Babar is just one of the most iconic, important, and most remembered cartoon characters of the '80s, but in spite of everything, I think his series is not as good as it looks or is reenactment, personally I find the series a little drier for the children's public (since this is your target audience). But despite that, I think it's a good series and I recommend it a lot.
16 Reviews
One of the loveliest animated TV series of all time
Atreyu_II2 January 2008
"Babar" is one of the sweetest and most innocent childish TV shows ever made. It is one of many animated TV shows I grew up with. Those stories with that affectionate elephant family are something I always found heartwarming. I used to watch this many times in the good old days.
"Babar" also happens to be very educative and moral, teaching valuable lessons for children, as well as good morals and values.
But times have changed very much. This generation doesn't have shows like this anymore. Instead, children of nowadays watch mostly crappy cartoons with violence, crappy humor, too much noise, dreadful artwork and absolutely no interest, not to mention that they don't teach anything worthy or useful for children.
Overall, "Babar" is one of the best "babyish" animated TV shows.
"Babar" also happens to be very educative and moral, teaching valuable lessons for children, as well as good morals and values.
But times have changed very much. This generation doesn't have shows like this anymore. Instead, children of nowadays watch mostly crappy cartoons with violence, crappy humor, too much noise, dreadful artwork and absolutely no interest, not to mention that they don't teach anything worthy or useful for children.
Overall, "Babar" is one of the best "babyish" animated TV shows.
Babar
jboothmillard27 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
When I was younger I used to like elephants, especially in cartoons. This was a very simple cartoon with some short and simple stories involving all the characters, but it was still good. Babar in his childhood had his mother shot by hunters, but he was rescued and looked after by an old woman. As he grows up he learns to dress, walk and talk like a gentleman. Soon many elephants are like this and they build their own place out in the country. Because Babar was the one that started it he was soon to be known to these elephants as the King Babar. Throughout the series Babar helps people with problems and runs his elephants well. It's only the rhinos that aren't too keen on the elephants. It was number 81 on The 100 Greatest Cartoons. Okay!
A Diamond from a bygone era
ThatGFFAN19 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This show. Where do I begin?
I watched Babar as a kid and even into my teens, I always remembered how insane and unique it was. This I think it is the best of all the Nelvana cartoons. The thing I love about this show is that it's from an era when kids shows were serious, mature, and not afraid to take risks.
I mean, the very first episode of this show involves death with Babar being orphaned after his mother is killed by the Hunter. I mean, how many other CARTOONS have done that? Especially in the last decade. That's right. This is a show meant for kids that did that. Kind of like how a show like the Office would not survive today, Babar wouldn't either. Small wonder then why you'll never see it airing on TV anymore.
But that aside, the show overall is so good. From dealing with, again, maturer subjects and showing a realistic sense on life while being a show about animals that can walk and talk, Babar is able to portray its story and tell it beautifully.
I've seen many cartoons in my time. But none of them even get close to how good Babar was. And this is a show that's 30 years old. Again, a product of its time.
I feel kids shows these days are WAY too kiddy. Even shows that I adore like Gravity Falls really are tame compared to this one. Small wonder then why animation gets stereotyped as being for children. If a show like Babar aired now, it would get so much backlash by overly sensitive parents and would most likely be cancelled in a week. Sad but true. And do people really think a show this violent would affect a child? I'm no expert so I can't say for sure, but I'm fine, and I used to watch this show all the time.
In the end though, I highly recommend Babar. It's not your regular cartoon. It will make you cry. It will scar you. It will make you emotional. But it will leave you all the more better. It's a wonderful show with a beautiful story to tell.
You just need to give it a try.
I watched Babar as a kid and even into my teens, I always remembered how insane and unique it was. This I think it is the best of all the Nelvana cartoons. The thing I love about this show is that it's from an era when kids shows were serious, mature, and not afraid to take risks.
I mean, the very first episode of this show involves death with Babar being orphaned after his mother is killed by the Hunter. I mean, how many other CARTOONS have done that? Especially in the last decade. That's right. This is a show meant for kids that did that. Kind of like how a show like the Office would not survive today, Babar wouldn't either. Small wonder then why you'll never see it airing on TV anymore.
But that aside, the show overall is so good. From dealing with, again, maturer subjects and showing a realistic sense on life while being a show about animals that can walk and talk, Babar is able to portray its story and tell it beautifully.
I've seen many cartoons in my time. But none of them even get close to how good Babar was. And this is a show that's 30 years old. Again, a product of its time.
I feel kids shows these days are WAY too kiddy. Even shows that I adore like Gravity Falls really are tame compared to this one. Small wonder then why animation gets stereotyped as being for children. If a show like Babar aired now, it would get so much backlash by overly sensitive parents and would most likely be cancelled in a week. Sad but true. And do people really think a show this violent would affect a child? I'm no expert so I can't say for sure, but I'm fine, and I used to watch this show all the time.
In the end though, I highly recommend Babar. It's not your regular cartoon. It will make you cry. It will scar you. It will make you emotional. But it will leave you all the more better. It's a wonderful show with a beautiful story to tell.
You just need to give it a try.
An Honest Review
generationofswine30 April 2019
It was kind of like the Waltons, maybe like The Cosby Show (minus the humor), Father Know's Best, you know what, pick the sickeningly saccharine TV sitcom and that is kind of what Babar was.
As a child I thought it was preachy and, as an adult, I know it was kind of preachy.
As a child I thought it was preachy and, as an adult, I know it was kind of preachy.
A Classic
zsofikam8 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I have long held a soft spot for Babar. There's just something about it that seems to speak to time spent with longtime friends and family. Not only did I really enjoy Babar when I was younger, but it helped me to recovery from surgery. For some background, last summer I had surgery on one of my eyes and afterword in my hospital room I got to watch TV while being given room
service. The hospital had a network called Qubo, which had several shows that I have fond memories of including Jakers, Anne Of Green Gables Animated, Marvin The Tap-Dancing Horse, Timothy Goes To School, and of course Babar. Between these shows and the food I was almost sad to leave the hospital (I know saying that sounds really weird). Back on topic, I love its charm and simplicity. Children will definitely love it. I certainly did and I have some
young cousins who love it. I can't wait to show it to my niece when she gets a little older. The animation is exceedingly pleasant, bright but not overly so. The music is also very melodic and there are some wonderful morals that children can pick up on but aren't shoved down your throat. There are also lots of wonderful storylines and characters (Babar's children are adorable). Truly a classic for the family.
Simple, lovely and most of all children will love it!
TheLittleSongbird27 February 2010
I certainly loved Babar as a kid, and have a soft spot for it now. I love how it is simple, and that it is lovely and cute. Children will definitely love it, and I do seriously think it is one of the better animated shows to come out in the 80s and 90s, most cartoons these days with one or two rare exceptions are awful with bad animation, lacklustre humour, poor music and lacks even juvenile appeal, or are shows that started off good and now are mediocre at best(Spongebob Squarepants I am looking at you!) Back on target, the animation in Babar is truly lovely, simple in design but has a certain elegance about it. Also the music is exceedingly pleasant, and the characters and story lines are endearing. Not only that, it is educational, and you learn good morals without feeling as though it is being forced down your throat. All in all, lovely to watch, really charming and I for one love who simple it was. 10/10 Bethany Cox
This cartoon is mature, very firm and great for children!
nicholamcdougall15 April 2006
When I was a little girl, at 5, I watched this cartoon and was amazed by it's beauty, matureness and lovely music and backgrounds. It is very moralful to kids and very emotionally touching as people learn lessons throughout life, such as Flora seeing how people would work their hardest to provide for others, (even in the dead of night!) teaching her to be more respectful and more caring and concern for the benefit of other people, that are less fortunate then her. Also to not bad mouth about those shes loves and to bring out the good side of things of all she stands for. Other lessons such as Harsh, emotionally scared ones such as getting your life endangered by a poisonous snake and ending up in a coma. Alexander willing to make up for upsetting other people and endangering the lives of others. Pom learning to be honest and right and to be more confident. And to face up to faults and problems that you cause to people and improve your character. This cartoon is the greatest influence on my life that will stick with me forever:)
I Agree As One Of The Greatest TV Shows Ever
JonathanJReynolds1 May 2008
Hi i just wanted to say that i am 16 and my parents always let me watch BaBar. I cannot even describe to you how amazing that show is. I still love it today and wish they still aired it...I suggest you find out where you can get the videos, buy them, and let your children see them...it is a very entertaining show. as i grew up i forgot about BaBar then after a while i began thinking about what my favorite TV show was. and i remembered that it was Babar. Definitely a A+ 10 out of 10 show. buy it! When i get older i am definitely going to buy it so that my children can watch it just as i did. in fact i even named my rabbit after babar!
The Show is Amazing But At The Same Time Kind of Boring.
attaydanny27 September 2020
The show isn't as bad as generationofswine's review claim it is. He believes that if a show doesn't entertain to him it should get a one and he's comparing Babar to sitcoms just because it teaches people lesson's and aside from that Babar is nothing like a sitcom in any way and probably better than sitcoms. He's extremally bias so I suggest don't read his reviews.
The show has very amazing writing, characters, and stories and theirs character development and it never talks down on kids like many other kid shows tend to do. But it can get boring for kids and even adults due to it being less cartoony than the average cartoon. Aside from that I highly recommend watching this its amazing.
A nice kids show
mitsubishizero23 September 2020
I only saw this a few times but even so, I enjoyed it. It's calm, patient, and heartfelt in how it teaches life lessons. The characters are fun to watch particularly Babar's kids. They're not annoying at all. Their adventures are genuinely interesting.
As for the title character himself, there's nothing about him that won't stop you from disliking him. He doesn't have a bad bone in his body at all. Whether you read the book or not, this's sure to entertain you and your kids. Check it out.
As for the title character himself, there's nothing about him that won't stop you from disliking him. He doesn't have a bad bone in his body at all. Whether you read the book or not, this's sure to entertain you and your kids. Check it out.
My childhood 😭🤧🤣
ryanj-8559327 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I use to watch this show all the time for QUBO, staying up late just to watch it as Babar came in my life at a different point of my life. I just begin rewatching it recently on YouTube and I have to admit; my experience is better than back when I was a child, even though I miss watching on YouTube. I just rewatched Babar: The Diaperman Cometh and I burst out in tears when Candy's parents came to get her, watching Rataxes and Lady Rataxes and hearing their voice full of pain and hurt as they had missed babying a child. I haven't cried to a show for so many years and Babar broke me at the age of 16 years old. There then is The Scarlet Pachyderm which makes burst out in laughter as Babar literally trolled everyone so much so that Uncle Arthur was believed to be the Scarlet Pachyderm and Arthur got himself captured and Babar faked being captured. I wish I can watch this show again as a child and with a carefree life. Babar is a complete beast!
As Excellent and Lovable as Ever
SusieSalmonLikeTheFish11 May 2019
While some fans would argue that this TV adaptation isn't as faithful to the books as they would like, or that the 2D animation isn't as clean-looking and modern as that in the newer "Babar and the Adventures of Badou", I really think personally that out of anything Babar-related at all, this series is my favourite and probably the deepest and best developed version thus far. Unique in its style, brought to life with vivid backgrounds, a beautiful reoccurring soundtrack score and adorable yet complex characters, it's a show which is one of those rare cartoons which both children and adults alike can enjoy. Bureaucratic humour and creative jokes, wacky slapstick scenes and cute moments with whimsical adventures are balanced out with emotional and poignant scenes of true friendship, displays of loyalty and Babar's love for his family, friends and kingdom.
The characters in this series definitely grow over time; the stuffy, high-strung and rather cowardly minister of protocol elephant, Pompadour, proves himself to be more brave and admirable than he initially lets on, and his strong friendship with Cornelius is portrayed beautifully. Rataxes, the bumbling but somewhat menacing king of Rhinoland, starts out as just a basic bad guy villain, but grows as the series continues and shows that he too has the capacity for good, and he genuinely cares about others. Characters such as Basil, Zephir, Arthur, Jacques and Chef Truffles give the show some extra depth and wonderful stories, especially in episodes such as "The Unsung Hero", and stories from the original books remain, as well as characters like Madame.
Truly the character who brings the most to the series and proves to be the most endearing is Babar himself, who after the death of his mother explores the big city with the help of Madame, but then returns to bring modernity, education and most of all safety to his beloved friends, with an image of one day creating a peaceful jungle. Never too heavy-handed for children, nor too dopey and dumbed down, Babar is a show which shares timeless and positive messages without being preachy. The virtual absence of crude humour, vulgarity and gore is really nice to find in the show (in a sea of cartoons such as "The Animaniacs", "Ren & Stimpy" and "Rugrats", there's something pleasant to be said about a show which can be funny without hidden innuendo jokes, offensive humour and crass content), and save for a few clip-based flashback episodes, the show always has something new to bring to the table.
Unfortunately, by its last season it underwent some bad changes, including updating its animation style, dropping Pompadour and Troubadour from the series entirely and presenting stories which were much more silly and childish. Even back when I was six years old, the last few episodes just weren't interesting to me anymore, and I'd instead go back and watch the older ones. The ugliness of the CGI animation in "Babar and the Adventures of Badou", not to mention the sheer dopiness and babyishness of it, has also had me nostalgic for this older version of the show. One day I hope some animator or artist is prompted to continue the stories in the spirit of this version with all its colourful characters and originality, but at the same time maybe it's better that it ended when it did before it just took the route that its latter computer-animated twin went down. This was definitely one of Nelvana's better productions and one which really showed how versatile their company was at creating children's entertainment which could also appeal to adults.
The characters in this series definitely grow over time; the stuffy, high-strung and rather cowardly minister of protocol elephant, Pompadour, proves himself to be more brave and admirable than he initially lets on, and his strong friendship with Cornelius is portrayed beautifully. Rataxes, the bumbling but somewhat menacing king of Rhinoland, starts out as just a basic bad guy villain, but grows as the series continues and shows that he too has the capacity for good, and he genuinely cares about others. Characters such as Basil, Zephir, Arthur, Jacques and Chef Truffles give the show some extra depth and wonderful stories, especially in episodes such as "The Unsung Hero", and stories from the original books remain, as well as characters like Madame.
Truly the character who brings the most to the series and proves to be the most endearing is Babar himself, who after the death of his mother explores the big city with the help of Madame, but then returns to bring modernity, education and most of all safety to his beloved friends, with an image of one day creating a peaceful jungle. Never too heavy-handed for children, nor too dopey and dumbed down, Babar is a show which shares timeless and positive messages without being preachy. The virtual absence of crude humour, vulgarity and gore is really nice to find in the show (in a sea of cartoons such as "The Animaniacs", "Ren & Stimpy" and "Rugrats", there's something pleasant to be said about a show which can be funny without hidden innuendo jokes, offensive humour and crass content), and save for a few clip-based flashback episodes, the show always has something new to bring to the table.
Unfortunately, by its last season it underwent some bad changes, including updating its animation style, dropping Pompadour and Troubadour from the series entirely and presenting stories which were much more silly and childish. Even back when I was six years old, the last few episodes just weren't interesting to me anymore, and I'd instead go back and watch the older ones. The ugliness of the CGI animation in "Babar and the Adventures of Badou", not to mention the sheer dopiness and babyishness of it, has also had me nostalgic for this older version of the show. One day I hope some animator or artist is prompted to continue the stories in the spirit of this version with all its colourful characters and originality, but at the same time maybe it's better that it ended when it did before it just took the route that its latter computer-animated twin went down. This was definitely one of Nelvana's better productions and one which really showed how versatile their company was at creating children's entertainment which could also appeal to adults.
The greatest series about an Elephant in France!!
stephenchase-6350418 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Cool elephant
ThunderKing628 February 2021
I was not a big fan of the books or TV show. I did see a few episodes and it was okay.
Babar had a more slow mellow feeling to it. That's probably why it didn't engage me too well.
Nevertheless, Babar is an iCONIC children show of the 90s. I was not a huge fan, still Babar being a chilled character with mild violence was pretty Gold.
What can be learned? Lions are not the only kings.
Verdict: No pink Elephant in this one. Just elephants in dresses. Will you notice?
Babar had a more slow mellow feeling to it. That's probably why it didn't engage me too well.
Nevertheless, Babar is an iCONIC children show of the 90s. I was not a huge fan, still Babar being a chilled character with mild violence was pretty Gold.
What can be learned? Lions are not the only kings.
Verdict: No pink Elephant in this one. Just elephants in dresses. Will you notice?
An Excellent Canadian Hand-Drawn Animated TV Series adaptation of the French Children's Storybook Series
rebeccaajclarke9 April 2023
I find this Canadian hand-drawn animated series is based on the French Children's storybook franchise is very good, Because it is very nostalgic, clever and strong writing, and it teaches a very good life lessons. It has Likeable Characters are Babar, Celeste, Arthur, Cornelius and Pompadour The Elephants, Zephir The Monkey, Madame/The Old Lady The Kind-Hearted Human, The Anti-Villainous Rhinoceros King called Lord Rataxes, His wife Lady Rataxes, His competent assistant Basil and his son Victor. But only one intentionally and purposely Hateable character is the cruel animal killer is The Hunter. I'm giving this animated series a 10/10.
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