6 80s Cartoons That Were Basically Toy Commercials

In the 1980s, cartoons became more than just kids’ entertainment—they were platforms to sell toys. With shows designed to captivate young audiences, many cartoons were created with merchandise in mind, becoming one giant advertisement. Here are six iconic ’80s cartoons that doubled as toy commercials and helped define childhoods.

1. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe was a game-changer, launching in 1983 as an action-packed fantasy cartoon and cleverly promoting a line of action figures. Kids were introduced to He-Man’s powerful allies and terrifying enemies, each available as a toy.

The show centered on He-Man’s battles against Skeletor, with episodes showcasing unique weapons and colorful characters, enticing kids to collect them. As one of the first cartoons created specifically to drive toy sales, it set the stage for the “cartoon-toy” trend in the ’80s.

2. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

Hasbro’s G.I. Joe series didn’t just bring action to the screen; it brought it to the toy aisle, too. Each episode introduced new characters and high-tech vehicles, directly encouraging kids to add to their collection. With storylines about the Joes battling Cobra, it was a thrilling world kids could bring home.

The cartoon’s plots were filled with battles and gear that sparked the imagination. The focus on different team members and gear ensured there was always something new for kids to want, and the toy line expanded with each new episode.

3. Transformers

Robots that could transform into cars, planes, and more made Transformers an instant hit. The show featured Autobots and Decepticons locked in battle, each with unique abilities and forms, giving kids a lineup of characters to collect and play with. The toys allowed kids to reenact the epic battles from the show.

Every episode showcased the latest transforming robots, making it hard to separate the show from the merchandise. Transformers became a toy phenomenon, with each character’s design aligning with a new figure, giving the franchise long-lasting popularity.

4. My Little Pony

My Little Pony brought a colorful world of magical ponies to the screen, each with a distinct personality and charm. Created by Hasbro, the cartoon encouraged kids to collect their favorite ponies and accessories, with episodes often featuring new ponies and places.

The show tapped into kids’ imaginations, using enchanting storylines to inspire them to build their own pony worlds at home. Every character introduction felt like an invitation to add another pony to the collection, making My Little Pony a defining example of the “toy-first” cartoon.

5. Thundercats

Thundercats took kids on an adventurous journey with a group of heroic cat-like aliens. The cartoon mixed action with fantasy, giving children exciting battles and villains like Mumm-Ra to root against. Each main character had unique weapons and abilities, and each became a toy ready for the shelves.

With its strong lineup of distinct characters, Thundercats was perfect for merchandise. The toy line allowed kids to act out the battles and explore their imaginations, making it another show that blurred the lines between cartoon and commercial.

6. M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)

M.A.S.K. followed a special task force with high-tech masks and transforming vehicles, creating thrilling action sequences and, of course, collectible toys. Each episode showcased vehicles and gadgets, keeping kids hooked on both the show and the desire to own the toys themselves.

The unique mix of vehicles and gadgets gave kids a wide range of play options. M.A.S.K. offered an interactive experience, with toys that mirrored the on-screen action, securing its place among the most toy-driven cartoons of the era.