The 1980s were a golden age for cartoons aimed at boys. From science-fiction and fantasy to action-adventure and comedy, there was a show for every taste. Here are the top 10 boys cartoons of the 1980s. I thought it would be fun to take a peek at what we were watching in the 80’s and 90’s when we got home from school…
Top 10 Boys Cartoons of the 1980’s and 1990’s
- Transformers
Transformers was one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. The show, which aired from 1984 to 1987, followed the battles between the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, who could transform into vehicles and other objects. The show was hugely popular, and led to a massive toy line, comic books, and several movies.
- G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero was another hugely successful show in the 1980s. The show followed the adventures of the G.I. Joe team, a group of highly skilled soldiers fighting against the evil Cobra organization. The show was known for its action-packed storylines and memorable characters, and helped to sell a huge amount of G.I. Joe toys.
- He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a fantasy show that ran from 1983 to 1985. The show followed the adventures of Prince Adam, who transformed into the mighty He-Man to battle against the evil Skeletor and his minions. The show was known for its iconic characters and catchphrases, and led to a successful toy line.
- Thundercats
Thundercats was a science-fiction show that ran from 1985 to 1989. The show followed the adventures of a group of cat-like aliens who had escaped the destruction of their home planet and crash-landed on Third Earth. The show was known for its stunning animation and imaginative world-building, and is still beloved by fans today.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a comedy-action show that premiered in 1987. The show followed the adventures of four turtles who had been mutated into humanoid form and trained in martial arts by their rat sensei. The show was known for its irreverent humor and memorable characters, and led to a huge merchandising empire.
- The Real Ghostbusters
The Real Ghostbusters was an animated spin-off of the hit 1984 movie Ghostbusters. The show followed the adventures of the Ghostbusters as they battled supernatural threats in New York City. The show was known for its humor and memorable characters, and helped to keep the Ghostbusters franchise alive in the years following the movie’s release.
- Voltron: Defender of the Universe
Voltron: Defender of the Universe was a science-fiction show that aired from 1984 to 1985. The show followed the adventures of a team of astronauts who piloted giant robot lions that could combine to form the mighty Voltron. The show was known for its epic action scenes and impressive animation, and helped to popularize the “mecha” genre of anime.
- Transformers: Beast Wars
Transformers: Beast Wars was a sequel to the original Transformers series that aired from 1996 to 1999, but it is often included in lists of the top boys cartoons of the 1980s due to its popularity and influence. The show followed the battles between the Maximals and the Predacons, who had taken on animal forms rather than vehicles. The show was known for its impressive computer-generated animation and complex storytelling.
- DuckTales
DuckTales was a comedy-adventure show that aired from 1987 to 1990. The show followed the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews as they traveled the world in search of treasure. The show was known for its humor and memorable