22 Breakfast Cereals Based on Movies, TV, and Video Games: A Pop Culture Morning Treat
The 1980s and 1990s were a golden era for themed cereals. The shelves were filled with colorful boxes featuring characters from popular movies, TV shows, and video games. While many of these cereals were short-lived, they remain a nostalgic part of childhood for many.
Urkel-Os
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Inspired by Steve Urkel from the Family Matters television show, Urkel-Os were a hit when first released in 1991. The cereal remained in production until 2000, a testament to the character's popularity during the TGIF block's heyday. During the late '80s, the Nintendo Entertainment System was a giant in the video game industry. The Nintendo Cereal System featured two different kinds of cereal in one box: one for Super Mario Bros. and another for The Legend of Zelda. Each had its own bag inside. Based on the animated series rather than the movies, Bill and Ted's cereal featured marshmallow pieces and came with a fun bonus: a cassette tape holder shaped like the iconic phone booth time machine. Premiering in 1981, Smurfberry Crunch was a beloved fruity cereal that lasted for years. It was later followed by a marshmallow-infused variant called Magic Berries in 1987. Themed after the spooky Addams Family series, this cereal featured pieces shaped like skulls and dismembered hands. A unique flashlight designed as a character from the show often came packaged as a prize. Donkey Kong's cereal, described as "crunchy barrels of fun," offered a taste similar to Captain Crunch. It was a fitting tribute to the iconic video game character. The E.T. cereal took inspiration from the character's love for Reese's Pieces, offering a peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination. Prizes included trading cards and even a picture of Michael Jackson with E.T. This cereal featured marshmallow ghosts and fruity Os, creating a delicious mix that represented the Ghostbusters logo. The prizes were highly appealing, ranging from glow-in-the-dark door hangers to frisbees. The Batman-themed cereal consisted of corn pieces shaped like bats. The major attraction was the Batman bank attached to the front of the box, which added significant appeal to fans of the Dark Knight. Though simple in design, the Gremlins cereal offered sweet pieces meant to resemble Gizmo. The standout prize was a plush Gizmo, available through mail-away offers. This cereal mixed Rice Chex ("ninja nets") with marshmallows shaped like ninja weapons and pizzas. The highlight was undoubtedly the Ninja Turtle-shaped bowl that came with the cereal, making breakfast even more exciting. First released in 1971 and still available today, Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles have stood the test of time. Based on The Flintstones, these cereals remain a breakfast staple nearly 50 years later. Released in 1995, Spider-Man cereal mirrored the Ninja Turtles offering but with spiderweb-shaped pieces and marshmallows in various colors. The allure of the web-slinger proved strong among cereal fans. Debuting in 1985 alongside the cartoon, GI Joe Action Stars cereal included mini-comics in the box, blending the world of breakfast and comic books for young fans. Capitalizing on the Star Wars frenzy, C-3PO's were akin to Honey Nut Cheerios but in a figure-eight shape. Prizes included trading cards and a Rebel Rocket toy, adding to the cereal's appeal. Miguel Discart, Mr T WWE Hall of Fame 2014 (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0 Mr. T's cereal featured pieces shaped like the letter T. With Mr. T's popularity from Rocky III and The A-Team, it became a hot commodity, even if the cereal itself was simple. Reflecting the Pac-Man arcade game craze, the Pac-Man cereal included pieces shaped like Pac-Man and the ghosts, creating a fun and engaging breakfast experience. Following the success of the Donkey Kong cereal, Donkey Kong Jr. cereal hit the shelves, continuing the video game-themed breakfast tradition with another beloved character. The Rainbow Brite cereal featured colorful pieces reflecting the vibrant character. Though short-lived, it left a lasting impression on its young audience. Morning Funnies cereal was unique with its addition of comic strips on the box panels, providing entertainment alongside breakfast. Booty O's, inspired by the WWE tag team The New Day, became a fun and quirky addition to the cereal world, representing the team's playful spirit. Pro Stars cereal tied into a cartoon featuring Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, and Bo Jackson, mixing sports heroes with a breakfast treat. These themed cereals were more than just a part of breakfast; they were a piece of entertainment culture that brought joy to many children. The characters and stories they featured made each bowl an adventure.Nintendo Cereal System
Bill and Ted's Excellent Cereal
Smurfberry Crunch
The Addams Family
Donkey Kong
E.T. Cereal
The Real Ghostbusters
Batman
Gremlins
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles
Spider-Man
GI Joe Action Stars
C-3PO's
Mr. T
Pac-Man
Donkey Kong Jr.
Rainbow Brite
Morning Funnies
Booty O's
Pro Stars
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