anime and Western animation, predating the Power Rangers by years. With a live-action movie in the works starring Sterling K. Brown and Henry Cavill, now is the time to catch up on the original. Filming has wrapped, but a release date is still pending.
Jem (1985–1988)
Jem captured the glitz and glamour of '80s pop music, inspired by icons like Prince and Madonna. The show followed a group of female singers navigating fame and friendship. It was a forerunner to later music-driven series and remains a fan favorite. A 2015 live-action film, Jem and the Holograms, starred Aubrey Shea, and BOOM! Studios recently announced a limited comic series to resolve the cliffhanger finale. Four decades later, Jem's legacy endures.
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981–1983)
With the massive success of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day (whose trailer broke records with 718 million views in 24 hours), Spider-Man is hotter than ever. This series teams Spidey with Iceman and Firestar for crime-fighting in New York City. It's a treat for Marvel fans, featuring cameos from other heroes. Unlike most solo Spider-Man shows, this ensemble dynamic makes it a standout.
ThunderCats (1985–1989)
“ThunderCats Hoooo!” This sci-fi fantasy epic follows feline-human hybrids who flee their destroyed home planet to Earth. Rich world-building and drama made it a hit, despite being tied to toy sales like many '80s shows. It inspired movies and spin-offs, proving its lasting appeal. For more binge-worthy nostalgia, check out The Ultimate Binge-Worthy Rewatches: 7 Shows That Get Better Every Time.
Transformers (1984–1987)
Almost as famous for its toy line as its story, Transformers features alien robots that disguise as vehicles and battle on Earth. The Autobots vs. Decepticons conflict is a classic good-versus-evil tale. Producers were shocked when fans protested the planned death of Optimus Prime in the 1986 movie, proving the show had created genuine emotional investment. It remains one of the best giant-robot series ever.
DuckTales (1987–1990)
Mixing Indiana Jones adventure with Back to the Future time travel, DuckTales follows Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews on treasure hunts. It's a fun, fast-paced series that spawned a successful reboot. For more top-tier miniseries, see Top 10 Miniseries of the Last 5 Years: The Best Binge-Worthy Stories Ranked.
These shows defined a generation and are still worth revisiting. Whether you're drawn to the epic battles of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe or the musical charm of Jem, the '80s cartoon renaissance is here. For more on the upcoming Masters of the Universe revival, read our Masters of the Universe Set Visit: How Vibrant Color and Practical Sets Revive Fantasy.
