Nostalgic Neon and Nightmare Fuel: looking back at dark 80s animated films (video).

Larks, the 1980s: a magical era when cartoons weren’t just for kids and filmmakers thought it was a great idea to traumatize their young audiences with as much dark fantasy and dystopian sci-fi as possible. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, exploring some of these animated classics that likely shaped (or warped) a generation.

First up, we have “Fire and Ice” (1983), where Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta decided that what kids really needed was a heavy dose of elemental apocalypse with a side of loin cloths and battle axes. Because nothing says bedtime story quite like a dark tale of survival and sorcery. Then, Disney, never one to be outdone, gave us “The Black Cauldron” (1985). Ah yes, the movie that nearly bankrupted the magic kingdom, featuring a villain who looked like death took a holiday in a horn shop. This ambitious dark fantasy promised to show kids the power of friendship and the undead all in one go. Talk about multitasking!

If space operas are more your style, “Starchaser: The Legend of Orin” (1985) threw in everything but the kitchen sink. A young miner (because why fantasize about being a prince when you can be a miner?) discovers a magic sword and battles a tyrant, all in glorious 3D. It’s like “Star Wars” without the budget or coherent plot.

And who could forget “The Pied Piper” (1986), which took a charming children’s tale and thought, “Let’s add more doom.” This version had rats, yes, but also a whole vibe that made you reconsider any childhood wish of following mysterious strangers out of town. For those who wanted their brain cells rattled by loud music and louder visuals, there was “Heavy Metal” (1981). This anthology of sci-fi and fantasy was like flipping through the weirdest comic book you found in your uncle’s basement, set to an electric guitar solo.

Moving on to “The Adventures of Mark Twain” (1985), which dared to ask: What if Mark Twain, but in space? This film had Twain traveling through the cosmos meeting various characters who definitely left us all with a healthy dose of existential dread. Just what every child wants with their popcorn. Then there’s “Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland” (1989). Remember being a kid, excited to go to bed and dream? Well, this movie showed us that nightmares were just a dimension away and you might just be crowned king of a nightmare realm. Sweet dreams! “The Flight of Dragons” (1982) managed to mix science with magic by sending a modern-day scientist back to a mythical realm. Because when you think of fantasy adventures, you definitely think of scientists.

And who could ignore “The Last Unicorn” (1982), where a unicorn—yes, the symbol of purity and grace—was chased by a flaming bull and voiced by Mia Farrow. If you weren’t moved by this one, check if your heart’s still there. Finally, there’s “The Secret of NIMH” (1982), where a timid mouse takes on a quest that uncovers government conspiracies and genetic experiments. It’s basically “X-Files” with rodents.

So there you have it, the golden age of animated films that made sure children’s entertainment was never boring and psychotherapists stayed in business. Whether these films left you enchanted or slightly scarred, one thing’s for sure: they don’t make them like they used to—and maybe that’s for the best.