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    Top 100 Cartoons Of All Time – Ranked And Explored – The Only Cartoon List You Would Ever Need!

    Cartoon shows have had a long and illustrious path that has led to the stuff you see today. We have lived through the eras of Saturday morning classics and Japanese anime, and the kind of stories have changed over time.

    When the concerts were shifted to Saturday morning slots, one of the biggest changes was that the youthful audience became a bigger part of the event. While the presentations were geared toward children, the grownups were equally entertained. We frequently had sophisticated plots that could appeal to a broad audience, and the performances featured everything from action to comedy to suspense.

    From claymation and still photos to the high-end content we see today, we have gone a long way. This voyage has left us with some golden memories, and in this video, we will take a trip down memory lane, evaluating some of the best cartoon episodes ever! Keep your eyes peeled for this one because it is an early Christmas present for all you cartoon fans out there.

    Looney Tunes (1930)

    Looney Tunes (1930)

    We can never get over Lonney Tunes simply because for many of us it was the first taste of American cartoon shows. It introduced some golden characters, such as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, etc., and many of these have spawned their own shows later on. Each of these characters had their unique personalities and it was a lot of fun to watch their antics. It started off as musical shorts, and soon it went on to become a long-running entertaining show that was loved by kids all over the world. In the early 40s, Looney Tunes moved from black and white to color production, and Bugs Bunny became one of the most popular characters from the show.

    In many ways, this show was the pioneer that inspired a worldwide media franchise. It extended to everything from television series to feature films and comic books, and this was the flagship franchise that made the big bucks for Warner Bros. There are few Looney Tunes films, such as the Hunting Trilogy, that are regarded as the finest animated cartoons of all time. The characters looked sharp for the time, and the viewers were in love with the amazing music. This is a flawless masterpiece that has stood the test of time and is still loved by the fans.

    DuckTales (1987)

    DuckTales (1987)

    When Donald Duck joins the Navy, his nephews are left in the care of his uncle Scrooge, the eccentric billionaire with a taste for adventure. After an unpleasant first meeting, the nephews soon warm up to his company, and they embark upon countless adventures around the world. They look for hidden treasure and at times they also protect the enormous wealth of Scrooge McDuck from the likes of Magica De Spell and the Beagle Boys.

    DuckTales ticks every criterion in the book for becoming a top-notch cartoon show. It was outright hilarious, had a nice story, and the animation was breathtakingly beautiful. People still regard this as one of the best shows by Disney even after all these years. The vibrant colors on screen appealed to the young and old alike, and the theme tune was way too catchy to get out of your head. The show is basically a collection of silly and funny stories, and the energetic voice acting added an extra zing to the show. Scrooge McDuck is a comical pulp hero for all the right reasons, and the other characters were equally engaging. The Beagle Boys were fun antagonists and they only had one real goal – to rob Scrooge’s money bin! In short, DuckTales contain some of the most amazing bits of cartoon nostalgia that will take you right back into the golden era!

    Gummi Bears (1985)

    Gummi Bears (1985)

    Once upon a time, there used to be a civilization of small humanoid bears called Gummi Bears. They were technologically advanced and coexisted with humans, but eventually, the stiff rivalry forced them to flee across the sea. Only a small colony remained hoping for the others to come back someday, but that never happened. Their lives changed, when they interacted with a boy with a Gummi Bear medallion that is capable of unlocking their great book. This can bring back the lost knowledge of the past life of the Gummi Bears, but they also have to be on guard from some enemies who want to exploit these powers.

    Gummi Bears was the very first Saturday Morning cartoon show produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is a gem of a show, with brilliant animation and colorful visuals. The writing is great and the voice-acting is perfect. The stories were adorable, and it was fun to watch the humanoid bears jump around and avoid humans. This show wouldn’t have been the same without the hilarious evil characters, Duke Igthorn, Toady, and the Ogres. The opening sequence and the catchy theme song made many kids eat their cereal peacefully, and we can hum along even today!

    Tom and Jerry (1989)

    Tom and Jerry (1989)

    Tom and Jerry is often thought of as the most popular cartoon show of all time, and rightly so! It all started when Hanna and Barbera produced several shorts for MGM, and the journey continued right into this decade! The various short stories have a common theme – a cat named Tom chasing Jerry the mouse, who finds countless ways to outwit the big fellow. There are some recurring characters, such as Spike the dog, but it is primarily about the titular duo.

    The cartoon styles changed over the years, but the fun stories never died out. It is remarkable, how such a simple storyline found so much variety to entertain the viewers for all these years. Every television watching person in the world has watched some form of Tom and Jerry, and a vast majority has loved every minute of it. The comical fights between Tom and Jerry usually revolve around their efforts to get the better of each other, and the consequences will make even the grumpiest man laugh. There are a few occasions, where they showed genuine friendship as well, and a theory suggests that they never really wanted to get rid of the other in the first place! They might attack each other all the time, but on several instances, they saved each other from dangers. Overall, this is a show that you can still enjoy today because the content has aged like fine wine!

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)

    In the planet of Eternia, Prince Adam is the lousy son of King Randor and Queen Marlena. He might seem like a goofy young man, but he has a secret alter ego – He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. Man-at-Arms, his daughter Teela, and He-Man’s pet tiger Battlecat are his trusted companions and together they try to protect Eternia against the evil forces of Skeletor. He-Man derives his powers from Castle Grayskull and the secrets of Castle Grayskull must be protected from Skeletor who can use it for his sinister plans.

    Few could imagine that a cartoon series spawned from a toyline would go on to become so popular. This show was a classic tale of good vs. evil, and almost all the episodes had a hidden morale. The drawing point was the colorful characters, the morally strong heroes, and the devious villains. There are endless sword fights, magic, and thrilling moments that ensured that kids had an exciting time. They would sit with their action figures, waiting to watch them in action on screen! The animation looks fresh even today, and we love the cool creatures and monsters on the show. The original Masters of the Universe series is simply priceless, and there will never be another like this again!

    Batman: The Animated Series (1992)

    Batman The Animated Series (1992)

    The series might have been intended for kids, but the dark theme of the narrative reminded the fans of the original Batman comic books. It gives the story of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne a new twist as his alter-ego battles crime in a decaying Gotham society. He has some help from the likes of Barbara Gordon, James Gordon, and Dick Grayson as he takes on the worst criminals and lunatics of the city! 

    There are many who do not appreciate the campy and cheesy narratives of Batman, and they will find great joy in this hard-hitting series. The animation will leave you spellbound, and the interesting plotlines and characters will keep you on your toes. Batman fights some of the trademark villains, such as Penguin, Scarecrow, Joker, and Harvey Two Face. One of the biggest draws of this series would have to be the voice of Mark Hamill as Batman, and we loved the creepy laugh of the Joker. The series reminds you of the movies made by Tim Burton, and the dark theme bodes well with the original Batman comics. This has to be one of the greatest animated series for Batman, and it set the bar very high for the ones to follow.

    Darkwing Duck (1991)

    Darkwing Duck (1991)

    The city of St. Canard is home to some dreadful criminals, but all is not lost for the citizens. There is a protector among them, Darkwing Duck, who fights crime with some help from his adopted daughter Gosalyn Waddlemeyer, and his dumb pilot sidekick, Launchpad McQuack. Darkwing was a cross between The Shadow, Batman, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, and this crime-fighter was powered with his determination to beat up the bad guys. This series was one of the wittiest cartoon shows ever made, and it is unfortunate that this gem was untimely canceled.

    The pilot episodes were the finest in the series, and the stories were exciting courtesy of some devious villains. Negaduck and Megavolt were among the most entertaining antagonists, and even the heroic characters were well sketched. The detailed animation is a flashback to the good old days of Disney afternoon, and this adventurous narrative was loved by the young and old alike. The choice of color palette to create the dark ambiance is commendable, and the noir atmosphere will be lapped up by the Batman fans out there. We also loved the music on offer, and the theme song was catchy as hell! Overall, it was a great combination of some cleverly written episodes and some fun characters, and the show deserved a longer run than it had!

    Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969)

    Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969)

    Scooby-Doo has now become a franchise of its own, but this was the first incarnation of all that was about to follow! The plot followed a group of teenage friends who were accompanied by their Great Dane Scooby-Doo. They embark upon several adventures, solving unusual mysteries that often involved some villains who took on supernatural disguises. Shaggy and Scooby were easily spooked, and it was hilarious to watch them freak out every now and then! The lively group solved one mystery after another while going about their usual lives as well.

    If you watch this series today, it might feel like it was cheaply made, but the animation was pretty good for its time. The writing was spot-on and amusing, and the characters added so much flair to the storytelling that it was easy to get hooked onto the show. All the episodes had a common theme. They would go to someplace and experience some disturbing, unexplained occurrences, and then try to solve the mystery. People mocked the basic nature of the standard storyline, but kids loved the show, and over the years there have been way too many shows based on these characters. If we are entertained by such amazing content, we really don’t care that the protagonists keep running into the same kind of crooks all the time!

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)

    Four humanoid turtles were trained as ninjas by their human martial arts trainer, Hamato Yoshi, who was also changed into a humanoid rat. Their changes resulted from exposure to some strange element, but they grouped together to fight some serious threats to the world. The Teenage mutant ninja turtles fought some mean villains, but they always found ways to get the better of their opponents.

    Sometimes a show can prosper even if it doesn’t stay true to the comics, and this is a great example of that. This show had all the elements required to draw the kids in, and from a memorable theme tune to some intelligent storylines, it never failed to entertain. The four protagonists were very likable characters, and they all had something unique about them. The pizza-eating ninja fighters always taught the kids a few valuable lessons along the way without being too preachy. It was fun to collect the action figures, and one could ignore the minor flaws such as the continuity errors and cheesy dialogues. There was also some intense action in the mix of things, and the cool factor about the heroes never ceased to charm the audience. In short, this simplistic show was a popular hit that came back later in the day to a warm reception yet again!

    Popeye the sailor (tv series) (1960)

    Popeye the sailor (tv series) (1960)

    Popeye the sailor was a simple man living a normal life – till he had a mouthful of spinach in his system! Then his rippling muscles would power him to become a hero who protects his girlfriend and her honor from the horrible villain. There is rustic silliness around the character of Popeye, but it is the quality that makes him seem human. He was a decent guy, and the audience would always root for him to beat the baddies like his nemesis, Brutus, to a pulp.

    After spending about 24 years in theatrical shorts, Popeye finally comes to television, and different studios stepped in to do the needful. Was this a perfect cartoon show by any stretch? It certainly wasn’t, but Popeye the Sailor had an unmistakable charm about it. The animation does feel a bit rushed, but the lack of finesse is hard to spot when you the busy enjoying the crisp storytelling. Popeye would find himself in trouble and eat some spinach to gain the strength to get out of it. Yes, the episodes were undoubtedly repetitive because there is only so much innovation you can add to such a basic premise. But it was super enjoyable, and it surely prompted a lot of kids to eat their greens without a fuss!

    Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994)

    Spider-Man The Animated Series (1994)

    A young man named Peter Parker discovers some strange superpowers in himself after getting bitten by a radioactive spider. He develops spider-like powers, and his life changes after he indirectly causes the death of his uncle Ben. Peter then starts to use his powers to fight crime, and becomes the superhero that the town needs. In his unique costume that conceals his identity, he takes on some of the meanest supervillains and he also tries to balance his personal life with his girlfriend Mary Jane.

    This has to rank among the best superhero animated shows of all time. The stories were perfectly put together, and the fans believed this to be an appropriate representation of Peter Parker. The action was great and the production values were too good in comparison to some of the stuff that you see today. The voice acting was on point, and the stories involving Daredevil, Kingpin, and Kraven were some of the best in the series. The show was a rather faithful adaptation of the comics, and some of the classic Spider-Man villains, like Venom, The Green Goblin, Rhino, Mysterio, and Dr. Octopus appear in various episodes. It had a successful run for four years, and it was a thoroughly entertaining show while it lasted.

    TaleSpin (1990)

    TaleSpin (1990)

    TaleSpin brought back some of the iconic characters from Jungle Book in a new avatar. In a 1930s Pacific setting, we see the adventurous world of air pirates and treasure hunts. Baloo the bear, is a struggling pilot, and he finds work at a delivery agency for a courier company. Kit Coudkicker is his assistant, and Wildcat is his mechanic, and they often find themselves rescuing innocents from the notorious Don Karnage.

    Anyone talking about this series will tell you about the unforgettable theme song that you simply cannot get out of your head. This cool little show brought a new life to some much-loved characters, and it has such a fun premise that everything else just sets in. We witnessed some top-grade voice acting, and there weren’t too many aviation cartoons shows out there back in the day. We loved the chemistry between Baloo and Rebecca, and his relationship with Kit is adorable to say the least. The animation is not disappointing and coupled with some funky music, the episodes made for some of the most complete TV shows for children. TaleSpin will take you back to the good old days of cartoons in the 90s, and it is such a popular show for a reason!

    Richie Rich (1980)

    Richie Rich (1980)

    Richie Rich took us into the fantasy world of the richest boy in the world. He had everything that you could wish for, and he would get involved in some amazing adventures along the way. He would get stuck in some tricky situations, but none were so troublesome that his exotic gadgets and tons of money couldn’t solve. Richie Rich also had his group friends and servants, and a trusted Butler who made life easy for him!

    This series was based upon the comic book series by the same name, but most of the characters were the same as seen in the comics. The only noticeable change was the personality of Richie and his friends. They seemed to be a lot more mature, but most stories were taken directly from the comics. One of the most fascinating things about the show as the titular character and his lifestyle. Kids aspired to have the life he had, and yet, there was something likable about the rich kid that made you root for him when he was in trouble. He lived in a mansion that offered all the luxuries one can imagine, and the series tried to use the awe-factor to its advantage. Over the years, we have had better presentations of the Richie Rich story, but this one will be remembered for being the start of something amazing!

    The Flintstones (1960)

    The Flintstones (1960)

    The Flintstones and the Rubbles are two neighboring families, and these modern-day Stone Age families face a few misadventures along the way. The show was hilarious because it tried to compare the modern convenient lifestyle to that of Stone Age technology. The families would struggle to make sense of a lot of things, and their tough, yet loving family life would stir the curiosity of the viewers every episode.

    People who grew up watching intelligent shows like Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Doo will appreciate the innovative storyline in this one. The detailed and colorful animations make it a pleasant visual experience. The humor is the biggest strength of this show, and the narrative manages to be constantly hilarious. You had all kinds of characters who had some memorable things to say courtesy of the witty writing of the show. The simplistic stories often had some valuable lessons about family and friendship, and the storyline would be useful even today to educate the kids about basic life rules. However, don’t mistake this for a kiddie show because it is presented as a sitcom that adults can enjoy as well. If you want a whole new perspective of the world that you live in, Flintstones would be the show to watch for plenty of laughs and entertainment!

    Justice League (TV Series 2001)

    Justice League (TV Series 2001)

    The Justice League is a dream team that has some of the most powerful superheroes fighting together. The likes of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawk Girl, and Martian Manhunter make sure that the world is safe no matter how serious the threat! There are some dangerous intergalactic forces at work, but the superheroes working together are a formidable force, and they deal with the villainous forces one day at a time!

    If you have an interest in superheroes, there is simply no way that you can afford to miss out on Justice League. The show is blessed by some rich production values, and the heroes come to life thanks to some incredible voice-actors powering them. The haunting music bodes well with the narrative, and the plots never lack depth. You have some particularly deep and complex storylines in the mix of things, and the complicated characters make things even more interesting. The heroes have their unique personalities, and they do not necessarily agree on everything, which paves the way for further complications. Watching this cartoon show was like watching a thrilling movie, and the suspense kept the viewers biting the last bits of their nails. Ever since the brilliance of Batman the animated series, this has to be among the best cartoon series from DC!

    Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000)

    Buzz Lightyear of Star Command (2000)

    The galactic peace is threatened by certain miscreants, and the Evil Emperor Zurg is the forerunner among them. In order to maintain peace and stability, a peacekeeping organization has been set up and it comprises of Space Rangers who investigate the threats to the universe. This organization is called Star Command, and Buzz Lightyear is one of the heroic rangers. He is helped by fellow rangers Booster, Mira Nova, and others, who try to fight off the henchmen of Evil Emperor Zurg!

    The first thing that you will notice about this series is that it has the charm of Toy Story. The narrative doesn’t try to force-feed you with sappy morals, and through the various episodes, you get to see some serious character development. The referential humor will please the adults and the clever spins on some other sci-fi tropes like Star Wars are hard to miss. The best thing about the show is the element of comedy, but you will also be entertained by some gritty action. The creative ideas wouldn’t have been executed so perfectly without the brilliance of the team of voice actors, and the likes of Larry Miller and Adam Carolla do a great job. Patrick Warburton is no Tim Allen, but you might ignore this lapse considering the hours of joy on offer!

    The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1988)

    The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh (1988)

    If you consider some of the golden content from the late 80s and the 90s, it has to be said that The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has been largely overlooked. This is unfortunate because the show had an immensely charming storyline that is no less than the adorable Disney flicks of the 70s. The humor is well composed and Tigger and Pooh get to execute most of the fun stuff. The animation leaves nothing to complain about, and as for the voice acting, the likes of Paul Winchell hit it out of the park! Jim Cummings, Peter Cullen, and John Fielder are equally impressive, and the show wouldn’t have been the same, had it not been for their ability to make the characters so enjoyable.

    Most of the episodes make sure that you are taken into the magical carefree world of the Hundred Acre Wood, and we see the adorable antics of Winnie-the Pooh and his friends who live there. There are some colorful characters, such as hyperactive Tigger, the protective Kanga, the Piglet, and the hilarious Gopher. We loved the heartwarming stories then, and we are still a sucker for such unadulterated goodness! You will laugh the whole way through the episodes, and the most pleasant part is the subtle sense of adventure that is present in the simplest of things they all do together!

    Samurai Jack (2001)

    Samurai Jack (2001)

    A long time ago in a distant land, the oppression of the evil shape-shifting wizard Aku tormented the people. A brave Samurai warrior stood up against him, and he wielded a magical sword that threatened Aku’s superiority. Just before the warrior could finish him off, Aku sent him through a time portal into a future world, where Aku’s evil ways form the law. In this dystopian futuristic society, the Samurai warrior Jack must find a way to avenge the wrongs done by Aku, and head back to his own time to destroy him permanently!

    Kennedy Tarkovsky, the creator of this series was the same man behind Dexter’s Laboratory, and Samurai Jack has the same brand of intelligent storytelling. The animation style is quite appealing, and after the show premiered it swept everyone off their feet. The simple story of a fight between good and evil was handled so well that it never seemed predictable. The visual style is bold and angular, and most of the scenes seem harsh because of such a theme. There were some mesmerizing action scenes that wouldn’t let you take your eyes off the screen. The designs were fascinating, and the narrative seemed to be an artistic montage of some wonderful action sequences put together. It is said that such a brilliant show was cut short abruptly, and it ended before an actual conclusion.

    X-Men: The Animated Series (1992)

    X-Men The Animated Series (1992)

    The story involves a team of mutant superheroes who have certain genetically endowed superpowers. They are often misunderstood by society, and Professor Xavier’s special academy is a safe place for them to nurture their powers and use them for good purposes. The superhero team called the X-Men has a task at hand because there are also some evil mutants who want to use their powers for all the wrong reasons. The show traces the numerous adventures of the X-Men as they struggle with their fight against the villains, while also trying to make the world accept them!

    We all loved X-Men as a kid. There was something so wholesome about this show, that it is tough to put a finger on one particular thing. The animation was detailed and the sophisticated character designs added to the flair of the show. The innovative action sequences were never seen before, but the well-written show never made it just about all the fights. There are some conflicting emotions in the characters because they are fighting more than the bad guys! The stories can get a bit confusing for the kids at times, but the show was an all-out crowd-pleaser and always found ways to entertain the audience. There are different plots within the series, and the massive structure was well-knit so as to not make things impossible to comprehend. All in all, X-Men was an enjoyable cartoon for both the purists and the outsiders in the world of comic books.

    Pokémon (1997)

    Pokémon (1997)

    Welcome to the fascinating world of Pokémon! Ash Ketchum is a young boy who wants to grow up to be the greatest Pokémon trainer ever. His constant companion is a Pokémon named Pikachu, and accompanied by his friends they all embark upon a great journey to become the best! They capture new Pokémons along the way, get into some intense Pokémon battles, and learn through their wins and losses alike. They meet new friends and new rivals, and Ash continues to discover new Pokemons through his journey.

    This is a massive franchise that we are talking about here, and this show went on for way too many episodes. After the brilliance of the initial seasons, things did get predictable and the viewers slowly started to lose their interest. However, before things started to go sour, Pokemon offered countless hours of adventures. It was a journey that you would feel a part of, and the cuteness of Pikachu never got boring. There were some hilarious antagonists, and the antics of Team Rocket were always fun to watch. It was a mad rush for the collectibles, and some rare specimens set the cash bells jingling even today! People might say some bad things about the show, but the fact remains that at one point in our lives we all loved watching the adventures of Ash Ketchum!

    Tiny Toon Adventures (1990)

    Tiny Toon Adventures (1990)

    This show presents a new brand of cartoon characters, who are keen to learn the trades of comedy from the veterans of Looney Tunes. They mentor these young characters through some amazing adventures, and the likes of Buster Bunny, Plucky Duck, Babs Bunny, Sweetie Bird, and a few human characters make for a colorful cast. Tiny Toon Adventures is a must-watch for all the Looney Tunes fans, and this witty series will bring back some fond memories of the classic.

    The characters that you see in this show are basically some young versions of the Looney Tunes characters, but they all have their distinct personalities. The show thrives upon two main characters, Busty and Babs, and the flawless voice acting does a terrific job. The bright colorful backgrounds and crisp animation make the show pleasant for kids as well, and we love the healthy dose of humor throughout the narrative.

    The storylines did get predictable at times, and one could argue about the silliness of the entire thing. But such cheesiness and adorable storytelling have been the selling point of such shows in the first place! The show started to slow down after the second season, and it was eventually canceled, but not before changing the way cartoon shows were perceived in the 90s. Tiny Toons maintained the distinct 90s vibe, and it gave us one of the funniest and most underrated cartoons shows ever created!

    Dragon Ball Z (TV Series 1989)

    Dragon Ball Z (TV Series 1989)

    Goku is the most powerful fighter in the world, and he learns about his real origins which are from another planet. Now, he and his friends must protect the Earth from some sinister warriors and creatures that work for a tyrannical space warlord named Frieza. When these new threats spell doom for humanity, Goku must form an unpleasant alliance with his long-time nemesis Piccolo to save them all.

    Dragon Ball Z certainly has to rank among one of the finest anime shows of all time. The adventures of Goku were certainly a notch above the likes of Pokemon and Beyblade, and the thrill of the narrative ensured that even the adults were hooked onto this series. The animation has aged well and the ethereal backgrounds set this show apart from the others. There are some well-choreographed fight sequences along the way, and the excellent writing never lets the thrill subside. We get some new characters, such as Vegeta, and the action picks up a notch from Dragon Ball. There is something about the characters in this show that make you root for them. At times the clumsiest of them ends up doing something so heroic that you end up admiring the fellow. This classic anime show is worth a watch even today, and it successfully continues the journey from Dragon Ball making it into a hit formula!

    Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (1988)

    Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers (1988)

    Two chipmunks named Chip and Dale start their own detective agency called Rescue Rangers. They specialize in cases that are deemed to be too small and insignificant to be handled by the police, but more often than not, they end up caught in something much bigger. These pint-sized crime fighters are hilarious in their mannerisms and their actions promise plenty of laughs for the viewer.

    It is said that not many people are aware of this Disney gem in the late 80s. Right from the delightfully catchy theme tune, there is nothing that this show gets wrong. Chip and Dale are clearly the stars of the show, and their fast-talking irresistible personalities make them two of the most loved characters in the show. Chip is the leader of the group, and he is somewhat bossy, while Dale loves to goof around a bit. The series wouldn’t have been so much fun without the amazing villains. The likes of Professor Kimmel and FatCat spell trouble for our protagonists, and they find the weirdest of hacks to get out of such situations. Nowadays, there aren’t too many fun shows for the whole family, and this can be the perfect cartoon to introduce to the kids!

    The Jetsons (TV Series 1962)

    The Jetsons (TV Series 1962)

    In the fictional world of the Jetsons, George lives with his wife Jane and his kids Judy and Elroy. They stay in the Skypad Apartments in Orbit City, in a futuristic world, and they have a robot maid to handle the housekeeping duties. They have some new-age technological appliances to help around, but they’re still happens to be a few misadventures along the way. The show handles such instances when the futuristic family gets caught up in the maze of technology.

    The plotline is a direct contrast to the Flintstones, and while this is not as funny, The Jetsons is also quite entertaining. It was fun to watch a futuristic world, and they traveled through space in motorized planes and had all kinds of ridiculous gadgets. The show was made by the same people who made Flintstones, so it is not a surprise that the animation quality is similar. They also tried to use the same technique of funny family interactions in strange crises. There is plenty in the show that will make you laugh your guts out, and the intelligent script never failed to amaze the viewers. It was an opportunity for many young minds to try and imagine what the future would look like. It is a shame that such a delightful show had a rather short run before it was canceled! They certainly don’t make cartoons like these anymore!

    Ben 10 (TV Series 2005)

    Ben 10 (TV Series 2005)

    It all starts when a ten-year-old boy finds a mysterious device called the Omnitrix while he is on vacation. It powers him to transform into ten alien forms that come with unique superpowers. However, with greater powers come greater responsibilities, and the young kid soon finds himself in the middle of some exciting alien battles and larger-than-life stuff!

    Who says that predictable means bad? Ben 10 did have a few plots that you could figure out, but that never made things dull for the viewer. The colorful and detailed animation seemed magical, and the funny and energetic writing adds a lot of spirit to the show. There was something very cool about the narrative that got young kids and teenagers gushing about the show and buying loads of merchandise! There were some remarkable aliens, and we loved Wildmutt the most. There were also some scary ones such as Vilgax, and the alien battles were absolutely nail-biting. Even though the show was intended for kids, they did not hold back on the action, and things got pretty intense. The villains could be quite intimidating, and there was a level of seriousness in the narrative that made the kids watching feel like adults! The reboot wasn’t half as good as this one, and if you want a real taste of this show, go for the 2005 series!

    The New Adventures of Jonny Quest (1986)

    The New Adventures of Jonny Quest (1986)

    Many years after the end of the original series, we are back once again with the new adventures of Jonny Quest. The format was the same as before, and Jonny traveled around the world with his scientist father, their Indian friend, their bodyguard, and the family bulldog. They would come up against some strange cases and face a variety of enemies in their numerous adventures.

    Before we go any further, we have to tell you that the new series lacks the eerie atmosphere of the original. The episodes have been toned down considerably, but they are still decent enough to hold the attention of the children. While the plots might seem a lot sillier than the original, the animation quality was certainly a huge improvement. You might argue that there is something nostalgic about the original, but the animation this time around seems a lot less rigid. Jonny Quest no longer looks like he is straight out from the comic books, and there is a decent amount of humor to keep you entertained. However, the show suffered from poor ratings, and it was eventually canceled after only thirteen episodes.

    Bobby’s World (1990)

    Bobby's World (1990)

    What happens when a little 4-year-old boy escapes into his own make-believe world? Bobby Generic has an extremely imaginative mind, and he creates adventures of his own using his powers.  The stories usually revolve around Bobby, his dog, and his obnoxious brother Derrek, and the other people related to him. There would also be a few last-minute moral stories at the end of every episode.

    The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Bobby’s World is just how adorable the show was! It is a fine example of how the unrestricted imagination of the kids can bring about a colorful world full of adventures. The writers came up with some creative situations, and they were leaning more towards the fantasy world than the real world. Bobby was a great role model for kids because he was always a decent young fellow no matter what troubles he cooked up. Many kids would try speaking like the big-headed kid, and it was a show that the young minds learned to love. The unadulterated content, the unabashed innocent humor, and the innovative problems made sure that Bobby’s World made its way to the good old classics of the cartoon world that will be remembered for times to come!

    Taz-Mania (1991)

    Taz-Mania (1991)

    Taz is a Tasmanian Devil and he can be quite a destructive fellow in spite of his loveable nature. This satirical sitcom was all about the hilarious adventures of the Tazmanian Devil and his extended family and friends. There were also a few enemies of his in the islands of Tasmania, and there was always a contest to fight for!

    You shouldn’t go in expecting something of the standards of the Simpsons, but the satirical comedy is still quite unique for its times. This underrated series has the kind of slapstick comedy that you will still appreciate as an adult. We had some bright and breezy storylines, and it was a lot of fun to deal with some memorable personalities along the journey. The Tasmanian Devil from the Bugs Bunny Cartoons finally has his own show, and he surely deserves it.

    He has evolved from being the dim-witted predator for Bugs Bunny, and the changes bode well for his character. There were also some other fun characters to add to the entertainment value. We had the Platopus brothers, Francis the Bushland, Buddy Boar, and many others who would be loved by the kids. The writers always kept the narrative open-ended and unpredictable, and the show could have gone on for much longer than it did. Some characters were even funnier than their original versions, and for all you cartoon purists out there, Taz-Mania might be a delightful show to watch!

    G.I Joe (1985)

    G.I Joe (1985)

    You all know the basic premise behind G.I Joe! This cartoon series brings the same formula into their episodes, and you have the elite special force organization called G.I Joe fighting against the terrorist organization Cobra. The Cobra commander wishes to dominate the world, but his sinister plans are always foiled by the brave warriors who fight for the ideals that America values!

    This show promises some good old-fashioned fun, and the simplicity of the narrative is its biggest strength. This was aimed at a younger audience, so the insane violence has obviously been considerably toned down. However, the X-factor and the sheer thrill of the adventures are enough to lure you into watching this series. There is still a lot of shootouts and intense fights, and the excitement is plenty for the audience. Each episode brings something different and there is never a sense of repetitive content. There are plenty of characters, and the story deals with both sides of the conflict between the G.I Joes and the Cobra forces. The music is simply fantastic and syncs perfectly with the narrative. The colors used in the fascinating animation made this show a treat to watch and it is not a far stretch to hail this as one of the finest animated shows from the 80s.

    Swat Kats: The Radical Squadron (1993)

    Swat Kats The Radical Squadron (1993)

    Swat Kats brings you to the unique world of anthropomorphic felines, and their adventures. When two pilots of the elite law-enforcement agency are grounded after they decided to continue their pursuit of the arch-villain Dark Kat, and it puts them against their commander Feral. After they are grounded, they create their own high-tech jet, and go about protecting the city as Swat Cats. These masked vigilantes continue their fight against evil, and they are often up against some menacing villains like Dr. Viper and the Pastmaster.

    This show certainly deserved a better fate than the untimely cancelation. Swat Kats was a unique animated series that was a brilliant combination of Batman and Top Gun. It had a distinct dark color palette and it makes the city appear mysterious. There can be no complaints about the quality of animation, and the SWAT jet is probably the finest work of all. The SWAT Kats duo is too cool for school and they are a deadly combo of brains and brawns. All the baddies are memorable characters, and the well-written stories put together some iconic battles. We have some unforgettable action sequences, and the sight of the high-tech jet armed to the teeth flying into action was something that the kids loved. The series didn’t get a reputation for anything, and we hope that the makers come up with such golden content even today.

    Animaniacs (1993)

    Animaniacs (1993)

    Animaniacs brings back some of the iconic characters from the 1930s in a variety of roles. The show blends clever wit and slapstick comedy with plenty of pop culture references that make it enjoyable for kids and adults alike. The story traces the journey of a trio of troublemakers who escape from the Warner Brothers WaterTower. Their ruthless energy will be unleashed upon the world coupled with their devious plans, and they must be stopped before it is too late!

    This show is more than just a cartoon – it is a tradition being preserved through fun storytelling. The well-animated show has vibrant coloring and the convincing moments that bind the characters together never feel sloppy. It has also been blessed by some memorable music, and the humor-laced scripts could put a smile on the most depressed faces. One thing that we loved about Animaniacs was the colorful characters on offer. These endearing characters had their unique personalities and they were voiced by some of the legends of the voice-acting world, such as Rob Paulson, Frank Welker, etc. Overall, this is a memorable show that can be enjoyed even today, and it is just another addition to the long list of memorable animated content from the 90s.

    Aladdin (TV Series 1994)

    Aladdin (TV Series 1994)

    The adventures of Aladdin never seem to grow old, and this series brings the clever hero of Agrabah once again into action. He is now engaged to Princess Jasmine, and together with his clever monkey sidekick Abu, the short-tempered parrot, and the Magic Carpet, he can deal with all kinds of trouble. He also has some help from the shapeshifting Genie, and they all must ensure that the land of Agrabah is free from evil forces.

    When a Disney classic like Aladdin makes a comeback, one of the first questions that come to mind is if it lives up to the expectations. This one does, although it has to be admitted that the original was far better. The characters are nicely sketched, and the general quality of animation is quite impressive. The writers have come up with some interesting storylines, and the quality of powerful villains makes for an exciting contest. The show does retain the spirit of the movie, while adding to the mythology. Since Aladdin is from a fantasy world, there are no restrictions to the imaginative plots, and the show proceeds with this liberty quite nicely. The treasures of Arabian tales never cease to amaze the audience, and Aladdin is no exception to that. If you have liked the movie, there is no reason for you to hate this one!

    Dennis the Menace (1986)

    Dennis the Menace (1986)

    Dennis, the notorious 6-year-old is a good-natured little boy – except for his antics that always cause problems for his parents and neighbors. This iconic character has been brought to life in this series, and every episode shows his mischievous ways and new adventures with his friends and his pet dog, Ruff. He keeps getting into trouble, and eventually, finds a way out of it as well. If you are in for some light-hearted entertainment, these shorts about his life will be quite enjoyable.

    This cartoon series was based on a comic strip, and it is an innocent little show that highlights the fun bits of childhood innocence and mischief. The slapstick comedy promises plenty of laughs, and the stories of the little troublemaker Dennis entertain the viewers in every episode. They picked veteran comedian Phil Hartman for voice acting, and his bits were incredibly funny. The animation was nicely done for the times, and the show also enjoyed a great musical advantage. The narrative had plenty of pranks that would keep people of all ages engaged, and the character of Mr. Wilson was a perfect balance among such childhood madness! It goes on to show that such a simple concept can also be made into something so entertaining with the right kind of creators!

    The Real Ghostbusters (1984)

    The Real Ghostbusters (1984)

    This cartoon series followed the success of the hit movie, and the team of Ghostbusters is up to their old tricks once again. They try to keep the city safe from paranormal forces, such as demons and curses, and weird people. Their old nemesis Slimer is once again in business, but this time he is no longer their enemy and helps them in their missions.

    Many of the fans who loved the movie kept wondering why Slimer was helping the Ghostbusters, but it was a welcome change. It is never easy to live up to such a big hit, but the show was quite a success. Some of the episodes were super creepy, and we loved the one where they were all transported into a ghost version of New York. There was another killer episode, where the Ghostbusters find themselves in the haunted islands.

    The characters were voiced by legends like Will Meugniot and Frank Welker, and they ensured absolute perfection. The combination of action, horror, and humor created tons of unforgettable moments for the viewers, and the toe-tapping theme song from the movie was added to this cartoon as well. The show had a long run, and even brought about a new era of toys and merchandise. In a nutshell, this was a brilliant TV show for the kids, and the slight changes from the movie worked in its favor!

    Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)

    Avatar The Last Airbender (2005)

    The four kingdoms, Earth, Fire, Water, and Air have coexisted in harmony previously, but it all changed after the sudden attack by the Fire kingdom. The peace and balance between the nations can only be restored by the Avatar, the master of all four elements. He vanished when he was needed the most, but a new Avatar named Aang is discovered a hundred years later. Now, Katara and Sokka, who found him, must train him to master the elements and save the world!

    The basic premise might seem simple enough, but the grand style of storytelling makes things very exciting. The animation is top-class, and the consistent writing makes sure that the stories are told crisply without dragging too much. All the characters have a certain depth to them, and we have some charismatic villains to spice things up. This was an animate-style cartoon show, and there are some deep metaphysical concepts that will interest the elder audience. The story goes back and forth with the concepts of morality, and the characters are often left in a dilemma about the implications of their actions. Just for the sheer depth of the narrative, this has to be one of the finest shows in this genre, and it is ripe for watching even today!

    Thundercats (1985)

    Thundercats (1985)

    The Thundercats are a group of feline humanoid creatures from the planet Thundera. Due to the state of their dying planet, they are forced to flee, and they are attacked by the Mutants of Plan-Darr. They fail to reach their intended destination and the survivors end up on Third Earth and befriend the natives. However, the Mutants are not far behind and they soon find out about their new location. A final showdown between the good and the evil is inevitable!

    Thundercats starts off with an intriguing concept, and you get hooked on the storyline after a few episodes. The detailed animation feels fresh even today, and the drawings of the characters are wonderful. Some characters, such as Lion-O, were heroes for the kids and defined courage. Mumm-Ra was a frightening villain, and the voice acting by Earl Hammond for this character was spot on. The action-packed cartoon did have some corny dialogues, but those were easy to ignore with such an adrenaline-pumping narrative ahead of you. People don’t hail this as one of the greatest animated shows from the 80s for nothing! There have been reboots, but nothing can match up to the brilliance of the original.

    Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990)

    captain planet 3

    Earth is battered by pollution caused by criminals and villains. In order to save the planet, the spirit of the planet unites a team of planeteers to combine their powers and create an elemental warrior named Captain Planet. They work together to fight the threats and the dream goal of Captain Planet is to bring down the pollution levels to zero. Don’t we need a Captain Planet in today’s world!

    This series was conceived in the 90s, but the plot will seem more relevant today. It was a show that reminded kids that pollution is the greatest of all villains, and the narrative was fun and imaginative to stop it from being preachy. There were some exciting action-packed scenes as well, and the show was produced with an amazing quality of animation. Tom Cruise was the choice for voicing Captain Planet and he even recorded for a few episodes before backing out of the project. However, the ones available did a mighty fine job, and a show about environmental protection needed every bit of charm from them to keep things interesting. For many of us, it was the first lesson to protect the environment, and we certainly need more of such shows today!

    Teen Titans (TV Series 2003)

    Teen Titans (TV Series 2003)

    The crime-fighting team of Teen Titans is led by Batman’s sidekick Robin. Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven are the other members and they live together in Titans Tower. Robin doesn’t have any superpowers, and his utility belt and his sharp mind are all he has to solve the mysteries that come their way. Each member of the Teen Titans has some unique powers, and they are up against an advanced group of new-age villains. They face the usual teenage problems as well, while they protect the world from some serious threats.

    The premise did seem pretty juvenile at first and we were skeptical about the show. However, it all changed quickly once the narrative picked up the pace. The stories were thrilling and the jokes were hilarious with a generous dose of sarcasm. All the characters had their distinct personalities, and most of them were likable fellows. Beast Boy might seem a bit irritating, but even he has a few good things going for him. The style of animation is a fusion of Japanese animation and American storyboarding, and we aren’t complaining about the end product. This amusing adaptation of DC’s teen heroes cannot be missed out, and a comic book-style presentation is surely going to amuse the viewers.

    The Bugs Bunny Show (TV Series 1960)

    The Bugs Bunny Show (TV Series 1960)

    A well-written sketch surrounding the carrot-chomping, fun-loving Bugs Bunny can never go wrong! This series features some of the classic Looney Tunes animated shorts, and Bugs Bunny hosts his own series alongside some of the other Warner Brothers cartoon stars like Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Tasmanian Devil, etc. In many episodes, the simplest of stories are made entertaining using Warner Brothers cartoon footage to comically support the narrative.

    This show has aged like fine wine, and even during the years of Saturday Morning cartoon shows, this was a fun throwback. Back when the show was made, it was a complete departure from the kind of stuff that the others were doing. All the characters were really funny and came with great personalities. One of the highlights of the show was the breathtaking animation, which was crisp and clean. The narrative did not take itself too seriously, and the characters often had a few laughs at each other’s expense. The voice of the late great Mel Blanc added some brilliance to the voice acting team, and the witty gags made sure that there was never a dull moment in the show. This is the OG of cartoons, and this timeless piece of art will be relevant for years to come!

    The Simpsons (1989)

    The Simpsons (1989)

    This brilliant animated sitcom presents the story of a dysfunctional family caught up in the misfit town of Springfield. Homer is a hardworking, beer-loving father, while Marge is his homemaker wife. Among their kids, Lisa is an eight-year-old genius, while Bart is the constant underachiever. The family also has an infant named Maggie, who often saves the day for the family! The show is about their life in Springfield and the hilarious interactions between the members.

    Nobody had the slightest clue about the phenomenal event that The Simpsons would go on to become. The creative, funny, and relatable content made it a favorite for adults as well, and the storylines are outright innovative. The writing is never obnoxious or childish, but it simply caters to the right elements that keep the audience entertained. All the characters are shown to live in a balance between the real world and fantasy, the surreal world. The supporting cast comprises of dozens of characters, who deliver hints of brilliance in their short stay. We cannot praise this show enough without talking about the exceptional voice acting. It cannot be denied that the show suffered a little with time, and the later episodes did not have the same kind of fire as the earlier ones. However, The Simpsons still ruled as one of the wittiest animated shows ever made!

    Gargoyles (1994)

    Gargoyles (1994)

    Gargoyles are a clan of heroic creatures, whose activities are nocturnal because they turn into stone during the day. They have existed since the Dark Ages and existed in an alliance with humans. They would protect the castles at night in return for the humans protecting their stone forms during the day. Now, after a thousand years, the surviving Gargoyles have been transported to Manhattan, and they are revived. They continue their heroic ways, protecting the city during the night just like they did all those years ago!

    This series had it all, from mystery to complexity to depth in the plotlines. The animation is superbly done, and the dark atmosphere has been created to perfection. The mystifying music adds to the mysterious ambiance, and the writing of the show is its strongest asset. There are no clichés or predictable storylines, and the subtle humor is thoroughly enjoyable. We loved all the Gargoyles and their unique personalities, and the action sequences involving them are well-choreographed.

    These creatures can climb buildings like Spider-Man, and the flying sequences are nicely captured as well. Despite how invincible they may seem, the Gargoyles are mortals and they can die like anyone else. The narrative is not all fun and games, and there are plenty of serious moments that are unlikely of kid’s shows. Overall, all we can say is that this show delivered some unforgettable content and certainly deserved a longer run than it had.

    Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1993)

    Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1993)

    Space Ghost is a superhero from a 1960s Hanna-Barbara cartoon show, but now, he is around forty years old. His superhero days are behind him, but he wants to be relevant and decides to hold a talk show. This show is filmed in outer space, and his co-host is his former villain Zorak. The video phone celebrities on Earth, and despite the somewhat aimless nature of the narrative, the show was filled with imaginative content.

    One of the problems with Space Ghost Coast to Coast is that it fails to hold the viewer for long periods of time. After enjoying a few episodes, you will find it to lack new ideas and stop being a consistent audience. However, it cannot be denied that the comedy is timeless and the funny bits are hilarious without ever trying too hard. The animation is clearly ripped off from the 60s Space Ghost show, but the writing makes up for the goof-ups. The guests sit through some insane questions and banter, and the flow of the show is often interrupted by other space villains. If you are in for a talk-show parody, there will be few better than this, but watching it long-term might be a problem.

    The Tick (1994)

    The Tick (1994)

    This is very different from the usual superheroes that you encounter. The Tick is a dim-witted, but strong-willed superhero, who crashes a superhero convention in Reno dressed in his blue attire. He forms an alliance with an accountant in a moth costume, and their partnership is supposed to take down all forms of crime in the city. A wide variety of crooks and villains flood the city and it is up to the Tick and his partner to prevent their evil plans.

    The show is outright funny and never takes itself seriously. You could call it a clever spoof of all the superhero stuff that we have seen over the years. The Tick is an unconventional superhero, and the villains he encounters are no less whacky. The crazy costumes are the first indications of what is about to follow, and each episode has a laughter-laced narrative that will keep you on your toes. The content is outrageous, but it never gets dirty or obscure, thus becoming a favorite for family viewing. The dialogues are nicely written, and you get to witness some bizarre characters, such as the sidekick Arthur, who has self-confidence issues. After a couple of great seasons, the show lost its amusement factor, and eventually, it was canceled like every other great show that promises to shine!

    The Road Runner Show (TV Series 1966)

    The Road Runner Show (TV Series 1966)

    The best summarization of this show would be a version of Tom and Jerry, replacing the cat and the mouse with a coyote and a roadrunner. The scheming coyote constantly hatches one plan after another to get the better of the clever bird, but the roadrunner is always a step ahead. Their rivalry is fun to watch and it is never tiring to watch the coyote being outsmarted by the superfast bird time and again.

    We remember Road Runner by a sound – the unique beep beep that it makes while speeding past the clueless coyote! The narrative is an unending struggle for the coyote, who tries all the tricks and equipment to trap the bird. However, his dreams for a tasty snack remain a dream because he fails every single time! The show is a pure classic, and the episodes are original and uncut.

    In every episode, you would get one Road Runner, then a Sylvester cartoon and the final one could be anything! The theme song is iconic and the peppy number immediately gets you in the mood for some harmless fun. There are some other popular Warner Brothers characters, such as Speedy Gonzalez and Daffy Duck, and the constant theme of goof-ups and one trial after another will keep you entertained! The show is better than what you would expect, and such timeless classics are extinct these days.

    Pinky and the Brain (1995)

    Pinky and the Brain (1995)

    Pinky and the Brain are two laboratory mice at Acme Labs, and the Brain is a genius because of his genetic changes. Pinky, on the other hand, is quite insane, and together they form an unlikely duo. Every night, they come up with a plan to take over the world before dawn, and the series takes you through their whacky twilight campaigns. The plans invariably ended up backfiring, and more often than not the blame would be on stupid Pinky who often caused the undoing of the plots.

    One of the main reasons that the show succeeded is because of the loveable characters. The writing was exceptional and together with the voice work of Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche, the show was unstoppable. This Animaniacs spin-off has something that cartoons should learn from. The narrative is adorable and hilarious, and the show is brilliantly animated with the use of audacious colors. The charm of this series was in the details. You always knew that their plans would fail, but it was still a curious watch to observe how they messed things up! You even get some memorable music and a catchy theme song that is loved by everyone.  It is a shame that the show didn’t last long because it certainly had the potential for a longer run.

    Johnny Bravo (1997)

    Johnny Bravo (1997)

    This has to be one of the iconic characters in American cartoon shows, and Johnny Bravo became a part of pop culture pretty soon. This is a guy who is supremely confident and believes that all the ladies out there want a piece of him. He wears the tightest of clothes to flex his muscles, but he is basically a dim-witted narcissistic fellow. His attempts to woo the ladies fail quite often, but he simply doesn’t take the hint of when to quit. Johnny Bravo loves only two things in life apart from himself – women and his mother.

    In its glory days, Johnny Bravo was a show to watch out for. People watched it religiously, and it was a simple, yet charming concept that provided enough fuel for the storyline. The endearing protagonist provided plenty of laughs, and the witty writing ensured that the narrative never fell short of jokes. Johnny is shown to be a mama’s boy with a heart of gold, but his negative traits often make him an annoying fellow. Most of the episodes are all about Johnny trying to impress women and failing miserably. However, after a few seasons that show lost its sheen and the episodes started to get monotonous. The best episodes of the show are still worth watching and you simply cannot get enough of his karate chops that sound like a bullwhip!

    Dexter’s Laboratory (1996)

    Dexter's Laboratory (1996)

    Dexter is a child genius who comes up with dazzling inventions that can save the world. The Americans can rest easy as long as he is working in his laboratory, but Dexter also has a few rivals. His elder sister Dee Dee often throws a hissy fit and wrecks his lab, and his arch-rival Mandark is another brilliant kid who challenges Dexter’s supremacy. The show takes you through the numerous misadventures of this wonder kid and his annoying sister, as they take on the challenges of life.

    Dexter’s Laboratory came up with a unique concept, and the standard of the narrative is maintained throughout the series. The animation is quite sophisticated and colorful, and the voice acting by Christine Cavanaugh steals the show. Dexter keeps creating new wonders in his secret laboratory, and his only problem is his elder sister who repeatedly destroys his work. The characters will remind you of all the sibling rivalries you have had, and every episode is filled with humor to keep you entertained. It was created by the same guy who went on to create Samurai Jack, but this is an adorable cartoon show that can be enjoyed by the kids. It lasted several seasons, and the quirky content made it one of the best shows of its time.

    Hey Arnold! (1996)

    Hey Arnold! (1996)

    Arnold is a daydreaming nine-year-old fourth-grader, who lives with his grandparents in a boarding house. They live in a city that resembles Brooklyn, and the multi-racial boarding house has some eccentric boarders from all walks of life. Hey Arnold is all about his numerous adventures and struggles with his everyday life. He has a best friend named Gerald and a tormentor in school named Helga, who secretly loves him.

    This has to be one of our favorite Nickelodeon cartoons, and the funny and interesting narrative never had a dull moment. The writing is strong as ever and the characters are refreshing, without the usual clichés. It was fun to watch the interactions between Helga and Arnold, and the show shed some light on the innocence of childhood relationships. You will feel sorry for both these characters because of how messed up their lives actually are. Arnold’s parents left him to live with his grandparents, and Helga has an alcoholic mom and a family that doesn’t cherish her one bit. The show offered comedy, drama, and adventure, and threw in some valuable parts of life that we all cherish – childhood. Overall, Hey Arnold is a fabulous show, which also ended on a great note, and you would be missing out on a gem if you choose to skip this one.

    Arthur (1996)

    Arthur (1996)

    Childhood life is no joke and there are some tough challenges, such as homework, strict teachers, and bullies. Arthur is the spectacled young fellow who conducts a demonstration to show the kids how to deal with such problems. This series is based on the books by Marc Brown, and the protagonist Arthur is an 8-year-old aardvark who grows up with his family and friends. The episodes show their lives as they try to be good to each other and deal with the challenges that life throws at them.

    The series is so very charming largely because of some awesome characters in the mix. We have the studious Arthur, caring Francine, obnoxious DW, and their teacher Mr. Ratburn. This teacher is largely introduced for comedic purposes, but he also cares for the students. All these characters with their unique personality traits made the show so lively. Despite what it may seem like, Arthur is not your regular show for kids. It touches upon some sensitive issues, and there are a few jokes that only the adults can understand. Each episode teaches you something new, from the negatives of bullying to diseases like chickenpox, and even complex subjects like religion. However, this is a show that disguises the educational factor quite cleverly, and the creators made sure that you will never get bored of the narrative.

    Superman: The Animated Series (1996)

    Superman The Animated Series (1996)

    The world knows him as Superman, but he is the last son of the planet Krypton. He has taken refuge on planet Earth, and now, he protects his new home against all threats. The Man of Steel is also careful to protect his identity of Clarke Kent, and his alter-ego of Superman, the greatest of all superheroes is a closely guarded secret. The ageless superhero embarks upon a fresh journey, with new villains to tackle and new challenges to overcome in order to protect the planet.

    Even the most critical Superman fans agree that this animated series is one of the best portrayals of the superhero. It may not be as atmospheric and grim as Batman, but the tense writing still promises plenty of thrills. The stories are always compelling, and the characters are wonderfully written. Superman is the charismatic hero as always, and Supergirl is an interesting addition to the series. It is hard to take your eyes off the screen as he battles the likes of Darkseid and Sinistro. Lex Luthor, Metallo, Brainiac, and Luminous were some of the other exciting villains that Superman had to deal with. The animation was simply top-tier for that time and people loved the detailing that paid attention to every little thing. Superman rarely looked better than he does here and watching characters like The Flash, Batman, and Green Lantern make appearances was dream come true for the DC fans.

    The Powerpuff Girls (1998)

    The Powerpuff Girls (1998)

    Prof. Utonium tried to create perfect little girls, but he ended up creating three super-powered little girls instead, due to the inclusion of Chemical X. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are three super-strong young girls, who are capable of taking down the meanest of villains. However, they have a few stiff challenges as they try to save the city of Townsville from insane scientists and criminals.

    The quality of the show might have meandered a bit in the later episodes, but there is no denying the fact that The Powerpuff Girls is one of the finest cartoons on Cartoon Network. The series didn’t have the best of animation and it was certainly below par considering some of the contemporaries. It was all down to the incredible writing of the episodes, which appealed to both the kids and adults. The three super-girls were particularly popular among the young girls, and the action in the series wasn’t too bad either. The three girls had some funny interactions and the characters were often quite relatable. You will enjoy plenty of pop culture references and the characters have some clever twists to them. There were some entertaining villains in the mix of the stories, and Mojo Jojo has to be the best of them. If only we got some chemical X for ourselves!

    Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999)

    Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999)

    Contrary to his name, Courage is a timid pink dog who is easily spooked. He lives on a farm with his owners, and there are always some bizarre things happening around them. There are ghosts, spirits, and other paranormal adversaries on the farm, and Courage must put his fear behind him to protect his elderly owners. His owners are Muriel and Eustace, and the latter is not as kind as Muriel and often teases the poor dog by scaring him. The series takes you through their multiple adventures and the antics of Courage.

    This show ranks right up there with the likes of Dexter’s Laboratory and Powerpuff Girls and is certainly one of the best that Cartoon Network had to offer. The biggest draw about the show was the strange characters. Muriel was quite mean and often quite nasty and cruel. Courage, despite his paranoia, was quick to detect some threat that his owners were oblivious to. If you think Scooby-Doo is cowardly, Courage takes it up a notch. However, he is still a loveable character, and it is fun to watch him save the day for his owners. The colorful animation looks amazing, and the music is also quite memorable. There are some good horror elements in the show, and the stories are always opening up to something more exciting. Courage the Cowardly Dog deserved to be a lot more popular, and it is a show that made our childhood entertaining.

    Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999)

    Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999)

    Young boys are often clueless about going through their adolescence, and the three protagonists of the show express it brilliantly. Ed, Edd, and Eddy are three buddies, and they are clueless about wooing girls or their daily lives. Eddy comes up with new ideas for his friends, but they backfire more often than not. The series takes you through their summertime adventures as they grapple with part-time jobs, girls, and other problems in their lives.

    This show was easy to like because of the simplicity around it. The narrative was hilarious and the characters were relatable because this was the situation for most of us back in our young days. It wasn’t the most visually appealing cartoon back in the day, but the characters are certainly well sketched. Among the trio, Ed is the silliest, while Eddy is always the scheming guy, coming up with new plans. There are a bunch of other characters who add to the fun of the show. The narrative could be whacky and immature, and yet it was entertaining enough to keep you interested. The adventures of Ed, Edd, and Eddy, were quite unpredictable, and this meant new stories coming in for every episode! This is way too unique to miss out on, and if you want to enjoy some of the funniest jokes on Cartoon Network, this is the one to go for!

    Batman Beyond (1999)

    Batman Beyond (1999)

    The story is premised in the year 2040 when Bruce Wayne has retired from his Batman duties. He is now an old man who guides a young high school student named Terry McGinnis, to take up his alter-ego. He wears a high-tech Bat suit created by Bruce Wayne, and he takes on new enemies under the watchful eyes of Bruce. Can the new Batman be just as effective as the old one? Will the legacy live on?

    This was a really ambitious project, but the intelligent script ensured that the quality never dropped. The new storyline for Bruce Wayne is interesting, and it throws some light on the future of Batman. The theme is nowhere as dark as some of the other Batman shows, but the edgy narrative keeps the suspense alive. The above-average animation looks decent, and the voice acting thrives with the presence of the iconic Kevin Conroy! There is a cool episode that features the future Justice League, and it is fun to watch a glimpse of some old villains alongside the new ones. However, there is one major loophole in the plot because nothing explains why Terry keeps fighting the villains he has defeated once! They never explain why they keep freeing the baddies! Keeping such concerns aside, the show is a promising take on Batman that the fans will certainly enjoy.

    The Mask (TV Series 1995)

    The Mask (TV Series 1995)

    Stanley Ipkiss is trying to have a normal life after everything changes for him once he finds the Mask of Loki. This magic mask has some strange powers and the alter-ego is capable of doing things that Stanley wouldn’t dream of. Once he wears the mask, he changes into some kind of a superhero, and it helps him battle various villains. This series takes you on another round of reality-defying stunts and adventures of the Mask.

    It is not easy to live up to a golden movie starring Jim Carey, but this animated series is every bit as good as the movie. The vibrancy of the animation and the clever use of colors adds the fun kiddish stuff that makes things appealing for the kids. We loved the clever mix of villains, and the show was simply a delight in this regard. Rob Paulsen did a brilliant voiceover as the Mask, and the stories always had some interesting changes. There was always an evil person after the Mask, and Stanley would have to find a way to deal with it. The satirical nature of the narrative was enjoyable for adults as well, and Stanley Ipkiss was a character that you could all relate to.
    Todd McFarlane’s Spawn (1997)

    A trained government assassin is betrayed by his employer and murdered. He is resurrected as a Hellspawn with a lot of furies, and he is keen to avenge the wrongs done to him. His torn soul is a cause of conflict between heaven and hell, and in the meantime, he tries protecting the innocent and fighting the corrupt. Even his family is on the line, and he must find a way to balance his duty as a leader of Hell’s army and his righteous ideas.

    This series is based on a comic book and the makers have done a fine job of adapting the source material very nicely. They add more substance to some of the uninteresting characters, and the series never failed to entertain with all the action and a sick sense of humor. Spawn is certainly not meant for kids because there is a generous dose of explicit violence and foul language. Keith David does a fabulous job as the voice for the protagonist, and the art style stays true to the comic book. The show is a perfect mix of darkness and anime, and it is certainly a lot better than the movie. The show kept getting darker and darker until it was abruptly canceled. It is a tragedy that the series only ran for three seasons because there was a lot more potential to go on for much longer.

    Justice League Unlimited (2004)

    Justice League Unlimited (2004)

    This is a continuation of the Justice League animated series, and the story picks up from right where it left off. The original members of the Justice League now have some new colleagues and they must take on some new forms of evil. For each episode, a small team would assemble to tackle a tricky situation, and the focus was largely on the interaction between them and all the action that was about to follow.

    The show doesn’t make it all about Batman, but it still manages to entertain the fans. What we like the most about this series is how they pay attention to each hero and they all get their own stories! You see the usual powerhouse of DC heroes, with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the others. However, there is also an array of other heroes like Captain Atom, Black Canary, Green Arrow, etc. We don’t necessarily get to see the original team in action all the time, and this did bother some of the fans. The voice acting is simply next level, and all the veterans of the art have teamed up to deliver an unforgettable performance. The character developments were cleverly done, and the art style and animation were always on point. Overall, Justice League Unlimited was a satisfactory series that brought out the best of some lesser-known DC characters.

    Recess (1997)

    Recess (1997)

    There is nothing braver than kids standing up to bullying and this show is all about the courage and gutsy behavior shown by six fourth-graders. They all go to Third Street School, and they make it a point to protect all the other kids on the playground. The group of four boys and two girls are good friends, and they have regular run-ins with bullies and notorious members of the school authority. Every day there are some new problems to deal with and the group of friends figures things out together.

    It might seem like a simple story to begin with, but there are some complex concepts involved. For instance, the world of the playground has different groups and classes, and there is a constant conflict. Does it sound familiar? Well, they don’t try to be preachy at all and that is probably why the show is so entertaining. Disney doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to TV series, but this time the job is done right. Clearly, there are some obvious Disney aspects in the show, but Recess has a clever narrative that is fun to watch for all. All the characters are memorable, and kids aspired to be like these six brave children. In short, Recess was one of the finest school-related cartoon shows back in the day, and it deserved more appreciation than it got.

    The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2010)

    The-Avengers-Earths-Mightiest-Heroes-2010

    A mysterious criminal mastermind has caused a massive prison break from various SHIELD prisons. Some of the meanest and most powerful supervillains have escaped as a result, and now, the responsibility lands on the likes of Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk to team up and defeat the baddies. After they succeed, Iron Man convinces the others to form a team called the Avengers, which would fight for justice against all forms of evil. They keep dealing with new challenges along the way, and the series keeps getting more interesting with each passing episode.

    This show is more about action than anything else, and you will not find too many complex storylines. Most of the episodes deal with a few members of the Avengers dealing with a threat, and they usually put up a brave fight to save the day. The fight scenes are some of the finest you will see in the animated world, and even the hand-to-hand fights from Captain America or Panther look appealing. The animation picks up in the second season, and the colors get a bit darker to keep up with the narrative. Thor was probably the best of the superheroes in this show, and he has some memorable fight scenes. You will also get to deal with some of the most troublesome villains like Loki, Hydra, Ultron, and others. Our verdict will be to go for this show because sometimes a carefree take on complex storylines is fun to watch.

    Rugrats (1991)

    Rugrats (1991)

    What does the world look like from a baby’s perspective? Rugrats deals with this intriguing question and the series shows everything to be a little bigger and more mysterious than usual. It is about the misadventures of four babies and their older cousin, and you can hear them talk about the things they see around them. Understandably, a lot of it doesn’t make sense to them, and the adults in the stories are usually clueless about the whole thing.

    When the show first started out, it was a revelation. The concept was something we never saw before, and while it may sound childish, the entertainment quotient was really high. The show is adorable and hilarious at the same time, and the crisp and fluent animation only makes things better. The characters are engaging and goofy, and it is blissful to watch them go about their lives. There are some genuinely funny moments, but every storyline ends up conveying some valuable message for the kids about family and friendship values. The great voice cast took up the challenge of sounding so different and they came out with flying colors. The later seasons of the show did decline in quality, but it is still a must-watch for those looking for some immature fun.

    American Dragon: Jake Long (2005)

    American Dragon Jake Long (2005)

    Jake might seem like a regular kid, but he is hiding a huge secret! He is a descendant of the dragons and he is secretly training to be America’s first Dragon. He is helped by his grandfather Lao Shi and 600-year-old Fu Dog, and Jake wants to be the protector of all the magical beings that live in Manhattan among the human population. Jake meets several magical creatures, such as leprechauns, mermaids, and unicorns, and he might finally be able to live up to his American-Chinese heritage!

    This is a gem of a show that we enjoyed on the Disney channel. The stories have a few twists along the way, and it is always fun to probe at the sudden changes. For instance, it is a shocker when Jake finds out that the love of his life is actually a dragon slayer! Jake has quite a fun-loving personality, and the narrative has a hint of a Harry Potter-like story within. There are slight mistakes here and there, but they aren’t grave enough to trash the whole thing. If the first season was great, the one to follow was even better. Even the villains kept getting meaner than before, and the contest heated up quickly. The dialogues can be a tad cringe-worthy at times, but this series is sure to put a smile on your face.

    Futurama (1999)

    Futurama (1999)

    Philip is a young pizza delivery boy, who is accidentally frozen in the year 1999. After a thousand years, he is thawed back to life in a futuristic world. His only living descendant is an old scientist who takes him in. This is another chance for Philip to make a fresh start and he begins working for a delivery service company called the Planet Express. He has some strange delivery companions, including a one-eyed female alien, and sometimes they fight extreme challenges to deliver their package.

    Futurama has all the qualities that you would want in an animated series. It has an original concept, the narrative is funny as hell, and the animation is brilliantly done. The content is the brainchild of some of the creative minds behind gems like the Simpsons, and this show is no less funny. The delivery crew is a whacky team that goes about delivering packages to all corners of the universe, and the interactions between them promise loads of laughs. Some episodes overstep the line between sci-fi and silliness, but overall, the show does well to maintain its standards. Futurama is not as popular as some of the other shows during this time, but you will be pleasantly surprised if you give it a try.
    Daria (1997)

    Daria is a smart and cynical young girl, who goes through her teenage years surrounded by silly adolescents and condescending adults. Her sarcastic sense of humor and attempts to keep a low profile hides her strong personal integrity, and she deals with life both at school and at home. Daria is simply a misunderstood outsider, but she has a genuine companion in her best friend Jane Lane, who is equally cynical. They tackle their silly enemies and stand up against the strongest of challenges that come in the way of their friendship.

    We wouldn’t praise too many cartoon shows even after having a lousy animation quality, but Daria is an exception. The concept is insightful and many teenagers will be able to relate to the various situations that the protagonist finds herself in. While the show was fantastic, MTV was never too serious about this project and kept moving it around. This entertaining high school comedy comes to life courtesy of some engaging characters, many of whom are outright clichés. All of Daria’s teachers are hilarious and they are each of a kind. It could have been the case that the target demographic was teenage girls, but people of all ages and genders enjoyed the rich content. This series is worth seeking out because it doesn’t resort to immature humor and manages to be constantly funny and interesting.

    The Smurfs (1981)

    The Smurfs (1981)

    This one comes from the creators of Open Season and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and they bring their same successful brand of storytelling. The Smurfs shows the struggle of the tiny blue magical creatures after they are cast out of their village by the evil wizard Gargamel. They end up in the city of New York from their magical world, and now, they struggle to find a way back to their homes. Gargamel is also on their heels, trying to track them down and it is a race against time for the little creatures.

    This was a risky proposition to begin with because it is not the easiest job in the world to handle fantasy and magic. However, it ended up just fine and the fun factor stays pretty high. It was enjoyable to watch the little magical creatures struggle with their existence, and kids, in general, loved this show. The jokes are repetitive at times, but it doesn’t dull the whole experience because they still serve the purpose of making you laugh. We must spare a word for the brilliant voice acting in this series. Neil Patrick Harris steals the show alongside the likes of Jonathan Winters and they all add a comedic grace to the storyline. Overall, The Smurfs promises some brainless fun that you will enjoy even today!

    Phineas and Ferb (2007)

    Phineas and Ferb (2007)

    Phineas and Ferb is a show about two stepbrothers, who are always up to something whacky. They invent new stuff, scheme new ideas, and there is never a dull moment in their summer vacation. Their backyard is the hotspot for all their cool inventions, and their elder sister Candace often gives them a hard time by revealing their secrets to their mother. Phineas and Ferb have a pet Platypus, and together, they try new things every day and also foil the plans of evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

    This is the longest-running Disney animated show and it lasted for eight long years spanning over 130 episodes. The reason for the longevity is hidden in the concept, which never gets old or monotonous for the viewer. This is a truly great show for kids and adults alike, and the originality of the concept will impress you. The animation is of a decent quality and quite colorful to make for a pleasing visual experience. The characters are extremely likable, and some of them are genuinely evil. The narrative gets predictable at times, but it doesn’t hurt the entertainment quotient one bit. It is not an easy task to keep a show fresh for such a long time, and hats off to the writers for succeeding in that.

    Young Justice (2010)

    Young Justice (2010)

    These young heroes were sidekicks to the Justice League members, but now they seek full membership. In order to prove their worth, they take up the responsibility of fighting evil all by themselves. The League helps these teen superheroes in forming a well-knit group, but they are still young and they also have challenges in their own lives to deal with.

    This may not be considered among the best programs on Cartoon Network, but Young Justice certainly comes close. The writing scores big time and the dialogues are thought-provoking and realistic. The voice actors have both depth and dynamic, and it never feels out of character. Among the different members of the team, Robin and Speedy stand out, and even the other heroes are unique in their own way. The narrative teaches us not to judge anyone by their appearance and not to hide things from close friends. There are some surprising deaths as well, and some twists are sure to leave you shocked. Eventually, the show got canceled abruptly even though it had a lot of potentials to add some more to the storyline. The writers still came up with fresh plots and the viewers loved it till the end. It was probably the erratic scheduling and the lack of promotions that did the damage for this fine series.

    Doug (1991)

    Doug (1991)

    Doug is an 11-year-old boy who has moved to Bluffington from Bloastsburg. He is always accompanied by his pet dog Porkchop and his best friend Skeeter. Doug secretly has feelings for Patti, and he maintains a journal about his everyday life. He is a part of numerous adventures, and many of these adventures involve him foiling the plans of a local bully named Roger. Doug is an imaginative kid and he often imagines how his alter-ego superhero would deal with the problems. He ends up solving the issues in his life in unexpected ways and we get a taste of the social and emotional challenges faced by all children.

    It doesn’t get much simpler than this, but you would be wrong to assume that the narrative is dull. Doug might be a plain Jane kind of a character, but his intellect and emotional intelligence cannot be questioned. Many kids will be able to relate to this character. The town is filled with new adventures and Doug is often at the receiving end of things. However, his ability to bounce back is the crux of many of the episodes and it is satisfying to watch the underdog become the winner. We loved the animation, which looks like doodle art, and most of the stories are thoroughly entertaining. The stories often have valuable lessons for children, but they never get too preachy. Overall, this show has a tender and funny narrative that will touch your soul while ensuring that you have a wonderful time!

    The Maxx (TV Mini-Series 1995)

    The Maxx (TV Mini-Series 1995)

    What happens when the thin line between reality and fantasy blurs? This show has a strange storyline, where a purple-clad hulking homeless superhero lives in a cardboard box. He has only one friend, Julie Winters, who is a freelance social worker. He must protect her from a mysterious serial killer Mr. Gone in the real world and also the fantasy world! But which world does Maxx belong to?

    The Maxx is probably one of the finest animated shows on MTV ever, and it is a remarkable comic book adaptation that captures the core of the narrative. The most enjoyable part about the narrative is to try and figure out what are the things that are happening in the real world and what is simply a part of the fantasy dream world! What if some of the characters do not actually exist! This ends up being quite a thriller, and the spectacular artwork around the show makes things even more special. The characters are heroic and sinister at the same time, and there are tons of dramatic moments throughout the episodes. Each episode is an unforgettable experience and you would be left asking for more. If a dark narrative is your cup of tea, this show is a must-watch for you!

    The Transformers (1984)

    The Transformers (1984)

    It is the story of two opposing factions of transforming alien robots. The Decepticons and the Autobots crashed onto the Earth after the Cybertronian War between them. Now, the warring factions have been revived once again and the Decepticons want to utilize the planet to fulfill their energy requirements. The Autobots are the protectors and they will do everything in their capacity to make sure that the Earth is not destroyed! Thus, an endless intense battle begins and the fate of the planet hangs in a balance!

    Everything about this series will keep you glued to the narrative. It captures the brilliant concept quite efficiently and very soon we are drawn into the mystifying world of the Autobots and Decepticons. The iconic characters like Megatron and Optimus Prime are always fun to watch, but the experience wouldn’t have been as wonderful had it not been for the voice actors like Frank Welker and Peter Cullen. The adventures were always thrilling enough, and every episode brought up some new crisis to be dealt with. There is plenty of good guy vs. bad guy action and the animation quality makes these scenes stand out. The show was at its first during the first season and some parts of the second season. It made us love the Transformers toys even more, and this action-packed series is nostalgia epitomized for many!

    Freakazoid! (1995)

    Freakazoid! (1995)

    We have a new superhero amongst us! It all starts when a computer geek transforms into a strange superhero, with blue skin and red underwear. His head is filled with all the information on the internet, but it didn’t necessarily make him smart! Now, he tries to fight crime with his friends Sergeant Mike and Steff, and there are some goofy villains to take down. Overall, this is a hilarious show, where comedy and insanity never stops.

    There are so many things that we love about this show that we don’t know where to start! The storylines are immensely creative, and the beautiful construction of the concept will leave you impressed. You also get some outstanding character designs along with superb animation. Most of the characters have fun personalities, and we bet you have never seen such a superhero ever before! The jokes work on various levels and while some are meant for kids, others will appeal to adults. We couldn’t get enough of the maniac energy of the narrative, and the colorful rogue gallery only made things better. The show got canceled because of poor ratings, but those who watched it will know how much of an underrated gem this was!

    Speed Buggy (1973)

    Speed Buggy (1973)

    Speed Buggy is a remote-controlled car that is built by Tinker, and it has a mind of its own. Tinker and his friends Mark and Debbie take part in various car races with Speed Buggy, but between the races, they often find themselves in some tricky situations. When they are struggling with a bad guy, the powers of Speed Buggy come in handy. This self-conscious car can fly and float on water, and it helps the three friends fight the villains they encounter.

    This show was such a grand success that it aired on three major networks, CBS, ABC, and NBC. The makers took the mystery format of Scooby-Doo and added some mean egotistical villains who were keen on destroying the world. Speed Buggy was an incredibly cool car, and we all wished that we had something like that. He always won the races no matter the odds against him, and the things that the car could do simply blew our minds. The animation is adorable, and characters like Debbie always win the audience over. With veteran vocal artist Mel Blanc providing the voice for the titular character, you know that the voice acting is in safe hands. The only tragedy is that the show was a bit too short, and we certainly would have loved some more of this glorious content.

    Castlevania (2017)

    Castlevania (2017)

    This animated series is inspired by a popular video game, and it is a dark medieval fantasy. Trevor is the last surviving member of the Belmont clan, and he is the last hope for Eastern Europe as he fights against the vampires of Dracula, who seek to dominate the world by eliminating the humans. Trevor has some unlikely allies fighting by his side, and together, this misfit group must find a way to save humanity from extinction!

    We all love ourselves a nice heroic tale, and what could be better than a disgraced hero fighting out worldly creatures to save mankind! Castlevania has quite a dark narrative and you will witness plenty of violence and mature situations. The story is premised in the dark, gothic medieval times, and the animation is done accordingly. The good thing about the show is that it doesn’t take the video game into account and even if you haven’t played it there will be no trouble in understanding the plot. The first season sometimes feels like a movie that has been split up to make into a series, but the excitement never drops in the narrative. The second season brings in a lot of secondary characters who join the story, and you must be attentive while watching this. All the fight scenes have been handled nicely, and this series has been appreciated by all those who love grim manga or anime!

    Invincible (2021)

    Invincible (2021)

    Mark Grayson is the son of the most powerful superhero on Earth. He is in line to become the next protector of the planet, just like his father. Mark is developing his own superpowers, but his life changes completely after he makes a startling discovery. There may be some sinister secrets in his father’s legacy that changes his whole perception of the superhero business. Will he be able to overcome the challenges and become what he was destined to be?

    Invincible does a brilliant job of sticking to the comic books, and the creators haven’t opted for too many changes. This mind-blowing series keeps getting better as the story moves ahead, and it is a reminder that modern-day animated shows can also retain the brilliance of the past. There is some serious depth in the narrative and despite pulling off such a superhero story the logic never leaves the plot. There is a mature edge to some of the scenes, and you will know immediately that this show wasn’t meant to fool around. There is a generous amount of gory violence, but it is an integral part of the script and not forced. At times, the series feels like an extension of the finest shows we have seen back in the day. The originality of the content is unquestionable, and Invincible has to be one of the finest evolutions in superhero animation.

    Naruto (TV Series 2002)

    Naruto (TV Series 2002)

    Many years ago, a demon fox wreaked havoc in a village and it was sealed inside a little boy named Naruto. The villagers used to think that the boy was a demon, and nobody liked him. He grew up alone without a family, and he had one dream – to become Hokage so that the villagers would appreciate and acknowledge him. He grows up to be a mischievous young ninja, who struggles to achieve recognition and fame. He aspires to become the strongest of them all, and it is to be seen whether he accomplishes his goal.

    This is right up there with some of the best anime we ever saw, and kudos to the creators for developing such a gritty concept. While the story is interesting throughout the series, we were impressed the most by some remarkable character development. Naruto, for instance, is seen from being a goofball to a mighty warrior who is capable of defending the village single-handedly. The narrative keeps adding characters, and the show keeps getting more exciting than before. The action is stunning and there are some terrific fight sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seats. The show also had amazing music, and it is extremely hard to find faults with this classic.

    Jackie Chan Adventures (2000)

    Jackie Chan Adventures (2000)

    Jackie Chan works as an archeologist and he comes across an ancient shield containing a magic talisman. It is the first of a dozen such talismans that a notorious criminal organization is after. This talisman is capable of summoning powerful spirits, and the gang wants to use this to fulfill their evil purposes. Now, it is all in the hands of Jackie Chan to use his martial arts skills to deal with the threat. He is supported by his extended family, including his niece Jade and a secret law enforcement organization, Section 13.

    There are plenty of Jackie Chan fans out there, and we can assure them all that this show won’t disappoint them. It comes with an original storyline that doesn’t feel formulaic, and the writing style is quite funny and intelligent. To top it all, we have the iconic character of Jackie Chan, voiced by the legend himself. He is loyal, brave, and determined, and he has a mean martial arts skill to beat the baddies to a pulp. The action scenes are pure Jackie Chan, and it is mesmerizing how they managed to transfer it all into cartoons. Even in such an action-packed narrative, the humor is kept alive, largely by Jackie’s cousin Jade. To sum up, Jackie Chan Adventures is a solid cartoon show that will remind you of all the good times from your childhood.

    X-Men: Evolution (2000)

    X-Men Evolution (2000)

    The problems for the X-Men remain the same. They are trapped in a brutal world that is still skeptical of their powers. Professor Charles Francis Xavier is always on the lookout for new mutants with superpowers so that he can train them to use these powers for good. However, there is also the other side, where some mutants use their powers for evil purposes. A clash between the two groups is inevitable, and this rendition of X-Men shows the likes of Nightcrawler, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Shadowcat fighting as teenagers.

    If you compare this show with the 90s series, it would fall short by miles. But, on its own merit X-Men: Evolution is a decent effort after a shaky start. The first season was trashed by most of the viewers for the cheesy dialogues and some major loopholes in the plot. However, the show was quick to recover, and the fast-paced season 2 was much more entertaining. You get to enjoy some smooth animation, and the sound effects are perfectly done to deliver the ideal adrenaline rush. Before you are too harsh on this series, you have to consider that it is a different interpretation of the known comic heroes, and overall, a different version of X-Men altogether. This may not be a worthy successor, but the series can offer some solid entertainment if you overlook the flaws.

    What’s New, Scooby-Doo? (2002)

    What's New, Scooby-Doo (2002)

    Scooby-Doo, the paranoid Great Dane is back once again, and he is accompanied by his old friends, Shaggy, Velma, Fred, and Daphne. They are all set to solve new mysteries that involve some paranormal angle. Mystery Inc. has some technologically advanced gadgets this time around, and these inventions will help their investigations in many cases. One thing still hasn’t changed in all these years – Scooby is still as spooked as before at the sight of a new ghost or monster!

    When the new Scooby-Doo was released, there were immediately some comparisons with the old Hanna Barbara cartoon. You got to accept that this is the new generation Scooby-Doo and there will be certain changes. The show does have a few flaws, but it recreates the old magic quite successfully. The animation certainly is a lot sleeker than before, and the backgrounds no longer seem repetitive. The plot has been kept simple, and the show is a lot funnier this time around. The voice actors do not disappoint, and Casey Kasem as the voice of Shaggy steals the show. Overall, this is a show for the fans of Scooby-Doo, and if you keep the criticism aside this can be quite an enjoyable show.

    Extreme Ghostbusters (1997)

    Extreme Ghostbusters (1997)

    The story is premised several years after the events of the original show. This time around Dr. Egon Spengler is training and leading a group of young students to be a part of the Ghostbusters team. After a brief lull, paranormal activities have increased considerably and it is time for the Ghostbusters to be reformed. A team of teenagers assists Dr. Spengler and the ghost Slimmer is also on their side this time!

    This addictive show is every bit as good as the first movie, and the Ghostbusters encounter some terrifying adversaries through the narrative. The new stories are interesting and exciting, and the character development is admirable. The production levels were quite high, and the atmospheric narrative could spook the bravest of souls. Even though the series had plenty of really scary episodes, there were always a few moments, where you could laugh freely. All the ghosts and monsters that you would see had some well-knit stories behind them, and it added a lot more meaning to the narrative. It is too bad that the series was untimely canceled because it could have been in for a long run. This show is just the continuation of the high-quality Ghostbusters brand and the true fans shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity.

    Clone High (2002)

    Clone High (2002)

    What if there was a way to bring back some of the historical figures in modern life? Clone High deals with this interesting concept, where some young high-schoolers are subject to a government experiment. They are basically genetic clones of some iconic men and women from the past, and we have the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, Gandhi, and Joan of Arc dealing with modern-day problems and teenage issues.

    There is no doubt about the uniqueness of the story. Clone High picks up a concept that has never been used because nobody could imagine how Abe Lincoln falling for Cleopatra would look like. The young students are exact clones of famous people through history and the interactions between them add to the fun part of the show. They all have contrasting characters and much of the humor in the show comes from that.

    The characters don’t exactly behave like their former self. For instance, Gandhi is portrayed as more of a comic relief who simply wants to be accepted by those around him. The style of animation will remind you of the 90s because they have traditionally sketched the characters and backgrounds, often reusing some background scenarios. Clone High was extremely entertaining, but there were some controversies surrounding the portrayal of Gandhi. Eventually, MTV decided to pull the plug on this show and it lost the opportunity of enjoying a long run.

    Invader ZIM (2001)

    Invader ZIM (2001)

    Zim is a space invader, but not a good one! His clumsiness is a cause of irritation for his planet’s leaders. He dreams of being a great conqueror, and in order to get rid of him, the leaders send him packing off to Earth. He gets some rag-tag equipment and ends up on the planet. However, unlike the expectations of the leaders, Zim succeeds in setting up a base to lay the foundation of a future invasion on Earth. He poses as a human child and only Dib has some idea about his real alien origins. Unfortunately, nobody will believe Dib’s version of the story and it is only a matter of time before the Earth is invaded!

    This series is not meant for everyone, and you will only like this if you have a taste for twisted things. The protagonist is an incredibly dim creature and so are the humans are shown in this series. It is the brilliant, witty writing that puts this show on such a high pedestal, and there is never a boring episode during the runtime. The production values are quite high, and the over-the-top voice acting is perfectly suited for the narrative. The visual style is delightfully dark, and so is the brand of humor. You will get to experience some memorable characters, and the creativity of the show will bowl you over. It is a great mystery for us why the show was canceled randomly because it was quite a hit Nickelodeon series.

    Men in Black: The Series (1997)

    Men in Black The Series (1997)

    Here they come again! The heroic agents J and K, who deal with all the alien threats on planet Earth will use their unique ways to slay the scum of the universe. This is the animated adaptation of the hit movie Men in Black, and it brings back the same premise one more time. They are a part of a top-secret organization, which deals with extraterrestrial threats, and they must keep the general public in the dark about the whole thing.

    Coming on the back of a hugely successful movie is never an easy task, but the show does a fine job keeping up with the expectations. There are a few plot holes here and there, but they are nothing serious enough to upset the avid cartoon lovers. Agents, Jay, Kay, and Elle are cool as ever, and you get to see some breathtaking fight scenes with the alien creatures. The writing is top-notch, but the show could have used a generous use of colors in the background. The action is not very organized, and there are times when you randomly see things blowing up and it is tough to keep track. This series was intended to be a lighthearted romp and with some good voice actors, they create the perfect vibe. The 2002 Men in Black sequel fails to capture the same kind of brilliance, and this show is a tribute to the power of a nicely made animated series!

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)

    New York City is reeling under crime lord Shredder and his gang. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are the city’s best defense and after spending years in the sewers, they are finally out in the open to fight the threats. They do have a few allies and trainers, but the mutant turtles must find it in themselves to tackle the long list of bad guys in the city. There is some debate about the greatest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, but this one is clearly right up there with the previous one.

    The 2003 series often gets some flak for the darker tone and character designs. However, we find it appropriate and trying something new never hurt anyone! It did a nice job of adapting the plot of the best moments of Mirage comics, and the family-friendly format ensures that you can watch the show with kids. Some comic book fans feel like this is not a serious adaptation, but some changes are required in an animated series. The darker look of the show appeals to the non-judgmental audience, and the detailed animation makes for a pleasant sight. The action sequences are more stylish than before, and overall, this show is quite different from the 1987 version that everyone praises so much – different doesn’t always mean bad!

    Static Shock (2000)

    Static Shock (2000)

    Virgil is just another high school student before he gets his superpowers. It is by a freak accident when he is exposed to an experimental mutagen that he develops the power to control electromagnetic forces. He uses his ability to fight the evil forces, and his friend Osgood creates some cool gadgets that Virgil can use in his fights. The ordinary kid who always wanted to blend in is now the crime-fighting superhero, fighting those who gained superpowers from the same incident as him, but using them for evil purposes!

    Static Shock is a criminally underrated character, and he deserves to be hailed as one of the finest animated superheroes. He doesn’t have the traditional superhero appearance or powers. He can simply use his ability to control electricity, and Virgil went out of his way and took on some more powerful villains. Under the crisp, entertaining storytelling, there are valuable life lessons, and it is an ideal show for kids. The series starts off slow, but things soon pick up speed and the action doesn’t stop. There are a lot of superhero cameos that will excite the fans, and there are a few crossovers with other shows as well. The quality of animation improved as the show went on, and the story had a perfect ending when it was all over. If you are in for some light-hearted episodes and an adorable young superhero, this is the one to watch!

    Rocko’s Modern Life (1993)

    Rocko's Modern Life (1993)

    Rocko has moved to America from Australia, and life in a new country is never easy. He is troubled by annoying neighbors and tons of daily tasks. This is not like the life that he imagined in the US. He lives in O Town, and he deals with all kinds of challenges that come his way. It is a good thing that he has the help of his best friend Heffer, and his canine buddy Spunky, as he goes about his life. This is a bizarre classic that gives you a taste of life in O Town and the strange events surrounding Rocko!

    There were many of the usual cartoons for children, which were simply too dull for the adults. Rocko’s Modern Life is quite different and it appeals to people from all walks of life. The narrative, however, might not be to everyone’s liking because there are lots of mean jokes. It is witty, but things get a bit too rude at times. It did try to replicate the style of The Ren and Stimpy Show, and it succeeded in delivering the same kind of entertainment. The well-knit stories and good humor binds the show together, and you will enjoy some top-grade voice acting performances. Modern life is indeed a hoot, and the show brings you a slice of that coupled with some enjoyable moments.

    Beetlejuice (1989)

    Beetlejuice (1989)

    The story is loosely based on the film of the same name, and it features the hilarious ghost Beetlejuice. He befriends a young girl named Lydia, a mortal who is fascinated with everything that is spooky. She is the odd one out in her family and among her friends, and Beetlejuice is her best pal. The fun ghost takes her on several adventures in his homeworld, the Neitherworld, and the duo has loads of fun together.

    The cartoon series did not copy everything from the movie. For instance, you will notice the absence of the original homeowners, and there are a few other small changes here and there. It is still an adorable story of a fun-loving ghost, who truly understands an outcast little girl. There are plenty of whacky and wild episodes as the unlikely duo embarks upon some creepy, gross, and unthinkable adventures. The Neitherworld is a fascinating place and it has a surreal comedic nature. The voice acting is good enough to match up to the standards of Winona Ryder and Michael Keaton, and even the music in the series is extremely catchy. However, the real stars of the show are the characters and ample humor in the narrative. Beetlejuice can be quite a tasty drink if you have a taste for something out of the box!

    SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)

    SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)

    SpongeBob lives in a town called Bikini Bottom in the Pacific Ocean. There are several other quirky sea creatures in this underwater world. SpongeBob is an earnest sea sponge who has been recruited to work at the most popular restaurant in town called Krusty Krab. He works for a money-obsessed owner and he lives in a pineapple. This show is all about the bizarre characters and their misadventures that warrant loads of laughs.

    It is not a surprise that the creator of the show is a marine biologist. Who could portray the quirks of a wide variety of sea creatures better! The concept was funny and original, and back when the show was released it immediately attracted a loyal fan base. The earlier seasons are significantly better than the later ones, and it sold a new kind of mindless, carefree fun that was loved by the kids and their parents. There are some memorable characters in the show who make the narrative a lot funnier. For instance, Squidward is a cynical and sarcastic fellow, and Mr. Krab is a money-hungry businessman. The interactions between them soon make you forget that none of them are humans! There are some of the best lines and scenarios that you will encounter in the animated world, and despite the drop in quality after the fourth season, this is still an iconic show to watch over and over again!

    Inspector Gadget (1983)

    Inspector Gadget (1983)

    Inspector Gadget tells the story of a security officer, who is transformed into a bionic police inspector. This time around he is fighting the forces of MAD, a corrupt organization, and the evil Dr. Claw who always seems to be one step ahead of Inspector Gadget. The bionic cop has a lot of high-tech gadgets and weapons in his arsenal, but nothing is enough to put Claw behind bars. His eager niece and trusted dog do most of his work because he isn’t good enough to handle the challenges. Inspector Gadget takes the credit for all their hard work, and Dr. Claw continues to roam around freely!

    The movies were nowhere as close to the quality of this animated show. It had some colorful characters to entertain you, and the good-for-nothing protagonist added the perfect comic twist to the narrative. Basically, we have a detective who goes about solving crimes without really knowing what he is doing! The show was created by the same studio that created The Real Ghostbusters, and there is a noticeable flair in the narrative that makes you drawn into the content. Don Adams is the voice for Inspector Gadget and he gives a perfectly comedic portrayal of the character. It is hilarious to watch him get in and out of some sticky situations, and the episodes never get dull thanks to the witty writing. This show is a classic that will make your worst day better, and we recommend this to people of all ages!

    Count Duckula (1988)

    Count Duckula (1988)

    Have you ever heard of a vegetarian vampire duck? Well, you certainly have if you watched this hilarious animated series. Count Duckula lives in his castle and it takes him wherever he wants to go. He has an evil butler named Igor and a giant, silly nanny. Igor is always trying to turn the broccoli-eating vampire duck to his dark side, and the nanny is always up to something stupid.

    Who says spinoffs cannot be fun? Count Duckula has all the elements of a perfect animated show, with dark humor, well-written dialogues, and a goofy storyline. The show begins with a wonderful intro song and we are soon thrust into the bizarre world of Count Duckula. The light humor entertains both kids and adults, and some of the characters such as the nanny are involuntarily funny. They choose such aspects of humor that are overlooked by other animated shows. The performances of the voice actors were top-grade, and the nice designs and backgrounds made sure that the series would be visually appealing. The narrative is in the same vein as Danger Mouse, but that takes nothing away from the originality of the presentation. Overall, Count Duckula is a show that you will not regret watching, and we keep wishing for a fresh rerun of this series back on television! Thankfully, we now live in a world where all the episodes are readily available!

    Goof Troop (1992)

    Goof Troop (1992)

    It is never easy being a single father to a young child, and iconic Disney character Goofy learns this the hard way. He lives in Spoonerville with his son Max, and the going often gets tough for the father-son duo. To make things harder, his neighbor Pete is a notorious villain in his life! Goof Troop takes you through the struggles of their lives and how Goofy manages to tackle it all!

    If you have a taste for Disney animated shows, this one will be a thorough entertainer. Goof Troop is largely intended for kids, and hence, some of the content might not be as funny for adults as it is for children. However, there are tons of pop culture references that the adults will be able to relate to. The younger viewers will also miss out on the celebrity cameos in the show, such as when Jimmy Stewart appeared for an episode. The narrative is funny, and it also has a hint of adventure. The characters like Pete can be found all around us, and the writing uses the ideal characteristics of a sitcom. Some fans are of the opinion that the show is a bit overrated, but we feel like they are being too harsh. You cannot put a tag on such a classic, and this timeless 90s gem can still entertain kids in today’s time!

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982)

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982)

    The story is premised in the year 1532 when a young boy named Esteban is told that a navigator on a Spanish ship saved his life. He knows nothing else about his identity and sets out on a trip with his savior from Spain to the new world of America. In the course of his journey, he meets an Inca girl named Zia and a boy named Tao. They are all looking for answers to their past, and all clues point to the Mysterious Cities of Gold in the new world. Their personal mysteries soon lead to a massive treasure in the legendary El Dorado!

    This is easily one of the most thrilling shows available for kids. The sense of adventure in the narrative is enough to draw the viewer in, and the story adds a fresh twist to the extensive lore surrounding El Dorado. It is true that the storytelling has a few inconsistencies around the edges, but nothing serious enough to put you off. There are some well-rounded characters, and the dynamics around them are adorable. The use of ancient technology is also fascinating and we loved watching them sail on the Solaris ship. The backgrounds are well arranged to capture the exotic beauty of the forests of South America, and the viewer would always be left wondering what happens next! This treasure hunting show is a treasure of its own, and you must check out this adventurous animated series that was way ahead of its time.

    Dino-Riders (1988)

    Dino-Riders (1988)

    This was primarily a show that was supposed to support a toy line, and Dino-Riders is not a bad effort considering the intentions. The human Valorians are chased through a wormhole by the tyrannical warlord Krulos and his minions. Now, they all end up in a prehistoric world with dinosaurs around them. As the forces prepare for a final showdown, they try to recruit more and more dinosaurs to fight by their side. Which dinosaur army would emerge victoriously?

    When we were kids back in the 80s, we were into any kinds of dinosaurs and sci-fi. This show provided the deadly combination that was very popular among children. The premise, as you can see, is a bit too imaginative, but you really shouldn’t be hunting for rationality in a kid’s show! The storyline is kept simple and it is a basic fight between the good guys and the bad guys. It is fun to watch them try and control the dinosaurs to fight for them, and there is plenty of action to please the fans. The vehicular action is well-choreographed and the fight scenes never seem to lack intensity. The dinosaurs are all armed with different weapons, and the grand battles are no less than a spectacle. The show could have been a long-running series if the creators added more to the backstory of the two warring factions. The series died untimely in its second season and we lost the opportunity of what could have been a cartoon show of epic proportions! 

    Denver, the Last Dinosaur (1988)

    Denver, the Last Dinosaur (1988)

    Did you think that all the dinosaurs died millions of years ago? Well, think again! Denver is one of the last surviving dinosaurs after a group of young Californian teenagers unearthed his egg and released him. The kids try their best to keep the dinosaur a secret from other people and they train him with their favorite activities. Together, they go on various adventures with the giant, adorable dinosaur. However, there is an evil concert promoter named Morton Fizzback who gets a hint about Denver’s existence, and he wants to use this dinosaur for his business!

    This show is one of the coolest and funniest perspectives of a dinosaur story. The gentle giant is extremely intelligent and his bond with the group of kids signifies the beauty of friendship and childhood spirit. Was the storyline realistic by any means? Absolutely not! You could see the dinosaur doing stuff like playing the guitar and having a surprisingly human level of intelligence and emotions. However, you have to agree that the narrative is imaginative and this show promises a few hours of innocent joy. The theme tune was so cute that kids loved it, and considering the times the animation wasn’t disappointing either. As luck would have it, the show wasn’t exactly setting the TRP charts on fire, and eventually, it got canceled. Yes, there are some cheesy and corny bits here and there, but if you are a nut for nostalgia like we are, you will appreciate the good old style of entertainment associated with the show.

    CatDog (1998)

    CatDog (1998)

    The title of the show is exactly what the creature looks like! It is a conjoined cat and a dog, and the series takes you through their misadventures. They share a single body with the dog’s head at one end and the cat’s head on the other. The cat is not exactly fond of the dog, but what choice does it have! The dog is up to some stupid stuff that gets them both in trouble, and they have to figure out a way to get out of that mess.

    You will not like this animated series unless you have a refined taste for whacky humor. The premise is ridiculous, but it offers plenty of funny moments in every episode. The two protagonists, or should we say one, are contrasting characters, and the irony of the matter is that they are forcibly joined in a single body. The cat is uptight, while the dog is goofy, and the former has to use its genius to deal with the silly dog and all the trouble that he cooks up. The animation is wonderfully done, and the attention to detail is fascinating. The show doesn’t take itself seriously and neither should you. CatDog is simply a light-hearted show that you should enjoy without thinking too much about the shortcomings.

    House of Mouse (2001)

    House of Mouse (2001)

    House of Mouse is simply a collection of short cartoons, which are hosted by Mickey and his other Disney pals. The show is hosted at a club called the House of Mouse, and the episodes promise loads of funny skits. So many Disney characters under a single roof are reason enough to give this show a try.

    The series has often come under some criticism for the loosely constructed storylines, but it cannot be denied that House of Mouse comes with a fresh, original concept. It captures the spirit of original cartoon shows and gives you a taste of how animated shows used to be back in the day. The animation is flamboyant, and the humor will leave you in splits. Mickey is joined by his friends, such as Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and others. It is a fun throwback to how it all started, and the guest appearances will please the old-timers. The series gives us glimpses of some of the old favorites, and the interactions between the characters will make your day. The show was canceled way too soon, but it gave us goals of what Disney cartoons should look like!

    The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2001)

    The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2001)

    Billy and Mandy are like night and day! While Billy is silly and kindhearted, Mandy is ill-tempered and sinister, but with brains. They form an unusual combination, and they manage to win a limbo match against the Grim Reaper. Now, the Grim Reaper is forced to be friends with them, and together, they go for some thrilling adventures. Billy and Mandy make good use of his supernatural abilities and at times, it helps them escape from the tricky situations that they get themselves in.

    This series might just be the rightful heir to Ren and Stimpy. We have the liveliest of protagonists and their antics ensure tons of thrilling moments throughout the narrative. The plot is absolutely insane, and you will not be able to stop smiling throughout the episode. The narrative is charming, silly, and incredibly stupid, but the humor is a live wire and keeps things rolling. At times the stories get a bit scary and serious, but we are soon back to the goofy ways of the unlikely duo. The voice actors did a fabulous job of bringing life to these characters, and Grey Delisle as Mandy steals the show. Even the supporting characters are fun to watch, and their personalities are hilarious. The Adventures of Billy and Mandy have aged like fine wine, and you will find them entertaining even today! This is probably the best kid-friendly dark comedy that we can think of on the top of our heads!

    Codename: Kids Next Door (2002)

    Codename Kids Next Door (2002)

    Kids Next Door is a group of five kids, who have set up their headquarters in a secret treehouse. The adults know nothing about their hangout place, and they have their unique technology to get out of situations involving the adults, such as heading to the dentist or going to summer camp. They have all these silly battles with the adults, and each one of the five kids has their own specialty that helps them deal with the problems.

    It is probably obvious from the storyline itself that the show is simply planned to entertain the kids. It deals with their secret fantasy of dealing with the adults, and the creative episodes fueled plenty of ideas for the naughty ones out there. Basically, the kids form a resistance force against the oppressive and ignorant adults, and isn’t that the dream for all the little ones out there! The narrative pays homage to various genres like Westerns and film noir, but there is always a kiddy twist to move things back into children’s territory. We would be exaggerating if we said that all the episodes work like magic, but most of them do, and the going never gets dull.

    Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)

    Star Wars Clone Wars (2003)

    The series is all about the Galactic Republic’s last major battle, and the story takes place after the events of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. The Clone Wars have continued, and this time the Separatists launch Battle Droids against the Republic’s entire arsenal of Clone Troopers. The series highlights the finest hours of Jedi Council because this war is about to change the galaxy forever!

    This is a pleasing detour for the Star Wars fans, and despite the strange turn that the story takes, this series has a lot of things to please the hardcore fans. For the first time, we get to see the real Clone Wars and what actually happened out there! There is not a lot of dialogue, but they are effective in terms of the story. The narrative is action-packed, and the animation is crystal clear. Even the voices are perfect for all the characters, and the characters seem no less cool than their movie counterparts. The space battles and the epic lightsaber fights promise some adrenaline-pumping moments, and Genndy Tartakovsky proves that he is the right choice to direct this animated show. In short, the series defied the limitations of the format and emerged as a decent addition to the legacy of the franchise.

    Tom and Jerry Tales (2006)

    Tom and Jerry Tales (2006)

    The plotting of Tom and Jerry against each other never gets old, and they renew their rivalry in another entertaining animated series. The show once again picks up from the simplest of premises and turns it into a spectacular show. The enmity between the cat and the mouse is hilarious and they bring their vengeance once again as they constantly try to outwit one another.

    If you think this show will be as good as the original series, you will be disappointed. Tom and Jerry Tales is only a pale shadow of the brilliance that you have witnessed before. However, as an individual show, the antics of Tom and Jerry will bring a smile to your face. If we could complain about one thing, it would be the introduction of some new characters like Droopy. It didn’t quite match the vibe of the format and seemed unnecessary. The makers tried their best to capture the essence of MGM’s old shorts, but they are only partially successful. The gags and the music are decent enough, and overall, this is still a show that is worth a watch!

    Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008)

    Batman The Brave and the Bold (2008)

    The Caped Crusader is back, and this time he isn’t alone! Batman is accompanied by other heroes from the DC universe, and you get to see the likes of Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Blue Beetle in action. They will uphold justice, and take on some new and old villains. The show is action-packed, and the intensity as they on the formidable enemies will remind you of the best Batman shows back in the day. The titular hero is still stealthy as ever and his resourcefulness and attitude continue to save the others in crisis.

    This is certainly not the best Batman series out there, but neither is it the worst! It lacks the dark theme that you usually associate with Batman, but the sophisticated edge of the narrative is still present. The stories are fun and fresh, and the animation style is quite different from what you are used to! The villains are great, and the entire show is a tribute to the silver age of comic books. It embraces the campy silliness of those stories, and the scripts are purposely written that way to capture the theme. We understand that this Batman series might not please everyone out there, but it is still a fascinating show that you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

    Kim Possible (TV Series 2002)

    Kim Possible (TV Series 2002)

    It must be tough being a young schoolgirl and also fighting supervillains regularly! Kim Possible does it all, and in order to know more about her remarkable life, you have to sneak into this show. She has a clumsy partner named Ron Stoppable who is only useful for the wisecracks. Thus, it is entirely up to her to take a stand in crises and avert them!

    A global crime-fighter who also fights the battles of adolescence – the story sounds familiar because it has been used multiple times before. Even then, the show is quite entertaining if you can ignore the abundance of clichés. The villains are clichés, the twists are clichés, and even the protagonist is one giant cliché! Keeping this aside, the narrative provides some fun moments. The animation is not too bad, and the witty writing keeps the viewers engaged. We would say that Kim Possible is a very watchable show, but don’t go in expecting a classic!

    It has been a long and tiring list, but these are the shows that define childhood for many. These hundred cartoon shows have left behind a legacy that will be hard to fulfill for the new shows. We hope you enjoyed a walk down nostalgia lane, and we would be delighted if you appreciate our hard work with a click on the subscribe button!

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