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Underrated 80s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About

by Sean P. Aune | June 29, 2025June 29, 2025 10:30 am EDT

What exactly are underrated 80s cartoons? The 1980s were a golden era for cartoons. Saturday mornings and weekday afternoons were packed with colorful heroes, catchy theme songs, and way more explosions than you’d expect from something meant for kids. While the decade gave us iconic series like He-Man, Transformers, Thundercats, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it also birthed a ton of lesser-known gems that flew under the radar.

If you lived through the 80s — or just love the aesthetic of neon lasers and high-stakes toy tie-ins — here are 10 underrated 80s cartoons that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

Underrated 80s Cartoon - Spiral Zone 1980s cartoon heroes in armor suits

1. Spiral Zone (1987)

Why it’s underrated: One of the darkest 80s cartoons ever aired on American TV.

In this dystopian series, half the planet is under the control of the Black Widows, whose “Zone Generators” turn people into zombie-like slaves. Only a handful of specially trained soldiers can resist the mind control. Spiral Zone was gritty, creepy, and had some of the best animation of the era — but it was too bleak to go mainstream.

Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.

2. Galaxy High School (1986)

Why it’s underrated: A John Hughes teen comedy… in space.

This short-lived series followed two Earth teens enrolled at a high school on an alien planet. It had quirky classmates, bizarre alien customs, and surprisingly sharp writing. Produced by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter), it had way more heart and brains than its Saturday morning timeslot let on.

Where to stream: Currently streaming on Tubi and available on DVD.

3. Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors (1985)

Why it’s underrated: The plot made zero sense — and yet, it ruled.

A boy named Jayce searches the galaxy for his father while battling sentient plant-based vehicles called Monster Minds. It was visually striking, the toyline flopped, and the show had no real ending… but the world-building and villain designs were unforgettable.

Where to stream: Available on DVD and as digital purchases.

Underrated 80s Cartoon - Terrifying monster villains from Inhumanoids cartoon

4. Inhumanoids (1986)

Why it’s underrated: Basically *Lovecraft for kids* — somehow approved by network censors.

This intense cartoon featured monstrous creatures from beneath the Earth and a team of armored scientists trying to stop them. With grotesque villains, horror themes, and some truly nightmare-inducing moments, *Inhumanoids* was metal as hell and way too terrifying for the average child.

Where to stream: Currently unavailable digitally or on physical media.

5. The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers (1986)

Why it’s underrated: A sci-fi western with incredible animation and mature stories.

Set in the 22nd century, this series followed four space rangers with cybernetic powers who fought evil across the galaxy. Its serialized storytelling, well-developed characters, and killer synth soundtrack made it stand out — but it never found a big audience in the U.S.

Where to stream: Available on DVD and as digital purchases.

Underrated 80s Cartoon - Dungeons and Dragons cartoon kids with fantasy weapons

6. Dungeons & Dragons (1983)

Why it’s underrated: Dark, character-driven fantasy that never talked down to its audience.

Based on the role-playing game, this show had six kids transported to a magical world where they battled evil and tried to find their way home. With serious stakes, character arcs, and a famously unresolved cliffhanger, *Dungeons & Dragons* became a cult classic long after it ended.

Where to stream: Currently streaming on Plex and available on DVD.

7. Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (1987)

Why it’s underrated: Magic + holograms + mechs = 80s perfection.

This toy-driven series was set in a post-tech world where magic had returned. Each knight had animal totems and used holographic staves with special powers. The mythology was surprisingly deep, and the visuals were stunning. It lasted just 13 episodes — and fans still want more.

Where to stream: Currently unavailable digitally or on physical media.

Underrated 80s Cartoon - Bravestarr standing with laser weapon on New Texas

8. Bravestarr (1987)

Why it’s underrated: A space western with a Native American lead — way ahead of its time.

From the creators of He-Man, Bravestarr followed a marshal on the planet New Texas with the strength of a bear, speed of a puma, eyes of a hawk, and ears of a wolf. It tackled surprisingly mature themes like racism and substance abuse and deserves way more credit than it ever got.

Where to stream: Currently out of print.

9. The Bionic Six (1987)

Why it’s underrated: A blended family of superheroes with cool powers and even cooler jackets.

This futuristic show featured a family of six (plus a robot gorilla) who gained bionic powers after a freak accident. With a killer theme song and a fun mix of personalities, Bionic Six was ahead of the curve when it came to diversity and teamwork in cartoons.

Where to stream: Currently unavailable digitally or on physical media.

Underrated 80s Cartoon - Cyborg heroes from Silverhawks flying through space

10. Silverhawks (1986)

Why it’s underrated: Like Thundercats in space — literally, from the same creators.

This action-packed series featured a team of cyborg space heroes battling the villain Mon*Star and his gang. With slick character designs, intense aerial dogfights, and a dazzling color palette, Silverhawks looked amazing — but never quite reached Thundercats-level fame.

Where to stream: Available on DVD and as digital purchases.

Final Thoughts

While the 80s gave us some of the most iconic cartoons of all time, these underrated gems are just as worthy of attention. Many pushed the limits of animation, introduced serialized storytelling, and weren’t afraid to get a little weird, dark, or downright epic.

If you’re looking to revisit or discover 80s animation beyond the usual suspects, track these down — and don’t be surprised if you end up binging the whole series. These forgotten heroes still have plenty of fight left in them.

Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.


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Sean P. Aune

Sean Aune has been a pop culture aficionado since before there was even a term for pop culture. From the time his father brought home Amazing