I've teamed up with Netflix for this post.
I have to admit, I love seeing "Throwback Thursday" posts on social media. Every time I see the #TBT hashtag I hope to see a photo of someone I know from when we were kids in the 80's or 90's, wearing our favorite corduroy pants or Rainbow Bright T-shirts. I have the best childhood memories of hanging out with my brothers and cousins and watching our favorite shows and movies like Inspector Gadget, The Smurfs, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Those TV shows represent a little bit of my childhood and I'm so excited that most of them are making a comeback. Now I can watch them with my kids!
There’s just something special about connecting with your children over something you loved so much when you were young. It gives your kids a little insight into what you might have been like as a child, and you sort of relive your childhood too. Now that my toddler has a longer attention span, I'm introducing him to all sorts of throwback shows and movies that I enjoyed as a child. If you were a child of the 80's and 90's, here are a few cartoons and movies you should introduce your kids to, and luckily, you can stream them on Netflix!
Jem and the Holograms: This cartoon series ran from 1985 to 1988, and of course it was TRULY OUTRAGEOUS! You can stream all three seasons on Netflix right now.
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends: Did you watch this Saturday morning cartoon growing up? It ran from 1981 to 1983, then in repeats from 1984 to 1986. You can catch all three seasons on Netflix.
Inspector Gadget: Although not the original that I knew and loved as a kid, this new Netflix original series is a reboot that your kids (and you!) will love. Dr. Claw returns from the Antarctic, drawing Inspector Gadget out of retirement and you'll also get to visit with Penny again too!
Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Incorporated: If you loved the original Scooby-Doo cartoons as a kid, you'll love this reboot too! All your favorite characters are here and there are two seasons available to stream on Netflix right now.
Pocahontas: I don't think any child of the 80's or 90's can forget watching Disney movies. Some of my all-time favorites were released when I was in elementary and middle school (here's looking at you The Lion King and The Little Mermaid), and I certainly couldn't forget Pocahontas. You can catch it on Netflix too!
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation: Released in 1997, this TMNT live-action reboot will introduce your kids to your favorite pizza eating turtles... and Splinter of course.
The Care Bears Movie: I have a special place in my heart for The Care Bears. Not only did I have several of the figurines and plush dolls, I also watched this movie (released in 1985) countless times. It's a classic!
The Smurfs and the Magic Flute: Originally released in 1976, this film came to the US in an English version in 1983. The Smurfs are definitely classic icons of the 80's, so this one is worth watching with your kiddos.
The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog: I won't admit to how many hours I spent playing my Sega, but I will say that many, many of those hours were spent with Sonic the Hedgehog. Airing in 1993, this cartoon follows Sonic and his sidekick Tails, as they attempt to thwart Dr. Robotnik from taking over the planet Mobius. It's nostalgic for sure!
I'm so glad these old-school classics are getting a second look, and in some cases a complete reboot, so that a new generstion of kids can enjoy them!
What were your favorite shows or movies as a kid?
Have you watched them with your children yet?
Disclosure: I'm a member of the Netflix #StreamTeam and I received a promotional item. All opinions are my own
Amber Ludwig says
I totally am the Mom who forces my kid to watch my favorites even if he moans and groans lol!! He loves the revamped inspector gadget on Netflix!! My favorites from the 80's are the Labyrinth and Howard the Duck!!
Elisabeth says
Such good memories of watching some of these when I was younger! I'd love to go through and watch these with my 10 year old sister!
Meredith says
It is a shame that the Scooby Doo and Inspector Gadget are reboots. The originals were great!
Emily Wilson says
I LOVED Fern Gully and The Wee Sing movies when I was a little kid. My daughter has gotten really into the Wee Sing videos, but I haven't gotten her to watch Fern Gully yet. Hopefully one day she will love it as much as I did, but if not we will just watch the movies she loves.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I remember these movies and I loved watching them. my kids enjoyed many of them.
Sarah L says
These shows don't throwback far enough for me to have watched as a kid.
Shakeia Rieux says
I remember watching these as a kid except for Jem and the Holograms.I know my nieces would love to watch Care Bears,The Smurfs,Pocahontas and Scooby Doo
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
I loved the Smurfs, Inspector Gadget, and Care Bears when I was a kid! I know my daughter would enjoy watching these on Netflix! I will have to pull some of these up on the next rainy day! (I do wish Inspector Gadget was the original though!)
Jennifer Jones says
I loved Smurfs, Scooby Doo, Inspector Gadget, Care Bears. Thanks for the list. I'll have to look some of these up and watch them with my daughter.
Laurie A says
My husband loves watching Bill Nye with my son. I introduced him to Fragige Rock.
Sarah B. says
I LOVED Sonic the Hedgehog. We've introduced the video game to our girls, but not the show yet...didn't know where to find it!
Helen says
I use to watch so many of these. I can not wait for my daughter to watch the care bears and smurfs with me, not to mention rainbow brite and shera too.
Amanda says
Jem was one of my favorites!
Haley Cook says
I know my kids will love watching these movies with me. My one year old already enjoys some of the older shows.
Casey B says
We love Care Bears!
Melissa K says
My husband will definitely be excited to show our kiddo Sonic!
Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says
These are great! I love the older cartoons and movies.
Nikki Strong says
I LOVED Inspector Gadget!!! Good times! Good times! I definitely need to introduce my children to this show!
Alison says
We don't have kids yet, but we just may need to check out that Scooby Doo Mystery Incorporated! My husband and I both loved Scooby Doo growing up and he still wears Scooby Doo jammie pants! haha
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I am hoping I shall be able to watch some of,these shows with my grandkids, starting with Smurfs, then ScoobyDoo and Marvel comic heroes.
william gossage says
My favorite shows when i was a kid was the rifleman, sky king, bugs bunny, tom and jerry
Carissa P says
My kids are less than impressed when I try to show them the shows I grew up with. I have tried all sorts of shows from Gullah Gullah Island to Rugrats and Pepper Ann. They are interested for maybe 5 minutes tops. It doesn't stop me from trying other shows though.
cassie says
i havent seen the old school carebears in years! That would be a hit in our house