Rankings
Top 10 TV Shows from the 80s Ranked
The 1980s delivered some of television animation’s most enduring heroes, adventures and theme songs. From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers to DuckTales and He-Man, these ten series helped define a generation. The ranking order is editorial and provisional; individual review scores remain unset until rated.
1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)
Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo brought pizza-loving ninja action to a generation of viewers. Its humor, unforgettable theme, Shredder and Krang made this animated phenomenon one of the decade's most recognizable cartoons.
2. The Transformers (1984)
The original Generation 1 series introduced the iconic war between Optimus Prime's Autobots and Megatron's Decepticons on Earth. Memorable characters, distinctive robot designs and a legendary theme outweigh its occasional animation and continuity problems.
3. DuckTales (1987)
Scrooge McDuck and his nephews race around the world in search of treasure, mystery and adventure. Energetic animation, witty family dynamics and its infectious theme song helped make DuckTales a landmark of Disney television animation.
4. ThunderCats (1985)
Lion-O and the ThunderCats fight to survive on Third Earth while confronting the sinister Mumm-Ra. Its epic science-fantasy setting, striking character designs and heroic storytelling helped define the decade's action cartoons.
5. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)
Prince Adam becomes the mighty He-Man to protect Eternia from Skeletor. Its imaginative fantasy world, memorable heroes and villains, and uplifting adventures made it a cornerstone of 1980s children's television.
6. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1983)
An elite team of soldiers battles the terrorist organization Cobra in globe-spanning adventures. An enormous cast, dramatic action and distinctive vehicles made the series a defining 1980s action franchise.
7. The Real Ghostbusters (1986)
The film's paranormal investigators return in animated form, facing imaginative supernatural threats. It balances witty character comedy with surprisingly spooky stories, memorable monsters and the lovable Slimer.
8. Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984)
Five robotic lions combine into Voltron to defend the universe against monstrous threats. Its giant-robot action, heroic team dynamic and memorable transformation sequences introduced many American viewers to anime-inspired adventure.
9. Inspector Gadget (1983)
A well-meaning but clueless gadget-filled detective pursues the mysterious Dr. Claw, while Penny and Brain quietly save the day. Inventive slapstick and an instantly recognizable theme turned its repetitive formula into a classic.
10. The Smurfs (1981)
The tiny blue villagers navigate whimsical adventures while outsmarting Gargamel and Azrael. Its gentle humor, colorful fairy-tale setting and expansive cast made the show a comforting Saturday-morning fixture.