Top 10 Nostalgic Saturday Morning Cartoons from the 80s

First up on our list of Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s is Garfield and Friends. It aired from 1988 to 1994, bringing Jim Davis‘s famous comic strip characters to life.

The show centered around Garfield, the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating orange tabby cat, his owner Jon Arbuckle, and Odie, the good-natured but simple-minded dog. Each episode typically featured two Garfield segments and one segment from U.S. Acres, another comic strip by Davis. Episodes often showcased Garfield’s attempts to satisfy his endless appetite, avoid any form of exercise, and outsmart those around him. The U.S. Acres segments focused on the lives of various farm animals, adding variety to the series.

What makes Garfield and Friends so nostalgic for many viewers today is its clever humor, which appeals to both children and adults. Additionally, the catchy theme song and the animation style made the show a hit.

Next, Inspector Gadget quickly became a cartoon sensation. It ran from 1983 through 1985, entertaining kids throughout the mid-80s.

At its core, the show followed the titular Inspector Gadget, a cyborg detective whose body was filled with high-tech tools. His mission was to stop the evil Dr. Claw and M.A.D. (Mean And Dirty). But Gadget wasn’t the real hero of the show. The true heroes were his niece Penny and dog Brain, who did the real sleuthing. They worked secretly to solve cases while keeping Gadget out of trouble.

The show’s nostalgic appeal came from its catchy theme song, “Go, Gadget, go!” which still plays on repeat in fans’ minds. Another thing that made the show stand out was Penny and Brain’s secret smarts, which definitely resonated with kids as they watched. It made them feel also smart and capable, making this show a beloved 80s classic.

Up next is Jem, an animated series created by Christy Marx that aired from 1985 to 1988. The plot followed Jerrica Benton, who used holographic technology to become rock star Jem and lead her band The Holograms.

The show blended music, fashion, and adventure, featuring original songs and music videos in each episode. Storylines sometimes even involved conflicts with rival bands like The Misfits, as the show explored themes of identity and friendship.

Jem was unlike any other show at the time, combining action and music in children’s animation. Its catchy songs, fashion, and empowering messages for young girls made it a unique and influential series that maintained popularity long after its original run.

Another one of the best Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s was The Real Ghostbusters, an animated series that ran from 1986 to 1991. It was based on the top-grossing 1984 film Ghostbusters. The show also followed the continuing adventures of paranormal investigators Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, and Winston Zeddemore.

Each episode showed the team tackling supernatural threats in New York City, of course, assisted by their secretary Janine and pet ghost Slimer. The show’s monsters, character development, and surprisingly complex storylines set it apart from typical Saturday morning cartoons.

Next, The Smurfs is an animated series based on the Belgian comic, aired from 1981 to 1989. The show followed the adventures of small, blue creatures living in a village of mushroom houses in the forest.

The Smurfs’ peaceful existence was often threatened by the evil wizard Gargamel and his cat Azrael, who wanted to capture the Smurfs. The show captivated audiences with its charming characters, each named after their defining trait or role in the village. The show’s simple yet engaging plotlines and the Smurfs’ unique language – sprinkled with the word “smurf” as a substitute for many verbs and nouns – contributed to its popularity.

The show’s success led to movies, video games, and merchandise. These little blue creatures an iconic part of 80s pop culture that continues to resonate with audiences today.

DuckTales, an animated series produced by Disney, originally aired from 1987 to 1990. Based on Carl Barks‘ Uncle Scrooge comic books, the show followed the adventures of billionaire Scrooge McDuck and his family.

When Scrooge became the guardian of his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, his life of treasure hunting got even more exciting. Each episode featured the group going on quests for riches or solving mysteries, usually facing off against villains like the Beagle Boys.

Later, in 2017, Disney launched a successful reboot, introducing DuckTales to a new generation. The reboot maintained the spirit of the original while also updating the animation style and characters. Overall, the show’s enduring popularity proved that family and a little bit of duck-themed fun never go out of style.

The Care Bears, an animated series based on the American Greetings card characters, first aired from 1985 to 1988. The show centered on a group of colorful bears living in the clouds in Care-a-Lot.

Each Care Bear had a unique “belly badge” reflecting their role or personality. The series typically featured the Care Bears working together to overcome challenges, often venturing to Earth to help children with their problems. They used their “Care Bear Stare,” a beam of light from their bellies, to defeat negative emotions and spread love and care.

The Care Bears‘ popularity extended beyond television, eventually leading to movies, books, and a highly successful toy line. The franchise has also had several revivals and reboots over the years, introducing new generations to these cuddly characters.

Another one of the top 10 Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s is The Transformers, an animated series based on the Hasbro toy line. The series originally aired from 1984 to 1987. It showed the conflict between the heroic Autobots and the Decepticons, robots from the planet Cybertron.

Led by Optimus Prime, the Autobots protected Earth and its inhabitants. Each episode usuallly featured battles, showcasing the robots’ ability to transform into vehicles and other objects.

Overall, The Transformers captivated audiences with its innovative concept, combining action-packed storytelling with transforming robots. The franchise’s success also led to spin-offs, movies, and a continuing toy line, cementing its place in pop culture history.

The Jetsons, a futuristic animated sitcom by Hanna-Barbera, originally aired from 1962 to 1963, but more episodes came out in the 80s. Set in 2062, it followed the Jetson family, their dog Astro, and robot maid Rosie. Even as a 2000s kid, I watched this show growing up, earning it a special place on this list.

The show depicted a world of flying cars, robot assistants, and space-age gadgets. Episodes typically revolved around George‘s work troubles, the kids’ adventures, and the family’s interactions with futuristic technology. While the show’s prediction of life in 2062 may seem ambitious from our 2024 perspective, it still inspires and entertains viewers to this day with its creative portrayal of futuristic technology.

Even today, The Jetsons remains a beloved classic for its optimistic and whimsical vision of the future. It showcased imaginative designs and relatable family dynamics in a fantastical sci-fi setting. Notably, it was also the first program broadcast in color on ABC!

Capping our list of Saturday morning cartoons from the 80s is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The original animated series aired from 1987 to 1996, bringing the comic book characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird to life.

The show centered around four turtle brothers- Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo—trained in ninjutsu by their rat sensei, Master Splinter. Each episode featured the Turtles’ efforts to protect New York City from threats, primarily the evil Shredder and other villains. Episodes showcased the Turtles’ martial arts skills and their love for pizza, while also delivering their iconic catchphrases like “Cowabunga!”

Overall, what makes TMNT so memorable for many viewers today is its perfect blend of action and humor. This show was one of my dad’s favorites growing up, as he owned tons of TMNT memorabilia. It has always had a place in my household, earning the final spot on our list.

RELATED: Top 10 Scream Queens of the 80s