Bruno Pugh
The 1980s saw an explosion of colorful cartoons, action figures, and toy commercials that had us sprinting to the nearest toy store. As such, toy companies and TV producers joined forces like the most epic crossover event in history. Here are 15 cartoon shows from the ’80s inspired by our favorite childhood toys.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Before becoming the most powerful man in the universe, He-Man was just a buff action figure gathering dust on toy store bins. Mattel needed a backstory to boost sales, and Eternia was born. Kids of the ’80s spent their afternoons watching Prince Adam turn into He-Man, teaching us all that the power was ours.
Transformers
These robots in disguise rolled out from toy stores straight into our hearts. Toy manufacturing company Hasbro teamed up with Japanese toy company Takara to bring us a saga of shape-shifting alien robots. The cartoon’s success spawned a massive franchise, including a 1986 animated movie that traumatized an entire generation.
My Little Pony
My Little Pony galloped to our TVs in 1982. These colorful equines proved that horse girls were a marketing force to be reckoned with. Its cartoon series “My Little Pony ‘n Friends” debuted in 1986, and little did we know these pocket-sized ponies would also trot their way into the 21st century!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
From indie comic book faves to pizza-loving sewer dwellers, these radical reptiles karate-chopped their way into pop culture history. Thanks to the toy line and cartoon series, these half-shell heroes became a full-blown phenomenon. Kids soon shouted, “Cowabunga!” and asked their moms for martial arts lessons.
Care Bears
These cuddly cloud-dwelling bears with tummy symbols taught us all about sharing and caring—and made us wonder if we could shoot lasers from our belly buttons. Originally made for greeting cards, the Care Bears quickly became plush toy royalty that went on remarkable adventures.
Thundercats
Lion-O and his feline friends clawed their way from action figures to animated icons faster than you can say, “Thundercats, ho!” It was the perfect blend of sci-fi and fantasy. The show’s popularity led to a popular toy line, and some toys are now worth a small fortune.
GoBots
Created by Tonka, these transforming GoBots hit shelves just before the Transformers but have yet to reach the same level of fame. The cartoon series tried to challenge the Transformers’ reign but ended up more as a punchline. Still, for some ’80s kids, the GoBots were the transforming robots of choice.
Rainbow Brite
The happy and colorful character sprung from the mind of Hallmark’s creative team. At the time, greeting card companies had their finger on the pulse of ’80s pop culture. Rainbow Brite and her Sprite pals brought color to a dreary world on screen and in toy boxes across America.
Pound Puppies
These adorable adoption-advocating pooches made the leap from stuffed toys to cartoon stars in 1986. It followed the escapades of canines seeking forever homes, pulling at our heartstrings and making us beg our parents for a new furry friend. Fun fact: Each Pound Puppies toy also came with its adoption certificate!
Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors
Based on Mattel’s line of vehicular action figures, this sci-fi series rolled onto screens in 1985. Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors follow Jayce’s quest to find his father and stop the sinister Monster Minds. Despite its cool premise of transforming vehicles and plant-based bad guys, the toy line and show were short-lived.
M.A.S.K.
Standing for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, M.A.S.K. merged the best ideas ever. Two criminal organizations, M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M., squared off in a cartoon war of acronyms and amazing metamorphoses. It resembled Transformers meets James Bond, with a hint of Village People style.
Rambo and the Force of Freedom
It was one of the notable toy-based TV shows inspired by the popular “Rambo” film series. The show capitalized on the popularity of the action figure line created by the toy company Coleco. Each episode typically involved Rambo and his team tackling various missions to thwart the plans of the villainous Shadow.
Rubik, the Amazing Cube
In perhaps the most ’80s concept ever, this Rubik, the Amazing Cube turned the frustrating puzzle cube into a magical being with a sassy attitude. When solved, Rubik could fly and perform magic, which is more than most of us could do with our Rubik’s Cubes. The cartoon only stayed for one season, though.
Dino-Riders
This was a toy marketer’s dream come true and combined two things kids loved: dinosaurs and heavily armed soldiers. It was like “Jurassic Park” mixed with “Star Wars” but better! The program may not have lasted long, but it left us with the iconic image of an unusual-looking T-Rex.
The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin
The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin expanded on Teddy’s world of Grundo, filled with mystical creatures and sing-along trips. While the cartoon was cute, the real star was the toy itself, with moving eyes and mouth that could lip-sync to cassette tapes. It was comparable to having your own tiny, furry storyteller—albeit one that occasionally malfunctioned.