59 Best Cartoon Shows Anyone Can Enjoy Despite Their Age

lava172 said:
"Considering this show was on Nickelodeon and managed to not only be entertaining to kids but extremely deep and thought-provoking at times, it is a legit triumph. It's absolutely a 10/10 just for the sheer amount of things it does right."
 
User No 1 replied:
"Just ask yourself how many times you've seen the villain defeated and there was no celebration. Seeing how they treated Azula and how Azula reacted was so good."
Pantherist replied: "That's a really good point. The conclusion was just a massive sigh of relief for our protagonists and an understanding that the real work of rebuilding all that damage and recovering from the horrors that the Fire Nation inflicted was the real challenge all along, and that the trauma will never truly go away."

ragingatwork said:
"She’s built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro."

Unsure_Fry replied:
"I'm not sure if I agree or not."

bathmaster_ said:
"Seriously one of the best shows written, right up there with Avatar: The Last Airbender for me but I don't think a lot of people got to see it in its prime the same way because it was consistently a darker show. So good and I wish more people watched it without preconceptions."

dirtyslipper replied:
"The intro alone deserves a spot on this list. Freakin catchy as hell."

AnnoyAMeps said:
"If there’s anything Boomers, GenX, Millennials, and GenZ all can relate to, it’s watching Tom & Jerry as kids."

Cool_Ranch_Dodrio replied:
"And since there are almost no spoken lines, it's relatable worldwide."

SobiTheRobot replied:
"Just Tom screaming his lungs out. Jerry rarely vocalized, as I recall—his laughs were done on a violin."

SgtCocktopus said:
"I would be happy to live under Brain's world domination. He would have ended wars and solved world problems."

AlexanderDaychilde replied:
"Almost. He would almost have ended wars and solved world problems, only for his plans to unravel at the last moment and we're even worse off than before."

User No 1 said: "Bill Cipher is a very fun antagonist. He is just so chipper about rearranging faces. I like that he has tons of friends too. Smart that he hedged his bets in his final moments and now has a new reincarnation somewhere."
fishsupreme replied: "I describe Bill Cipher as "Baby's First Lovecraftian Horror." It's kind of amazing to me that he's in a Disney kid's show."

VisibleArmy4029 said: "Agreed. Love the Clayface episodes to this day."
bigquinnyg13 replied: "I haven’t seen that episode in close to 15 years and I still remember it. Great show, with great storytelling. Kind of dark for a kid's show too, it was the only superhero I ever cared about and I still dream of acting as Batman in a movie. Great character."

Negafox said:
"The reboot is actually a 10/10 as well. It actually fixes some of the problems of the original (Webby doesn't suck, boys have unique personalities, Gizmoduck doesn't suck, Donald is actually around like from the comics, etc.) Glomgold is one of the best characters in the reboot. You even get an origin story on the Rescue Rangers, a sequel story to TailSpin, and Darkwing Duck is in it."

Bakoro replied:
"Plus, David Tennant nails it as Scrooge. All the voice acting is top-notch.
The writing is rock solid, and they don't totally hit the reset button on character growth from episode to episode and season to season."

Donald_W_Gately said:
"Mel Blanc was a treasure."

theillustratedlife replied:
"It's worth pointing out that the Looney Tunes embraced the technology of the time.

These days, we expect people to be able to break into character at e.g. Comicon; whereas, many of Mel's voices used post-production tricks like changing the playback speed.

The dude is still a voice god, but it's good to know the context when making the comparison."

Bakoro said:
"The original one.

The new one was like someone saw pictures of the old show but never actually saw the show, and made what they thought it was."

Pickle_Front said: "Our family friend’s nephew had leukemia when Animaniacs was originally released, and he was about 6 at the time, and his favorite thing to say was 'Helllllooooo Nurse!'"

mosefish said:
"At its peak, I think it was the greatest comedy ever."

Marmoset_Ghosts replied:
"There's no comparison.

In its prime, every single line and frame of animation was meticulously crafted to cram as much humor and wit as possible into 20 minutes.

No show in history is as eminently quotable and culturally meaningful as peak Simpsons.

Maybe it's my age (born in '82... same age as Bart when it started, the same age as Homer now) but none of the other shows in this thread even come close."

unlisshed said:
"Gargoyles [excluding the non-canon season 3 of course]."

unlikelypisces replied:
"Keith David as Goliath did an amazing job."

tinysieg said:
"I still re-watch seasons 1,2,3 sometimes."

istrx13 replied:
"Literally, every single episode of seasons 1, 2, and 3 is gold. It’s honestly so impressive to me that every episode from those seasons feels iconic and has famous one-liners."

ADirtyDiglet said:
"I now relate to the episode when the parents run out of coffee."

kittengiraffe replied:
"Such a classic."

SobiTheRobot said:
"But specifically earlier seasons. After a point, it really dropped the ball, but I don't think I could pinpoint when that was."

Acrobatic_Confusion replied:
"Cosmo really started getting stupid in season 8 so I'd say then."

"I feel like it had good writing, enough memorable characters to bring them back for new episodes, solid pacing, and just enough zaniness to make it a cartoon. The part that really made it perfect was that there was even something in there for the parents. Courage the Cowardly Dog is one of those shows where there will NEVER be another one and trying to even come close to it will either be wildly successful or a Velma (I’m appropriating the name of the show as an adjective for disaster). Excuse me, I need to go put courage on and get some sleep for work tomorrow."

LordessMeep said:
"Unfortunately that I had to scroll down so far to see this. Recently rewatched it and Seasons 3 and 4 are straight no-skips perfect and fun as hell."

ComfortablyMade said: "Ok now I'm turning 30 and I'm waiting for the new seasons of Phineas and Ferb smh."
rbwildcard replied: "I went to a Bowling for Soup concert and they played the theme song and everyone over 25 (so mostly everyone) went crazy."

Dako_the_Austinite said: "Much like Ed Edd n Eddy I had to scroll for far too long to find another mention of this other than from myself. Talk about shows aware of the fact they’re cartoons and taking advantage of that to have some fun. One of my all-time favorite scenes is The Nobody when they’re chasing after that glitchy guy Rob and they steal a riding mower to follow after him but ditch it because it’s too slow, and it goes up a ramp but instead of falling off the end, it keeps going off the ramp at the same angle and same slow speed as if launched in slow motion! Then it slowly arcs over the fence before crashing in an explosion, I laughed so hard at that scene when I first saw it I had to rewind it like three times."
burner9497 replied: "The episode where they watch YouTube all night was an absolute classic."

Tarkus_Edge said:
"Justice League and Justice League Unlimited get slept on too much."

Faris531 replied:
"The entire DC animated Timmverse."

Sipikay replied:
"I'm still to this day amazed that it was Marvel storylines and the Avengers that made it big in live-action. Justice League (in the Timmverse, at least) is just so much better. So much... more super hero. That no one has done anything with that well in a live-action setting is a crying shame."

chillbros42 said:
"The snow episode is arguably the greatest piece of animated storytelling I’ve ever seen. I still remember watching it as a kid and being captivated by the silence."

Salt_master replied:
"I love them all but this one is certainly special."

pigeonsexer said:
"Adventure time for sure. it has such a deep message about trauma and maturing. it teaches kids to grow from their pain. the lore is also immense. for such a wacky cartoon it goes deep while also maintaining a child-like aspect. it’s a show for adults and kids. it has gotten me and I’m sure many others through hellish times."

SingleMalted replied:
"Finn going into the pillow fort and living a whole pillowy life was an emotional journey I was not prepared for."

KillRockNRoll said:
"It’s one of my favorite tv shows (animated or live-action) ever! There’s a certain snarky cynical wit to it that cracks me up just as much now as it did when I was a child. It’s such a shame that it was canceled so soon.

The Netflix movie was also excellent!"

1337F0x_The_Daft replied:
"My girlfriend and I quote the movie all the damn time, we watched it high as hell and it's such a fun ride."

nyctre said:
"I know anime is Japanese cartoons and you're technically correct, but they're still also technically two different genres, as made obvious by the lack of other anime being highly upvoted despite being amazing."

ANDYHOPE said:
"As a young dad I can very confidently say that Bluey does not miss."
 
Fuzzy_Muscle replied:
"Bluey is a parenting guide. Such a great show."

Chuckeltard said:
"Everyone forgot how good this was. Multiple storylines that constantly continue through every season… previously on X-men…"

jake03583 said:
"I gotta throw in Alien Force as my favorite iteration. I like the more serious approach and the expansion of the Omnitrix lore."

Archery100 replied:
"I loved the dynamic between the trio, years later I never knew how much I'd relate to Kevin with his car constantly being destroyed."

Sparky678348 said:
"Steven Universe remains my favorite show today. I am hyper obsessed with it from beginning to end, and I'm absolutely ravenous for more content by Rebecca Sugar. The delivery of Steven Universe's plot and lore is just masterful, and the main characters (and their VAs) are all incredibly precious to me.

Literally a life-changing show and my 10/10 standard that I compare character writing to."

Justworkinglife said:
"It's a crime it took me this long to find this comment."

Cjlong1 replied:
"The last 10 minutes of the last episode hit me harder than any other movie/tv I’ve seen. The symbolism screamed volumes even though there was no dialogue. I don’t think it will ever be topped in my opinion. That was the pinnacle."

eddyathome said:
"It's one of the few shows where the characters develop over time instead of just becoming caricatures of themselves. I loved seeing how almost all of them learn from their ways and become better people."

Rozeline replied:
"They also resisted the urge to make Brittany and Kevin mean bullies. They're certainly dumb and inconsiderate, but never outright bullied Daria and Jane, which is usually the case for shows set in high school. The closest thing we got to a bully immediately died."

KennyfromSouthPark23 said:
"South Park is the best."

krizzle2778 replied:
"Hands down. The older seasons are gold and nothing was off limits."

Zanki said:
"Yes! Finally, someone said it! It's such an awesome show. I loved it growing up and the adults crack me up as an adult. There are so many little jokes that go over a kid's head, I can see why my mum liked it when I was a kid."

Ok_Tomato7388 said:
"Omg, this show captured my heart! I started eating cucumber sandwiches because of this show!"

wilika replied:
"YES, thank you! There are so many good feelings in that show, it's unbelievable."

arnber420 said:
"Agreed. Been watching it on a loop for the past 2 1/2 years. Is there something wrong with me? Probably. Do I love the show anyway? Yea."

peterpeterny replied:
"I don't feel like it gets enough respect."

West-Faithlessness35 replied:
"It’s genuinely looked down on because it isn’t as well written as it’s other animated counterparts but people fail to realize the whole point of the show is to make you laugh, they don’t care about how well plots are written."

ChickenandtheEggy said:
"One of the great things about Hey Arnold is that it tackled some pretty hefty issues despite being a kid's show, like the whole Vietnamese War refugee thing with Mr. Nguyen's daughter, Oskar being illiterate, and Helga having an alcoholic mother."

pnwbraids replied:
"That's the best part IMO. It never felt like it was talking down to children. It was telling them complex stories in accessible ways."

danfromeuphoria said:
"A thousand percent agree. OVTGW is such a special thing that constantly leaves you craving more but at the same time happy that it is forever crystalized as the wonderful show it is. The only difficult thing is nothing else quite scratches that itch but you get over it by watching it for the 100th time."

Grunherz replied:
"I watch it every single October and I love it so much! Nothing better to set the mood for the whole Halloween season."

GenoKeno said:
"Ed, Edd n Eddy is INCREDIBLY underrated. The animation, music, dialogue, characters, voice cast… everything about it was so unique and I’d argue is still the coolest show CN has put out to this day. I’ll still watch some of it every once in a while and it has aged very well."

Sentinell said:
"It's amazing how the show manages to be completely wholesome even though the characters can be so brutal to each other."

Afalstein replied:
"You're my family, and I love you, but you're terrible, you're all terrible."

KillRockNRoll said: "I recently rewatched the entire series with my girlfriend after not seeing it since childhood. It’s still hilarious! It’s like Cartoon Network’s equivalent of Invader Zim mixed with Looney Tunes! It also introduced me to the music of Aurelio Voltaire when I was a kid and he’s still one of my favorite artists to this day." Jhydro replied: "Oh yeah, Invader Zim is another one! They both still hold up extremely well."

CH7274 said:
"Animation falls through sometimes, but other than that, perfect show."

SUPER_QUOOL replied:
"I believe the next season's budget will be higher, seeing the success of the 1st season got. So hopefully the animation and artwork will improve noticeably."

TopHatAce said:
"I am still amazed by what this show got away with. Everyone is like "Disney is finally allowing a gay character!" but in one of the season finales Luz runs into Hunter and asks him what he's doing and he says "Digging my grave! Want me to dig you one?" and I had to rewind and watch that part again because that's DARK."

Dorythehunk said:
"The first 3 seasons are 10/10."

Dorythehunk replied:
"Really curious what it will be like now that Justin is gone."

"That show is perfect satire. All of the humor is grounded in 100% reality. Anyone who has grown up in a somewhat conservative culture pretty much knows every character from the show. I have lots of family from east Texas, so it especially hits home for me. Even down to the stuff on the wall in Hank’s house. I’m constantly thinking “My aunt has the exact same Texas-shaped China on the wall”."

mosefish said:
"I couldn't believe how good this was. I had never played LoL and had no interest in it. I only watched it after a friend who has good taste recommended it."

Kinglemoncrab replied:
"Never played the game either. Never even heard of it. Saw the show playing and thought it was the most stunning animation I’d ever seen so I sat down and tuned in. Turned out to be one of the best things I’ve ever watched. Just perfect!"

liquidnebulazclone said: "While the genius has waned over the years, Archer had such a unique style, arguably the most quotable show on the list. Maybe not 10/10 every season, but definitely in the top 10 cartoons."

Gsoz said:
"Castlevania.

Surprisingly well-rounded with a great conclusion."

adzith replied:
"That I can play every game release, from NES onwards (minus maybe 1 or 2), and be not only entertained but overwhelmingly satisfied with everything, including the alterations to characters and adjustments to the overarching narrative in the show. And Isaac! Not a single character is without their moments. 11/10. Based show."

TuMaTaUeNgAbLeEh said:
"DBZ. Goku once asked to borrow energy for a spirit bomb and I still feel tired to this day."

bluethiefzero said:
"Hope you give Mystery Inc. a fair shot. Took me a few episodes to get used to the new takes on the characters, but after that, I was on board and it was a fantastic ride through only 2 seasons."

IndispensableNobody replied:
"Mystery Inc. is a 10/10 for me. Grew up watching all the different versions of Scooby and then this show came along and gave me my favorite one."

AntiTheory said:
"Rocko's Modern Life is really an incredible show. The premise of each episode was basic enough for a kid to understand what was going on, with plenty of physical comedy to keep them hooked, but at the same time, it was laden with tons of situational comedy and innuendo that only adults watching the show could truly appreciate.

Not to mention, several episodes got downright political with their portrayal of the faults and flaws of modern society, and it snuck under the radar of everyone - the censors and the pearl-clutches alike. The episode "Closet Clown" always stands out to me as being one of the best episodes, an insanely well-written allegory for people struggling with closet homosexuality, aired at the tail end of the AIDS scare.

I consider the show to be Joe Murray's masterpiece, although he's not known for much else besides Camp Lazlo, which was also a good show."

audiopizza said:
"This stuff absolutely had me on the floor rolling when I was a young kid that probably shouldn’t have been watching it. I hadn’t seen anything like it and never really have since. I do continually remind my kindergartner, son, not to swing too high or else he might flip the bar and become Inside-out Boy."

moeriscus replied:
"He he. Yeah, I had to watch it on the sly because it was officially forbidden in our house.. my memory may be somewhat distorted after all these years, but that show was so messed up, I don't think any major network would even consider airing it on daytime TV now."

lifedividedbyzero said:
"One fine day with a woof and a purr, A baby was born and it caused a little stir…"

1Broken_Promise said:
"The show was fantastic. Wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I respect it. I saw an interview one time with the creator J.G. Quintel and holy crap, his regular voice is just Mordecai. It's so weird seeing the human version of the blue jay."

KingOfTheCouch13 replied:
"What didn't you like about the ending? I thought it was one of the best endings I've ever seen for a cartoon. Most either end with cliff hangers or just kinda end because the series isn't really a cohesive narrative."

1Broken_Promise replied:
"I'm not really sure how to do the spoiler font, so I don't want to say. I'm more than happy to discuss it though if I knew how!"

demoneyesturbo said:
"This is way too low in this thread. It is some of the funniest TV out there.

If you have any experience with bands or metal culture it is absolutely hysterically funny. And so detail-rich.

Pickles in rehab is still some of the best musical storytelling I've ever seen."

Terrible_Map_870 replied:
"I could not believe nobody else had named it! Had to. Can't be true to the metal without it. ImI (I'm attempting to create the horns high gesture and do not believe I have succeeded... help."