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Quizzes > Movies

80s Cartoon Trivia: Test Your Retro TV Memory

Quick, free 80s cartoon quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Oleksiy MarkuninUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of vintage cartoon characters and quiz title on coral background inviting free 80s trivia challenge

This 80s cartoon trivia quiz helps you test your memory of heroes, villains, and theme songs from Saturday morning classics. When you finish, keep the nostalgia going with 90s cartoon trivia, explore broader throwbacks in 80s pop culture trivia, or jump ahead with 2000s cartoon trivia.

What is He-Man's alter ego?
King Randor
Man-At-Arms
Prince Adam
Skeletor
He-Man's secret identity is Prince Adam, the hidden heir to the throne of Eternia. When Prince Adam raises his sword and proclaims "By the power of Grayskull," he transforms into He-Man. This dual identity was central to the show's plot and character dynamics. See for more details.
Who is Danger Mouse's loyal hamster assistant?
Penfold
Scruff
Toadwart
Barnaby
Penfold is Danger Mouse's anxious but faithful sidekick, always accompanying him on missions. The duo first appeared in the 1981 British animated series, and Penfold's humorous reactions provided much of the show's comic relief. His full name is Ernest Penfold. Learn more at .
Who is the main villain in ThunderCats?
Slithe
Mumm-Ra
Vultureman
Jaga
Mumm-Ra is the ancient sorcerer and primary antagonist in ThunderCats, known as the Ever-Living. He draws power from the Black Pyramid and frequently battles the ThunderCats. His transformation sequence is iconic to the series. For more details, see .
Which cartoon series used the tagline "Robots in Disguise"?
Zoids
BattleTech
The Transformers
Voltron
"Robots in Disguise" was the official slogan for The Transformers franchise, emphasizing the Autobots' ability to change forms. The toy line and animated series debuted in 1984, making the phrase synonymous with the brand. It highlighted the shapeshifting aspect of the characters. More information at .
Which group of heroes consists of Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo?
Captain Planet's Planeteers
Voltron Force
Power Rangers
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are four anthropomorphic turtles named after Renaissance artists. They debuted in comic books in 1984 and became a hit animated series starting in 1987. The team fights villains in New York City under the guidance of their rat mentor, Splinter. Read more on .
In which city does Inspector Gadget reside?
Gotham City
Mega-City One
Star City
Metro City
Inspector Gadget is based in Metro City, a fictional metropolis full of crime and high-tech threats. The show premiered in 1983 and featured Gadget's many bionic gadgets to help him fight Dr. Claw's schemes. Metro City became an iconic backdrop for the series' comedic detective adventures. More at .
What exclamation does Scrooge McDuck famously shout in DuckTales?
Heigh-ho!
Gadzooks!
Yippee!
Woo-oo!
Scrooge McDuck's triumphant "Woo-oo!" became the signature catchphrase of DuckTales, first airing in 1987. It encapsulated the adventurous and optimistic spirit of the show as Scrooge and his nephews embarked on treasure hunts. The theme song even features the phrase. Check out for more.
Which voice actor provided the iconic voice of Optimus Prime in the 1980s Transformers series?
Frank Welker
Leonard Nimoy
Orson Welles
Peter Cullen
Peter Cullen has voiced Optimus Prime since the character's debut in 1984, giving him a deep, authoritative tone. Cullen drew inspiration from his brother's voice to create the hero's warmth and strength. His performance remains iconic among fans. More at .
In The Smurfs, which Smurf wears a red hat and pants and is considered the leader?
Hefty Smurf
Papa Smurf
Grouchy Smurf
Brainy Smurf
Papa Smurf is recognizable by his red clothing and white beard, serving as the village elder and leader. He guides the other Smurfs with wisdom and kindness. The series premiered in 1981 and Papa Smurf has remained central to the franchise. See .
What mystical artifact powers the Sword of Omens in ThunderCats?
Eye of Thundera
Crystal of Power
Heart of Eternia
Shard of Omen
The Eye of Thundera is the gem embedded in the Sword of Omens, granting Lion-O special sight and strength. It's the source of the ThunderCats' power, and he uses it to summon allies. The Eye is central to many storylines. More info at .
Who is known as the field commander and leader of the G.I. Joe team?
Snake Eyes
Cobra Commander
Shipwreck
Duke
Duke, whose real name is Conrad S. Hauser, serves as the primary field leader of G.I. Joe. Introduced in 1983, he's known for his bravery and tactical skills. He often heads missions against the Cobra organization. For more, see .
How many robot lions combine to form Voltron?
Seven
Five
Six
Four
In the 1984 series Voltron: Defender of the Universe, five robot lions piloted by the Voltron Force unite to form the giant robot Voltron. Each lion controls a different part of Voltron's body. This five-lion configuration is central to the show's concept. See .
What is Jem's real name in Jem and the Holograms?
Kimber Benton
Jerrica Benton
Aja Leith
Stormer
Jem is the alter ego of Jerrica Benton, who uses holographic technology to become the rock star Jem. The show aired from 1985 to 1988 and focused on music and drama in the entertainment industry. Jerrica's dual life drives much of the plot. More at .
In She-Ra: Princess of Power, what is She-Ra's secret identity?
Adora He-Man
Madame Razz
Princess Adora
Queen Angella
Princess Adora is the twin sister of Prince Adam and transforms into She-Ra by holding aloft her Sword of Protection. The series debuted in 1985 as a spin-off from He-Man. Adora's struggle to choose between the Horde and Etheria is a core theme. See .
In the M.A.S.K. animated series, what does the acronym M.A.S.K. stand for?
Mechanized Assault Strategic Knights
Maritime Armed Security Klan
Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
Mobile Assault Special Krew
M.A.S.K. stands for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, a secret task force that battles the criminal organization V.E.N.O.M. The show aired from 1985 to 1986 and featured transforming vehicles with special masks. The unique blend of cars and combat earned it a cult following. More at .
Who is the conniving aardvark-like industrialist villain in The Raccoons?
Cyril Sneer
Baxter Stockman
Prince Humperdinck
Dr. Claw
Cyril Sneer is the main antagonist in The Raccoons, an eco-conscious series that ran in the 1980s. As the president of Sneer Enterprises, he plots against the forest dwellers while pursuing profit. His pinkish snout and mustache are iconic. See .
What is the full name of Scrooge McDuck's pilot in DuckTales?
Gladstone Gander
Chip McQuack
Dewey McDuck
Launchpad McQuack
Launchpad McQuack is Scrooge McDuck's loyal and slightly clumsy pilot, appearing in DuckTales from 1987. His catchphrase "Shut up and fly, you fool!" showcases his comic role. He also appeared in Darkwing Duck. More at .
Who is the leader of the Decepticons in the original Transformers series?
Soundwave
Devastator
Megatron
Starscream
Megatron is the ruthless leader of the Decepticons, first appearing in 1984. He transforms into various forms across the franchise, including a Walther P38 pistol. His conflict with Optimus Prime is central to the series. See .
Which pilot controls the Black Lion in Voltron?
Keith
Lance
Pidge
Hunk
Keith is the original leader of the Voltron Force and pilot of the Black Lion. His leadership and tactical skills make him central to the series' plot. The Black Lion forms Voltron's torso and head. More at .
On which planet do the Autobots originate in The Transformers?
Earth
Megatronus
Cybertron
Cybertronix
Cybertron is the mechanical homeworld of both Autobots and Decepticons. The war between factions drives the entire Transformers narrative. Many key characters and events originate there. Details at .
What is the name of the terrorist organization opposed by G.I. Joe?
Kaos
M.A.D.
Cobra
Hydra
Cobra is the primary enemy of G.I. Joe in the A Real American Hero series, debuting in 1982. Led by Cobra Commander, the group seeks world domination and frequently clashes with the Joe team. Their snake-themed iconography is well known. More at .
Which character in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is not one of the four turtles?
Splinter
Raphael
Leonardo
Donatello
Splinter is the mutant rat who trains the Turtles, not one of the four brothers. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo are the turtles named after Renaissance artists. Splinter acts as their sensei. Read more at .
In Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats, who is the leader of the Catillac Cats gang?
Riff-Raff
Spot
Mungo
Angel
Riff-Raff is the tough leader of the Catillac Cats in the Heathcliff segments of the 1984 animated series. He's known for his leather jacket and streetwise attitude. His character contrasts Heathcliff's comedic antics. More at .
In Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, what is the name of Jayce's plant-beast companion?
Spore
Flora
Thorn
Blaze
Flora is Jayce's plant-based sidekick in the 1985 series Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors. She can control plant life and often aids in missions against the root-based Monster Minds. Jayce and Flora share a strong bond. See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Classic Characters -

    Test your memory by recalling the names, traits, and roles of iconic 80s cartoon characters featured in our cartoon trivia questions and answers.

  2. Identify Iconic Catchphrases -

    Match famous catchphrases to their rightful characters, sharpening your ability to recognize signature lines from classic cartoon trivia.

  3. Analyze Storylines -

    Examine key plot points and narrative themes from popular 80s shows to better understand the storytelling techniques behind memorable animated adventures.

  4. Compare Heroes and Sidekicks -

    Differentiate between main protagonists and their sidekicks by evaluating their characteristics and roles across various cartoon trivia with answers.

  5. Evaluate Nostalgic Knowledge -

    Measure your familiarity with retro animation by tackling 25 engaging questions, boosting both your confidence and trivia skills.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Evolution of 80s Animation Techniques -

    By the 1980s, studios like Filmation and Hanna-Barbera adopted limited animation - reusing "held" cels and looping background cycles - to streamline production (University of California Television). Spot this technique in shows like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe or The Smurfs to boost your 80s cartoon trivia questions and answers repertoire.

  2. Character Archetypes & Mnemonics -

    Classic cartoon trivia often revolves around hero-sidekick-villain dynamics; use the mnemonic H-S-V to recall archetypes found in G.I. Joe (Hero), Roadblock (Sidekick), and Cobra Commander (Villain) (Journal of Popular Culture). This simple H-S-V trick ensures you nail any cartoon trivia with answers challenge by quickly identifying core roles.

  3. Power of Catchphrases in Memory Retention -

    Research from the American Psychological Association shows repetitive catchphrases like He-Man's "I have the power!" or Inspector Gadget's "Go-Go-Gadget" significantly boost recall. When preparing for classic cartoon trivia, practice reciting these lines aloud to leverage verbal reinforcement under the spacing effect.

  4. Toy-Driven Transmedia Formula -

    Many 80s shows used the formula "Cartoon + Toy Line + Comic" to create a transmedia franchise - the backbone of series like Transformers and My Little Pony (MIT Comparative Media Studies). Remember this equation to answer advanced cartoon trivia questions answers about cross-platform marketing strategies.

  5. Nostalgia's Role in Cultural Impact -

    Journal of Consumer Behaviour studies reveal nostalgia amplifies engagement, with hashtags like #80sCartoons driving social media buzz. Use classic cartoon trivia and answers from fan communities to connect the emotional power of nostalgia with factual recall.

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