The DuckTales franchise has been a beacon of cartoon adventure for the longest time, thanks to its iconic "Woo‑oo!" theme that wormed its way into our memory and Scrooge McDuck's instantly recognizable silhouette. The original 1987 series was filled with globetrotting treasure hunts, lovable rogues, and the kind of irresistible charm that everyone still loves today.
The 2017 reboot instantly re-energized the cartoon and quickly became a streaming favorite on Disney+, widely praised as one of the best revivals of a classic. With it still a streaming favorite, let's dive into the entire DuckTales universe, listed in release date order, and discover why each entry still wows us.
DuckTales (1987-1990)
The original DuckTales follows globetrotting billionaire Scrooge McDuck on wild quests with his nephews, Huey, Dewey, Louie, and dependable pilot Launchpad McQuack. From haunted pyramids to sunken ships, every episode blends adventure with humor, heart, and silliness. It found the perfect balance of excitement and family fun, elevating Disney television animation in the late ‘80s and inspiring quite a few spin-off series.
Critics celebrated its animation style and witty pacing, while fans came for the theme song and stayed for the characters. If you love imaginative storytelling, like Adventures of the Gummi Bears or Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, it's the perfect show for viewers of all ages.
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990)
DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp follows Scrooge and his nephews as they go in search of treasure that belonged to the great thief Collie Baba. When Webby Vanderquack finds a lamp, Scrooge says she can keep it, which leads to all sorts of trouble. You can absolutely watch this movie without seeing the series, but knowing the characters will add to the overall viewing experience. There’s no plot setup from the show that you need. It’s a self-contained romp, but it works as a satisfying victory lap for the original run.
Although it didn't make much of a dent at the box office, the movie received a warm reception from longtime fans, who saw it as a fitting feature-length tribute to the series' adventurous ethos and signature humor. Even now, anyone who adores the original DuckTales series will appreciate it as a high-energy expansion of the beloved universe.
TaleSpin (1990-1991)
TaleSpin reimagines The Jungle Book's Baloo as a carefree cargo pilot flying through a retro-futuristic world called Cape Suzette. Alongside his quick-witted navigator Kit Cloudkicker and hard-nosed boss Rebecca Cunningham, Baloo navigates sky pirates, rival airlines, and corporate chaos.
While it shares no direct plot ties to DuckTales, TaleSpin borrows from the same animation style and even features a few visual nods to Duckburg. The pacing is slower and more laid back, which works if you want an easygoing weekend binge. Some episodes have surprisingly mature undertones about business, loyalty, and growing up tucked neatly between slapstick silliness.
Darkwing Duck (1991-1992)
Darkwing Duck dials up the humor and leans into comic book satire, introducing audiences to Drake Mallard, a mild-mannered duck with a daughter named Gosalyn by day and a crime-fighting vigilante by night. With his gadget-filled arsenal and trusty sidekick Launchpad McQuack (the same Launchpad from DuckTales), Darkwing defends St. Canard from a rotating cast of outlandish villains.
While technically set in a separate universe, its frequent character crossovers and shared tone make Darkwing Duck feel like a spiritual cousin to DuckTales. The show’s rapid-fire jokes and absurd villains are a joy for fans who like a little chaos with their capes. It’s also the most quotable of the bunch, with a self-aware tone that still feels ahead of its time.
Quack Pack (1996-1997)
Quack Pack takes the DuckTales trio and ages them up into teenage versions of Huey, Dewey, and Louie, with modern slang and way more attitude. The show follows the brothers and their uncle Donald Duck, who works as a cameraman for Daisy's news show, as they get caught up in supernatural mishaps and school drama. It’s loud, a little brash, and unapologetically a product of its era, which is part of its charm.
While it fails to match the level of storytelling in DuckTales, it leans into cartoon absurdity so hard that it becomes weirdly endearing. While it didn't reach the critical or commercial heights of its predecessors, Quack Pack is a bright and wacky product of its time that will especially appeal to longtime fans of the franchise.
DuckTales (2017-2021)
Disney's 2017 DuckTales reboot re‑centers the story around Scrooge welcoming Donald Duck and his nephews into his opulent McDuck Manor, triggering a larger mystery about their mother Della, hidden magical relics, and far-flung conspiracies. With modern animation inspired by Carl Barks' comic art, the show deepens the characters' backstories and their overarching arcs. Huey, Dewey, and Louie each get their own unique personalities (intelligent, impulsive, and scheming, respectively), while Webby goes from sidekick to clever adventurer.
The series was praised by critics who loved the storytelling and humor. Fans hailed it as "one of the best reboots ever," with some preferring it to the original thanks to more serialized story arcs and a bigger focus on character development. The snappier dialogue, with plenty of winks for older viewers, was also a big draw. It’s great for adults who loved the original and for kids who like their cartoons with Marvel-level plot twists.
