Sign up

Defenders of the Earth

1986Show1 season65 episodes

Action & AdventureAnimation
76
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb6.9Metacritic–8.3

A nostalgic, hopeful animated series about the future and fantasy.

Good for family movie night · friends night · party vibe

Where to watch

Fingerprint

Not for tears, big ideas or scares.

Shows with

Episodes

1 season · 65 episodes · best: S1E48 "The Prince Weds" 8.2

Episodes

7.2

Story

Defenders of the Earth is an American animated television series produced in 1986, featuring characters from three comic strips distributed by King Features Syndicate—Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician—opposing Ming the Merciless in the year 2015. Supporting characters include their children Rick Gordon, Jedda Walker, Kshin, Mandrake's assistant Lothar, and Lothar's son L.J. The show lasted for 65 episodes; there was also a short-lived comic book series published by Star Comics, created by Gerry Conway, Ross Andru and John Romita, Sr.. The closing credits credit Rob Walsh and Tony Pastor for the main title music, and Stan Lee for the lyrics. The series was later shown in reruns on the Sci Fi Channel as part of Sci Fi Cartoon Quest.

Feels like

  • Saturday Morning Cartoon
  • Comic Strip Crossover
  • Retro Sci-Fi Adventure
  • Nostalgic 80s Animation
  • Heroic Team Dynamics
  • Flash Gordon Universe
  • Campy Villainy
  • Family-Friendly Action

Cast

10 of 10 · most episodes first

Crew

Written by
Dick Robbins, Bryce Malek

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 8, 1986 · December 5, 1986 · Ended

First aired
September 8, 1986
Last aired
December 5, 1986
Status
Ended
Length
1 season · 65 episodes
Genres
Animation, Action & Adventure
Original language
English
Available in
131 countries
Keywords
based on comic

Tropes

The Smart Guy, Minor Living Alone, Ragtag Bunch of Misfits +9

  • The Smart Guy
  • Minor Living Alone
  • Ragtag Bunch of Misfits
  • Action-Hogging Opening
  • Trapped in a Sinking Car
  • The Starscream
  • Brainwashed
  • McNinja
  • 20 Minutes into the Future
  • Flashback
  • Legacy Character
  • Stage Magician

12 of 86 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Defenders of the Earth?"

Questions about Defenders of the Earth

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Is Defenders of the Earth worth watching?

76
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76 (IMDb 6.9).

Is Defenders of the Earth okay for kids?

Yes: the viewing guide lists it for kids.

How long does it take to watch Defenders of the Earth?

23 h

About 23 hours: 65 episodes in 1 season of about 21 minutes each, aired from 1986 to 1986.

Can I half-watch Defenders of the Earth?

Easy watchDemanding

Yes: it's easy to follow, with complexity at only 3 of 10, and the viewing guide calls it good for background watching.

Will I feel good after watching Defenders of the Earth?

BleakHopeful

Yes, it's an uplifting series: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for hopefulness and 7 for wholesome.

What tropes does Defenders of the Earth use?

The Smart GuyMinor Living AloneRagtag Bunch of MisfitsAction-Hogging OpeningTrapped in a Sinking CarThe StarscreamBrainwashedMcNinja20 Minutes into the FutureFlashbackLegacy CharacterStage Magicianand 74 more

TV Tropes lists 86 tropes for it, including The Smart Guy, Minor Living Alone, and Ragtag Bunch of Misfits.