This show has quite a unique charm to it. Much like Tom & Jerry and similar cartoons, it thrives off slapstick comedy. Though it is not nearly as polished as its competitors, it did manage to put French animation on the global map, which is great.
© Gaumont Multimedia / Xilam Animation
Chowder might be one of the more underrated shows on here. I feel like it got lost in the ocean of cartoons that were coming out in that time. Chowder is absurd, cute, and incredibly funny. I only ranked it this low, because the humor is definitely not for everyone.
© Cartoon Network Studios
American Dragon is a pretty cool show. And it has almost everything you could want from a fun cartoon. A cool guy on a skateboard who can turn into a dragon? Pretty nice. My problem with it is that they changed the design of the dragon in season 2, it just doesn't look nearly as cool as the original one.
© Disney Television Animation
This one is another weird cartoon. Ed, Edd n Eddy is definitely on the absurdist side of comedy, which is nicely complimented by the unique animation style. They always come up with the craziest ideas, and we're all here for it!
© a. k. a. Cartoon
Garfield and Friends is a classic that still holds up. It is a loving adaptation of the Garfield comic and manages to pull off the vibe of its source material. Garfield, Odie and Jon bounce off each other well, which makes for a funny dynamic everyone can enjoy.
© Film Roman / United Media Productions
Johnny Bravo is also a hit or miss one. Many people like it, and many people don't care for it at all. The muscled up ladies man Johnny gets into all sorts of wacky situations due to his narcissism. It's actually pretty funny that a show for kids only revolves around Johnny trying to get a date.
© Cartoon Network Studios
This show was awesome. Danny Phantom had a great intro song and a pretty cool main cast of characters. I enjoyed the show as a kid and I still do now, though, the will-they-won't-they stuff between Danny and Sam did annoy me as an adult.
© Billionfold Inc. / Nickelodeon Animation Studio
These two dummies had a lot of people laughing and scratching their heads. Many people, myself included, were taken aback, by the rough art style of this show. But behind the facade lies a pretty funny comedy series. Beavis & Butthead's obsession with Heavy Metal and their lack of ambition creates some hilarious scenarios.
© MTV Animation
This is a modern classic. I think everyone who was born after the year 2000 has watched this at least once or twice. It's a perfect power fantasy for all the young boys and girls out there who want to have as much fun as possible. Some of the jokes still land really well for me, even as an adult. I especially like the episode where all the characters got superpowers.
© Billionfold Inc. / Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Jimmy Neutron was forgotten for a long time, but resurfaced with the meme about sending someone to the shadow realm. I have to say that I enjoyed it a lot more as a kid, and I can't say that I like it as much now. I don't really like the CG animation here. But, the characters do have a lot of charm, which is why I ranked it this high in the first place.
© Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Wow, until I did research for this list, I completely forgot this show existed. Xiaolin Showdown tells the story about four kids from around the globe, who train under Master Fung, to defeat the Heylin forces of evil. This show has got some cool action scenes, heartfelt moments and overall good vibes. Go watch this forgotten gem.
© Warner Bros. Animation
American Dad is kind of weird for me. When I was a teenager, I always thought it was just a cheap knock off of Family Guy. But I was wrong, since American Dad does have a lot of good jokes and likeable characters that make the show unique. Roger is one of the fan favorites, and he is always able to provide some strong jokes.
© Underdog Productions / Fuzzy Door Productions
What Bob's Burgers does so well is balance zany characters and escalating situations with a feeling of love and family. It's difficult to describe, but this show just gives you this vibe of community between the characters that is infectious. The show is also very funny, and you should definitely give it a try.
© Wilo Productions
Hey Arnold! is one of the most significant cartoons from the 90s. It tackles some pretty mature themes, while remaining light-hearted and whimsical. The unique animation style, coupled with a jazzy soundtrack, makes Hey Arnold! timeless.
© Snee-Osh Inc. / Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Kim Possible is another show that everyone should know about. The intro, alone, is one of the most iconic cartoon intros of all time. Kim was by far one of the coolest cartoon girls at the time, which is funny because Shego was also one of the most beloved female villains at the time. John DiMaggio also shines as Dr. Drakken, who I couldn't picture with anyone else's voice.
© Walt Disney Television Animation
Total Drama Island was one of my favorite cartoons as a child. It just felt so out of place and different, which it definitely was. This show is in no way targeted for kids, but it makes rewatches all the more entertaining. The idea, to parody Reality TV-Shows through the animated medium, works so well. The characters all had a unique design, and most of the jokes still hold up even as an adult. The fart jokes were a bit too frequent, though.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Final Space is a rather new cartoon that is a Netflix original. This show was created by Olan Rodgers, who uploaded the show's pilot onto YouTube. The pilot went viral and Olan's dream of becoming a creator in Hollywood came true. The show itself has a very striking and colorful visual style, and a main cast that is distinct from other cartoons. Sadly, the cartoon didn't quite stick the landing. After the season three finale, it even got cancelled due to a merger. But it still deserves a spot on this list.
© Williams Street
Ben 10 was the cartoon for 2000s kids and millennials. The concept of having an alien watch that lets you transform into ten different alien creatures, was unique and extremely fun to watch. Ben, Gwen, and their Grandpa, make for a great main cast that bounce off each other wonderfully. The premise works for the 20-minute self-contained episodes, but it shines the most in the bigger canon events. The alien's designs are also perfect, and make the whole show even better.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Totally Spies! was awesome. This is another French cartoon that worked well, putting France on the map. It follows these three spy girls who have distinct personalities that cause a lot of fun and action. Many girls wanted to be friends with them, and most boys had a crush on them. The spy stories work well with the light-hearted tone of the show, and it just brightens my day, rewatching some of the episodes!
© Zodiak Kids & Family France
This style of CG animation lends itself perfectly for this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles story. For many 2000s kids, this was the only iteration of the turtles that they got to know from TV. I think the turtles are also the best part about this show. Leonardo, Donnatello, Raphael and Michelangelo all have moments to shine. The humor works well, and the action is a lot of fun.
© Nickelodeon Animation Studios
This cartoon was part of the golden age of Cartoon Network. Dexter's Lab had a visual style that was very expressive, and the humor was also unique. I remember the infamous “omelette du fromage” episode that my brother and I quoted for years. The sibling rivalry in this show was also very funny and relatable.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Phineas & Ferb has so much charm, it's bonkers. Every character is iconic, be it from the main cast or the side characters. You can enjoy this show at any age, since most of the ideas Phineas and Ferb come up with, are so intriguing that you just have to see where they go. But Doofenshmirtz does steal the show as the best character, he's just that funny. I mean, the poor guy's mother didn't even show up to his birth.
© Disney Television Animation
There really isn't a show like this one. Courage the Cowardly Dog masterfully combines horror with slapstick comedy, resulting in some terrifyingly hilarious visual gags. It gets so wacky and creative that Eustace grows a giant foot fungus, the toes of which become sentient Italian mobsters that force courage to rob a bank. I think that alone should persuade you to watch. This show is nuts.
© Cartoon Network Studios
A classic that defined a lot of the vibes of the Y2K era. On top of that, it's a fantastic cartoon for all ages and genders. The premise is great, the three girls and their dynamic work splendidly, and you just gotta love their dad. Mojo Jojo not only has an awesome name, but is also a great villain that creates entertaining obstacles for our three main girls.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Fillmore is that show that most people wouldn't remember off the top of their head, but when you remind them of it, they go: “OH, that show was so awesome!” The show's about Cornelius Fillmore and Ingrid Third, who are hall monitors at a middle school. They solve many school related crimes together, but the show approaches this topic from a different angle. They show us these kids, who are labeled as criminals and nothing more, while Fillmore tries to find out their circumstances and see things from their point of view. It's a great show for all ages that has much more profound messages than you might think.
© Walt Disney Television Animation
X-Men '97 is a loving remake of the old X-Men cartoon that captures the essence of the original series, but trims the fat in the best way possible. The character designs remain mostly the same, which is great, because those designs are perfect. This show is simply the best way to experience an animated X-Men medium.
© Marvel Animation
Damn DuckTales was awesome. So many fond memories. This show is just comfortable, I don't know what to say. Most millennials watched this loveable series every Saturday morning. Years later, it still manages to put a smile on my face. I have to shout out the 2017 reboot as well, since it is also very good.
© Walt Disney Television Animation
This cartoon was a breath of fresh air. At the time of its release, most stories would have Peter Parker be in college, but Spectacular Spider-Man took him back to the roots, to high school. Every character gets development, which also results in the first time we really see Flash Thompson and Peter become genuine friends. The villains are great, the love triangles are actually not annoying and Peter gets to be a real kid, which is what Spider-Man should be all about.
© Adelaide Productions / Marvel Entertainment
It probably doesn't get any more classic than this, does it? Looney Tunes shines with its timeless slapstick and distinct characters. Bugs Bunny is, of course, the star of the show, and for good reason. His movements and facial animations are just so funny, I still crack up watching old clips. If you haven't seen it in a while, look up the opera singer scene, it's gold.
© Warner Bros.
This was one of the best superhero cartoons on the block. I love how this show treats all its characters with respect, not reducing them to their most superficial selves. What I also love about Justice League, is how the series treats Batman as the coolest guy ever, since he's my favorite superhero. Additionally, I have to mention the Flash, because he's characterized very well, and I always enjoy the romance subplots he's involved in.
© Warner Bros.
Adventure Time is a show that is rich in deep emotional messages mixed with light-hearted fun. Like most great cartoons, it balances its tone very well. The friendship between Finn and Jake is one of my favorite things about this show. They just feel like real best friends. The relationship between Marceline and Princess Bubblegum is also uncommon for a kids cartoon, but I'm all here for it.
© Cartoon Network Studios
I can't believe this show is as old as it is. The Scooby-Doo Show is a direct sequel to Scooby-Doo: Where Are You?, that outshines its already great predecessor. This show features the most iconic Scooby-Doo monsters, timeless sound effects and a soundtrack that is so good that you can just put it on and relax. I was always a huge Scooby-Doo fan, and I happen to have the fondest memories of this one.
What's New Scooby-Doo had the best intro song though.
© Hanna Barbera Productions
Now we've got the GOAT of slapstick cartoons. Tom & Jerry at this point is just iconic. The relationship between these two polar opposites is so much more interesting and nuanced than the premise would lead you to believe. I remember episodes, where Tom & Jerry showed genuine respect for each other and helped each other out. The show shines in these human moments, but I can't discredit the level of insanity that some of these slapstick scenes reach. Also, some of my favorite memes are from this show.
© Hanna-Barbera Productions / Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Futurama is a great show that combines a sitcom with science fiction very well. Fry is a fantastic character for the viewer to latch onto, since he is new to this world, just like us. The world-building of this show makes it even better. You get so many answers to interesting questions about the future, and the show goes out of its way to show us its world. Bender is one of my favorite cartoon characters, and this show belongs in the top 20.
© The Curiosity Company / 20th Television
Seth McFarlane created a monster, and it's called Family Guy. The show itself would not be as great as it is without its extreme humor and impeccable voice-acting. The humor can be too much for some, but for others it will leave them howling, especially when combined with the top-class delivery of the cast. In many episodes, the show also nails some heartfelt moments between the family, which isn't easy to do, but they do occasionally manage.
© 20th Television Animation / Fuzzy Door Productions
Remember Teen Titans? I sure do! This little animated series stole my heart when I was small. Every character was so interesting and sympathetic to me. The action, and the problems the titans solve, made for a fantastic series. I also think that the romance between Starfire and Robin was handled really well, even though I sometimes wanted Robin to end up with Raven.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Samurai Jack is one of the greats. The epic journey of a samurai, who was sent to the future by a demon, is bound to have some wild stuff going on. This show also looks fantastic. The visuals are oddly cinematic at times for a cartoon. The striking colors and sounds, combined with the narrative depth, make this show a masterpiece. Samurai Jack really pushed the boundaries of what an animated series could achieve.
© Cartoon Network
The Boondocks gets the number 13 spot for its bold exploration of race, culture, and politics through satire. The commentary on social issues works really well in this show, coupled with witty jokes and loveable characters. The Freeman family will always hold a special place in my heart.
© Adelaide Productions / Sony Pictures Television
Southpark had to be this high on the list. There is no theme they haven't tackled, no groups of people they haven't made fun of, and no limit to the dark humor this show provides. The show captures such an important essence of the 2000s. Everyone was talking about this show. Be it in school, at work, or at home, in some way or another everyone knew about this show. South Park will always remain one of the greatest cartoons of all time.
© South Park Studios
I obviously can't forget Spongebob. No wonder it is a literal meme factory, because it is simply hilarious. No other comedic kids show has such an abundance of memorable moments. The characters are obviously great, even the side characters. I just love seeing some of the random Bikini Bottom citizens in crazy situations. It tells incredibly sweet stories about friendship, and you can really learn a lesson or two from Spongebob.
© United Plankton Pictures / Nickelodeon Animation Studio
This show's got the sauce. It literally makes everything the prequels did better, retroactively making me appreciate these movies a bit more. It's got all the stories that you didn't know you wanted to see. And Anakin is actually very likeable in this show, and you finally get to see him be real buddies with Obi-Wan. Ahsoka is also a great addition to the cast. She comes off as annoying in the beginning, but I assure you, she will be one of your favorite characters by the end of the series.
This is actually peak Star Wars.
© Lucasfilm Animation
Invincible packs a punch, you rarely see in a cartoon. The brutality in this show is turned up to eleven, but that's not all. The show has a great story to tell, about fatherhood and responsibility. Nolan is an awesome antagonistic force in this universe that drives the development of our main character Mark in a very natural way. The romance plot in season 2 is also done well, I was completely invested in it. The action is great, the characters are awesome, enough said.
© Skybound North
Gravity Falls is spectacular. No other cartoon on this list captures you with the level of mystery that this show provides. To watch Dipper and Mabel uncover the secrets of Gravity Falls makes for top-tier television. Clever writing, engaging plot twists, and intricate lore. It really is something for everyone, you should definitely give it a try.
© Disney Television Animation
Simpsons is truly the GOAT of animated sitcoms. This show has such a unique vibe and clever humor that it solidified itself as the powerhouse it is. The Simpsons family represents the average American household during the 90s, and the show manages to nail every observation it tries to make. Simpsons is truly the best animated sitcom of all time.
© Gracie Films / 20th Television
Over the Garden Wall secures the 6th spot for its masterful storytelling, enchanting atmosphere, and stunning artistry. The show is a beautiful blend of dark fairy tales, hauntingly gorgeous visuals, and a rich, nostalgic soundtrack. Its themes of childhood, fear, and redemption are explored through a unique narrative that feels both timeless and original. This miniseries is nearly perfect.
© Cartoon Network Studios
Batman: The Animated Series takes the number 5 spot on this list. This might be the best adaptation of the caped crusader we have ever gotten. Kevin Conroy is perfect as Bruce Wayne and as Batman. His voice-acting enriches the experience to a degree, that you forget that there ever were other actors playing Batman. The designs and animation style are also so charming and minimalistic. Every character's design is reduced to its most striking features, which results in a polished and streamlined look that fits the show perfectly. This is my favorite superhero show, and I recommend you watch it.
© Warner Bros.
There hasn't been a show quite like this one. Rick and Morty take you on a comedic, existential, sci-fi thrill ride and won't let you go. The ideas of creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland are so incredibly creative that you're left thinking about the events of some episodes, weeks after you've seen them. This show's humor also connected with me and countless other's in a truly unique way. Like the Simpsons in the 90s, Rick and Morty paints this picture of a modern family in the current time we live in. I think the action, the humor, the nihilism and the characters hit so differently from other shows.
© Williams Street
Speaking of nihilism, we've got BoJack Horseman on number 3. Raphael Bob Waksberg really managed to create the most human depiction of mental illness, struggle with addiction and trauma we've ever seen, through a whimsical looking cartoon with talking animals. Every character is developed realistically, and most episodes leave you with a sinking feeling that most shows have never even scratched the surface of. The visual humor and the running gags also really did it for me. I love the paparazzi birds that are often seen messing up their job in the background. Many people, who are or were suffering from mental illness, came forward saying that BoJack Horseman provided them the vocabulary, to even begin explaining their troubles to other people. There's no show like this one.
© Tornante Television
I know this is not a traditional cartoon, but I just have to include it, since I love talking about it. This is the best video game adaptation of all time, and it also stands along the best TV-Shows of all time. The animation is like nothing you've ever seen before, the story is gripping, the characters are so rich in emotion, I could go on and on. No one would have thought that Arcane would be this big of a hit, but quality will always find its mark.
© Fortiche / Riot Games
This is it. This is the best cartoon of all time. I have very strong feelings about this show, where do I even begin. No show has had an impact on my life like this one. The lessons this show provides to the viewer are genuinely therapeutic. Every character from the main cast is just written and developed perfectly, but Zuko stands out. His arc remains one of the best villain to hero stories we have gotten in any medium in the last 20 years. The concept of bending is so simple, but it works so well, because its boundaries are made clear at every step of the way and there is no ability that feels out of place. Avatar: The Last Airbender is the best cartoon of all time, and arguably one of the best TV-Shows of all time.
© Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Hello and welcome to our little trip down memory lane. I'm going to be ranking my 50 favorite cartoons of all time. This list obviously excludes anime, since it is a whole other genre, and already has its own Top 50 list. So sit back, relax and let's get started.
