A Blast from the Past: Unveiling the Top 40 1970s Cartoon Series

The 1970s was a golden era for cartoons, with a surge in creativity and a wide range of animated shows that captivated audiences of all ages. These cartoons not only entertained us but also left a lasting impact on pop culture. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and unveil the top 40 1970s cartoon series that have stood the test of time.

The influence of 1970s cartoons on pop culture

The 1970s marked a significant shift in the world of cartoons. Animation studios began to explore new themes and storytelling techniques, resulting in a diverse range of shows that appealed to a wider audience. Cartoons became more than just children’s entertainment; they became a part of popular culture.

One of the most influential cartoons of the 1970s was “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” The show introduced a group of teenagers who solved mysteries with their lovable, talking Great Dane. This formula of a group of friends solving mysteries became a staple in many future cartoons and even influenced live-action television shows.

Another iconic cartoon from the 1970s was “The Flintstones.” Although it originally aired in the 1960s, it continued to captivate audiences throughout the 1970s with its prehistoric humor and lovable characters. “The Flintstones” paved the way for adult-oriented cartoons, proving that animation could appeal to viewers of all ages.

Criteria for selecting the top 30 1970s cartoon series

Selecting the top 30 1970s cartoon series was no easy task. We considered several factors to ensure a fair and comprehensive list. First and foremost, we looked at the overall popularity and cultural impact of each cartoon series during the 1970s. We also considered the longevity of the shows, as many cartoons from this era continue to be cherished by fans today.

Additionally, we took into account the quality of animation, storytelling, and character development. Cartoons that pushed the boundaries of creativity and introduced innovative ideas were given extra consideration. Finally, we considered the influence and legacy of each cartoon series, both within the animation industry and in popular culture as a whole.

The top 40 1970s cartoon series

1. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970) – This classic mystery-solving series continued into the early ’70s.
2. Josie and the Pussycats (1970-1972) – Follows the adventures of an all-girl rock band.
3. The Pink Panther Show (1971-1976) – Continued the adventures of the iconic Pink Panther.
4. The Jackson 5ive (1971-1973) – Animated adventures featuring the Jackson family.
5. The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show (1971-1972) – Follows the teenage years of the Flintstones’ children.
6. The New Scooby-Doo Movies (1972-1973) – Scooby and the gang team up with various guest stars.
7. Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972-1985) – Created by Bill Cosby, this series tackled important life lessons.
8. The Super Friends (1973-1986) – Featuring classic DC Comics superheroes like Superman and Batman.
9. Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1976) – Follows the bumbling janitor Penrod Pooch, who becomes the hero Hong Kong Phooey.
10. The Harlem Globetrotters (1970-1973) – The legendary basketball team goes on various adventures.
11. Schoolhouse Rock! (1973-2009) – Educational animated shorts that teach about grammar, math, and more.
12. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974) – An animated adaptation of the original Star Trek series.
13. Speed Buggy (1973-1975) – Follows the adventures of a talking dune buggy.
14. Super Friends: The All-New Super Friends Hour (1977-1978) – Continued the adventures of DC superheroes.
15. The New Adventures of Batman (1977) – Animated adventures of Batman and Robin.
16. Jabberjaw (1976-1978) – Features a talking shark and his underwater rock band.
17. The All-New Popeye Hour (1978-1983) – Continued the adventures of Popeye and friends.
18. Godzilla (1978-1979) – Follows the adventures of the famous giant monster.
19. Challenge of the Super Friends (1978-1979) – A more action-packed series featuring DC superheroes.
20. The New Fantastic Four (1978) – Animated adaptation of Marvel’s superhero team.
21. Thundarr the Barbarian (1980-1981) – A post-apocalyptic adventure series.
22. Spider-Woman (1979-1980) – Animated series featuring Marvel’s superheroine.
23. The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show (1979-1981) – Features the stretchy superhero Plastic Man.
24. Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (1977-1980) – Follows a prehistoric superhero.
25. Space Sentinels (1977-1978) – A group of superheroes defending the Earth.
26. The Scooby-Doo Show (1976-1978) – Continued the adventures of Mystery Inc.
27. The Muppet Show (1976-1981) – While primarily a live-action puppet show, it featured animated segments.
28. The Smurfs (1981-1989) – The show premiered in 1981 but gained immense popularity in the ’80s.
29. Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle (1976-1980) – Animated adventures of the iconic jungle hero.
30. The Laff-A-Lympics (1977-1978) – Features Hanna-Barbera characters competing in various events.
31. The Little Rascals (1979-1982) – Animated adaptations of the classic Our Gang comedies.
32. The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse and Heckle & Jeckle (1979-1980) – Featuring classic Terrytoons characters.
33. The New Shmoo (1979-1980) – Follows the adventures of the lovable Shmoo.
34. Wheelie and the Chopper Bunch (1974-1975) – Animated series featuring sentient vehicles.
35. Inch High, Private Eye (1973-1974) – Follows a miniature detective and his team.
36. The Pink Panther Laugh and a Half Hour and a Half Show (1976-1977) – Featuring various segments, including the Ant and the Aardvark.
37. The New Tom & Jerry Show (1975-1977) – Continued the classic rivalry between the cat and mouse.
38. Groovie Goolies (1970-1972) – Features a cast of classic movie monsters in comedic situations.
39. The Great Grape Ape Show (1975-1976) – Follows the adventures of a giant purple gorilla.
40. Valley of the Dinosaurs (1974-1976) – A family becomes stranded in a prehistoric world.

Honorable mentions: Other notable 1970s cartoon series

While we have covered the top 30 1970s cartoon series, there are many other notable shows from this era that deserve recognition. These honorable mentions include “Goober and the Ghost Chasers,” “The Jetsons,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters,” “The Muppet Show,” and “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space.” Each of these shows contributed to the rich tapestry of 1970s cartoons and left a lasting impact on viewers.

Impact and legacy of 1970s cartoon series

The impact of 1970s cartoon series cannot be overstated. These shows not only entertained us but also shaped our childhoods and influenced our lives. They introduced us to unforgettable characters, taught us important life lessons, and sparked our imagination. The legacy of these cartoons continues to thrive, with new generations discovering and falling in love with these timeless classics.

Where to watch 1970s cartoon series today

If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive the magic of 1970s cartoon series, you’re in luck! Many of these shows are still available to watch today. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video offer a wide selection of classic cartoons, including many from the 1970s. Additionally, DVDs and Blu-rays of these shows can be found in stores or through online retailers. So gather your family or friends, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a trip back in time with these beloved cartoons.