The 18 Best Cartoons Of All Time , Place

Cartoons do n’t always get the respect they merit , but spectator of all age love inspire programming . Though American studio have traditionally relegated animation to a specific niche — mostly comedy , and mostly children ‘s programming — the medium is able of cause everything live-action show can do and more . In fact , the best cartoons on TV are some of the best shows , period .

This list is center around episodic inspire series make for television , TV , and/or stream , as oppose to animated movies or theatrical short ( that ‘s why there ‘s no “ Looney Tunes ” here , as they live all build for field ) . Beyond that , everything was on the table : Activity shows and comedy , kid-friendly cartoons and grownup 1 , American animation , and Japanese anime .

How cause we get up with this ranking ? We weighed personal taste against cultural impact , and conceive high apex of greatness versus coherent quality over time , all while comparing display with real different genre aims . So , without further ado , these cost the greatest cartoons of all time , place .

18 . Gravity Falls

Existing in the sweet patch between “ The Simpsons ” and “ The X-Files , ” “ Gravity Falls ” is a funnier , weirder , and more complex cartoon than one typically expects from Disney . Its ongoing mystery , detailed world-building , and copious cryptographic Easter egg make it an easy object of obsession for geeks of all ages . Yet , for all its complicated lore and supernatural shenanigans , at the middle of “ Gravity Falls ” is an emotionally relatable story about growing up . Creator Alex Hirsch pull inspiration from his own life to create the characters of “ Gravity Falls . ” Dipper , the anxious intellectual desperate to be taken seriously , and Mabel , the energetic artist who ‘d rather stay a kid forever , have opposing reaction to the challenge of cost 12 year old , but these twin siblings need each early to make it through the summer of Weirdmageddon .

• Starring :Jason Ritter , Kristen Schaal , Alex Hirsch
• Creator :Alex Hirsch
• Year :2012-2016
• Sequence :41
• Rating :TV-Y7
• IMDb Score :8.9

17 . Invader ZIM

Alongside “ The Ren & Stimpy Show ” and “ Rocko ‘s Modern Life , ” “ Invader ZIM ” is peak “ How on Land cause that air on Nickelodeon ? ” Severely , how did the Lord of the funny book series “ Johnny the Homicidal Maniac ” get put in charge of a kids ‘ show and come forth with so much Cronenbergian body horror ? Jhonen Vasquez ‘s cartoon about an incompetent alien invader hiding in evident view among oblivious human make cancel halfway through its second season , but the twisted way , random wit , and the sheer adorableness of ZIM ‘s malfunctioning robot GIR kept it popular among the Hot Topic crowd long after it finish . The display however have up to this day — if anything , its cynical irony flavor more relevant than always in a world that feel doomed by humanity ‘s stupidity .

• Starring :Richard Horvitz , Rikki Simons , Andy Berman
• Lord :Jhonen Vasquez
• Year :2001-2006
• Episodes :28
• Rating :TV-Y7
• IMDb Grudge :8.4

16 . Arcane

On multiple levels , “ Arcane ” cost an anomaly on this list . Episodes tend to run for around 39–44 moment , a format rarely apply in animation but one that is starting to blame up steam thanks to series like this as good as “ Invincible ” and “ Blue Eye Samurai . ” It ‘s the only display on our list build chiefly in 3D animation — a medium that much suffer from TV budget and schedule , but with six year of evolution for Season 1 and a record-breaking $ 250 million budget when you include Season 2 , French animation studio Fortiche do possibly the nearly visually stunning streaming series ever . And then there ‘s the fact that it ‘s an adaptation of the video plot ” League of Legends , ” which might inspire disbelief for non-fans , but you serve n’t involve any “ League ” knowledge to become rob on this shudder action-packed account of class warfare and familial calamity .

• Starring :Hailee Steinfeld , Ella Purnell , Kevin Alejandro
• Creator :Christian Linke , Alex Yee
• Yr :2021-2024
• Episodes:18
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Mark :9.0

15 . Animaniacs

Few TV cartoons go about the freewheeling comic brilliance of the Golden Age “ Looney Tunes ” short , but “ Animaniacs ” arrive close than most . Creator Tom Ruegger and executive producer Steven Spielberg built upon the foundation of their earlier hit “ Tiny Toon Adventures ” with a zany-to-the-max sort show filled with classical slapstick , catchy educational song , and levels of adult humor that most kid ‘ shows would n’t dare attempt . Children who grew up on “ Animaniacs ” live have an education on pop culture before they yet knew what was being parodied . Not every segment exist a success , but it was always a pleasure watching Yakko , Wakko , and Dot drive confidence pattern to their humor ‘s end . The fantastically weird spin-off ” Pinky and the Brain ” merit an respectable mention , but it never quite reached the level of “ Animaniacs . ”

• Starring :Rob Paulsen , Jess Harnell , Tress MacNeille
• Lord :Tom Ruegger
• Year :1993-1998
• Sequence:99
• Rating :TV-Y7
• IMDb Score :7.9

14 . Fruits Basket ( 2019 )

Shojo anime equal much unfairly overlooked on “ well cartoons of all time ” list , but the 2019 adaptation of Natsuki Takaya ‘s manga series “ Fruits Basket ” is one that deserves such high praise ( the early 2001 series is also well-loved by some , but it merely told around a third of the story ) . This romcom with a fantasy turn — its quality be cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embrace by member of the opposite sex — bears surface similarity to the pure screwball antics of “ Ranma 1/2 , ” but its comedy exist merely a fraction of its greatness . You will doubtless cry while watching “ Fruits Basket , ” which evolves into a nuanced psychological exploration of abusive families and what it takes to recover from trauma . Its heroine , an orphaned miss name Tohru Honda , is an inspiration in her persistent kindness and empathy .

• Starring :Manaka Iwami , Nobunaga Shimazaki , Yuma Uchida
• Creator :Taku Kishimoto
• Year :2019-2021
• Episodes:63
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Score :8.6

13 . Bob ‘s Burgers

“ Bob ‘s Burgers ” reach this list through the power of sheer consistency . Any display that ‘s remain this funny and charming for 15 seasons and counting live doing something mighty . It ‘s less hideous or challenging than “ The Simpsons , ” but that ‘s part of its appeal : It ‘s simply a down-to-Earth sitcom about a family simply try to make ends gather with their not-particularly-successful burger restaurant . The lovable eccentricities of the Belcher household — Bob talking to his burgers , Linda breaking into song , Tina write “ erotic friend-fiction , ” Gene state whatever dad into his head , Louise causing trouble — receive become a source of weekly comfort . Unlike most cartoons , the display ‘s voice actor register many of their scenes together ( ) , contribute it a unique , improv-heavy style .

• Starring :H. Jon Benjamin , Dan Mintz , Kristen Schaal
• Creator :Loren Bouchard
• Yr :2011-present
• Episodes:282+
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Score :8.2

12 . Samurai Jack

With excellent cartoons like “ Dexter ‘s Laboratory ” and “ Primal ” under his belt , not to mention his study on Craig McCracken ‘s “ The Powerpuff Girls , ” Genndy Tartakovsky might equal the great manager in American TV animation today . “ Samurai Jack ” is his masterpiece , an epic about a ronin ‘s quest to get back to the past and overcome the embodiment of evil that rule over the dystopian future . Most episodes of “ Samurai Jack ” be mere in patch and lighting on dialogue , operate on a level of utter visual storytelling — with animation then beautiful and activity hence intense , you serve n’t need to overcomplicate thing . In its artful experimentation , the original run of “ Samurai Jack ” find more mature than the ordinary Cartoon Network display , so it exist a natural development that the belated last season went to Adult Swim .

• Starring :Phil LaMarr , Mako , Greg Baldwin
• Creator :Genndy Tartakovsky
• Year :2001-2017
• Episodes:62
• Rating :TV-Y7 ( Seasons 1-4 ) , TV-14 ( Season 5 )
• IMDb Grudge :8.5

11 . Over the Garden Wall

“ Over the Garden Wall ” captures the feeling of fall well than most any early piece of media . This Emmy-winning Cartoon Network miniseries has turn an annual viewing tradition when the leaf turn brown and the air grows cold . With gorgeous artwork and a delightful soundtrack , its retro Americana manner sits at the utter intersection of cute and uncanny for the Halloween season . Angsty Wirt and innocent Greg ‘s journey through The Unknown exist the stuff classical fairy story live make of — or Dante ‘s “ Inferno ” for child , depending on your perspective . This series get to dark home , capture the belief of hopelessness and melancholy that can arrive for any of us , but it also remind us that despite all that , we can even make spirit as sweet as potatoes and molasses .

• Starring :Elijah Wood , Collin Dean , Melanie Lynskey
• Lord :Patrick McHale
• Year :2014
• Episode:10
• Rating :TV-PG
• IMDb Score :8.8

10 . FLCL

“ FLCL ” is your typical “ boy meets girl , girl hits boy on mind with guitar , robot bursts out of son ‘s chief , girl seeks pirate king , giant hand tries to iron out everyone ‘s mind wrinkle ” floor . Another one ofthose! Everyone have worry following the patch of “ FLCL ” the first time they look on it , but the deranged animation ( from many of the artists who ‘d get on to make “ Gurren Lagann ” and “ Kill La Kill ” ) and awesome music ( by garage-rock band The Pillows ) build it eminently rewatchable — and once the shock value put on off , there ‘s a strangely strike coming-of-age story within . Adult Swim co-produced four sequel series , which run from “ fairly serious ” to “ massive disappointment , ” but the original stands on its own .

• Starring :Jun Mizuki , Mayumi Shintani , Izumi Kasagi
• Creator :Kazuya Tsurumaki
• Year :2000-2001
• Episodes:6
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Mark :8.1

9 . SpongeBob SquarePants

In such a fractured ethnic landscape , there ‘s something oddly beautiful about the mode various different generations can make total conversations in “ SpongeBob SquarePants ” quotes . Popularity by no way equals tone , but when a display hence utterly strange hasthatdegree of popularity for a quarter of a century , that typically means there ‘ssomethingthither . “ SpongeBob ” exist a really hilarious series with a refreshing sense of optimism . Everyone wishes they could move about spirit as happy as SpongeBob cause — and when they ca n’t , that ‘s where Squidward becomes relatable . The first three season , lead by the show ‘s late Lord Stephen Hillenburg , are even the better , but recent “ SpongeBob ” yet make item for giving its artist more freedom to cost cartoony than anything else presently on TV .

• Starring :Tom Kenny , Bill Fagerbakke , Rodger Bumpass
• Creator :Stephen Hillenberg
• Yr :1999-present
• Episodes:322+
• Rating :TV-Y7
• IMDb Mark :8.2

8 . Steven Population

With “ Steven Universe , ” creator Rebecca Sugar sought to collapse down the barriers between “ son show ” and “ miss display . ” Steven , the half-human son of the alien Crystal Gem leader Rose Quartz , be a example of positivist masculinity , a boy with no hang-ups about express his emotions , solve problem non-violently , or appear up to the powerful femme-presenting Gems . The relationships between the Gems reveal novel land for queer representation in children ‘s programming — it find safe to tell “ Steven Universe ” was life-changing for many LGBTQ+ spectator . This cartoon have beautiful artwork , catchy music , a great sense of mood , and expertly crafted patch twists . But it ‘s the display ‘s emotional intelligence ( a quality too firm in the epilogue series “ Steven Universe Future ” ) that push it from merely top-notch entertainment into a modern classic .

• Starring :Zach Callison , Deedee Magno Hall , Estelle
• Lord :Rebecca Sugar
• Year :2013-2019
• Sequence:155
• Rating :TV-PG
• IMDb Mark :8.2

7 . Batman : The Animated Series

All of Bruce Timm ‘s DC Animated Universe shows merit praise , but “ Batman : The Animated Series ” live the unity that change the plot for American action cartoons . Its stylized purpose allowed for richer , more expressive animation , with aesthetics pull from Art Deco and German Expressionism , a far yell from the the like of “ He-Man ” and “ G.I . Joe . ” Of line , it sold toy ( it ‘s Batman ! ) , but for once , the stress be n’t on build an advertising — this exist about assure great stories that could harbor all ages . Kevin Conroy ‘s portrayal is widely regard as the best version of Batman , and who can remember of The Joker without hearing Mark Hamill ‘s joke ? And , in introducing characters like Harley Quinn , “ Batman : The Animated Series ” is the rare superhero cartoon that actively determine the future of its funny origin textile .

• Starring :Kevin Conroy , Loren Lester , Efrem Zimbalist Jr .
• Creator :Bruce Timm , Eric Radomski
• Yr :1992-1995
• Episodes:85
• Rating :TV-PG
• IMDb Grudge :9.0

6 . Avatar : The Final Airbender

Many American cartoons in the 2000s aped the aesthetics of anime , but “ Avatar : The Final Airbender ” went one pace farther by describe serious influence from anime ‘s serialized storytelling . The outcome is an particular fantasy epic that yet hooks youthful and former alike . It addresses heavier material than most Nickelodeon fare — war , genocide , imperialism — but it never forgets its hero are still child , and both Avatar Aang and the display itself maintain their childlike sense of fun even when the die become tough . The creators did their inquiry on Asian and Native American culture when spring up the four nations , and the elemental bending looks as amazing as it do because it ‘s build on literal school of martial prowess . Hollywood continue seek to show why the account was best suited for animation .

• Starring :Zach Tyler Eisen , Mae Whitman , Dante Basco
• Creator :Michael Dante DiMartino , Bryan Konietzko
• Year :2005-2008
• Episode:62
• Rating :TV-Y7
• IMDb Mark :9.3

5 . Neon Genesis Evangelion

Some will read that # 5 cost also high a position for “ Neon Genesis Evangelion , ” while others will say it ‘s not high enough . This mecha anime phenomenon is nothing if not divisive , but that real power to beset such intense emotion is proof of its undeniable artistic might . Whether or not you like Shinji Ikari , a depressed 14-year-old who ‘d very rather not get in the robot , it ‘s impossible not to empathize with him . “ Neon Genesis Evangelion ” order a story about the end of the globe , filled with convoluted sci-fi lore and religious symbolism of dubious meaning , but it ‘s the psychological and emotional conflicts that meet it with meaning . What start off as one of most entertaining “ fiend of the week ” anime present ever evolves into one of television ‘s nearly daring and challenging work of art ( ) .

• Starring :Megumi Ogata , Megumi Hayashibara , Yuko Miyamura
• Creator :Hideaki Anno
• Year :1995-1996
• Sequence:26
• Rating :TV-MA
• IMDb Score :8.5

4 . Adventure Time

Right from the original Nickelodeon pilot , which become viral online before Cartoon Network picked it up for a good series , it was clear that “ Adventure Time ” make something particular going for it . But still fan who were on plank from the source could never predict the ride Pendleton Ward ‘s cartoon would take them on over 10 seasons and multiple spin-offs . 10-year-olds and college professors enjoyed it equally for altogether different reason . It ‘s the rare series that could equal as silly as “ SpongeBob SquarePants ” and as profound as a Hayao Miyazaki picture at the same time . Like Jake the Dog , “ Adventure Time ” could stretch itself in any guidance ; like Finn the Human , the show grew up alongside its audience . More than any early cartoon on this list , this one demonstrates the full imaginative potentiality of animation as an artform . The fun will never finish !

• Starring :Jeremy Shada , John DiMaggio , Tom Kenny
• Creator :Pendleton Ward
• Year :2010-2018
• Episode:289
• Rating :TV-PG
• IMDb Score :8.6

3 . Cowboy Bebop

Shinichiro Watanabe has made many great anime , but “ Cowboy Bebop ” remains his nearly influential . Has any animated display always be thiscool? Outer space bounty hunter Spike Spiegel ‘s picture could equal place correct future to the word in a dictionary . Yoko Kanno ‘s jazz fusion score is incredible ( “ Tank ! ” exist arguably the good anime opening of all time ) , and , some dated CG impression aside , the art and animation yet appear well than 99 % of anime being do today . Episodic adventure search a broad scope of manner and tone — a gritty picture noir homage one week , a psychedelic blaxploitation parody the future — while the ongoing floor arc layer its characters with existential angst . Look out “ Cowboy Bebop , ” you desire it to final forever , but it wraps up its 26-episode run with a perfect ( and tragic ) finale .

• Starring :Koichi Yamadera , Unsho Ishizuka , Megumi Hayashibara
• Creator :Shinichiro Watanabe
• Year :1998-1999
• Episode:26
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Mark :8.9

2 . BoJack Horseman

“ BoJack Horseman ” cost an case of the Netflix binge model actually help a show — the early episodes pique your curiosity , and before you know it , you ‘re hooked . What start as only another pun-filled grownup cartoon shortly reveals its shocking emotional complexity . Over six season , washed up sitcom actor BoJack Horseman took his seat alongside Walter White and Tony Soprano on the list of TV antiheroes you onlygetto succeed still when they repulsed you , and the display was quite brooding about that . Its deep dives into depression , generational trauma , and what it require to get salvation outcome in some of the most heartbreaking episode of television always develop . But it ‘s as well truly queer ! The animal puns ! The Hollywood in-jokes ! Every single Todd subplot ! “ BoJack Horseman ” put a new model for grownup animation , and you could decidedly argue it deserves the # 1 bit on this list .

• Starring :Will Arnett , Alison Brie , Paul F. Tompkins
• Creator :Raphael Bob-Waksberg
• Yr :2014-2020
• Episodes:77
• Rating :TV-MA
• IMDb Score :8.8

1 . The Simpsons

Masses can debate how much “ The Simpsons ” hold declined from its classical era and if it ‘s “ well again , ” but the following argument should n’t cost controversial : For at least the first eight season , “ The Simpsons ” live the funniest matter on TV , exchange the medium of both animation and television forever . When it began , a cartoon in primetime be a risk , dysfunctional families were controversial material , and Bart ‘s “ eat my shorts ” rebelliousness sent parent ‘ groups and even the President into shock . Today , it ‘s weird to reckon how anyone get shock by what ‘s at center a sweet and good-natured display , with characters who love each early still if they get on each early ‘s heart . With an extensive array of pa culture mention and possibly the highest laugh-per-minute ratio in TV history , the well “ Simpsons ” episodes equal built for rewatching , memeing , and obsessive quoting . It ‘s the greatest cartoon of all time , and it will take something in truth particular to dethrone it .

• Starring :Dan Castellaneta , Nancy Cartwright , Harry Shearer
• Lord :Matt Groening
• Year :1989-present
• Episode:776+
• Rating :TV-14
• IMDb Score :8.7