Believe it or not, there actually is other material centered on dinosaurs that is NOT Land Before Time. Here are the top 10 dino-centric cartoons to watch when you're tired of Little Foot and the gang!
10. Kung Fu Dino Posse
Four dino warriors are thawed out and thrown into the modern world. With their human friend Edgar, they call themselves the “Kung Fu Dino Posse”. And they make certain their new home is protected from the evils that lie ahead. Battling enemies and adjusting to the 21st century? The posse’s got this!
Did you find this show through Mr. Enter’s Animated Atrocities review too?
At first glance, it looks like it takes cues from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dragon Ball Z and Steven Universe.
No, they don’t break out into song and there are no gay couples in this. I mentioned Steven Universe mainly because the weak characters fuse together to become stronger (maybe Jasper had a point about that one).
This one’s a little hard to explain because it only aired between 2009-2011. And there’s barely any information on the studio (or studios) who worked on this show.
I just thought it was kind of cute. Like Land Before Time mixed with All Grown Up.
I was both right and wrong.
9. Recycle Rex
A group of dino kids must figure out what to do with the things they want to throw away. What can you do about an item that’s already been used? This short animated film teaches children the importance of recycling and how we can better take care of the planet.
I was in second grade when my teacher popped this in the VCR. The theme song was a real banger that carried with my class all the way to third grade.
While this doesn’t have a network series, it does leave a good impression on today’s youth as it did back then.
And it was produced by Disney. So of course 90s kids would be hooked.
I thought it was really nice to see a cartoon where the dinosaurs lived like people. You know, like that unforgettable Disney sitcom with the one character who was all “I’m the baby! Gotta love me!”.
It has been more than 20 years, and this film still lives in my head rent-free.
8. Extreme Dinosaurs
Four dinosaurs find themselves transformed into fighters by an interdimensional criminal. But instead of working for him, they rebel and escape. They find themselves also being hunted by his second group of transformed warriors known as the evil Raptors. The four rebels receive refuge from other interdimensional people who help them adjust to their new forms. As well as preparing to fight to keep the Earth safe from the evil Raptors’ plans to create global warming.
A mix of TMNT, edgy Land Before Time, and some Captain Planet.
This definitely screamed “Buy our toys”. I listened to the theme song, and it was one big commercial. The series was just a plus.
It’s actually a pretty good watch. Kind of cheesy, but this was a 90s cartoon.
And most 90s cartoons were all about cheesy characters based on some toyline.
This particular cheesiness is on level with Cabbage Patch Kids.
7. Uncle Grandpa
Uncle Grandpa is that family member you barely know but WANT to have at your Thanksgiving dinner above anyone else. With his magical RV, he travels around the world helping kids and even adults with their problems. While he might not be all there in the head, he’s always there for anyone in need!
This show actually has a dinosaur for a main character.
Without Mr. Gus, I don’t think this show would have gone the way it did. And no, I doubt Pizza Steve could really fill that role (he can barely fill his own).
Mr. Gus is the voice of reason. While Uncle Grandpa is doing the crazy stuff, the totally jacked dino is there to ask first before just letting these shenanigans happen.
While seemingly intimidating, he is a kind, gentle giant. Which is no surprise that women adore him (which pisses off Pizza Steve because he’s a self-proclaimed “ladies’ man”).
Any episode revolving around Mr. Gus will definitely be enjoyable. And an opportunity to watch him put his muscles to good use (this guy works out a lot).
6. Dink, the Little Dinosaur
In the prehistoric land known as Green Meadow, child brontosaurus Dink and his friends explore their surroundings. The ground they walk is as strong as their bond, and every adventure is another memory added to their list of amazing experiences. With every episode, there is an educational segment where Dink and his friends offer facts and lessons to their young audience.
No, this is NOT a rip-off of The Land Before Time. This show is it’s own thing, and it deserves more attention.
A cartoon barely anyone remembers from the late 80s, it had its own unique charm. And its own unique characters.
A friend of mine rambled on about this show when I mentioned working on this particular list.
He was adamant that more people knew about how awesome this show was, and that it’s practically a crime how overlooked and forgotten it is.
I gave it a shot soon after hearing his opinion.
I think it’s an amazing show too.
And that it’s practically a SIN for something so creative to hardly be acknowledged.
You will fall in love with Dink and his pals.
Cheesy as the 80s were, they knew how to make great cartoons.
Especially if it’s a Hanna-Barbera cartoon (which this actually is!).
5. Dinosaucers
While those classic teenage turtles are battling foot ninjas, the Dinosaucers have their own battle with the evil Tyrannos. Alongside the fights are their human allies known as the Secret Scouts. Together, both humans and dinos must hone their skills to protect their home.
Every day I’m just learning about another cartoon that aired in the 80s.
I’m so focused on believing TMNT owned the 80s era that I forget that other franchises were popular during that time. And became popular again today (like Trolls).
I do enjoy a show with nonhuman characters (because a show with just humans feels boring now).
But what’s even more enjoyable is a show where human and nonhuman live together. Which is why I enjoy shows like Amphibia and Pokemon.
And the furry fandom was just as big a deal in the 80s as they are today!
If you’ve grown up on the classic Land Before Time movies (before they got turned into a cash cow franchise), then you’ll enjoy Dinosaucers.
More violence. More action. No characters breaking into song.
4. Denver, the Last Dinosaur
A group of California teens discover an egg that soon hatches, welcoming a young dinosaur into their modern world. His name is Denver, and he immediately befriends his first contacts. And as a creature welcomed to the 80s, he learns a thing or two about his new home. Skateboarding, fashion, pizza, everything that his new life in CA can offer! But there are scientists and mad villains who want to kidnap Denver. After all, he is the last dinosaur.
With the exception of Denver, this show definitely screams 80s. The words “radical”, “gnarly”, and even “gee whiz” just wedge themselves into your brain when watching this show.
I wasn’t born in the 80s, but I can see that watching this stuff today can almost be one major eyeroll. There are just some things we’re glad just stayed in the 80s.
However, I do like the concept of taking “Barney and Friends”, and turning it into an animated series with teenagers.
3. Cupcake and Dino: General Services
Cupcake and Dino are brothers who work as “general servicers”. They take the call for any job that’s available, or if someone just needs help. They take their jobs very seriously, which is why often or not they compete with rival “general servicer” Petree. No matter how big. No matter how tiny. No matter whether it’s too dangerous or too boring. Cupcake and Dino are the team for any job!
If you’re looking for another cartoon to watch on Netflix, this needs to be on top of your list.
I still remember psyching myself for the premiere of this show, ever since I watched the trailer on YouTube.
It’s as wacky and creative as creator Pedro Eboli promised. And just the idea that a talking cupcake and a talking dino serve their community on practically Regular Show levels of awesome...is awesome!
A friend and I binged every episode of season 1. Then waited impatiently for the second season and binged that one too!
The show features a lot of amazing and super colorful characters. One character I feel so related to has to be Mayor Vicky. She’s the youngest mayor ever elected to run Big City.
I can honestly feel the pressure she endures trying to maintain her good reputation. But just like getting a job for the first time, it undoubtedly has to be stressful. Which is why I find it so adorable that Cupcake and Dino are always there to help her out.
Another character that deserves attention is Cupcake and Dino’s Uncle Chance. Sure, some newbie watchers will think he looks weird wearing a grocery bag on his head. But I think it’s fitting since he runs a sweet grocery store and takes his job just as seriously as his nephews.
Grocery store workers and managers are often depicted as bored, lifeless, and saying their job is the worst. Uncle Chance provides a fresh look at this occupation. As someone who experienced working at Dollar Tree, I commend Uncle Chance for giving the audience store working positivity!
(Spoiler alert: there is actually an episode explaining why he wears a paper bag, and it’s amazing)
So yeah, watch this show. You’ll be amazed by so many characters, whether in the foreground or just occupying the background.
Hell, this show might make you want to consider becoming a “General Servicer” too!
2. Primal
After losing his wife and children, a caveman challenges whatever nature throws at him. In a hellish landscape where it’s kill or be killed, he will rely on his wits and strength to survive. While he forever holds a grudge on dinosaurs, who had taken his family, his heart softens for his newfound friend who is a T-rex. This show revolves around the bond between man and dinosaur as they fight to protect one another in the prehistoric world.
Too violent for my taste. But then so was season 5 of Samurai Jack, and that show was badass!
As someone who watched Dexter’s Laboratory, I like how this show is actually somewhat of a continuation from that series. If you watched that one DL episode where Dexter learns how fire was first discovered, and bringing a caveman (the main character of Primal) to his time, then you already made the connection.
This show proves that cartoons don’t just have to be for kids. I mean, kids can still watch them, of course! Just as much as adults watch shows usually made for their demographic (like My Little Pony).
If you’re a kid who enjoys Deadpool and obsesses over Attack on Titan, this show is definitely for you.
1. The Flintstones
Fred Flinstone is an optimistic yet slightly sarcastic caveman who works construction, then comes home to his beautiful wife and family. His best friend Barney often provides light-hearted jokes and a good chuckle. One of Hanna-Barbera’s most iconic shows about a man and his family living in the Stone Age.
Alongside Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, and especially Scooby Doo, this is a classic American favorite cartoon that is timeless.
I have to be one of the very few who actually liked the live-action movies, mainly Viva Rock Vegas. I mean, that was actually a better grasp on the cartoon than most of Disney’s live-action garbage today.
If we ever get a reboot of this cartoon, then hopefully it’s done like how they rebooted Ducktales and not like how they rebooted The Powerpuff Girls.
