Many amazing animated TV shows have aired over the years, but which ones are the best? Some people believe that cartoons are only for children (see our list of the best children’s cartoons), yet many of them feature themes that adults will enjoy. There are many wonderful cartoons available, ranging from vintage animated shows like “Looney Tunes,” “The Flintstones,” and “The Jetsons” to present-day classics like “The Simpsons” and “South Park.” This list of the finest cartoons of all time includes both classic and contemporary animated programming that you can watch even if you just finished playing live casino online.
- Spongebob Squarepants
SpongeBob is at the top of this ranking in terms of cultural capital. The show is millennials’ collective nostalgic fever dream, something so mainstream that it’s become a cult and is essentially the only way we connect. There are arguably more SpongeBob memes than any other show in history. Right?
- Moana
Moana embarks on a seafaring hero’s quest packed with monsters and demigods, all set to music co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also co-wrote Hamilton. “You’re Welcome,” is all you can say to your children later.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars
For Star Wars fans—which includes just about every kid ever—welcome to must-see land. The shows follow the Star Wars saga in minute detail, so get ready for a lot of dinnertime trivia on who did what when and where. It’s worth noting that this epic series first aired in 2008 and is still going strong after more than 100 episodes. Disney+ is the place to be.
- X-Men
The X-Men animated series, like many others on this list, is best remembered these days through an everlasting meme: Wolverine yearning for whatever might be within his picture frame. But, behind the memes and before the live-action movie, this series told the mutants’ storey as well as the original comics, if not better. With Disney now owning both 20th Century Fox and Marvel, you can watch this series on Disney+ whenever you want.
- How to Train Your Dragon
It’s easy to enjoy the unkempt Viking settlement and marvel at the many dragon designs, but the movie really gets rolling when the dragons take to the air — and you get to go along for the journey, swooping through the skies.
- Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo, like many of the other items on this list, has gone through numerous iterations over the years, but the basic premise remains the same: smart teenagers (and their alleged stoner pal) go around in a waggon with their dog who oddly talks. After that, they look into a mystery. And by the end of the day, you’ll have figured it all out. Those pesky children and that dog! We’re fine with any version of this, especially the bizarre live-action version from the early 2000s. Scoob!, a new animated film, will be released soon.
- Animaniacs
Animaniacs is a strangely beautiful mix of slapstick humour and brilliant wordplay that is tremendously engaging. Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, three vintage-style cartoon characters who wander around the current world with frenzied energy, are the show’s stars. Parents, take note: This frenetic, hyper-fun series is not recommended for viewing before bedtime. Another note to parents: You’ll very certainly wind up watching it and enjoying it as much as your children.
