Why 80's and 90's are Classic Children's Cartoons

Classic children’s cartoons hold a special place in the hearts of many, transcending generations with their timeless appeal and endearing characters. From beloved favorites like “The Flintstones” to iconic hits such as “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!,” these animated gems continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Let’s dive into the best and worst aspects of some of these cherished classics, exploring the elements that have made them unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Flash (1986-1987)

Best Thing: Innovative Animation Style
“Flash” revolutionized the world of animation with its groundbreaking use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the small screen and setting a new standard for visual storytelling.

Worst Thing: Limited Character Development
While visually stunning, “Flash” sometimes prioritizes style over substance, resulting in characters that feel underdeveloped and lacking in depth compared to other classic cartoons of the era.

BraveStarr (1987-1988)

Best Thing: Unique Setting and Themes
“BraveStarr” transports viewers to the distant planet of New Texas, blending elements of science fiction and westerns to create a truly original and captivating world filled with adventure and intrigue.

Worst Thing: Uneven Pacing and Storytelling
Despite its ambitious premise, “BraveStarr” struggles with pacing issues and inconsistent storytelling, with some episodes feeling rushed or lacking in narrative cohesion.

Superted (1983-1986)

Best Thing: Heartwarming Friendship Between Superted and Spotty
At the core of “Superted” lies the touching bond between the titular hero and his loyal sidekick Spotty, whose unwavering friendship and bravery inspire audiences of all ages.

Worst Thing: Limited Cultural Representation
While beloved by many, “Superted” has faced criticism for its lack of diverse characters and cultural representation, failing to reflect the rich tapestry of human experience in its storytelling.

Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

Best Thing: Iconic Characters and Creatures
“Real Ghostbusters” introduces audiences to a colorful cast of characters, from the wise-cracking Peter Venkman to the terrifying Boogeyman, each contributing to the series’ enduring popularity and cultural impact.

Worst Thing: Inconsistencies in Animation Quality
Despite its many strengths, “Real Ghostbusters” occasionally suffers from inconsistencies in animation quality, with some episodes featuring noticeably lower production values than others, detracting from the overall viewing experience.

The Flintstones (1960-1966)

Best Thing: The Mix Of The Prehistoric Setting And Modern Sensibilities
Set in the Stone Age, “The Flintstones” seamlessly blends ancient landscapes with contemporary themes, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric life.

Worst Thing: Overuse Of “Rock” Puns
While witty rock-themed jokes add charm to the show, their excessive use can sometimes feel repetitive, detracting from the overall humor.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1960-1970)

Best Thing: Mystery Inc.’s Chemistry
The camaraderie between the members of Mystery Inc. and their lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, forms the heart of the series, endearing them to audiences of all ages.

Worst Thing: Lack Of True Scares
While the show balances humor and mystery effectively, introducing a few genuine scares could enhance the suspense for viewers.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998)

Best Thing: Classic, Yet Modern, Storytelling Sensibilities
“Spider-Man: The Animated Series” expertly combines the timeless appeal of classic comic book storytelling with the serialized narrative style of the ’90s, captivating audiences with its engaging plots.

Worst Thing: Peter Parker Couldn’t Throw A Direct Punch At A Living Foe
The show’s avoidance of direct physical combat between Peter Parker and human adversaries limits the action sequences, sometimes resulting in less dynamic confrontations.

Ed, Edd N’ Eddy (1999-2009)

Best Thing: The Eds’ Creative Schemes
The inventive schemes concocted by the mischievous trio of Ed, Edd, and Eddy inject humor and excitement into the series, showcasing their boundless imagination.

Worst Thing: Squiggly-Line Animation Style
While the show’s animation style adds a unique visual flair, the heavy use of squiggly lines can be visually overwhelming, particularly in earlier episodes.

Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)

Best Thing: Intense Battles
“Dragon Ball Z” delivers exhilarating hand-to-hand combat scenes, featuring epic showdowns between iconic characters that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Worst Thing: Too Many Filler Episodes
Despite its gripping action, the series is marred by an abundance of filler episodes that lack significant narrative development, leading to pacing issues.

The New Batman Adventures (1997-1999)

Best Thing: “Mad Love” Episode
One of the standout episodes, “Mad Love,” provides a compelling origin story for Harley Quinn, showcasing the complex dynamic between her and the Joker.

Worst Thing: The Joker’s DCAU Redesign
While many character redesigns enhance the show’s aesthetic, the Joker’s updated appearance receives mixed reviews, with some finding his new look less iconic.

Doug (1991-1999)

Best Thing: Doug’s Relatable Situations
“Doug” navigates the highs and lows of adolescence with authenticity, presenting relatable scenarios that resonate with viewers of all ages.

Worst Thing: Doug’s Overwhelming Anxiety
While Doug’s anxieties add depth to his character, they can sometimes overshadow other aspects of the show, potentially overwhelming younger viewers.

The Jetsons (1962-1987)

Best Thing: Great Early Version Of Retro-Futurism
“The Jetsons” offers a whimsical glimpse into the future, blending futuristic technology with everyday family life in a charming and imaginative way.

Worst Thing: Laugh Track
The show’s use of a laugh track, while common in sitcoms of the era, feels out of place in an animated series, detracting from the overall viewing experience.

Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003)

Best Thing: Dexter’s Various Inventions
“Dexter’s Laboratory” showcases the titular character’s genius through a wide array of imaginative inventions, from high-tech gadgets to fantastical contraptions.

Worst Thing: Dee Dee’s Characterization
While Dee Dee’s role as Dexter’s sister adds comedic tension, her characterization as an annoying and occasionally dimwitted sibling can feel one-dimensional at times.

Tiny Toon Adventures (1990-1992)

Best Thing: Interactions Between The New And OG Characters
“Tiny Toon Adventures” delights fans by blending classic Looney Tunes characters with a new generation of animated stars, creating dynamic and entertaining interactions.

Worst Thing: Montana Max
While intended as a foil for the protagonists, Montana Max’s characterization sometimes falls flat, lacking the depth and nuance of other Looney Tunes villains.

Aladdin (1994-1995)

Best Thing: Worldbuilding
“Aladdin” expands upon the rich world established in the Disney film, introducing new characters, locations, and lore that enhance the storytelling experience.

Worst Thing: Recycled Animation Sequences
Despite its imaginative storytelling, the series occasionally resorts to recycled animation sequences, detracting from the overall visual quality of the show.

Hey Arnold! (1996-2004)

Best Thing: Ensemble-Centric Storytelling
“Hey Arnold!” crafts compelling narratives around its ensemble cast, exploring the diverse personalities and backgrounds of its characters with depth and nuance.

Worst Thing: Actor Recastings For Arnold
The frequent recasting of Arnold’s voice actor can be jarring for viewers, disrupting the continuity of the character’s portrayal and immersion in the story.

Gargoyles (1994-1997)

Best Thing: Character development
“Gargoyles” excels in character development, offering nuanced portrayals of heroes and villains alike, with complex arcs that resonate with viewers.

Worst Thing: The third season
The third season of “Gargoyles” receives mixed reviews, with some fans finding it lacking compared to its predecessors, citing a decline in quality and coherence.

Looney Tunes (1920s-1960s)

Best Thing: Bugs Bunny’s Various Shorts
Bugs Bunny’s iconic shorts are a testament to the timeless appeal of “Looney Tunes,” showcasing clever humor and expert animation that continues to entertain audiences.

Worst Thing: The “Censored Eleven”
Despite its cultural significance, “Looney Tunes” has faced criticism for its portrayal of racist stereotypes in certain episodes, tarnishing its legacy for modern audiences.

Beast Wars: Transformers (1996-1999)

Best Thing: Animal-Themed Transformers concepts
“Beast Wars” introduces a fresh twist to the “Transformers” franchise with its animal-themed characters, offering a creative reinterpretation of familiar concepts.

Worst Thing: The CGI
While groundbreaking for its time, the CGI animation of “Beast Wars” can feel dated by modern standards, lacking the visual polish of more recent productions.

Animaniacs (1993-1998)

Best Thing: Sharp, Meta, and Pop-Culture-Infused Writing
“Animaniacs” delights audiences with its clever wit and satirical humor, poking fun at popular culture and delivering memorable comedic moments.

Worst Thing: The Mindy And Buttons Segments
While the show features many beloved segments, the Mindy and Buttons segments sometimes feel repetitive and lack the depth of other storylines.

Johnny Bravo (1997-2004)

Best Thing: Adult humor
“Johnny Bravo” appeals to a wide audience with its blend of slapstick comedy and clever satire, offering humor that resonates with both kids and adults.

Worst Thing: Animation Style For Seasons 2 and 3
While attempting to refresh the show’s visual style, the animation changes in seasons 2 and 3 of “Johnny Bravo” receive mixed reviews, with some fans preferring the original designs.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)

Best Thing: Camaraderie Amongst The Turtles
The bond between the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles forms the heart of the series, endearing them to fans and providing a compelling foundation for their adventures.

Worst Thing: The Interpretation Of Baxter Stockman
While the series excels in many areas, the portrayal of Baxter Stockman as a comedic sidekick deviates from the darker tone of the original comics, disappointing some fans.

The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991)

Best Thing: Terrifying Monsters Added To The Canon
“The Real Ghostbusters” introduces a diverse array of supernatural threats, expanding the Ghostbusters universe with memorable villains and chilling encounters.

Worst Thing: Q5 Consulting Firm’s Impact On Season 3 Onwards
While the early seasons of “The Real Ghostbusters” are praised for their quality storytelling, the involvement of Q5 Consulting Firm in later seasons leads to a decline in overall quality.

Kim Possible (2002-2007)

Best Thing: Balance Between Comedy And Adventure
“Kim Possible” strikes a perfect balance between action-packed adventure and lighthearted comedy, appealing to audiences of all ages with its dynamic storytelling.

Worst Thing: Ron Stoppable’s Qualifications As A Crimefighter
While Ron Stoppable adds comedic relief to the series, his lack of traditional crime-fighting skills raises questions about his suitability for the role of a sidekick.

Garfield And Friends (1988-1994)

Best Thing: Characterization Of Garfield
“Garfield And Friends” captures the essence of Jim Davis’ iconic comic strip, portraying Garfield as a lovably lazy and irreverent feline with an insatiable appetite.

Worst Thing: Binky The Clown
While intended as a comedic foil, Binky The Clown’s aggressive demeanor can sometimes overshadow the humor of his interactions with Garfield and friends.

Rocko’s Modern Life (1993-1996)

Best Thing: Clever And Mature Humor
“Rocko’s Modern Life” delights audiences with its clever satire and mature humor, tackling complex themes with wit and irreverence.

Worst Thing: Heffer Wolffe’s Freeloading
While endearing in his own right, Heffer Wolffe’s habit of mooching off Rocko’s hospitality can sometimes strain their friendship and lead to comedic misunderstandings.

Recess (1997-2001)

Best Thing: The Heart
“Recess” explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and inclusivity with sincerity and warmth, delivering valuable life lessons alongside its humor and adventure.

Worst Thing: Randall J. Weems
Randall J. Weems’ propensity for tattling on his classmates adds an element of conflict to the series but can sometimes disrupt the flow of the narrative and undermine the protagonists’ efforts.

Jonny Quest (1964-1965)

Best Thing: Encapsulates The Adventurous Spirit Of The ‘60s
“Jonny Quest” embodies the excitement and intrigue of ’60s action-adventure series, captivating audiences with its daring exploits and exotic locales.

Worst Thing: Characterization Of Hadji Singh
While an integral part of the ensemble cast, Hadji Singh’s character lacks depth and development, sometimes feeling like a stereotype rather than a fully realized individual.

Courage The Cowardly Dog (1999-2002)

Best Thing: Scary Stories
“Courage The Cowardly Dog” pushes the boundaries of children’s animation with its eerie atmosphere and genuinely frightening scenarios, captivating viewers with its spine-tingling tales.

Worst Thing: Elements That Were Too Surreal
While surrealism adds to the show’s unique charm, it can sometimes confuse or unsettle younger viewers, leading to moments of discomfort or disorientation.

SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron (1993-1995)

Best Thing: A Fresh Concept
“SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron” introduces a unique premise to the world of animation, blending elements of action, adventure, and science fiction to create a thrilling and original series.

Worst Thing: The Two Leads Could Be More Developed
While Razor and T-Bone are charismatic protagonists, their characterizations could benefit from further depth and nuance, allowing for more compelling storytelling and character arcs.

The Magic School Bus (1994-1997)

Best Thing: Learning Is Fun
“The Magic School Bus” combines education with entertainment, offering engaging lessons on science and exploration that inspire curiosity and discovery in young viewers.

Worst Thing: Kids Were Always In Mortal Danger
While the show’s adventures are thrilling, the constant peril faced by Ms. Frizzle’s students can sometimes feel excessive, raising concerns about the safety of the young characters.

Rugrats (1991-2004)

Best Thing: Narrative Structures That Appeal To Different Generations
“Rugrats” captivates audiences with its imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, weaving together diverse narratives that resonate with viewers of all ages.

Worst Thing: Inattentive Parents
While providing comedic fodder, the neglectful behavior of the babies’ parents raises eyebrows and underscores the importance of responsible childcare.

Popeye The Sailor (1933-1942)

Best Thing: Popeye Gains Strength From Spinach
“Popeye The Sailor” showcases the iconic sailor’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, with spinach serving as a symbol of his resilience and power.

Worst Thing: Olive Oyl’s Lack Of Agency
Despite her status as a classic character, Olive Oyl’s portrayal as a damsel in distress diminishes her agency and independence, perpetuating outdated gender stereotypes.

The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)

Best Thing: Great Rogues’ Gallery
“The Powerpuff Girls” features a diverse array of villains, each with their own unique powers and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the series’ overarching narrative.

Worst Thing: Binary Personality Traits For The Girls
While iconic and beloved, the Powerpuff Girls’ characterization sometimes feels limited by their respective archetypes, with little room for nuance or growth.

Arthur (1996-2022)

Best Thing: Power Of Community
“Arthur” celebrates the importance of friendship, empathy, and cooperation, fostering a sense of community among its diverse cast of characters and teaching valuable life lessons along the way.

Worst Thing: Underutilized Characters
With a large ensemble cast, some characters in “Arthur” receive less screen time and development than others, leading to missed opportunities for storytelling and exploration.

The Yogi Bear Show (1961-1962)

Best Thing: Voice acting
“The Yogi Bear Show” benefits from stellar voice acting, with Daws Butler and Don Messick delivering standout performances as Yogi and Boo-Boo, respectively, bringing the beloved characters to life.

Worst Thing: Stealing Food
While a defining trait of the main characters, Yogi and Boo-Boo’s penchant for stealing picnic baskets can sometimes overshadow other aspects of the show’s humor and storytelling.

The Adventures of Tintin (1991-1992)

Best Thing: Faithful Adaptation of Classic Comics
“The Adventures of Tintin” faithfully brings Hergé’s beloved comic book characters to life, capturing the charm, wit, and adventurous spirit that made the original stories timeless classics.

Worst Thing: Limited Availability for International Audiences
While adored by fans in certain regions, “The Adventures of Tintin” has faced challenges in reaching a wider international audience due to limited availability and distribution outside of its home markets.

The Care Bears (1985-1988)

Best Thing: Positive Messages and Values
“The Care Bears” promotes valuable life lessons and positive values such as friendship, kindness, and empathy, making it a wholesome and educational viewing experience for children and families.

Worst Thing: Overly Simplistic Storylines
Despite its good intentions, “The Care Bears” sometimes falls into the trap of overly simplistic storylines and predictable plot developments, which may limit its appeal to older audiences.

DuckTales (1987-1990)

Best Thing: Memorable Characters and Adventures
“DuckTales” features a colorful cast of characters led by the adventurous Scrooge McDuck, whose thrilling exploits around the world captivate viewers and inspire a sense of wonder and excitement.

Worst Thing: Limited Diversity in Main Cast
While beloved by many, “DuckTales” has faced criticism for its lack of diversity in the main cast, with a predominantly white and male lineup that may not fully reflect the diversity of its audience.

M.A.S.K. (1985-1986)

Best Thing: Unique Concept and Vehicle Designs
“M.A.S.K.” stands out for its unique concept of transforming vehicles and masks, combining elements of action, adventure, and sci-fi in a thrilling and imaginative series that captures the imagination.

Worst Thing: Underdeveloped Characters and Plotlines
Despite its innovative premise, “M.A.S.K.” sometimes struggles with underdeveloped characters and plotlines, leaving viewers craving deeper exploration and emotional depth in its storytelling.

She-Ra: Princess of Power (1985-1987)

Best Thing: Strong Female Characters and Empowering Themes
“She-Ra: Princess of Power” breaks new ground with its strong female characters and empowering themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, offering young audiences positive role models and inspiring messages.

Worst Thing: Limited Representation of LGBTQ+ Characters
While progressive for its time, “She-Ra: Princess of Power” has faced criticism for its limited representation of LGBTQ+ characters, with some viewers calling for greater diversity and inclusion in its storytelling.

In conclusion, classic children’s cartoons offer a rich tapestry of storytelling, humor, and nostalgia that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. While each series has its strengths and weaknesses, their enduring legacy speaks to their lasting impact on popular culture and the hearts of fans worldwide. Whether revisiting old favorites or discovering new classics, these animated gems remain a cherished part of our cultural heritage, inspiring imagination and wonder for generations to come.