Everybody loves the cartoons of the 1980s. They were fun, wild, and a little bit wacky. That makes for the perfect combination when it comes to a cartoon. Forget the tamed-down approach to cartoons that exists today. These 10 were shows that were all about fun and excitement. Please note – You will be singing these in your head all day. And, you’re welcome.
10) Gummi Bears. Gummi Bears were insane! They were one part sugar rush, one part adrenaline, and one part edible. If only I could get my hands on some of that Gummiberry Juice. I want to be bouncing here and there and everywhere! And we all know that the high adventure that was beyond compare was the result of the juice.
9) Kidd Video. This song was total 80s cheese, but it was beyond awesome – from my video to my radio. Love that darker change in tempo in the middle. This song was totally off the wall. Love it. Love it more.
8) Heathcliff. I remember watching this one every day after school. It was a staple of my viewing diet. “Heathcliff, Heathcliff, no one should, terrify the neighborhood.” Sounds a bit like Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Man, this is a classic.
7) Garfield & Friends. Garfield was my favorite cartoon strip growing up. When they finally made a show it was a dream come true. Everything about this show was great. Re-watcing it today, 25 years later, still brings back the greatest memories.
6) He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. This was the second most powerful theme song of the 80s (keep reading for #1). It was mostly just Adam talking and telling us his life story. That’s kind of dull, but the accompanying music is what makes it great. Plus, who can forget the “I have the power!!”
5) Alvin and the Chipmunks. It has been a while. Please come back with style. C-H-I-P-M-U-N-K. I always wondered what The chipmunks would sound like if they inhaled helium and were played on a faster speed record? It would probably be a sound only heard by dogs. Love this tune.
4) G.I. Joe. This is the most powerful theme of the 80s and of all time. This is the song that was probably in the heads of the soldiers who took down Bin Laden. Total macho manly awesomeness.
3) The Smurfs. La la la la la la la la la la la. That’s all you need to know. Simple and genius. Best show ever starring lifeforms that are just three apples tall. Makes you think. Three apples is small, but not that small. The houses must have been at least 15 apples tall. How in the world didn’t Gargamel ever find them. He must have had serious blue-blindness.
2) Muppet Babies. This was my favorite Saturday morning cartoon. Naturally, the theme was an instant classic. It was so great. Watching the theme/intro just takes you back to the time of innocence and freedom. This show made you believe that adventures could be had anywhere. Oh God, this is so much a part of my childhood.
1) Yogi’s First Christmas. Technically, not a cartoon show, but a 5-part mini-series/movie, but there is no denying that anyone who has seen it knows that this is the best cartoon of the decade, if not all-time. Maybe it’s a sentimental thing kicking in. Maybe it’s not. Regardless, whenever I hear “It’s about that time, that time of the year again…” I am 12 years old. Never lose that feeling, folks.