Unearthing the Best Classic Cartoons of All Time

Every viewer holds personal opinions on what constitutes the Best Classic Cartoons Of All Time. While every animated show possesses unique elements appealing to different demographics, certain cartoons achieve broader universal appeal. This often stems from the timeless themes they explore, their distinctive animation styles, the relatability of their characters, or a compelling mix of these factors. Furthermore, some cartoons have cultivated such devoted followings that they’ve left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Cartoons like Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, and Pokémon have shaped generations, enduring through time while adapting to modern sensibilities. Others, such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender, began as beloved kids’ shows that adults continue to enjoy. Whether discussing these family-friendly favorites or cartoons aimed at adults like Family Guy, numerous animated series deserve recognition. However, some truly stand out as timeless classics.

50 American Dad! Has a Varied Cast of Funny Characters

Unlike many series that see a decline in quality over extended runs, American Dad! consistently delivers great and funny episodes. From the hyper-masculine patriarch, Stan Smith, to the seemingly lighthearted yet manipulative alien, Roger, the show boasts a diverse array of hilarious characters to engage with. Despite sharing creator Seth MacFarlane with Family Guy, American Dad! successfully carves out its own identity.

American Dad! TV Series Poster featuring main characters Stan Smith and Roger

The humor in American Dad! primarily arises from the amusing interactions among the Smith family members and their surrounding community. Over its lifespan, American Dad! has garnered four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, highlighting the show’s high quality. Although undeniably popular, the sheer creativity found in other classic cartoons places them higher. Therefore, while still a fantastic cartoon, American Dad! begins this segment of our list.

49 Codename: Kids Next Door Is a Very Relatable Show for Children

The Kids Next Door team – Numbuh 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 – eating in their treehouse base

The initial introduction to Codename: Kids Next Door occurred in 2001 during Cartoon Network’s The Big Pick II, a broadcast event showcasing 11 pilot episodes. A subsequent poll determined the winner, which would become a full series. The fact that Codename: Kids Next Door triumphed indicates its unique quality from the outset. The show’s premise, featuring elementary-aged children as secret agents, was perfectly tailored for a young audience.

The Kids Next Door battle villains like Father and Knightbrace (who enforces excessive dental hygiene). These antagonists resonate with children who often encounter similar authority figures in their own lives. Moreover, the weaponry used by both heroes and villains is highly inventive, fashioned from everyday objects rather than high-tech gadgets, further distinguishing the show within the action and spy genres. The bittersweet tone of its final episodes provided a fitting conclusion.

48 Archer Is the Greatest Animated Workplace Cartoon

The main Archer team looking cramped and stuck inside an elevator

During Archer‘s initial three seasons, few television comedies could match its sharp writing. Jokes flowed seamlessly one after another, resulting in non-stop laughter from start to finish. This set an incredibly high standard that was difficult to maintain, yet even when Archer didn’t reach its earlier peaks, it surpassed most other shows based purely on character chemistry.

The charisma of the characters and their effortlessly humorous interactions are why Archer spanned over thirteen seasons. This dysfunctional group of coworkers, who somehow remained friends even after their spy agency was destroyed multiple times, was simply too enjoyable to watch. Observing them continually find ways to barely succeed enough to keep going never lost its appeal, evolving from a spy parody into a running commentary on corporate culture.

47 Regular Show Reveals How Easy It Is To Get Into Trouble Doing Nothing

Mordecai pushing Rigby on a lawn mower in a scene from Regular Show

When considering the standout Cartoon Network shows of the 2010s, Regular Show frequently comes to mind. Like many top-tier cartoons, its premise is deceptively simple: Mordecai and Rigby are two friends employed as groundskeepers at a local park. They maximize goofing off both during and outside work hours, with their antics alternately annoying or amusing their colleagues throughout numerous fantastic episodes.

Regular Show earned affection for the sheer creativity infused into Mordecai and Rigby’s adventures. The series skillfully matured its writing slightly, allowing for more risqué themes and humor. This resulted in a show that entertained kids but proved even funnier for teenagers and adults, using woodland animals as stand-ins for humanity’s less-than-noble tendencies. Its enduring popularity is such that a return is planned less than a decade after its initial cancellation.

46 King of the Hill Touches on Blue-Collar Life

Hank Hill, Bill Dauterive, Dale Gribble, and Jeff Boomhauer drinking beer by a fence in King of the Hill

With the MTV series Beavis and Butthead, Mike Judge had already crafted a classic resonating with the “slacker generation.” However, with King of the Hill, Judge and partner Greg Daniels created something arguably more vital: a cartoon offering blue-collar families across America a series they could identify with. The show discovered a successful formula that sustained it for over a decade, sending up suburban Texan life in the 2000s.

King of the Hill‘s success stemmed from several factors, notably its refusal to condescend to or belittle blue-collar workers or small-town residents. Simultaneously, it avoided the trope of the dysfunctional family with an incompetent father, unlike Married… with Children or The Simpsons. Instead, Hank Hill stands as one of television’s most genuinely likable characters. Judge and Daniels also excelled at worldbuilding, gradually developing not only Hank’s family but also the other inhabitants of Arlen, making viewers feel intimately familiar with the town.

King of the Hill TV poster showing Hank driving a lawn mower surrounded by Bobby, Luanne, and Peggy

45 Robot Chicken Can Parody Nearly Anything

Promotional image for the stop-motion series Robot Chicken

Robot Chicken stands as one of the most enduring series to emerge from the 2000s. Its origins trace back to the toy enthusiast magazine ToyFare as “Twisted ToyFare Theater,” a collaboration between ToyFare editor Matthew Senreich and actor Seth Green. Finding a home on Adult Swim, the series has remained a significant part of pop culture.

The sketch comedy format of Robot Chicken allows it to poke fun at virtually anything. Initially known for targeting ’70s, ’80s, and nerd culture elements, the show soon broadened its scope to encompass pop culture generally. While many shows from its era have long since concluded, Robot Chicken continues to premiere new seasons seemingly at the creators’ whim, a testament to its impact on Adult Swim. The stop-motion series cleverly uses action figures to send up various cultural touchstones.

44 Steven Universe Had Great Representation and Messaging

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Steven Universe presents an intriguing and enjoyable premise. The titular character is half Crystal Gem, an alien race dedicated to protecting humanity. Throughout the series, Steven learns to master his developing abilities with guidance from Crystal Gems Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. A key power they possess is fusion, allowing two Gems to merge into a new, more powerful persona.

This naturally leads the show to delve into themes of identity and acceptance, crucial topics for young viewers. The show handles these themes with such artistry that many adults would also find value in watching. Furthermore, Steven Universe made history by featuring the first same-sex wedding in an animated children’s program. This milestone is significant not only on its own but also for reinforcing the show’s central focus on acceptance and interesting character development.

43 The Boondocks Offers Some of the Best Social Commentary

Riley Freeman looking serious in a white outfit in The Boondocks

From the moment The Boondocks‘ iconic theme song begins, the series signals its potential for greatness. Debuting on Adult Swim during the height of the Bush Administration, it delivered the sharp social and political critique the era demanded. Based on Aaron McGruder’s popular comic strip, The Boondocks combined slick, anime-influenced animation with Black culture seamlessly.

Despite a relatively short run of four seasons between 2005 and 2014, The Boondocks‘ popularity has only increased since its conclusion. Its clever writing was remarkably ahead of its time, feeling relevant even compared to work produced over a decade later. Coupled with incredible voice performances from Regina King, the late comedy legend John Witherspoon, and acting heavyweights like Samuel L. Jackson, it’s no surprise this series, featuring McGruder’s unflinching comic characters, is regarded as a classic.

42 The Powerpuff Girls Remains a Symbol of Girl Power

Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles flying away from school in The Powerpuff Girls

When discussing classic cartoons, The Powerpuff Girls inevitably springs to mind due to the lasting quality of this memorable show. The adorable and colorful animation follows the title characters, created by Professor Utonium using “sugar, spice, and everything nice,” plus the accidental ingredient Chemical X. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, though small, are mighty protectors of Townsville.

Beyond its amazing protagonists, the show featured formidable villains. Characters like Mojo Jojo, Him, and their antagonistic counterparts, the Rowdyruff Boys, provided the Powerpuff Girls with numerous engaging battles in their wacky superhero universe. The Powerpuff Girls also explored surprisingly dark themes in some episodes, giving it appeal for both children and adults. The girls’ adventures remain fresh, and the vibrant animation style ensures its evergreen status.

41 Recess Covered the Best Middle School Antics

King Bob playing a prank on TJ during Recess

Third Street School served as the backdrop for mischievous fun, made even better by the likable cast of Disney Channel’s Recess across its six seasons. TJ Detweiler was the group’s charmingly roguish leader, while Ashley Spinelli, the tomboy, kept things unpredictable. Gus Griswald was the nerdy newcomer, Vince LaSalle loved sports, Mikey Blumberg was the gentle giant with a poetic soul, and Gretchen Grundler was the group’s resident genius.

Antagonists like the tattletale Randall Weems and the perpetually crabby Miss Finster often tried to curtail the friends’ fun, frequently threatening their precious recess time. This show offered innocent, sweet fun packed with adventure. Like many cherished animated series, it has held up remarkably well, offering nostalgic enjoyment for fans revisiting it years later. It remains a favorite example of innocent tweener fun.

40 Ben 10 Is One of Cartoon Network’s All-Time Greats

Ben 10 represents the kind of original sci-fi adventure concept—not based on pre-existing pop culture IP—that might be harder to launch today. Bursting with originality and colorful characters, it successfully spawned a major franchise and continues to attract new fans. Voiced initially by Tara Strong, young Ben Tennyson discovers the Omnitrix, an alien device allowing him to transform into various alien species. He uses these powers to combat diverse threats, from alien warlords to malevolent sorcerers.

The show follows a path similar to Spider-Man’s, focusing on Ben learning the responsibilities that come with power while trying to maintain a semblance of normal life. Its engaging characters and creative plots are family-friendly yet distinct from other major franchises. With multiple series and movies constituting the Ben 10 universe, there’s ample content for newcomers. However, other cartoons offer deeper messaging, placing Ben 10 at this point in the ranking, despite its status as a sci-fi adventure franchise that never grows old.

39 The Jetsons Is a Fantastic Cartoon That Has Held up Through the Decades

The Jetson family – George, Elroy, Judy, Jane, Astro, and Rosie – gathered in their living room

Premiering in the 1960s, The Jetsons served as a futuristic counterpart to The Flintstones. Set in the year 2062, the Jetson family resides in Orbit City, employs a robotic maid named Rosie, and travels via flying cars (aerocars). Despite these intriguing sci-fi elements and fun visuals, The Jetsons functions primarily as an animated family sitcom, depicting the everyday lives of the titular family navigating work, school, and household chores.

Much of the humor derives from the characters’ reactions to situations that modern viewers might consider minor inconveniences. George Jetson, for instance, complains about his demanding job, which consists of working just a few hours, a couple of days per week. Contemporary audiences can also appreciate how much of the show’s “futuristic” technology, like video calls and automated cleaning robots (though perhaps not as sentient as Rosie), has become commonplace reality.

38 The Flintstones Were Pure Stone Age Fun

Fred Flintstone looking upset as Wilma watches him in The Flintstones

Airing in the 1960s, The Flintstones broke ground as one of the first animated series to focus on the family unit in a comedic setting, effectively emulating network sitcoms of its era. Set in the prehistoric town of Bedrock (circa 10,000 B.C.), the show centers on Fred Flintstone, a slightly blustery but good-hearted “bronto crane” operator, his wife Wilma, and eventually their daughter Pebbles. Their lives are intertwined with their best friends and neighbors, Barney and Betty Rubble, and their son Bamm-Bamm.

The imaginative use of dinosaurs as appliances, tools made of rock, and numerous prehistoric twists on modern conveniences made The Flintstones a highly creative watch. Its open emulation of live-action sitcoms like The Honeymooners demonstrated that animation could appeal to adults as well as children, paving the way for later family-centric animated comedies like The Simpsons and Family Guy.

37 Johnny Bravo Is Mindlessly Funny

Johnny Bravo smirking while holding a mirror and admiring himself

Simple and direct, Johnny Bravo chronicles the life of its titular character, a rather unique young man. Johnny isn’t particularly intelligent but possesses immense confidence in his attractiveness, believing himself to be “God’s gift to women.” His primary interests lie in building his biceps, striking poses, and attempting to flirt with women who invariably reject him. Bravo’s resulting antics and various rejections provide consistently ridiculous humor.

Originating as seven-minute shorts, Johnny Bravo evolved into one of Cartoon Network’s most recognizable series. For viewers seeking uncomplicated, mindless entertainment, Johnny Bravo delivers perfectly. Drawing visible inspiration from cultural icons like Elvis Presley and James Dean in his demeanor and signature tall blonde pompadour, Johnny Bravo has nonetheless become an iconic cartoon character in his own right, an idiot hero whose strong sense of humor created a classic.

36 Popeye Endorsed Spinach And Won Hearts

Popeye the Sailor holding Eugene the Jeep in a classic Thimble Theater comic panel

With his distinctive physique and ever-present pipe, Popeye the Sailor Man became an unlikely hero after debuting in the Thimble Theater comic strip, created by E.C. Segar. His immense popularity led to his own animated series, produced initially by the Fleischer Brothers. A key element of his appeal was his famous affinity for spinach; consuming a can would instantly grant him superhuman strength, turning his biceps into anvils and enabling him to lift massive objects.

Beyond his strength, Popeye had a long-running romance with Olive Oyl and cared for their adopted baby, Swee’Pea. Despite his rough sailor exterior, Popeye endeared himself to audiences, becoming one of the most beloved heroes of his era. Consequently, the show remains one of the most popular classic cartoons, and Popeye one of the most iconic characters. Eccentric yet enjoyable, Popeye continues to entertain.

35 Tom and Jerry Is Cartoons At Their Most Pure

Jerry Mouse shocked as Tom Cat prepares a sledgehammer in a destroyed house scene from Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry represents one of the most quintessential and timeless cartoons ever created, embodying pure cartoon mayhem. It operates on a straightforward premise: Tom, a domestic cat, relentlessly pursues Jerry, a clever mouse residing in the same house. Most episodes revolve around Tom’s increasingly complex schemes to catch his quarry and Jerry’s seemingly effortless, often painful-for-Tom, methods of evasion. Recurring characters like Spike the bulldog often add further complications, usually at Tom’s expense.

Tom and Jerry contains all the essential elements of classic cartoon shorts: rapid-fire gags, slapstick destruction, and ample schadenfreude. First appearing in 1940, the cat-and-mouse duo continues to feature in new media, including shorts and films, demonstrating their enduring appeal. With a vast library of shorts, movies, and spin-offs available, Tom and Jerry ensures laughs are always readily accessible.

34 The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy Is An Emmy Award-Winning Cartoon

Billy smiling, Mandy glaring, and Grim looking shocked in The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy is a hilariously dark cartoon that delights in the supernatural. The story begins when siblings Billy (dim-witted and cheerful) and Mandy (cynical and intelligent) encounter the Grim Reaper, who has come for Billy’s dying hamster. To save the pet, they challenge “Grim” to a game of limbo. Upon losing, Grim is forced into servitude as their best friend “forever.”

Billy & Mandy chronicles the bizarre supernatural exploits of the polar-opposite siblings and their reluctant, skeletal servant. The show’s clever premise, humorously inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal (where Death plays chess), fueled seven seasons of ghoulish fun. It earned multiple Emmy awards for “Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation,” and fans continue to express interest in seeing more of this unique world where Death loses to a couple of kids.

33 Kim Possible Was a Trailblazer Universally Beloved by Children

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Kim Possible marked a significant milestone for the Disney Channel. It launched during a period when female-led programming often skewed heavily towards girls, and action shows or films starring women were less common. Kim Possible flipped convention by featuring a highly competent teenage secret agent, Kim, often positioning her male sidekick, Ron Stoppable, as the one needing rescue – the “damsel in distress.”

The show successfully broke through demographic barriers, appealing broadly to children of all genders, and even adults, thanks to its smart writing, humor, and well-executed action sequences. A central comedic element was treating Kim’s world-saving adventures with the same nonchalance as an ordinary after-school job. To this day, Kim Possible remains one of Disney’s most successful animated series, leaving a lasting legacy in animation and for the generation that grew up watching her prove that saving the world is nothing compared to high school.

32 Teen Titans Is a Great Superhero Show Made for a Younger Audience

Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg looking down together in Teen Titans

DC Comics boasts an impressive portfolio of animated adaptations, an area where it has consistently excelled. Among the most popular cartoons of the 2000s was Teen Titans, based on the long-running comic book series featuring DC’s premier team of young heroes, typically led by Dick Grayson as Robin.

Teen Titans effectively adapted the Justice League team dynamic for a younger, teenage audience, incorporating fast-paced action with relatable adolescent struggles and humor. While the original series had a relatively short run of 65 episodes, it left a memorable impact, inspiring persistent fan campaigns for its revival years after its conclusion. This passion eventually led to the spin-off/revival Teen Titans Go!, which, while tonally different, brought back the original voice cast and has produced hundreds of episodes, giving DC’s stalwart superhero team an upbeat makeover.

31 Gravity Falls Is a Twin Peaks-Inspired Show That Tells a Memorable Story

Dipper, Mabel, Soos, and Wendy looking into a deep hole in Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls expertly utilizes its concise two-season, 40-episode structure to tell a complete, overarching story set during one transformative summer vacation. The series follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they stay with their great-uncle (“Grunkle”) Stan Pines, proprietor of the “Mystery Shack” tourist trap in the peculiar town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. They are joined by other endearing recurring characters like the Shack’s handyman Soos Ramirez and teenage employee Wendy Corduroy.

Drawing inspiration from Twin Peaks, Gravity Falls introduces a multitude of mysteries, paranormal occurrences, and genuinely surprising plot twists within its strange small-town setting, where weird is the norm. The show is characterized by witty dialogue and clever plotting, giving it broad appeal across different age groups. By design, its limited run allowed Gravity Falls to avoid overstaying its welcome, concluding precisely as intended – though this hasn’t stopped fans from continually hoping for a revival.

This selection represents just a fraction of the animated series that could be considered among the Best Classic Cartoons Of All Time. Each brought unique humor, memorable characters, or groundbreaking ideas to the screen, securing their place in animation history. Which classics hold a special place in your memory?