20 Best Animated Movies from the 1980s You Have to See

The 1980s were a golden era for animated movies, delivering stories that captured hearts and sparked imaginations. From heartfelt tales of friendship to epic adventures, these films pushed the boundaries of animation with vibrant visuals and memorable characters.

This list highlights 20 of the best non-anime animated movies from the decade that still hold up today. Whether you’re revisiting classics or discovering them for the first time, these films are must-sees for any animation fan.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ follows Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of living on land. She makes a risky deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human and win the love of a prince. The story blends romance, adventure, and catchy songs like ‘Part of Your World’ that defined a generation.

The film’s vibrant animation and strong voice performances, especially Jodi Benson as Ariel, brought new life to Disney’s storytelling. It kicked off the Disney Renaissance, setting the stage for the studio’s iconic 1990s run.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

‘The Fox and the Hound’ tells the story of Tod, a fox, and Copper, a hound dog, who form an unlikely friendship as kids. As they grow, their natural instincts and societal pressures threaten to tear them apart. The emotional weight of their bond hits hard.

This Disney classic stands out for its simple yet powerful story about friendship and prejudice. The animation, paired with heartfelt voice acting, makes it a timeless tale that still resonates.

The Land Before Time (1988)

‘The Land Before Time’ follows Littlefoot, a young dinosaur, who loses his mother and embarks on a journey to find the Great Valley. Joined by other young dinosaurs like Cera and Ducky, he faces dangers like a T-Rex and natural disasters. The story is both thrilling and emotional.

Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Don Bluth, the film’s detailed animation and heartfelt moments made it a hit. It spawned a massive franchise, but the original remains the strongest.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)

‘The Secret of NIMH’ centers on Mrs. Brisby, a mouse who must save her family from a farmer’s plow. She seeks help from intelligent rats who escaped a lab, uncovering dark secrets along the way. The story mixes mystery, courage, and family love.

Don Bluth’s first film after leaving Disney, it features stunning hand-drawn visuals and a darker tone than most animated films of the time. The voice cast, including Dom DeLuise, adds depth to this gripping tale.

All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989)

‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’ follows Charlie, a dog who escapes heaven to return to Earth. He befriends an orphan girl who can talk to animals, leading to a story of redemption and friendship. The plot tackles heavy themes like death and betrayal.

Directed by Don Bluth, the film blends humor, heart, and a touch of darkness with its colorful animation. Despite competing with ‘The Little Mermaid’ at the box office, it became a beloved classic on home video.

An American Tail (1986)

‘An American Tail’ tracks Fievel, a young mouse, who gets separated from his family while immigrating to America. Facing dangers like evil cats and crooked rats, he searches for his loved ones. The story captures the struggles of immigration with heart.

Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Don Bluth, the film’s emotional depth and beautiful animation made it a box office hit. Its memorable songs and characters like Fievel sparked a lasting franchise.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

‘The Great Mouse Detective’ follows Basil, a mouse detective, as he investigates a toymaker’s kidnapping in Victorian London. With his friend Dawson, he uncovers a plot by the evil Professor Ratigan. The mystery is fun and fast-paced.

This Disney film brought a fresh take on Sherlock Holmes with sharp animation and a lively voice cast, including Vincent Price as Ratigan. It’s a hidden gem that paved the way for Disney’s later successes.

Oliver & Company (1988)

‘Oliver & Company’ is a loose adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, starring a homeless kitten who joins a gang of street dogs in New York City. When he’s adopted by a wealthy girl, his loyalty is tested. The story is light but charming.

The film’s sketchy animation style and catchy songs like ‘Why Should I Worry’ give it a unique vibe. With voices like Billy Joel and Bette Midler, it’s a fun, music-filled adventure.

The Black Cauldron (1985)

‘The Black Cauldron’ follows Taran, a young pig keeper, who must stop the evil Horned King from using a magical cauldron to rule the world. Joined by a princess and a furry creature, he faces dark forces. The story leans into fantasy and danger.

Disney’s darkest animated film of the decade, it features bold visuals and a creepy atmosphere. Though it struggled at the box office, its epic scope makes it a cult favorite today.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

‘The Brave Little Toaster’ follows a group of household appliances, led by a toaster, searching for their owner after being abandoned. Their journey through a dangerous world is both quirky and heartfelt. The story feels fresh and original.

This independent film stands out for its oddball charm and creative animation. With a mix of humor and surprising depth, it’s a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the ‘80s.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ blends animation and live-action, following detective Eddie Valiant as he investigates a murder involving cartoon star Roger Rabbit. Set in a world where toons and humans coexist, it’s a wild, funny ride.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film’s groundbreaking visuals and cameos from classic cartoon characters make it unforgettable. Its clever mix of noir and comedy keeps it a standout.

The Last Unicorn (1982)

‘The Last Unicorn’ follows a unicorn who learns she may be the last of her kind and sets out to find others. Facing witches and a sinister king, her journey explores themes of identity and loss. The story is poetic and moving.

Produced by Rankin/Bass, the film’s dreamy animation and all-star voice cast, including Jeff Bridges and Mia Farrow, give it a magical feel. It’s a cult classic with lasting emotional impact.

The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

‘The Transformers: The Movie’ follows the Autobots as they battle the Decepticons and a planet-eating robot, Unicron. Packed with action and major character deaths, it bridges the gap between the TV series’ seasons. It’s bold and intense.

The film’s high-energy animation and ‘80s hair metal soundtrack make it a fan favorite. Voices like Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy add weight to this iconic sci-fi adventure.

The Chipmunk Adventure (1987)

‘The Chipmunk Adventure’ sees Alvin and the Chipmunks racing around the world in hot air balloons, unaware they’re being used to smuggle diamonds. The story is lighthearted but packed with fun and music.

The film’s colorful animation and catchy songs, like ‘The Girls of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ make it a nostalgic treat. It’s a perfect pick for fans of the Chipmunks’ goofy charm.

The Care Bears Movie (1985)

‘The Care Bears Movie’ follows the Care Bears as they help two kids and a boy named Nicholas battle an evil spirit. The story promotes kindness and teamwork in a colorful, cheerful world.

With its bright animation and simple message, the film was a hit with young audiences. It launched the Care Bears franchise into the spotlight, becoming a staple of ‘80s nostalgia.

My Little Pony: The Movie (1986)

‘My Little Pony: The Movie’ follows the Ponies as they fight a villainous witch and her daughters threatening their home. The adventure is filled with magic, songs, and pastel-colored charm.

The film’s playful animation and wholesome vibe made it a hit with kids and sparked a lasting fanbase. It’s a sweet throwback to the ‘80s toy-driven cartoon craze.

The Flight of Dragons (1982)

‘The Flight of Dragons’ follows Peter, a modern man transported to a fantasy world where he must unite dragons and wizards to stop an evil sorcerer. The story blends science and magic in a unique way.

This Rankin/Bass film offers lush animation and a thoughtful story, with voices like James Earl Jones adding gravitas. It’s a hidden gem for fantasy fans.

Heavy Metal (1981)

‘Heavy Metal’ is an anthology film tied together by a mysterious orb called the Loc-Nar, telling sci-fi and fantasy stories with adult themes. Each segment offers wild visuals and unique tales.

Aimed at mature audiences, its mix of rock music and bold animation made it a cult hit. The film’s daring style sets it apart from typical ‘80s cartoons.

The Adventures of Mark Twain (1985)

‘The Adventures of Mark Twain’ uses claymation to follow Mark Twain and his characters, like Tom Sawyer, on a surreal airship journey. The story mixes humor with darker, philosophical themes.

This unique film stands out for its stop-motion animation and bold storytelling. It’s an ambitious, lesser-known classic that tackles big ideas with creativity.

Twice Upon a Time (1983)

‘Twice Upon a Time’ follows two dream-makers, Ralph and Mumford, who must stop a villain from trapping people in nightmares. The cut-out animation style is quirky and unlike anything else from the decade.

Produced by George Lucas, the film’s odd humor and creative visuals make it a standout. It’s a rare, offbeat gem that deserves more love from animation fans.

What’s your favorite ‘80s animated movie, and which one from this list are you excited to revisit or discover? Share your thoughts in the comments!