Over 90 % Of People Can't Name These Popular 80s Cartoons. How About You?
- by Kevin Stewart
- – on
- in Movies and TV
The 1980s were, without any shadow of a doubt, the best time for children's television - especially that of the animated variety. No other era's animation is as recognisable, it's as simple as that, because the 1980s were when animation really came into its own.
Animated shows - better known as cartoons, of course, - were in abundance and offerings from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and all over the world became popular with children globally.
There were cartoons aimed at younger children, cartoons aimed at teenagers, cartoons aimed at boys, cartoons aimed at girls and, although it might sound like an oxymoron, the one thing they all had in common was that they were all different to the others.
We want to test your knowledge of 1980s cartoons. Were you growing up in the 1980s? Fancy yourself as a bit of an expert on 1980s children's television? Well let's find out if that's really the case. Can you name these iconic 1980s cartoons?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a French-Canadian-American cartoon produced by DIC Entertainment. It followed the exploits of an extremely clumsy and rather dimwitted detective who, in spite of the fact that he was human, had various bionic devices built into his body. He and his allies regularly went up against an evil organisation known as "M.A.D.", who were led by the evil Dr. Claw. He had a niece called Penny who had a dog called Brain - both of whom helped the lead character on a regular basis. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon, produced by Sunbow Productions, Marvel Productions, Toei Animation and AKOM, that was based on a Hasbro toy line. It focused on the war between two groups of giant robots - one called the Autobots, the other called the Decepticons - each of which could change into various kinds of vehicles and other objects. These days, it's been adapted into one of the most popular live action movie franchises in Hollywood, with the fifth instalment having just been released earlier this year. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This Filmation cartoon followed the adventures of a powerful hero who masqueraded as a prince while he wasn't in his transformed state. He lived on the planet Eternia and had a plethora of allies who included a giant cat that he used as a steed, a sorceress and a master of weapons. Their arch-enemy was an evil skull-faced sorcerer who lived in a snake-themed castle atop a mountain and had an army of bizarre henchman. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon, aimed at children of a preschool age, which was based on a live action show of the same name that was created by the late, great Jim Henson (of The Muppets fame). It followed the exploits of a group of small, anthropomorphic creatures who lived in a natural cave system, along with a variety of other weird and wacky creatures, including Doozers, Gorgs and a number of creatures from outer space. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American-Japanese cartoon, created by Tobin Wolf, that followed the exploits of a group of heroes, led by Lion-O, that included Panthro, Cheetara, Tygra and Snarf. They originated from a planet called Thundera but, when their planet died, they were forced to find a new home on a planet called Third Earth. Utilising a variety of skills, the heroes - utilising the powerful Sword of Omens - fought against their enemies, led by Mumm-Ra, who included the likes of Slithe, Jackalman, Monkian, Ratar-O and Vultureman. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon produced by none other than Disney. It followed the exploits of the mega-rich Scrooge McDuck and his three highly-adventurous grandnephews; Huey, Dewey and Louie. Most of the show's villains were looking to steal Scrooge's fortune and the show's adventures were typically based on historical legends. It had arguably the greatest theme tune of any show (of any kind) in television history. It will be rebooted with a new, modern look later this summer. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon that was a joint venture between Hasbro, Sunbow Productions and Marvel Productions (a subsidiary of the Marvel Entertainment Group you no doubt know so well today). It was about the owner of a music company called Starlight Music who had a mysterious and pink-haired alter-ego who was a singer, as well as her band and the adventures they had as a group. In 2015, it was turned into a live action musical fantasy movie. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon produced by DIC Entertainment and LBS Communications (and by Nelvana when it was on one particular station). It was based on an existing franchise that started out as characters who were seen on greetings cards. The characters in question were bears who lived high up in the clouds and travelled around carrying out helpful missions, while bad guys like Professor Coldheart and Lord No Heart attempted to thwart them. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon produced by Marvel Productions, Steven Hahn Productions and TYCO. It was primarily used to promote a then-new TYCO toy line. It focused mainly on two groups - the heroic Valorians and the evil Rulons - who were from the future, but who ended up in prehistoric times, continuing their war there. They equipped dinosaurs with their futuristic technology and used them in their battle with each other (the Valorians befriended them, the Rulons mind-controlled them). But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a Japanese-American cartoon produced by Ruby-Spears and animated by Sunrise. There were contributions from comic book legends Jack Kirby and Gil Kane in terms of the show's design concepts. It focused on a team of heroes with names like Max Ray, Jake Rockwell and Ace McCloud. They wore exo-frames and fought against the evil Doc Terror - a villain who sought to conquer the Earth by subjugating its inhabitants by turning them into cyborg slaves. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a Japanese-American cartoon produced by Sunbow Productions, It was based on a rather unsuccessful toy line and, as a result, only lasted for a single season. It focused on the planet Prysmos, where all electronics had failed, so the population had to rely on old magics. The main characters were split into two groups - the Spectral Knights and the Darkling Lords - who, after being invited to compete in a competition by Merlin, were granted animal-based magical powers once they succeeded. TMS Entertainment and Hasbro. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This British cartoon was created by Paul Needs and Colin Wyatt and it aired on the BBC. The cast of characters were all tiny green people who lived "down at the bottom of the garden, among the birds and the bees" (as per the lyrics of the theme song), with items like upturned plant pots forming their buildings. Each of their names described their job or their most prominent trait (a bit like the Smurfs). But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This American cartoon, which was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, tended to air on a Saturday morning. Episodes were generally quite short, usually lasting just eleven minutes. The show followed two girls - Sandy and Monica - one a ditzy blonde, the other a geeky brunette - who lived with their uncle and their enormously oversized pet. The clumsy animal was always causing damage that the human characters would have to find ways to repair. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This Hanna-Barbera cartoon followed the exploits of a 13-year-old girl by the name of Sara. Sara grew up in the American West, but found out her true identity was that of a princess-in-hiding from the dangers that awaited her in another realm (her real titles was Princess Sara of Thuringia). Her steed was a mystical horse whose name was in the title of the show. She was actually destined to fight against an evil witch who went by the name of Lady Diabolyn. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This French-North American cartoon followed a group of heroic humans - led by a teenager - called the Lightning League. The humans operated white and silver vehicles that were equipped with a wide variety of weaponry. Their enemies were a villainous group of organic plant-based creatures called the Monster Minds. The Monster Minds travelled using huge organic green vines and sprout seeds that grew rapidly into other Monster Minds. Their seeds could spread all the way across space. Their leader was Saw Boss, who was the very first of his kind. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American cartoon that was produced by World Events Productions. It followed the adventures of a dinosaur, who found himself in the present day, after he was hatched from his egg by a group of teenagers in California. The teenagers taught him things like skateboarding and protected him from nasty characters who wanted to exploit him to make money for themselves. The show's episodes often had morals and focused on important issues like conservation, ecology and friendship. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This French-American cartoon by DIC Enterprises, Inc and Kenner was based on a line of colourful action figures. It followed the exploits of a special task force of transforming vehicles, who were led by a man called Matt Trakker, as they fought against an evil criminal organisation of similar vehicles, who were led by a man called Miles Mayhem. Each group wore super-powered masks with amazing abilities, such as energy blasts and control over various elements. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a Spanish-Japanese cartoon, produced by BRB Internacional and Nippon Animation, that was translated into English. It was set in the 17th century and followed the exploits of a young anthropomorphic dog who travelled to France with very specific intentions. In Paris, he befriended three other anthropomorphic dogs and fell in love with a maid-in-waiting for the Queen of Austria called Juliette. This cartoon had one of the most catchy and uplifting theme tunes you could ever hope to hear! But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a British cartoon produced by Maddocks Animation that aired on the BBC. It followed the exploits of a group of creatures in a Scottish loch, all of which had names associated with their personalities and traits. The cartoon also featured the very human MacTout family. Brother and sister duo Elspeth and Angus were the main human stars of the show and were able to call the creatures from the loch using their instruments (which were known as "thistle whistles"). But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was an American-French-Japanese cartoon based on a franchise of Hallmark Cards. It was produced by DIC Entertainment and Tokyo Movie Shinsha. It featured a young girl named Wisp (who gets renamed) who arrived in a grey, dank and desolate land with the sole purpose of bringing colour to it by locating something called the Sphere of Light. She had a variety of colourful allies, as well as an enemy known as the King of Shadows. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a cartoon based on a toy that was produced by Ellipse in France, Nelvana in Canada and Hi-Tops Video for home rental (in association with Golden Books). The show starred a blue furry creature who lived with a young boy by the name of Max. When the creature wore a pair of magic handcuffs, he turned into a stuffed toy, which enabled him and Max to keep his existence a secret from the rest of the world. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This was a British cartoon that was produced by Yorkshire Television. It was set in a toy factory, which was run by a man called Mr. Grimes, and it focused on a group of imperfect dolls who had been thrown into what was known as the reject bin. They came to life and had adventures when humans weren't watching. They included characters like Sad Sack, Back-to-Front, Dotty and Lucy, with the moral being that it's okay not to be perfect. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This Spanish-Portuguese cartoon was produced by BRB Internacional. It was a spin-off of another show and focused on a group of little people. The main character was a judge, who was an incredibly knowledgeable individual, who travelled around with his assistant Danny, using a swan called Henry as their transport. Their aim in the show was to peacefully and wisely resolve any disputes or lawsuits that were taking place between creatures in the animal kingdom. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This British cartoon was produced for the BBC by Alan Rogers and Peter Lang of the Cut-Out Animation Co. It basically focused on the everyday adventures of a group of generally friendly people who lived in a British city, in an area consisting of flats, terraced housing and lots of birds. Characters included a long-distance lorry driver called Clara, an astronomer called Mr. Jupiter and two twins called Molly and Polly who were only distinguishable by having their initials on their clothing. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
Which iconic 1980s cartoon is this?
This British cartoon was produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for the London-based Thames Television. It parodied British spy fiction and featured the voice of the brilliant David Jason in the lead role. It followed a secret agent and his cowardly sidekick as they sought to bring down enemies that included an evil toad (who was also sometimes referred to as a frog). In 2015, the series was remade with a more modern look. But what iconic 1980s cartoon is this?