From catchy theme tunes to action packed animation sequence, there is no denying that the 1980’s had some of the most memorable animated title sequences on kids TV. From time to time we find ourselves on YouTube, looking up some of the shows we grew up – sometimes to admire the classic 2D animation of the titles; sometimes because we can’t get those theme tunes out of our head!

If you were an 80’s kid, or grew up with these TV shows in your life – sit back, relax and indulge in some nostalgia with part one of our compilation of classic animated TV intro themes from the 1980’s:

The Raggy Dolls

The Raggy Dolls is set in Mr. Grimes’ Toy Factory, where imperfect dolls are thrown into a reject bin. While unobserved by human eyes, the dolls come to life and climb out of the reject bin to have adventures. The series was designed to encourage children to think positively about physical disabilities, as well as teaching kindness, tolerance and humility towards others. Read more about The Raggy Dolls

Year: 1986-94
No. of series: 9
No. of episodes: 112
Composer: Neil Innes

Heathcliff

Heathcliff is an animated series based on the Heathcliff comic strip created by George Gately. Two years after the original show ended, another one based on Heathcliff was produced by DiC Entertainment, which was called simply “Heathcliff”, although for distinction this series is usually referred to by the expanded title of Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats. Heathcliff was voiced by legendary voice actor, Mel Blanc. Read more about Heathcliff

Year: 1984–88
No. of seasons: 2
No. of episodes: 86
Composer: Shuki Levy, Haim Saban

Inspector Gadget

Inspector Gadget is a French-Canadian-American comic science fiction cartoon series that revolves around the adventures of a clumsy, dim-witted detective named Inspector Gadget—a human being with various bionic gadgets built into his body. Created by Andy Heyward, Bruno Bianchi, and Jean Chalopin, the series was a co-production between DiC Entertainment and the Canadian studio Nelvana. Read more about Inspector Gadget

Year: 1983–86
No. of (original) series: 2
No. of episodes: 86
Composer: Shuki Levy, Haim Saban

Thundercats

ThunderCats is an American animated television series based on the characters created by Tobin “Ted” Wolf. The series follows the adventures of a group of catlike humanoid aliens. The animation for the episodes was provided by the Japanese studio Pacific Animation Corporation (which was acquired in 1989 to form Walt Disney Animation Japan). Read more about Thundercats

Year: 1985–89
No. of (original) series: 4
No. of episodes: 130
Composer: Bernard Hoffer

DuckTales

DuckTales is an American animated television series, produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and distributed by Buena Vista Television. Based upon Uncle Scrooge and other Duck universe comic books created by Carl Barks, the show follows Scrooge McDuck, his three grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and close friends of the group on various adventures. Read more about DuckTales

Year: 1987–90
No. of (original) series: 4
No. of episodes: 100
Composer: Mark Mueller

Alvin & the Chipmunks

Alvin and the Chipmunks is an American animated television series featuring The Chipmunks, and is the follow-up to the original 1961–62 series, The Alvin Show. The show introduced The Chipettes, three female Chipmunks with their own human caretaker. In 1988, the show switched production companies and was renamed just The Chipmunks. Read more about Alvin and the Chipmunks

Year: 1983–90
No. of series: 8
No. of episodes: 102
Composer: Ross Bagdasarian, Janice Karman

The Real Ghostbusters

The Real Ghostbusters is an American animated television series, a spinoff of the 1984 comedy movie Ghostbusters. The series continues the adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, their secretary Janine Melnitz and their mascot ghost Slimer. Read more about The Real Ghostbusters

Year: 1986–92
No. of series: 7
No. of episodes: 140
Composer: John Smith

Penny Crayon

Penny Crayon is a children’s television series about the adventures of a mischievous schoolgirl who loves to draw. Using the magic crayons she always carries with her she brings everything she draws to life, usually creating a world of chaos for her and best friend Dennis until it’s either rubbed out or washed away. The character of Penny Crayon is voiced by comedy actress Su Pollard. Read more about Penny Crayon

Year: 1989-90
No. of series: 1
No. of episodes: 12
Composer: Roger and Gavin Greenaway

Poddington Peas

The Poddington Peas is a single series animated British children’s television show made by Paul Needs and Colin Wyatt. The series is centered around a group of pea characters who live “down at the bottom of the garden”, among human-size garden objects, giant in size to them. Humans themselves are never seen or mentioned. Read more about Poddington Peas

Year: 1989
No. of series: 1
No. of episodes: 13
Composer: Geoff Stephens

Danger Mouse

Danger Mouse is a British animated television series produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for Thames Television. The show was a parody of British spy fiction, particularly the Danger Man series and James Bond. The series also spawned a spin-off show, Count Duckula. Read more about Danger Mouse

Year: 1981-92
No. of (original) series: 10
No. of episodes: 161
Composer: Mike Harding

Part two of this article will be out on Thursday 23rd February – but let us know your favourite theme tunes of the 80’s in the comments below!