1. The Snorks
The Snorks were basically The Smurfs under the sea, and for kids of the ’80s, they were everywhere. These little sea creatures with snorkels on their heads zipped through their underwater cities, dealing with bullies, rivalries, and adventures in their bright, coral-colored world. While they were never as popular as their blue cousins, they still made quite the splash for a few years on Saturday mornings.
When people look back on ’80s cartoons, The Snorks often get pushed aside, but they really were fun and creative. The characters had distinct personalities, the theme song was catchy, and the setting made it feel fresh. For anyone who watched, the memory of those colorful creatures swimming through seashell houses never quite faded.
2. Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats
Garfield and Friends may have dominated comic strips and Saturday mornings, but Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats had its own memorable run in the ’80s. The show featured the mischievous orange cat pulling pranks, scheming, and generally causing chaos. But what many kids loved most were the segments with the Catillac Cats, a cool gang of felines led by Riff Raff who always seemed to be up to something clever.
It’s a cartoon that feels overshadowed today, but it had a lot of personality. Heathcliff’s street-smart humor paired with the stylish, almost jazzy vibe of the Catillac Cats made it stand out. Anyone who grew up with the show can probably still hear that bouncy theme song in their head.
3. Adventures of the Gummi Bears
Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears was one of the company’s first big forays into TV animation. The show followed a group of magical bears who drank “Gummi Berry Juice” that gave them bouncing powers, all while protecting their home from evil ogres and scheming humans. It was colorful, adventurous, and full of fantasy, and for a while, it was a must-watch on Saturday mornings.
Even though the Gummi Bears were hugely popular at the time, they don’t get as much recognition today as later Disney series like DuckTales or Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Still, for kids of the ’80s, the bouncy bears with their secret treehouse lair hold a very special place in memory.
4. The Wuzzles
The Wuzzles were pure ’80s charm, combining two different animals into one character. Bumblelion, Eleroo, and Hoppo were just a few of the hybrid critters who lived in a bright, imaginative world. The idea was quirky and creative, and it gave kids something a little different from the usual superhero or adventure cartoons of the time.
Despite being a Disney creation, The Wuzzles only lasted for one season, which makes it easy to forget how popular they briefly were. The toys, books, and lunchboxes were everywhere for a short while, and the characters had a look that screamed mid-’80s style. For many fans, it was one of those shows that burned bright and fast.
5. Denver, the Last Dinosaur
Denver, the Last Dinosaur had one of the catchiest theme songs of the entire decade, and it was impossible not to sing along. The show followed a group of teens who discovered a friendly dinosaur named Denver and tried to keep him safe from villains who wanted to exploit him. It was lighthearted, funny, and had just enough action to keep kids tuning in.
While it was a big deal in its moment, Denver, the Last Dinosaur isn’t often mentioned alongside other classic cartoons of the time. Still, he was one of those characters who left a mark, especially with that funky skateboard-riding, sunglasses-wearing design. For kids of the late ’80s, Denver was both cool and cuddly.
6. Rainbow Brite
Rainbow Brite was a rainbow-haired heroine who brought color and light to her magical world. With her friends, the Color Kids, and her horse Starlite, she fought off the gloomy Murky and Lurky, who wanted to spread darkness everywhere. The show was filled with bright visuals and positive messages that were hard to resist.
Rainbow Brite was more than just a cartoon; she was a full-on phenomenon with dolls, books, and clothing lines. While she’s not talked about much today, anyone who had a Rainbow Brite doll in the ’80s still remembers how special she felt. The show embodied the optimism and whimsy of the era.
7. Inspector Gadget
Inspector Gadget was a bumbling detective with endless gadgets built into his body, from helicopter hats to extendable arms. The catch was that he was terrible at his job, and it was always his niece Penny and her dog Brain who actually solved the crimes. With villains like Dr. Claw lurking in the shadows, the show was funny, exciting, and endlessly inventive.
It’s surprising how often Inspector Gadget gets left out of ’80s nostalgia lists, considering how popular it once was. The catchphrase “Go-Go-Gadget” became part of the decade’s pop culture, and the mix of humor and action made it work for kids of all ages. For many, it was the perfect after-school cartoon.
8. Jem and the Holograms
Jem and the Holograms was truly outrageous, as the theme song proudly declared. The show followed Jerrica Benton, who used a high-tech computer named Synergy to transform into rock star Jem and lead her band. They juggled fame, friendships, and battles with rival band The Misfits, all while delivering plenty of drama and fashion.
The series was basically a soap opera for kids, filled with cliffhangers, romance, and neon-bright music videos. It doesn’t get as much attention today as other ’80s toons, but Jem was groundbreaking in how it mixed music, storytelling, and style. For fans, the show’s mix of glam rock and adventure was unforgettable.
9. The Real Ghostbusters
After the success of the Ghostbusters movie, the animated series The Real Ghostbusters became a Saturday morning staple. The show followed the same characters from the film, with their proton packs, Ecto-1, and of course, Slimer tagging along. It expanded the Ghostbusters universe in ways the movies never had time for.
The Real Ghostbusters was scarier and darker than many cartoons at the time, with real monsters and creepy storylines. That made it stand out, even if it sometimes got overlooked in later years. For kids of the ’80s, it was one of the coolest cartoons around, and it kept the Ghostbusters brand alive between films.
10. Muppet Babies
Muppet Babies brought Jim Henson’s famous characters into the nursery, reimagining them as toddlers with big imaginations. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the rest would go on adventures without ever leaving their playroom, thanks to their boundless creativity. The show blended animation with clips from real movies, making it feel different from anything else.
It was a massive hit for years, but it’s often overshadowed by The Muppet Show or the movies. Still, Muppet Babies struck a chord because it was both funny and heartfelt, teaching kids about problem-solving, kindness, and creativity. For many, it was one of the sweetest cartoons of the decade.
11. Thundercats
Thundercats brought action and fantasy to Saturday mornings, with Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro, and the rest battling the evil Mumm-Ra. The characters were part-cat, part-human, and lived in a futuristic world filled with danger and adventure. The animation was sleek and the storyline had more intensity than many other shows of the time.
Even though it was huge back in the ’80s, Thundercats doesn’t always get mentioned as often as He-Man or Transformers. But for kids who watched, it was every bit as epic. The Sword of Omens, with its iconic “Thunder… Thunder… Thundercats, ho!” call, still echoes in the minds of fans today.
12. DuckTales
DuckTales was one of Disney’s crown jewels in the late ’80s, following Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie on globe-trotting adventures. With Launchpad McQuack at their side, they searched for treasure, fought villains, and brought a sense of fun and excitement to every episode. The catchy theme song is still one of the most beloved in cartoon history.
It’s still remembered fondly today, but DuckTales is sometimes taken for granted because of how big it was. For kids in the ’80s, it was must-see TV, and it set the stage for Disney’s entire afternoon cartoon empire. Looking back, it really was one of the best shows of the decade.
