In response to the resurgence of all the great 80s cartoons in Hollywood, we decided to put together another list. We have compiled what we believe to be the 10 best and the 10 worst 80s cartoon movie concepts. First we give you the cartoon, a brief description (for anyone who isn’t familiar) and then OUR movie pitch. We have worked day and night to give you some great and terrible movie ideas! Keep in mind, that just because something is in the “bad idea” section, it doesn’t mean we don’t love it. This is about whether it is a good idea for a movie or not.

First, I must make this clear. WE ARE EXCLUDING PROPERTIES THAT ARE ALREADY IN DEVELOPMENT. Thundercats, Gatchaman, He-Man, G.I. Joe and Voltron have all been intentionally excluded!

So let’s get started! In NO particular order….

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Silverhawks

Cartoon:

Partly metal, partly real… The Silverhawks were basically a space version of the Thundercats. That’s a good thing, by the way. Quicksilver led the SilverHawks against the evil (and cleverly named) Mon*Star, who could transform into an enormous armor-plated creature, and his mob of minions. Interestingly, space seemed to have an atmosphere as they piloted open ships, and could speak to each other. During its popularity, Silverhawks pajamas were created with the silver wings under the arms… Oh yes, I had them. (Unfortunate Fact: The only African American Silverhawk was named Hotwing… Subtle.)

Eric’s Concept:

While Thundercats might look silly in live action, Silverhawks is perfect for it. A live action, sci-fi superhero space adventure film would be spectacular! Heroes and villains battling through space in kick-ass chrome battle suits actually seems possible after seeing what they have done with the Iron Man film. Like the cartoon, Commander Stargazer recruits the SilverHawks to take down the evil Mon*Star and his mob. As the Silverhawks systematically take down the major mob members, Mon*Star kidnaps and brainwashes the mysterious Copper Kid. Quicksilver has to make the difficult decision to take out the Copper Kid for the good of the universe, making for a bittersweet ending. I suggest renaming Mon*Star though… So lame.

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M.A.S.K

Cartoon:

Matt Trakker, leader of M.A.S.K (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) battle Miles Mayhem and his forces of V.E.N.O.M (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem). Both sides use MASK technologies that were super-powered helmets that granted the wearer a power or weapon. Each side also use transforming vehicles that change from normal mode to a combat mode. V.E.N.O.M’s goals were never clear outside of mercenary work and acquiring ill gained wealth. The comics suggested that V.E.N.O.M was a advance force for a much larger power known as Contraworld. The comics also set up an connection between the forces of M.A.S.K and the P.N.A (Peaceful Nations Alliance), but again the connection was vague. The important elements here are people with power helmets in transforming fighting vehicles battling each other. What more could you want?

Chris’s Concept:

GI Joe meets Transformers! First loose Matt Trakker’s kid and pet robot, not needed and will slow things down. Focus on the idea suggested in the mini comics from the toys that Mile Mayhem and Matt Trakker worked together to develop M.A.S.K technologies but Miles betrayed Matt and stole the technologies. Now, Miles leads a team of super powered criminals doing the work for the evil organization of Contraworld. With world domination its’ only goal, Contraworld sends Miles and V.E.N.O.M out into the world on missions to destabilize world governments. Who can stop this from happening?! Matt Trakker forms M.A.S.K to combat his old partner and the forces of Contrworld. Transforming vehicles and super-powered masks spell special effects goodness with elaborate fighting scenes on land and in the air. By the end, V.E.N.O.M is defeated, but Miles escapes… and what of the larger threat of Contraworld?? I smell sequel!

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She-Ra: Princess of Power

Cartoon:

Princess Adora, whose secret identity is She-Ra, is a revolutionary engaged in a rebellion against Hordak, the tyrannical ruler of Etheria. She weilds the Sword of Protection, that can change into other objects at She-Ra’s command; changing into a shield, helmet, parachute, lasso, flaming blade, etc. Her horse Spirit transforms into the winged unicorn Swift Wind. Adora/She-Ra is also the twin sister of Adam/He-Man.

Eric’s Concept:

In a time where live action superhero and fantasy movies are so popular, and examples of female leads are Electra and Catwoman (shudder), She-Ra can be a superhero/fantasy film that gives girls a respectable hero. In the same vein as The Chronicles of Narnia, the She-Ra film tells an epic tale with a huge supporting cast including Bow the archer, the light-bending Glimmer, Mermista the mermaid and ice-powered Frosta taking on the Evil Horde.

Big budget visuals like the sword-weilding warrior princess swooping into battle on a winged unicorn would appeal to boys and girls alike. Really!

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Air Raiders (not a cartoon, but cool anyway)

Toy line and comic book:

On the distant world of Airlandia every breath might be your last. Most of the oxygen of the planet has been destroyed and what little remains is under the control of the evil Emperor Aerozar, leader of the Tyrants of Wind. Emperor Aerozar and his Tyrants led by Baron Jolt, would have long since crushed the people of Airlandia if not for the valiant efforts of the rebel leaders Admiral Fury and General Rokk and their courageous Air Raiders. With cries of “Free air for free men” a pitched battle of unique air powered vehicles ensues.

Chris’s Concept:

Saving Private Ryan meets Halo! Begin with a Fellowship of the Ring styled prologue giving the epic history of the planet of Airlandia and the struggles for air. The movie would take place in the final days of the conflict that has waged for years if not longer. The victor of this war is as of yet undecided as the valiant Admiral Fury pushes for a final blow that could win the war and freedom for the people of Airlandia. Little does Fury know that Emperor Aerozar has a secret weapon that he has kept concealed till all seems lost. The movie will follow a battle hardened platoon of Air Raiders as they cross enemy lines on a clandestine mission from Admiral Fury himself. Their mission is jeopardized when they learn of Emperor’s secret plan, should they complete their mission or try to stop the Emperor’s new scheme. Full body combat suits will allow epic CG battle field sequences with thousands of troops and vehicles.

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Blackstar

Cartoon:

Astronaut John Blackstar was swept through a black hole and stranded on the planet Sagar, where sword and sorcery was prevalent. Wielding his Starsword, one half of the Powerstar, Blackstar helps the little Trobbits (hobbits?) battle the cruel Overlord. Naturally, Overlord holds the Powersword, the other half of the Powerstar.

Eric’s Concept:

The one thing that sets this apart from the more famous He-Man series, is that John Blackstar is from a future Earth and is stranded on a savage planet. I see this as a perfect opportunity for a dark comedy ala Army of Darkness. Wisecracking Blackstar mocking and joking his way to defeating monsters and the humorless Overlord. Let the Trobbit jokes commence!

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Bionic Six

Cartoon:

The first bionic man, Bionic-1, and family take an ill fated skiing trip that involves a UFO and an avalanche leaving the rest of Bionic-1’s multicultural family needing to be bionic too. Now the Bionic Six battle Dr. Scarab and his team of bionic criminals and robot(Zyphron) army. Dr. Scarab quests for the secret of eternal life and will do anything to acquire it.

Chris’s Concept:

Robocop meets the Justice League of America. This close knit but diverse team of bionic soldiers trained is created by the renowned Professor Amadeus Sharp to stop the threats of the near future. The movie begins during one of the Bionic Six’s missions as they battle a group of heavily armed terrorists. Capable of lifting and tearing apart tanks the Bionic Six show off their powers and abilities in a spectacular opening. All seems good and the world is safe once more. …Enter Dr. Scarab. With unexpected force, power, and cruelty Dr. Scarab and his team kidnap Professor Sharp and part of the Bionic Six team. Dr. Scarab hopes that Professor Sharp knowledge can assist in Scarab’s machinations for internal life and ultimate world domination. The remaining free Bionic Six team pulls together to free their benefactor and team mates while those captive endure horrific tests and treatment. The captive Bionic Six begin to plan their own escape. All comes to a head when the Bionic Six team strikes Dr. Scarabs lair in a no holds bar bionic warrior versus Zyphron battle. Dr. Scarab’s robot army is destroyed, his team is scattered and the newly reunited Bionic Six team finally put a stop to Dr. Scarab.

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Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers

Cartoon:

No longer collecting nuts and annoying Donald Duck, Chip ‘n Dale started a team of heroes. With Chip dressed like Indiana Jones and Dale like Magnum P.I., they led a team consisting of the cheese fanatic Monterey Jack, inventor Gadget and the brave little fly Zipper. For one glorious season, the Rescue Rangers helped those in need and battled the evil Fat Cat and the mad scientist Professor Norton Nimnul. (Sidenote: Also spawned one of my favorite NES games)

Eric’s Concept:

Obviously a CGI animated film, the Rescue Rangers would have their greatest adventure as the evil Fat Cat found a way to enslave all humans, leaving cats to rule the Earth. This would of course be bad news for the rodents of the world and the team would need to enlist the help of other animals to take down the evil cat army, perhaps even teaming up with some “good” cats along the way. The tiny team of heroes would use stealth to their advantage as they infiltrated Fat Cat’s lair and sabotage his plans. Oh, and Chip and Gadget would get together in the end.

These characters are too good to be forgotten. Cheeeeeeeze!

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Spiral Zone

Cartoon:

Set in the distant future of 2007 a scientist named Dr. James Bent (now called Overlord) hijacked the space shuttle and launched his attacked on the peoples of Earth by dropping his Zone Generators across half the planet. The placement of these mind controlling bacteria producing Zone Generators created a spiral pattern of dark bacteria clouds on the planet giving the franchise its’ name. The people and animals trapped within the Spiral Zone become infected by the bacteria which turns the eyes yellow, causes red patches to form on the skin, and an almost zombie like state suitable for control by the Overlord. The Overlord gathered the Black Widows, a small team of the worse criminals and warriors from across the globe to aid him in world domination. To combat the Overlord the surviving nations formed an elite fighting force called the Zone Riders led by Colonel Dirk Courage. Wearing suits that protect them from the Zone bacteria and using specially made futuristic weapons and vehicles the Zone Riders battle Overlord and his Black Widows. But for every Zone Generator destroyed by the Zone Riders, Overlord seems one step ahead deploying a new generator, enslaving a new area of the world.

Chris’s Concept:

Set in the near future the criminally insane genius Dr. James Bent has led a duel life as the head of deep space travel for NASA. Through his position of power he has been secretly funding and building his Zone Generators. After years of hard work the people of Earth watch as the first manned deep space ship launches to the stars. Just after launching Dr. Bent’s secret plans are revealed to all as he pronounces himself the Overlord and triggers the hidden cargo of Zone Generators to be deployed from the deep space ship as it streaks through the sky. The Zone Generators drop from the sky instantly enslaving half the planet. Unknown to the Overlord, his faithful assistant horrified by seeing the effects of the Zone Generators runs to the US government with technical data to the Zone technologies. Using this much needed knowledge the Americans and Soviets scramble to assemble a fighting team immune to the Zone. Several battles between the Zone Riders and Black Widows occur. Generators are destroyed and replaced. The obstacle of the Overlord using innocent mindless Zoners (infected people) as human shields finally cause the Zone Riders to rethink their tactics. Finally, a way of destroying all the Zone Generators is discovered… but it requires getting into the Overlords’ heavily protected headquarters deep within the Spiral Zone. Do the Zone Riders have what it takes to save the world?

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Dungeons and Dragons (cartoon series)

Cartoon:

A group of 6 children are sucked into the realm of Dungeons and Dragons while riding a fairground attraction. Once in the realm the kids are met by Dungeon Master, a benevolent mentor and guide who bestows them with magical weapons and cryptic sage advice to help them on their quest. Their main goal is to return home, but along the way they find themselves taking side quests to help those in need. Standing in their way is Venger, a evil wizard desperate to get his hand on the kids magical weapons to aid in his own plots and schemes. The dragon queen Tiamat is also an obstacle, but due to the fact that she is Venger’s arch-rival she is not always a threat. Through the corse of the show it is revealed that Venger is the son of Dungeon Master and that at one time Venger was a force of good that has since been corrupted. The goals of Dungeon Master are never clear and some believe that he could send the kids home at any time, but needs their presence and skills in the realm to stop the forces of evil. The last episode of the series was written but never animated. The episode ended with the kids defeating Venger and being given the chance to return home or to stay and continue the fight against evil in the realm.

Chris’s Concept:

Stick close to the large story arch of the show. Kids get sucked into the realm, Dungeon Master finds them, gives them weapons and advice and sends them on the quest to save the realm from Venger. Venger wants the magic weapons and sends the creatures of the realm after the kids to retrieve the weapons. Dungeon Master helps the kids along toward items that will allow them to defeat Venger by imprisoning him in a void of nothingness. Many battles and narrow escapes ensue. Classic Dungeons and Dragons monsters and locals. Finally the kids get the items they need and one final battle ensues. Tiamat inters the fray. Dungeon Master inters the fray. The connection between Dungeon Master and Venger is revealed. Dungeon Master sacrifices himself to help the kids by allowing himself to be dragged into the void with Venger. Venger is trapped and Tiamat is driven away. The kids are left in the Realms with a new determination not to return home, but to help the people around them. Could easily roll into a squeal… the return of Venger or the final fight against Tiamat. The presence of Uni the Unicorn should be limited if not removed completely. If the Unicorn appears, it should not talk.

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Sectaurs

Cartoon:

On the utopian planet Symbion, a genetic experiment ends in disaster, leaving world filled with giant insects and arachnids. The inhabitants were given characteristics of insects as well. Prince Dargon, ruler of the peaceful Shining Realm of Prosperon, and his allies are left in endless battle with General Spidrax and his evil army. Ancient fortresses called Hyves hang in the balance.

Each character was paired with their own pet insect called an Insectoid, whose insect screeches were clearly just voiced by some dude screaming.

Eric’s Concept:

This cartoon had a darker feel than most at the time, and the movie should be no different. Like the cartoon, the movie begins with a montage to bring everyone up to speed on the story. The main story begins in a huge battle where we learn just how powerful of a warrior Prince Dargon actually is as he plows his way through baddies on the back of his trusty Insectoid Dragonflyer. Dargon is clearly the savior and protector of his people. Just as the evil army retreats, General Spidrax knocks Dargon from Dragonflyer and captures the giant insect. Since each character is telepathically bonded with their Insectoid, they share their pleasure and pain. Spidrax uses this, and orders his men to continually torture Dragonflyer. With Dargon incapacitated, the veteran warrior Pinsor sets out to free Dragonflyer as the others try to protect the Shining Realm. After going through hell, Pinsor frees Dragonflyer just as the defenses fall in the Shining Realm. Dargon’s strength returns just in time to save his people, and the movie culminates in a final battle with the evil General Spidrax.

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Continue to THE WORST!

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written and compiled by Eric and Chris