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    Home/Browse/TV Shows/1980s TV Shows/1980s Animation TV Shows

    1980s Animation TV Shows

    The 40 most popular 1980s animation TV shows, ranked. Click any show for ratings, reviews, trailers, and where to watch.

    40shows
    1rated by members
    Top ratedRanma ½4.5
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    The Simpsons
    TMDB4.0

    The Simpsons

    1989 · US

    Set in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family; Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, as well as a virtual cast of thousands. Since the beginning, the series has been a pop culture icon, attracting hundreds of celebrities to guest star. The show has also made name for itself in its fearless satirical take on politics, media and American life in general.

    Dragon Ball Z
    TMDB4.2

    Dragon Ball Z

    1989 · JP

    Now happily married and with a son, martial arts champion Goku must defend Earth from a series of extraterrestrial invaders bent on destruction.

    Ranma ½
    TMDB4.3
    FF4.5

    Ranma ½

    1989 · JP

    Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist, and his father Genma travel to the 'cursed training ground' of Jusenkyo in China. There, despite the warnings of the Chinese guard, they fall into the cursed springs. From now on, whenever Ranma is doused in cold water, he turns into a girl and a cute, well-built redhead at that. Hot water changes him back into a man again, but only until the next time. To make matters worse, his father engages him to Akane Tendo, a girl who hates boys.

    Garfield and Friends
    TMDB3.6

    Garfield and Friends

    1988 · US

    The animated stories of Garfield the cat, Odie the dog, their owner Jon and the trouble they get into. And also Orson the Pig and his adventures on a farm with his fellow farm animals.

    Thomas & Friends
    TMDB3.4

    Thomas & Friends

    1984 · UK

    Thomas & Friends is a British children's television series, which had its first broadcast on the ITV network on 4 September 1984. It is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. These books deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised locomotives and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Wilbert told to entertain his son, Christopher during his recovery from measles. From Series one to four, many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience.

    SUPERKID
    TMDB4.0

    SUPERKID

    1983 · JP

    Mitsuo encountered Superman, an alien who is a part of a federation that tries to maintain peace in the galaxy. He then received a helmet (that also serves as a mask) that gives superhuman strength, a cape that enables the wearer to fly, and a badge that allows him to breathe underwater and communicate with his fellow comrades whom he met soon after he utilized these gifts. Superman made it clear to all Permans that their identity must be kept a secret or their brain will be destroyed should it ever be revealed and they are given a special doppelganger robot that can replace them while they are away to achieve this feat, although it is not entirely foolproof nor is it free from potential problems. These equipments then allowed them to be young Permans who try to maintain peace and help the people who are in need.

    Dr. Slump
    TMDB4.0

    Dr. Slump

    1981 · JP

    Senbei Norimaki, known by his nickname Dr. Slump, a genius yet under-respected inventor and roboticist, creates an android by the name of Arale, and poses her as his little sister. What starts as an experiment in robotics turns into an adventure every day for the residents of Penguin Village, a wacky rural community with several colorful characters interacting with Arale and her creator.

    Ninja Hattori-kun
    TMDB3.3

    Ninja Hattori-kun

    1981 · JP

    11-year-old Kenichi Mitsuba is an average kid who goes to secondary school and struggles with his studies, he is very stubborn and is very lazy and therefore always ends up frustrating his parents and teacher. He loves to find an easy way of things. He befriends Hattori Kanzo, a ninja from the Iga Clan, and he becomes part of the Mitsuba family along with his brother, Shinzo and his ninja dog, Shishimaru. Hattori helps Kenichi with his problems, and constantly keeps an eye on him, as a good friend. The main antagonist Kemumaki, a Koga ninja and his ninja cat, Kagechiyo always troubles Kenichi, mainly because of their feud over one girl, Yumeko. Kenichi asks Hattori to take revenge as a recurring storyline in many episodes. Although Hattori is a good friend, Kenichi sometimes fights with Hattori due to misunderstandings created by Kemumaki. Sometimes Jippou, Togejirou and Tsubame help him.

    The Smurfs
    TMDB3.5

    The Smurfs

    1981 · US

    Classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featuring magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These loveable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree... except for one major threat to their existance: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.

    Obake no Q-tarō
    TMDB4.0

    Obake no Q-tarō

    1985 · JP

    Q-taro, a monster, is living with the Ohara family. He can fly and make his body transparent, but he cannot turn his body into other things like other monsters do. He is a scattered mind, and he always makes mistakes and causes trouble. Sequel of Shin Obake no Q-tarou.

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    TMDB3.9

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    1987 · US

    Four turtles fall into the sewers and are befriended by Hamato Yoshi a Japanese man sent to New York who was forced to live in the sewers. One day he sees a strange green glow which transforms the four turtles into human-like creatures. Hamato (now Master Splinter) changes into a giant rat from the green glow and teaches the turtles the skills of the ninja as they team up with news reporter April O'Neil to battle against Yoshi's arch enemy Shredder and Krang, an alien warlord from Dimension X.

    Urusei Yatsura
    TMDB3.6

    Urusei Yatsura

    1981 · JP

    The invasion of an alien race known as the Oni begins a new life for Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous trouble-making tenth grader in the small town of Tomobiki. After unwittingly proposing to the Oni princess Lum Invader instead of his sweetheart Shinobu, Ataru becomes a conduit for aliens arriving on Earth, causing all sorts of havoc for him and his companions, not to mention his own reputation!

    Kiteretsu Daihyakka
    TMDB4.0

    Kiteretsu Daihyakka

    1988 · JP

    The main character is a scientific genius boy named Kiteretsu, who has built a companion robot named Korosuke. He frequently travels in time with his friends and Korosuke in the time machine he built. Miyoko is a girl in his neighborhood who is basically his girlfriend. Tongari is his rival, who happen to share some similar traits of Honekawa Suneo. Buta Gorilla is a typical neighborhood bully, who also share similar traits of Gian except that he often antagonizes Korosuke (though they are in grade school).

    Fist of the North Star
    TMDB4.0

    Fist of the North Star

    1984 · JP

    It's the year 199x, and Earth burns with the fires of a nuclear holocaust. On the charred remains of the planet's surface, humans struggle desperately to survive a fearful world. The young wanderer Kenshiro rises to stand against the violent reality. Upon his chest are seven scars in the shape of the North Star!

    Armored Trooper VOTOMS
    TMDB3.5

    Armored Trooper VOTOMS

    1983 · JP

    The story of stoic Armored Trooper pilot Chirico Cuvie and his quest for answers after a sudden betrayal leaves him on the run from his own military.

    The Transformers
    TMDB3.9

    The Transformers

    1984 · US

    The Transformers is the first animated television series in the Transformers franchise. The series depicts a war among giant robots that can transform into vehicles and other objects.

    DuckTales
    TMDB3.8

    DuckTales

    1987 · US

    Scrooge McDuck finds his hands full at home when nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie move to Duckburg. Joined by their loyal pals Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose and Mrs. Beakley, the DuckTales gang never fails to deliver a wealth of adventure. Get ready for a fortune of fun with DuckTales!

    Saint Seiya
    TMDB4.2

    Saint Seiya

    1986 · JP

    Ages ago, the goddess Athena was served by fighters called Saints who channeled the power of the Cosmos within them. Now a youth named Seiya has trained to become a Saint himself by earning the mystical Cloth of Pegasus. He is joined by other Saints with Cloths of their own to fight for Athena.

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold
    TMDB3.9

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold

    1982 · JP

    The adventures of a young Spanish boy named Esteban who joins a voyage to the New World in search of the lost Cities of Gold and his father.

    Yawara!
    TMDB3.4

    Yawara!

    1989 · JP

    Inokuma Yawara is just another young high school girl. Well, not quite - for Yawara is being raised by her grandfather, 7th dan Judo master Inokuma Jigorou, to be Japan's great hope for the women's Judo competition at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. All the same, Yawara just wants to live a normal life...

    Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears
    TMDB3.7

    Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears

    1985 · US

    Join the world’s sweetest heroes for high adventure in a mystical land of giants and wizards, ogres and dragons, and wondrous creatures both good and evil. Meet Gruffi, Zummi, Cubbi, Grammi, Tummi, Sunni, and all the legendary Gummis as they laugh, play, foil dastardly plots, and fight for what's right.

    G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
    TMDB3.8

    G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

    1983 · US

    An elite team of soldiers thwart the evil Cobra organization's desire for world domination at every turn, cleverly stopping them from controlling the weather, creating unstoppable weapons, and genetically engineering super-warriors.

    Spaceship Sagittarius
    TMDB3.3

    Spaceship Sagittarius

    1986 · JP

    Uchūsen Sagittarius is a 77-episode Japanese science fiction anime series directed by Kazuyoshi Yokota and created by Nippon Animation and TV Asahi. It aired from January 10, 1986 to October 3, 1987. The series is based on Altri Mondi, an Italian comic book drawn by physicist Andrea Romol.

    Mashin Hero Wataru
    TMDB3.7

    Mashin Hero Wataru

    1988 · JP

    Mashin Hero Wataru is a comedy/adventure Super Robot multimedia franchise originally consisting of 45 episode anime series created by Sunrise first aired on April 15, 1988. Sunrise credited "Hajime Yatate" for the storyline and Shuji Iuchi directed the series. The series employs a kinetic visual gag style, often employing characters running with their feet over their shoulders derived from Sunrise's previous Super Robot anime series Choriki Robo Galatt.

    The Real Ghostbusters
    TMDB3.9

    The Real Ghostbusters

    1986 · US

    The continuing adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, their secretary Janine Melnitz and their mascot ghost Slimer.

    My Little Pony
    TMDB3.3

    My Little Pony

    1986 · JP

    Ponyland is the home of all your favorite classic Little Ponies. Together, they live a life of games, songs and harmony with allies like the Bushwoolies and Furbobs. But, occasionally, there are problems in Ponyland and the Little Ponies of Paradise Estate must face evil witches, goblins, Stone Backs, Grundles and more!

    Fireman Sam
    TMDB3.0

    Fireman Sam

    1987 · UK

    Follow the adventures of fireman Sam and his colleagues as they protect the citizens of the Welsh town of Pontypandy. Whenever the alarm sounds, brave Sam and his co-workers can be counted on to jump into a fire engine, hop onto a helicopter, or even launch an inflatable lifeboat to battle blazes, mount rescue missions, or provide medical attention to those in need.

    The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    TMDB3.9

    The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

    1988 · US

    An American animated children's television series inspired by A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

    City Hunter
    TMDB3.9

    City Hunter

    1987 · JP

    Ryo Saeba works the streets of Tokyo as the City Hunter. He's a "sweeper" and with his sidekick Kaori Makimura, he keeps the city clean. People hire the City Hunter to solve their dangerous problems, which he does with a Colt Python. When Ryo's not working on a case, he's working on getting the ladies, and Kaori must keep him in check with her trusty 10 kg hammer.

    ThunderCats
    TMDB4.1

    ThunderCats

    1985 · US

    The inhabitants of the planet Thundera evacuate just before it is destroyed. They were pursued by a band of mutants. All but one of their escape ships was destroyed. Only a small group of Thunderians (Thundercats) remained. With only half engine power, the group, which was led by Jaga, had to set a course for the nearest planet. Jaga commanded their ship while the other seven were in their stasis tubes. Jaga died on their journey to Third Earth and their ship crashed there. Soon they made friends with various groups in the area and they designed a fortress. Mumm-Ra the centuries-old embodiment of evil, along with the mutants that destroyed the rest of the Thunderians are a constant threat. But Lion-O, the new leader of the Thundercats, with his weapon the "Sword of Omens" will help the Thundercats to have a standing chance.

    Alvin and the Chipmunks
    TMDB3.4

    Alvin and the Chipmunks

    1983 · US

    Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are adopted by human, Dave.

    Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
    TMDB3.8

    Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers

    1989 · US

    Chip and Dale head a small, eccentric group of animal characters who monitor not only the human world, but the animal community as well, solving mysteries wherever they may be. The "Rescue Rangers" take the cases that fall through the cracks.

    Captain Tsubasa
    TMDB3.9

    Captain Tsubasa

    1983 · JP

    Tsubasa Ozora loves playing football since he was a little child. After moving to the japanese town of Nankatsu together with his mother, the 11-year-old boy quickly finds friends and joins the local football team of his elementary school. Together with his newly made friends and Brazilian mentor Roberto, Tsubasa starts his exciting journey to chase after his most desired dream - one day winning the FIFA World Cup.

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
    TMDB3.7

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

    1983 · US

    When Adam, Prince of the planet Eternia, raises his magic sword he transforms into He-Man (the most powerful man in the universe). With his allies and friends, he battles the evil Skeletor and his minions to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull.

    Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    TMDB4.3

    Legend of the Galactic Heroes

    1988 · JP

    War rages between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. With two new brilliant young leaders at the helm, anything can happen in this military space opera.

    Snorks
    TMDB3.4

    Snorks

    1984 · US

    The Snorks is an animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera which ran on NBC from September 15, 1984, to May 13, 1989. Although not as popular as the animated series The Smurfs, the program continued to be available in syndication from 1986 to 1989 as part of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera's 3rd season, on USA Network in the late-1980s and early-1990s, on the BBC in the late 1990s, and from 2009–2011 and again from 2012–Present on Boomerang.

    Mister Ajikko
    TMDB3.1

    Mister Ajikko

    1987 · JP

    Mister Ajikko is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Daisuke Terasawa about a young boy cook. It was later adapted into anime series, produced by TV Tokyo and Sunrise. This show was broadcast from October 8, 1987 to September 28, 1989 with a total of 99 episodes. One of the earliest cooking/battle related manga and anime of its kind, there are some indications that this series is the inspiration for the live action competitive cooking show, Iron Chef.

    Maison Ikkoku
    TMDB3.9

    Maison Ikkoku

    1986 · JP

    Godai is a ronin (someone who has failed university entrance exams) living in a run down apartment house called Maison Ikkoku. Among the other residents are the nosy Ichinose, the sexy Akemi Roppongi, and the mysterious Yotsuya. The others are given to having wild parties which makes it difficult for Godai to study. Into this mayhem comes the recently widowed Kyoko as the new live-in manager. Godai falls for her, but doesn't have the nerve to tell her. As time passes, their relationship slowly develops amid life at Maison Ikkoku, despite all sorts of romantic hurdles.

    Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
    TMDB4.0

    Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

    1985 · JP

    Universal Century 0087, 7 years have passed since the end of the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. The Earth Federation has created an elite task force, known as the Titans, who are responsible for hunting the remaining Zeon forces. However, the power-hungry Titans have spurred the creation of a rebellious faction called the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG).

    Mrs. Pepper Pot
    TMDB4.0

    Mrs. Pepper Pot

    1983 · JP

    Mrs. Pepper Pot lives in a small village with her husband, and enjoys a unique life because she has a small magic spoon that helps her reduce her size, and during that, Mrs. Pepper Pot embarks on a series of adventures during which she communicates with animals easily.

    About 1980s Animation TV Shows

    The 1980s

    1980s television saw the serialized primetime drama take hold and cable begin to fragment the audience that networks had held uncontested for thirty years.

    Animation

    Animated television covers everything from long-running adult satire to prestige anime. It's a format where a distinctive visual voice can survive far longer than in film, and where some of the sharpest writing on TV lives.

    In this list

    Best reviewed
    Ranma ½ (8.6)
    Often also
    Comedy, Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
    Longest run
    38 seasons

    Common questions

    What are the best 1980s animation TV shows?
    By popularity across Flickfolio and TMDB, the top picks right now are The Simpsons, Dragon Ball Z, and Ranma ½. The full ranked list of 40 sits above — open any show for ratings, reviews, and streaming availability.
    How is this list ranked?
    1980s animation TV shows are ordered by overall popularity, which blends how often a title is viewed, searched, and logged. It updates as viewing habits shift, so the list reflects what people are actually watching rather than a fixed critical canon.
    Where can I watch these TV shows?
    Every show page lists current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region, alongside community ratings and reviews from Flickfolio members.

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    1980s Animation Movies