190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
Vote up your favorite cartoons that aired on weekend mornings in the mid-1980s and/or 1990s.
- 1Casey Kasem, Don Messick, Heather North
A classic supernatural mystery-solving crew, Scooby-Doo captured the hearts of children everywhere. With a beloved cast of characters featuring the cowardly yet lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, and his sidekick Shaggy, this show consistently delivered laughs and thrills as they took on spooky cases alongside Fred, Daphne, and Velma. Memorable catchphrases like "Ruh-roh!" and "Zoinks!" still echo through the minds of those who grew up chasing monsters and unmasking fiendish villains with this meddling group.
- 2Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann
The daring escapades of wealthy duck Scrooge McDuck and his three grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie lit up screens in the late '80s and early '90s. Set in the world of Donald Duck, DuckTales showcased swashbuckling adventures, uncovering hidden treasures, and outwitting villainous foes—all while teaching valuable lessons about family, teamwork, and determination. This show's catchy theme song is laced with nostalgia for any kid who ever dreamed of diving into a pool of gold coins.
More DuckTales
- #16 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #18 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #5 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 3Corey Burton, Tress MacNeille, Jim Cummings
Small heroes but great adventures! In the late '80s, kids were enamored by Chip and Dale, two chipmunks running a detective agency that lent a helping hand to humans and animals alike. Brimming with humor, inventive schemes, and courageous capers, Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers was a must-watch after-school event. No stranger to danger, these plucky investigators showed kids that ingenuity and friendship can conquer even the most menacing threats.
- #69 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #37 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #8 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 4George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo
Traveling back to the future, The Jetsons gave youngsters a glimpse into an ultra-modern, space-age life full of flying cars, robot maids, and quirky gadgets. Set in a vibrant utopia, this animated sitcom followed the lovable yet bumbling dad George Jetson as he navigated work and family life in 2062. Flanked by his devoted wife Jane, fashionable daughter Judy, and imaginative son Elroy, The Jetsons provided kids with an entertaining and futuristic escape.
More The Jetsons- #59 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #52 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #6 of 91 onThe 90+ Best Cartoons from the '70s
- 5Mel Blanc, Paul Julian
A staple of childhood. Coyote and The Road Runner catapulted into the mid-'80s to '90s with undiminished popularity. This uproarious duo captured viewers' imaginations with their fast-paced antics, thrilling chases, and spectacular gags. Through increasingly inventive (and oft ill-fated) ACME contraptions, a determined Wile E. Coyote persistently pursued the lightning-fast Road Runner—instilling the tried-and-true mantra "never give up" in fans everywhere.
- 6Charlie Adler, Tress MacNeille
In the early '90s, young audiences met a brand new, adorably madcap cast of characters hailing from Acme Acres. With Buster Bunny, Babs Bunny, Plucky Duck, and countless other eccentric characters taking over the reins from Looney Tunes greats like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, Tiny Toon Adventures never failed to ignite laughter and merriment. Balancing studious academia at Looniversity with crazy—and always unpredictable—exploits, these tiny toons entertained and enthralled a generation.
More Tiny Toon Adventures- #64 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #46 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #12 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 7Don Adams
A bumbling yet endearing detective with an endless assortment of gadgets at his disposal, '80s kids tuned in to witness Inspector Gadget foil the evil plans of Dr. Claw and his M.A.D. minions. With his bright yellow trench coat, ungainly stride, and "Go-go-gadget" catchphrase, this lovably inept cyborg consistently got into––and out of––trouble, while young viewers learned valuable life lessons on teamwork and perseverance.
More Inspector Gadget- Dig Deeper...All Of Inspector Gadget's Gadgets, Ranked By Ludicrousness
- #4 of 10 onThe Best Jetix Series
- #75 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 8Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Barry Gordon
Four mutated reptilian warriors sprang onto screens in the late '80s, brandishing unique weapons and personality traits, fighting crime, and indulging in excessive pizza consumption. Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael fought enemies such as Shredder and Krang, providing consistently engaging storylines and top-notch action. From their subterranean sewer lair, the cool catchphrases and camaraderie of these fearless vigilantes captured an entire generation’s imagination.
- 9Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen
A witty offshoot of Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain showcased the exploits of two laboratory mice reduced to a single objective—world domination. Combining intelligence (Brain) and hilarious naiveté (Pinky), their daily attempts at seizing control often came undone by unexpected events or miscalculations. Catchphrases like "Narf!" and "Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?" permeated the lexicon of countless children as they eagerly awaited the rodent duo’s next dastardly scheme.
More Pinky and the Brain- #41 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #43 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #13 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 10R.J. Williams, Ed Gilbert, Sally Struthers
An inventive mash-up of Disney's classic Jungle Book characters and '90s anthropomorphic charisma, TaleSpin supplemented afternoons with high-flying adventures and engaging stories set against a lush vibrant backdrop. Baloo the bear shifted gears from jungle living to owning a cargo delivery service, often stumbling into unforeseen escapades alongside a cast filled with familiar faces. TaleSpin taught its young audience that true friendship and resourcefulness conquer even the most unlikely of challenges.
More TaleSpin- #92 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #69 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #11 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 11Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell
Bursting onto the scene in the '90s, Animaniacs redefined animated comedy with its penchant for madcap antics and rapid-fire pop culture references. This variety show-style series showcased a colorful ensemble of toon characters headlined by the mischievous Warner siblings—Yakko, Wakko, and Dot. In their wacky pursuits on the Warner Bros. studio lot, these madcap siblings were joined by a range of endearing segments that added layers of meta-humor and zaniness, making it an instant classic for kids and adults alike.
More Animaniacs - 12Lorenzo Music, Thom Huge, Gregg Berger
The famously lazy tabby cat leaped from newspaper comic strips to television screens in the late '80s, showcasing his cynical wit, unquenchable appetite for lasagna, and playful relationship with his doting owner Jon Arbuckle. With side characters like pooch pal Odie, this show offered children a glimpse into Garfield's unique perspective on life—lazy Sundays, gluttonous meals, and all. Complementing Garfield's adventures were "U.S. Acres" segments, which featured a group of anthropomorphic farm animals headlined by Orson Pig.
More Garfield and Friends- #39 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #36 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #16 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 13Frank Welker, Don Messick, Michael Bell
Bringing enchantment to weekend mornings, the delightful miniature blue creatures called Smurfs enchanted children during the '80s and '90s. Within a secret village hidden deep within a lush forest, magical hijinks unfolded as the Smurfs squared off against evil sorcerer Gargamel; each character boasted a distinct trait from Vanity Smurf's narcissism to Papa Smurf’s wisdom. The show cultivated its devoted fanbase through lighthearted humor and charming narratives that highlighted love, unity, and understanding.
More The Smurfs- Dig Deeper...The Best Longest Running Kid Shows
- #60 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #80 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 14Ross Bagdasarian, Janice Karman
Rebooted in the mid-'80s after achieving fame in the late '50s, Alvin and the Chipmunks captured imaginations anew with rambunctious energy and harmonious musical performances. Brothers Alvin, Simon, and Theodore balanced working a successful music career alongside the day-to-day conundrums of childhood life—all while dodging scolding from their human guardian Dave Seville. Memorable catchphrases like "ALVINNN!" were emblazoned into viewers' consciousness, creating an evergreen charm difficult to shake.
- #97 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #82 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #22 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 15
The Yogi Bear Show
Daws Butler, Don Messick, Jimmy WeldonHarkening back to the early '60s but carrying notable prominence in the '80s-'90s, The Yogi Bear Show chronicled the escapades of its eponymous picnic basket-stealing bear and his trustworthy sidekick Boo-Boo as they outsmarted their tireless nemesis, Park Ranger Smith. With boundless wit and aplomb, this amiable duo imparted valuable lessons about cooperation and friendship beneath the wooded canopy of Jellystone Park.
More The Yogi Bear Show- #49 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #68 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #19 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 16Peter Newman, Gerrianne Raphael, Robert McFadden
Thunderous battles and high-stakes action unfolded in this popular '80s animated series that captivated audiences with its visually dynamic storytelling. ThunderCats followed a group of humanoid cat-like heroes,—led by the intrepid Lion-O—as they defended their new home planet from evil mutants and sorcerers. With striking character designs and mystical weaponry like the Sword of Omens, ThunderCats provided exhilarating adventures that underscored courage, loyalty, and justice.
More ThunderCats- #113 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #70 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #39 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 17Christine Cavanaugh, Jim Cummings, Katie Leigh
Often thought of as a superhero spin on the DuckTales universe, Darkwing Duck brought humor and thrill side by side in its adventures. The titular hero, alongside sidekick Launchpad McQuack and daughter Gosalyn Mallard, took on comical supervillains in the city of St. Canard, all while balancing his not-so-secret identity as Drake Mallard. A blend of action, laughter, and heart, Darkwing Duck was the epitome of '90s cool for any kid who dreamed of donning a cape and saving their city.
More Darkwing Duck- Dig Deeper...The Best Darkwing Duck Episodes
- #84 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #65 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 18Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Corey Burton
Bringing toys to life in an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons, The Transformers animated series instantly hooked kids in the mid-'80s with its enthralling action and compelling storytelling. Led by the fearless Optimus Prime and the sinister Megatron, these opposing factions both sought the power offered by Energon cubes to further their missions. With voice actors like Peter Cullen and Frank Welker captivating audiences, viewers young and old eagerly awaited each new clash between robotic heroes and villains.
More The Transformers- #93 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #78 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #40 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 19Cal Dodd, Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer
Taking on social issues such as discrimination and acceptance while still delivering pulse-pounding action and adventure, X-Men: The Animated Series struck a chord with viewers during its '90s run. With a diverse cast of superpowered mutants like Wolverine, Cyclops, Rogue, and Storm, the show went on to become one of Marvel's most beloved creations, instilling values of teamwork, empathy, and inclusivity in its devoted audience.
- Dig Deeper...The X-Men '90s Cartoon Is The Best Take On X-Men
- #55 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #31 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 20E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie
Delving into the innocent perspective of babies experiencing the world around them, Rugrats became a touchstone for '90s kids. Through imaginative journeys led by baby Tommy Pickles and his famed "screwdriver," the show explored childhood milestones like first steps, sibling rivalries, and bedtime fears. Encouraging bravery, creativity, and self-discovery, fans grew up not only laughing at these adorable tots but also resonating with their youthful perspectives.
More Rugrats - 21John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Lou Scheimer
By raising his sword and uttering the now-iconic phrase, "By the power of Grayskull... I have the power!", He-Man captivated the minds of children in the '80s with tales of magical battles against the evil Skeletor. Set in the fantastical land of Eternia, He-Man––the secret alter ego of Prince Adam––represented an idealized form of strength and moral nobility that inspired kids to stand up against darkness.
- #7 of 52 onThe Best USA Network Shows
- #99 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #72 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 22Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
Though often thought of as targeting adult audiences, The Simpsons found its foothold in younger viewers' affections in the '90s through relatable characters like precocious Bart Simpson and misunderstood Lisa Simpson. A departure from traditional sitcom tropes, this groundbreaking show offered an insight into middle-class family life with bold humor, intelligent wit, and gripping drama. Catchphrases such as "Eat my shorts!" and "Ay Caramba!" still resonate decades after initially gracing our screens.
More The Simpsons- Dig Deeper...28 Times The Simpsons Got REALLY Dark
- And Deeper...The Best Episodes of The Simpsons
- And Deeper...The Best Longest Running Animated TV Series
- 23Grace Stafford, Walter Lantz
Tracing roots back to the '40s, this classic character enjoyed a resurgence in popularity throughout the '80s and '90s, thanks to his signature laugh and wild adventures. Known for causing mischief or outwitting adversaries, kids were enamored by Woody Woodpecker's unruly charisma and unmistakable red-crested coif—a mainstay among animated icons.
- #70 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #58 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #25 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 24Keith David, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Jeff Bennett
Blending Gothic themes and Shakespearean elements, Gargoyles captivated audiences during the mid-'90s, breaking away from traditional "children's" programming norms. Set against the gritty urban cityscape of New York, this series followed sentient stone statues who came to life nightly to do battle against their enemies—evildoers and mythical creatures alike. A complex narrative touched on themes of betrayal, loss, and redemption, where well-developed characters and pertinent moral lessons gripped the hearts of loyal viewers.
- 25Greg Berg, Barbara Billingsley, Dave Coulier
Venturing into the realm of nostalgia and sentimental childhood mementos, Muppet Babies showcased pint-sized puppet versions of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and others embarking upon exciting, creative imagination-driven quests within their nursery domain. As they traversed imaginary worlds and toybox treasures, the lovable Muppet clan taught children to foster their problem-solving and teamwork abilities—making it an endearing developmental classic.
More Muppet Babies- #156 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #139 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #43 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 26Casey Kasem, Don Messick, Kellie Martin
A prequel to the original, beloved Scooby-Doo series, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo showcased the Mystery, Inc. gang as children solving neighborhood mysteries. With its catchy theme song and refreshing art style, this show retained much of what made the original series great while adding a new dimension for younger audiences. The series emphasized teamwork, friendship, and critical thinking skills while reminding kids that bravery and wits could help unravel even the most confounding enigma.
- #78 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #100 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #64 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 27Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist, Bob Hastings
Masterfully combining film noir aesthetics with comic-book inspired storylines, Batman: The Animated Series enamored generations throughout the early '90s. Following Bruce Wayne's nocturnal crime-fighting endeavors as the Dark Knight, viewers were treated to riveting stories that dove deep into Gotham City's underbelly. Memorable characters like the Joker, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman kept fans on their toes, making it an unforgettable experience rich in adventure, mystery, and suspense.
- 28Mickey Rooney, Tara Strong, Melleny Brown
As colorful plush toys turned heartwarming animated buddies, The Care Bears stormed television screens in the '80s, bearing encouraging messages of love, empathy, and camaraderie throughout the "Kingdom of Caring." Each Care Bear represented a unique quality or emotion, offering sage advice and wisdom to children lost in dilemmas. By combating villains who sought to extinguish hope and joy using focused beams called the Care Bear Stare, these benevolent creatures promoted compassion and understanding throughout kid-dom.
More The Care Bears- #121 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #150 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #51 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 29Matt Frewer, Brian George, John Byner
A master class in visual humor, The Pink Panther charmed children throughout the '80s and '90s with its almost entirely silent protagonist and innovative animation. Initially premiering in 1964 as the only non-human character, this smooth pink feline found its way to resurface decades later, capturing fan loyalty with its mischievous escapades and suave demeanor. With minimal dialogue, this iconic show ingeniously relied on slapstick humor and situational comedy to keep kids entertained at every turn.
More The Pink Panther- #21 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #35 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #4 of 199 onThe 200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs
- 30Christine CavaWatch This Show If You Love: Dark, The OA, Black Mirror
Science and sibling rivalry took center stage when Dexter's Laboratory burst onto the scene in the mid-'90s. Viewers followed the brilliant young inventor named Dexter as he navigated issues with his meddling sister Dee Dee, keeping his secret lab hidden from his unsuspecting parents, and dealing with the occasional nemesis like the aptly named Mandark. Dexter's clever inventions, high-stakes action, and rich character relationships made for a memorable viewing experience that underscored the importance of intelligence, creativity, and responsibility in growing up.
More Dexter's Laboratory- #20 of 538 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #27 of 576 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- #35 of 418 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
