Why the ‘Care Bears’ Movie Still Endures 40 Years Later
Original story by: Gizmodo.com
Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
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- Context: Saturday Morning Cartoons United (SMCU) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating nostalgic childhood television and film. They recently partnered with the American Cinematheque to host a screening of "The Care Bears Movie" in honor of its 40th anniversary. This event served as a fundraiser to support creatives affected by recent wildfires.
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- Detailed Summary:
- The screening of "The Care Bears Movie" kicked off a monthly series by SMCU aimed at bringing people together and supporting wildfire-affected creatives.
- The event featured a Q&A with director Arna Selznick and Care Bears fan Eric Bauza, the current voice of Bugs Bunny.
- Bauza highlighted that such screenings offer an antidote to excessive screen time and the uncertainty around AI-generated content, providing a shared, experiential entertainment. He believes these events foster a sense of community and allow parents to introduce their childhood favorites to their children.
- Director Arna Selznick expressed surprise at the diverse audience, noting a strong presence of adult fans rather than predominantly children, indicating a broad appeal of the film. She also emphasized the enrichment brought by the songs, written by artists like John Sebastian and Carole King.
- Bauza described an enthusiastic audience reaction during the "Care Bear Cousins" song, likening the experience to a celebratory gathering.
- Selznick discussed the production of "The Care Bears Movie" as a way to keep a talented animation crew employed after the financially unsuccessful but cult-favorite film "Rock & Rule." She also mentioned her work on other animated projects like "Strawberry Shortcake," "Inspector Gadget," and "Star Wars: Ewoks and Droids."
- Both Selznick and Bauza touched on the enduring appeal of the Care Bears, attributing their initial popularity to being highly sought-after toys that experienced rapid sales and widespread demand.
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