What exactly are underrated 70s cartoons? The 1970s were a weird and wonderful time for animation. Saturday mornings were a sacred ritual, and studios like Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and Rankin/Bass cranked out an endless stream of cartoons. Everyone remembers Scooby-Doo, The Pink Panther, and Fat Albert, but what about the offbeat oddities and cult classics that got left behind?
Here are 10 underrated 70s cartoons that deserve way more love — the kind of shows that were weird, wild, and totally unforgettable… even if most people did forget them.
1. The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1970 reruns)
Why it’s underrated: It was one of the first shows to mix live-action with animation, and actually pull it off.
Originally airing in the late ‘60s but running strong into the early 70s, this show followed Huck, Tom, and Becky as they traveled through animated fantasy lands while the kids themselves remained live-action. It was ambitious, experimental, and oddly charming.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
2. Mission: Magic! (1973)
Why it’s underrated: It starred Rick Springfield. Yes, that Rick Springfield.
This psychedelic cartoon followed a magical teacher and her students as they traveled through mystical dimensions. Rock musician Rick Springfield voiced himself and even performed songs each episode. The animation was wild, the plots made zero sense, and that’s kind of why it rules.
Where to stream: It is currently out of print on DVD and is not streaming on any of the services.
3. The New Adventures of Gilligan (1974)
Why it’s underrated: It took a classic sitcom and gave it animated life with the original voice cast.
This cartoon continuation of Gilligan’s Island somehow retained the charm of the original show — thanks to its goofy stories, tropical setting, and Saturday morning energy. It didn’t last long, but it gave 70s kids more time with their favorite castaways.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
4. Devlin (1974)
Why it’s underrated: Hanna-Barbera tried to make a serious drama about a motorcycle daredevil — and mostly succeeded.
Inspired by Evel Knievel, Devlin focused on a stunt rider touring with a circus. It was one of Hanna-Barbera’s few “serious” shows, dealing with real-life family issues and moral lessons. It was short-lived, but ambitious and unique in tone.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
5. The Robonic Stooges (1977)
Why it’s underrated: What if the Three Stooges were cyborg superheroes? That’s the pitch. Seriously.
With robotic arms, wacky gadgets, and non-stop slapstick, this show reimagined Moe, Larry, and Curly as bumbling crimefighters. It’s a fever dream of 70s animation and doesn’t get nearly enough credit for how bizarrely fun it was.
Where to stream: It is currently out of print on DVD and is not streaming on any of the services.
6. Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1976)
Why it’s underrated: It’s probably the most faithful Tarzan cartoon ever made — and one of the best.
Produced by Filmation, this series emphasized Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original stories and gave Tarzan an intelligent, noble personality. It also featured surprisingly strong animation and ecological themes ahead of its time.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
7. The Roman Holidays (1972)
Why it’s underrated: Basically The Flintstones meets Ancient Rome — but somehow funnier and less remembered.
Following the Holiday family in a sitcom-style version of ancient Rome, this show had clever gags, modern conveniences “Roman-style,” and even gladiator traffic jams. It was short-lived but packed with charm.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
8. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids (1973)
Why it’s underrated: Teen band by day, secret agents by night. Very 70s. Very awesome.
This Hanna-Barbera cartoon was a mashup of Josie and the Pussycats and Mission: Impossible. Butch and his band toured the country playing gigs while stopping international criminals between sets. It was groovy, action-packed, and full of bubblegum pop energy.
Where to stream: The episodes are available on DVD and as digital downloads.
9. The Secret Lives of Waldo Kitty (1975)
Why it’s underrated: A bizarre mix of live-action and animation featuring a cat with wild daydreams.
This show followed a mild-mannered cat named Waldo who imagined himself as different action heroes to escape trouble. Think Walter Mitty, but furry. It’s surreal, a little disjointed, and undeniably unique — and that’s exactly why it deserves a second look.
Where to stream: It is currently out of print on DVD and is not streaming on any of the services.
10. Jana of the Jungle (1978)
Why it’s underrated: A rare female-led action cartoon with a strong ecological message.
This short-lived adventure series featured Jana, a jungle heroine searching for her missing father while defending the rainforest from poachers and natural disasters. It was empowering, beautifully animated, and way ahead of its time in message and tone.
Where to stream: It is currently out of print on DVD and is not streaming on any of the services.
Final Thoughts
While the 70s animation scene is often overshadowed by the zaniness of the 60s or the bold storytelling of the 80s, it was a decade full of experimentation, weird crossovers, and wildly creative concepts. These shows may not have become cultural icons, but they’ve earned their place in cartoon history.
If you grew up in the 70s — or just want to explore a forgotten era of animated TV — tracking these down might just surprise you. They’re funky, flawed, and full of charm.
Be sure to check out the other entries in this series:
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