The 1980s were a significant time for both cartoons and science fiction tales, with the decade producing some truly incredible animated sci-fi series that hold up today. Though the sci-fi genre has evolved, both narratively and visually, throughout the years, such series from the '80s contain timeless, familiar traits of the genre that are just as great with a modern viewing.

Underrated gems from the era such as BraveStarr and Centurions can also be considered as awesome and entertaining as they once were many years ago.

These series are marked by their memorable groups of heroes, action-packed battles, and good versus evil narratives. The legacy of certain shows like ThunderCats and Transformers has only gotten stronger as the years have ed, making their enduring brilliance a bit more obvious. However, underrated gems from the era such as BraveStarr and Centurions can also be considered as awesome and entertaining as they once were many years ago.

10 SilverHawks (1986)

Metal-Wearing Heroes Take Down Escaped Convicts

A year into ThunderCats' run, Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment produced another sci-fi cartoon with a similar premise, SilverHawks. The two series feature many of the same voice actors, but the latter instead follows the events after the villainous Mon*Star escapes lockup and recruits a number of convicts to help him achieve his evil plan. Attempting to stop Mon*Star are the SilverHawks.

Led by Commander Stargazer, the SilverHawks are metal-wearing heroes equipped with bionic abilities and various weapons that prove to be useful in their fight against evil. Like ThunderCats, SilverHawks too received a comic book series based on its sci-fi adventures. Certainly too indistinguishable from ThunderCats for its own good at times, SilverHawks is still a worthy addition to '80s sci-fi cartoons and has just enough originality to make an impression.

9 Voltron: Defender Of The Universe (1984-1985)

Robotic Lions Take On Evil Figures Terrorizing Planet Arus

Adapting two separate Japanese mecha anime, Beast King Go-Lion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV, is the series Voltron: Defender of the Universe. Premiering in 1984, the first season of the animated series is ed more fondly as it follows a group of five pilots, who each control a robot lion which combines to create the powerful Voltron.

Throughout the season, audiences see the pilots work to protect the planet of Arus from the schemes of the villainous King Zarkon. Though its premise is simple, and its second season isn't as highly regarded, Voltron still boasts some stunning animation and likable characters and is easy to rewatch years later. The characters in the action-packed series are also voiced by notable voice actors, including Neil Ross, Tress MacNeille, and Peter Cullen.

8 BraveStarr (1987-1988)

Spirit Animals Aid A Lawman In His Fight Against Evil

Compared to a handful of the other sci-fi cartoons mentioned, BraveStarr has somewhat become a forgotten gem. The Western sci-fi cartoon is set on the planet of New Texas, where galactic Marshal BraveStarr calls upon spirit animals to aid him in fights against a series of criminals.

These animals grant him superhuman abilities, such as enhanced vision and immense strength.

BraveStarr, who is voiced by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice actor Pat Fraley, is an entertaining protagonist equipped with a number of weapons and is ed by a range of eccentric characters, like Deputies Thirty/Thirty and Fuzz. Additionally, every great lawman needs a fiery opponent and Tex Hex is just the guy. As one of the creepiest villains from '80s cartoons, Tex Hex's magical powers allow him to give others a hard time and quite the scare.

7 Inspector Gadget (1983-1985)

A Clumsy Detective Prevents Evil

The success of 1983's Inspector Gadget series led to a franchise with live-action films and animated spin-off series, few of which sur the original. The '80s cartoon is centered around the titular character who has an assortment of bionic gadgets built into his body, each of which comes in handy when he's forced to confront his nemesis, Dr. Claw.

Gadget has all the equipment he needs to be a successful inspector, but his ineptitude and clumsiness often get in the way. Therefore, he is unknowingly assisted by his niece Penny and the dog Brain, who take on the investigative work for him. Inspector Gadget's fun concept and lovable protagonist have allowed the legacy of the series to endure many years after its original premiere.

6 G-Force: Guardians Of Space (1986)

The Darker, More Faithful Adaptation Of A Japanese Anime

With nearly a decade having ed since the first adaptation of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, a Japanese anime series, G-Force: Guardians of Space was the new and improved second adaptation. Television standards had evolved by the 1980s, which allowed for the darker elements of the original series to be continued in the American version. The animated series follows a group of five teenage superheroes who battle the aliens Galactor and Computor in an attempt to protect Earth.

While its characters and plot are greatly similar to that of Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space stands out thanks to its intense action.

The superhero team is bird-themed and is made up of distinct personalities that are easy for audiences to connect with. While its characters and plot are greatly similar to that of Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space stands out thanks to its intense action. Names and the characterization of a few heroes and villains were Americanized, but most of the original series' quintessential violence and death were kept in.

5 Centurions (1986)

The Eponymous Heroes Save The Planet From A Mad Scientist's Evil Plan

Just as many sci-fi films and TV shows do, Centurions explores the relationship between humans and technology. The series gets its name from its main group of heroes who don colorful exo-frames that allow them to fuse with various weapons. The Centurions' goal is to stop mad scientist Doc Terror and his cyborgs from taking over the world and turning people into robot slaves.

The titular group of heroes is unique thanks to their range of colored suits and distinct weapon specialties. Team leader Max Ray, for example, is best suited for underwater missions, while Ace McCloud specializes in aerial missions. When looking back at great '80s cartoons, Centurions isn't brought up nearly as much as it should be. Still, the superhero show has great animation and is a series audiences can always count on for a fun time.

4 He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe (1983-1985)

The Powers Of A Sword Transform A Prince Into A Powerful Hero

The fictional world in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe combines science fiction with fantasy to create a memorable series that continues to be seen as one of the best of the decade. Set on the magical planet of Eternia, the animated series follows Prince Adam and his pursuit of the evil Skeletor, who's hungry for power and control over the planet. With his Sword of Power, Adam transforms into He-Man, the strongest man in the universe.

The series' world-building is imaginative and has continued to be built upon in the numerous films and animated series that have since been released. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe's success can be attributed to its engaging storylines, the famous rivalry between He-Man and Skeletor, and its ability to create a profitable toy line inspired by the series' characters.

3 Thundarr The Barbarian (1980-1981)

A Sword-Wielding Hero Defeats Evil Wizards

As Thundarr the Barbarian's opening narrative describes, a runaway planet moving between Earth and the Moon had a drastic effect on Earth's climate and geography. Earth is now divided into territories ruled by powerful wizards, and it's the hero Thundarr who makes it his mission to travel the world and stop evil figures from wreaking havoc. The animated series only lasted for two seasons before being canceled, but it made quite an impression.

Decades later, Thundarr the Barbarian's striking blend of fantasy and sci-fi remains just as impressive and entertaining. Thundarr, too, and his evil-combating companions are exciting. Though their backstories aren't explored as much as those in other sci-fi cartoons, audiences still have a fun time watching them battle against a variety of opponents, including evil wizards and inspired mutant creatures.

2 ThunderCats (1985-1989)

The Efforts Of Cat-Like Aliens To Defend Their Planet

Regarded as one of the best animated series of the 1980s, ThunderCats is just as awesome today as it was during its mid-80s premiere. The cartoon blends fantasy with science fiction and revolves around the eponymous group of feline-like humanoids who are forced to leave their dying home planet of Thundera before crash-landing on Third Earth. The team is led by Lion-O in their fight against the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra and the mutants he recruits.

ThunderCats has been rebooted twice in recent years, but neither the 2011 nor the 2020 TV series have sured the original in quality or memorability. What's allowed the original cartoon's legacy to endure for many decades is its mix of powerful action and emotional depth, which wonderfully complement the series' well-developed plots and characters.

1 The Transformers (1984-1987)

Launched What Would Become A Massive Franchise

Accompanied by a beloved toy line, The Transformers kickstarted what would eventually become a massive media franchise comprised of both animated and live-action films, and countless series. Few suspected the original sci-fi cartoon would produce such great success, but revisiting the series, it's easy to point out all that remains every bit as awesome.

The '80s cartoon has a familiar good versus evil narrative and sees opposing groups of giant robots, Autobots and Decepticons, battle it out after crash landing on Earth. The Transformers introduced characters that would soon become iconic figures in pop culture, including Peter Cullen's Optimus Prime. Like Optimus Prime, the cartoon's other characters' personalities and designs have favorably evolved throughout the years, but are just as compelling in the original series. With thrilling action and engaging plots, the greatness of The Transformers carries on to this day.