ThunderCats poster

ThunderCats

TV Show 1985 8.3 /10
Created by Theodore Walter Wolf

Thundera is knocked out of the sky as its people scramble to safety, chased by a band of ruthless mutants. Only a small fraction of the fleet survives, and most of the crew remains in stasis while the elder captain tries to steer toward the nearest habitable world. The aging ship finally reaches... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 14, 2026

About ThunderCats

Thundera is knocked out of the sky as its people scramble to safety, chased by a band of ruthless mutants. Only a small fraction of the fleet survives, and most of the crew remains in stasis while the elder captain tries to steer toward the nearest habitable world. The aging ship finally reaches Third Earth, where the scattered ThunderCats begin rebuilding beside unfamiliar allies and a newly forged fortress. A centuries old evil named Mumm-Ra, allied with the mutant threat, looms over every plan. At the center stands Lion-O, a young chief who bears the Sword of Omens and must unite his people to defend their new home against looming peril. They learn to trust one another as they adapt to strange customs, using wit and skill to survive, and the new home becomes a symbol of hope.

ThunderCats first appeared on television in 1985, created by Ted Wolf. The show quickly became a staple of 80s animation, blending science fiction and fantasy with martial heroism, and it helped define a generation of Saturday morning adventures.

Over the years ThunderCats earned a lasting place in pop culture. Its bold visuals, iconic teamwork, and the Sword of Omens helped shape a generation of action cartoons. The series is repeatedly cited in retrospectives about 1980s animation and continues to surface in fan art, collectibles, and reunion projects.

Reviews of ThunderCats at the time praised its brisk pace and mix of sci fi thrills with fantasy humor. The show often centers on leadership, loyalty, courage, and teamwork as a group of diverse heroes learns to protect their new home and friends from danger while facing trickery and risk.

Awards: No major nominations or wins are documented for ThunderCats during its original run. The series did not become a formal awards beacon, but its influence is clear in later animated adventures and in the fond remembrance of fans and collectors who helped keep the legacy alive.

Details

Release Date
January 23, 1985
User Ratings
1,071 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
4
Episodes
130
Genres
Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Kids

Official Trailer

Cast

Larry Kenney

Larry Kenney

Lion-O / Jackalman (voice)

Peter Newman

Peter Newman

Tygra / WilyKat / Monkian (voice)

Earle Hyman

Earle Hyman

Panthro (voice)

Lynne Lipton

Lynne Lipton

Cheetara / WilyKit (voice)

Earl Hammond

Earl Hammond

Mumm-Ra / Jaga / Vultureman (voice)

Bob McFadden

Bob McFadden

Snarf / Slithe (voice)

Gerrianne Raphael

Gerrianne Raphael

Pumyra (voice)

Doug Preis

Doug Preis

Alluro (voice)

Created by: Theodore Walter Wolf

Seasons (4 seasons, 130 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

65 episodes - 1985

Season 2

Season 2

25 episodes - 1986

Season 3

Season 3

20 episodes - 1988

Season 4

Season 4

20 episodes - 1989

Frequently Asked Questions

ThunderCats is available to stream on Hulu. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Video.

Yes, ThunderCats is available to stream on Hulu.

Yes, you can buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Video.

ThunderCats has 4 seasons with a total of 130 episodes.

With a rating of 8.3/10 from 1,071 viewers, ThunderCats is highly recommended and considered excellent by most viewers.

Thundera is knocked out of the sky as its people scramble to safety, chased by a band of ruthless mutants. Only a small fraction of the fleet survives, and most of the crew remains in stasis while the elder captain tries to steer toward the nearest habitable world. The aging ship finally reaches ...

ThunderCats stars Larry Kenney, Peter Newman, Earle Hyman, Lynne Lipton, and Earl Hammond.

ThunderCats was created by Theodore Walter Wolf.

ThunderCats was released on January 23, 1985.

ThunderCats is a Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, and Kids series.

No, ThunderCats is a fictional animated series created by Theodore Walter Wolf. It imagines a sci-fi fantasy universe with Lion-O and the ThunderCats defending Third Earth from Mumm-Ra and his mutants.

Larry Kenney voices Lion-O, and he also provides the voice for Jackalman. The top cast lists him specifically for those roles.

Earl Hammond voices Mumm-Ra (and also voices Jaga and Vultureman). Mumm-Ra is the centuries-old embodiment of evil that the ThunderCats continually oppose.

ThunderCats runs for 4 seasons with a total of 130 episodes.