The Ultimate Ranking of ThunderCats TV Shows, Unveiling the Definitive Best

Summary

The 2020 adaptation of the ThunderCats franchise, known as ThunderCats Roar, faced tremendously negative feedback from fans, ultimately leading to its cancellation within a year. This cancellation serves as a clear indication that the adaptation was unable to grasp the essence that made the original series so beloved.

The 2011-2012 revival of ThunderCats received acclaim for its darker and more sophisticated atmosphere, polished animation, and enthralling narratives that resonated with both newcomers and dedicated fans of the series.

The original ThunderCats series, broadcasted from 1985 to 1989, retains its status as the finest and most legendary chapter in the franchise, showcasing unforgettable characters, exceptional storytelling, and a catchy theme song that still captivates viewers to this day.

ThunderCats is a renowned media franchise that has produced three animated series of varying quality. The original series, which premiered in 1985, introduced audiences worldwide to the iconic team of humanoid felines, led by the noble Lion-O, as they battled against the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra and his mutants. In more recent years, a darker version of ThunderCats emerged, followed by a surprising adaptation in 2020 with a completely different style.

Despite these changes, ThunderCats has consistently remained a beloved franchise. The characters, clearly influenced by Masters of the Universe, are vibrant and diverse, each bringing their own unique qualities to the stories, thus appealing to a wide range of demographics. Each of the three series embodies this essence with their individual quirks. However, it is clear that one stands out as the best ThunderCats installment.

3 ThunderCats Roar (2020)

ThunderCats Roar faced significant challenges from the moment it was conceived. The initial response to the show's announcement, specifically the promotional teaser videos on YouTube, was overwhelmingly negative. While the characters and concepts in the series are recognizable to loyal followers of the franchise, the similarities end there. The intention behind ThunderCats Roar was clearly to emulate the comedic tone and animation style of successful shows like Teen Titans Go!. Unfortunately, comparisons between the two series have resulted in ThunderCats Roar being unfavorably judged.

It should be noted that ThunderCats Roar does possess a humorous appeal for young children, particularly those who are unfamiliar with the original ThunderCats show and its first reboot. Shows with a similar tone definitely have their place. However, ThunderCats Roar deviates significantly from its predecessors, portraying the heroes and villains in a manner that deviates greatly from their classic, less child-centric counterparts. In truth, ThunderCats Roar can only be considered a ThunderCats show in name, as its cancellation after less than a year speaks volumes about its reception.

2 ThunderCats (2011-2012)

The initial attempt to reboot ThunderCats received a significant amount of praise and success. While there were some changes made to the story of the iconic group, the overall concept remained familiar, and the positive aspects outweighed any negative criticisms. The reboot took a much darker and edgier approach compared to the original series, targeting a slightly older audience, which was well-received by both new fans and long-time ThunderCats enthusiasts. It injected new life into the franchise, giving a fresh perspective to its characters and concepts. However, it faced criticism for being perceived as a marketing ploy to promote new ThunderCats toys.

The animation of the reboot is sleek and exhibits an anime influence, which is not surprising considering it was a collaboration between the United States and Japan. The characters are well-developed, the visuals are outstanding, and the voice performances from the talented cast deserve immense praise. This series manages to be entertaining while also having unexpected depth and layers, making it enjoyable not only for younger audiences but also for adults. Unfortunately, the reboot was short-lived, lasting only a year. It's worth noting that Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the producers behind the original series, were heavily involved in this final project before their passing. This serves as a fitting tribute to their exceptional contributions to the world of animation.

1 ThunderCats (1985-1989)

The original ThunderCats show, produced by Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment in the 1980s, is widely regarded as one of the best animated shows ever made. It introduced audiences to a cast of brilliantly weird and wonderful characters such as Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro, and Cheetara. Although the animation may seem a bit clunky by today's standards, it still captivates viewers and remains highly enjoyable.

Unlike other shows like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, ThunderCats delivers positive messages to older pre-teen and early teen audiences in a more subtle manner. The writing is exceptional, the stories are intriguing, and the voice acting is top-notch. Additionally, the show is known for its incredibly catchy and memorable theme tune. With four seasons and a whopping 130 episodes, ThunderCats clearly had a significant appeal that led to the creation of comic books, video games, toys, and a range of merchandise. It even spawned two more series, further demonstrating its lasting impact.