Though lacking crisp images and trendy designs, eighties cartoon characters still live on in the hearts of the 80s and 90s kids. No fancy 3D graphics or dramatic narratives, these characters capture our attention with their simplicity and impressive personalities. Keep reading, and you’ll know why they become iconic in pop culture!
Top 25 Cartoon Characters From The 80s
1. Twilight Sparkle
Twilight Sparkle debuted in 1983 in the My Little Pony series. She looks intellectual and smart, with a light purple body, a well-groomed dark purple mane with pink streaks, and sparkling violet eyes. Twi has a soft spot for books and a thirst for knowledge. Though she might seem aloof and snooty at first, Twilight Sparkle is a true friend at heart.
2. Pinkie Pie
Another character from My Little Pony, Pinkie Pie, exudes a more down-to-earth and outgoing aura than her friend Twilight Sparkle. She spreads joy and laughter everywhere she goes with her hyperactive and cheerful nature. Pinkie is reminiscent of a girl next door who always cheers us up and becomes our partner in crime back in our younger days.
3. Optimus Prime
Fans of the 1984 Transformers must be familiar with the dedicated leader Optimus Prime. Originally a semi-truck, he transforms into a giant robot with exceptional power. True to his bold appearance, he seems to be stoic and prefers actions to flowery words. Still, Optimus Prime proves himself a dependable and resilient leader to whom other team members can turn.
4. Bumblebee
Bumblebee is as famous as Optimus Prime in the Transformers cartoon series. Contrary to the leader, this yellow-and-black robot is an upbeat, outgoing, and a bit childish Cybertronian. He sometimes annoys others because of his funny yet silly deeds. But beneath his immaturity lie his enthusiasm and bravery, making him a powerful fighter.
5. Strawberry Shortcake
We bet many 80s girls wish to live in a lovely, pinky world like Strawberry Shortcake. True to her name, this female character resembles a sweet strawberry, with a pink outfit and hair and a strawberry hat. Strawberry Shortcake is depicted as a kind, helpful girl who is always willing to help others. She and her friend became a dream team of all girls at that time.
6. Garfield
Appearing in the animated series Garfield and Friends in 1988, Garfield quickly captured audiences’ attention. Dressed in a fluffy orange coat, the overweight cat embodies laziness, selfishness, and sarcasm with his slanted eyes. But that only makes us love the cat more for his funny attitude. His keen passion for food adds to his appeal (something that kids can relate to, right?).
7. Charlie Brown
Since his early debut in 1950, Charlie has cemented his place as a household name, especially through the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show in 1983. As part of the Peanuts gang, he is a determined and loyal member who never gives up. Charlie Brown is sometimes insecure and wishy-washy, yet that doesn’t stop us from loving him more.
8. Snoopy
It would be a miss if we didn’t mention Snoopy—an indispensable part of the Charlie and Snoopy duo. The little white beagle houses a fantastic inner life where he imagines himself becoming an author, a college student, an attorney, and many other things. His optimistic personality, coupled with his funny ‘happy dance,’ always cracks us up.
9. He-Man
He-Man, also known as Prince Adam, is the title character in the 1983 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series. He boasts a muscular, sculpted physique, exuding masculine charisma. 80s boys idolized him for his incredible physical strength. He can easily throw his huge sword like a boomerang and smash a whole area.
10. Leonardo
Any 80s kid must have heard of the cool ninja turtles at least once, and Leonardo is among fans’ favorites. First appearing in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series in 1984, Leo is a responsible leader of the TMNT team. He is disciplined and protective and tends to take all responsibilities for the team. If there is someone who can be a perfect hero in TMNT, it would be Leonardo.
11. Lion-O
Let’s face it: who didn’t watch ThunderCats and pretend to be Lion-O when we were a kid? As the Lord of the ThunderCats, he appears powerful with a muscular build, scarlet-red hair, and ginger-orange eyes. Such a robust physique empowers him to lift heavy objects, like machinery or rocks, with ease.
12. Bart Simpson
We all see a little bit of ourselves in Bart Simpson when growing up—rebellious, mischievous, and rowdy. As the oldest child of the Simpson family, Bart is a real troublemaker and prankster who often drives his father crazy. Despite being depicted as a wicked character, he is still kind and energetic at heart.
13. She-Ra
One of the renowned female cartoon characters in the 80s is She-Ra, a.k.a Princess Adora. As He-Man’s twin sister, She-Ra is equally appealing to teen girls as he is to teen boys. The female character possesses an attractive appearance, with wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, red lips, and fair skin. Beneath her charming beauty lies a strong willpower, urging her to fight for justice.
14. Spider-Man
While GenZ audiences are familiar with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, GenY kids grew up with the Spider-Man animated series from the 70s and 80s. He is Peter Parker in his resident life and quickly transforms into a superhero when in need. As his name suggests, he can cling to walls and has incredible speed and strength.
15. Alvin and the Chipmunks
The trio of chipmunks—Alvin, Theodore, and Simon—has spiced up our childhood with their funny deeds. Alvin ticks all the boxes of a bad boy—charismatic, flirtatious, and mischievous, making him a heartthrob for ladies. Theodore is completely different with a humble, caring, and selfless attitude, while Simon appears as a smart and quick-witted chipmunk.
16. Smurfette
As a female smurf from The Smurfs series, Smurfette wins our hearts with her beauty. She wears a pure white dress, and her wavy blond hair adds charm to her appearance. Despite her sweet, adorable exterior, Smurfette is a brave, caring girl who is willing to help others. Her cheerful and energetic personality also lifts our mood.
17. Donald Duck
Donald Duck is a classic Walt Disney character that resonates with every generation. Known for his squawky voice and fiery temper, he really knows how to steal the spotlight everywhere he goes. However, it’s his impatience, short temper, and immaturity that have us in stitches.
18. Beetlejuice
Few villains are as beloved as Beetlejuice. Well, he actually falls in the gray area between a baddie and a good guy. He is a sinister, obnoxious ghost that dresses like a prisoner—an iconic black and white striped suit. However, along with the chaos and mayhem he brings, Beetlejuice also spreads joy to our world with his hilarious nature.
19. Voltron Team
Since its debut in 1984, the Voltron team from the Voltron: The Defender of the Universe animated series has risen to fame. Voltron is a robot that consists of five mechanical lions, including Shiro, Pidge, Lance, Keith, and Hunk. Together, they strive to protect the galaxy from evil.
20. Olivier
Olivier is the main character in the Oliver & Company series by Disney in 1988. As we follow the orphaned kitten on his search for a home, we find delight in his journey. With his caring, brave, and enduring nature, Olivier and his friends create heart-warming and funny stories.
21. Ariel
Since the debut of The Little Mermaid animated musical movie in 1989, Ariel has become a timeless Disney princess throughout generations. She is known for her attractive body, scarlet hair, and angelic voice. Ariel also has a heart of gold and is dedicated to love, sacrificing her singing voice for walking ability.
22. Ursula
Ursula is an ugly octopus and a wicked sea witch in The Little Mermaid. She has a knack for manipulating others, especially Ariel, to work her way. Ursula embodies evil, showing us the consequences of greed and deception. Still, her good sense of humor somehow makes her less obnoxious.
23. Jem/Jerrica Benton
Another animated musical series from the 80s is Jem and The Holograms. The title character, Jem, is a beloved rock star in the animation world, becoming the idol of many teen girls. Jerrica captivates audiences with not only her powerful, soaring voice but also her stylish appearance. The vocalist with vibrant pink hair, rosy cheeks, and trendy outfits will stay in our minds for years to come.
24. Inspector Gadget
Ironically, Inspector Gadget is a police inspector with a dim-witted and clueless manner. However, his curiosity and bravery inspire him to inspect and solve mysteries using his gadgets. Of course, his clumsiness usually sends him into trouble, creating funny moments that crack us up.
25. Danger Mouse
Danger Mouse is depicted as the world’s greatest secret agent in the favorite cartoon of the same name. Staying true to this title, he is shrouded in secret, as even his codename has a codename. Danger Mouse is kind-hearted, brave, and willing to give others a hand. He also has a penchant for cracking joke puns that leave us chuckling.
Conclusion
1980s cartoons carry an irresistible charm that transcends time. Whether in the 80s, 90s, or modern days, we still catch some characters, like Donald Duck, Ariel, and Garfield, on the screen. They continue to brighten up the childhoods of kids worldwide and become a nostalgic keepsake for us adults. If you want to revisit them, don’t forget to follow our blog for more popular cartoons!
