The 420+ Best Kids Cartoons Of All Time

Looking for the best cartoons of all time? There are so many iconic animated shows that have not only kept children glued to the screen but have also brought joy to adults who fondly remember the simpler days of their own childhood. Whether it’s through slapstick comedy or unforgettable characters, these cartoons have left a lasting impression.

Looney Tunes, with its colorful cast of characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, has been a staple for decades, delivering endless laughs and clever wit. Then there’s Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, which introduced us to the mystery-solving gang and their lovable Great Dane, making detective work hilariously exciting. And who could forget Tom and Jerry? This classic cat-and-mouse duo captivated audiences with their endless antics and imaginative slapstick humor, proving that sometimes, words aren’t needed to tell a great story.

Now it’s your turn to share your favorites. Which cartoons do you think deserve the title of the top kids cartoons? Cast your vote and help shape our list. Whether it’s a show that you grew up watching or one that you enjoy with your kids today, your opinions will highlight the enduring magic of these animated classics. Let’s celebrate the shows that have made childhoods brighter and funnier for so many.

• 1

  Looney Tunes

  1930

  22,416 votes

  Is Looney Tunes Watchworthy?

  Looney Tunes is a pioneering series of animated shorts produced by Warner Bros. that has left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Introducing a roster of beloved characters such as the mischievous Bugs Bunny, the sputtering Daffy Duck, the stuttering Porky Pig, and the relentless hunter Elmer Fudd, each episode serves a cocktail of witty slapstick and playful banter. These characters, etched in the annals of pop culture history, navigate through zany predicaments that often include clever chase sequences and outlandish gags.

  Widely regarded as one of the greatest cartoons of all time, Looney Tunes shines for its sophisticated humor, cultural satire, and artistic innovation. It melded classical music with expertly timed animation, transcending age barriers and crafting an entertainment palace for every viewer. Its legacy persists through its significant influence on the craft of animation and its ability to resonate with audiences across the globe, earning its reputation through its sharp, enduring wit and timeless appeal.

  • Actors: Mel Blanc, June Foray

  • Dig Deeper Things We Just Learned About ‘Looney Tunes’ And ‘Merrie Melodies’ That Made Us Do A Double Take
  • Also ranks #2 on The 90+ Best Cartoons from the ’70s

  The Best Looney Tunes Characters of All Time, Ranked!

  See all

  • 1Bugs Bunny
     

     

    2,959 Votes
  • 2Daffy Duck
     

     

    2,772 Votes
  • 3Wile E. Coyote
     

     

    2,300 Votes
  • 4Road Runner
     

     

    1,817 Votes

• 2

  Tom and Jerry

  February 10, 1940

  22,160 votes

  Is Tom and Jerry Watchworthy?

  Tom and Jerry is an animated series that chronicles the never-ending rivalry between Tom, a determined but often outwitted housecat, and Jerry, a mischievous and clever mouse. The classic MGM cartoon was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Without relying much on dialogue, it utilizes physical comedy and silent film influences to present the duo’s comedic altercations and the chaos they inevitably bring to the screen.

  What sets Tom and Jerry apart as one of the best cartoons of all time is its masterful blend of humor and action, which appeals to not just kids but viewers of all ages. The carefully choreographed chase scenes, underlined by expressive, almost balletic violence, and a musical score that punctuates every gag, deliver timeless laughs. Its simple yet endlessly entertaining cat-and-mouse premise highlights the universal delight found in slapstick comedy, ensuring its place in the hearts of audiences for generations.

  • Actors: Tom Kenny, Rick Zieff, Gary Cole

  • Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
  • Also ranks #1 on The Best Cartoons From The ’90s, Ranked

  The Best Episodes Of ‘Tom and Jerry,’ Ranked

  See all

  • 1The Yankee Doodle Mouse
     

     

    305 Votes
  • 2Jerry’s Cousin
     

     

    209 Votes
  • 3The Cat Concerto
     

     

    740 Votes
  • 4Tee for Two
     

     

    361 Votes
• votes needed!
  • NEW

    #150
    Not a Box
    4 votes

• 3

  The Road Runner Show

  October 23, 2000

  21,804 votes

  Is The Road Runner Show Watchworthy?

  Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner are a classic duo within the Looney Tunes universe, known for their relentless pursuit and high-speed chases across the Southwestern American desert. The cartoons feature the determined yet doomed efforts of Wile E. Coyote to catch the elusive Road Runner, who communicates only with his signature “Beep, Beep” and outsmarts the coyote at every turn. The shorts are almost entirely silent save for the sound effects, occasional Latin phrases held up on signs by Wile E., and the iconic auditory gags that punctuate their encounters.

  The reason Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons remain some of the best in animation lies in their brilliant simplicity and the universality of their humor. Their eternal game of cat-and-mouse—or rather, coyote-and-bird—strips comedic storytelling down to its bare essentials, delivering pure, unadulterated slapstick. The innovative use of Acme Corporation products adds a satirical layer to the antics, while the repetitive but ever-creative scenarios showcase the genius of visual gags, making these shorts a masterclass in timing and anticipation. Fans cherish these characters not just for the laughs, but for the portrayal of the unyielding human spirit as seen through Wile E.’s never-ending quest.

  The Road Runner Show was an animated anthology series which compiled theatrical Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner cartoons from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies, which were produced by Warner Bros. Cartoons between 1948 and 1966. Several of the shorts, especially the ones produced from 1965 onward, were produced specifically for television by Format Films after Warner Bros. closed their animation studio. The Road Runner Show also ran for two seasons on CBS, and then on ABC for two seasons. There were two Road Runner/Coyote cartoons during each episode, with another WB animated character in the middle segment.
  CBS combined The Road Runner Show with The Bugs Bunny Show in 1968. The Road Runner and the Coyote more often shared at least an hour with Bugs Bunny on CBS during the late-1960s through the mid-1980s to the early-1990s.
  The theme song was written and performed by Barbara Cameron, in 1999 was covered by the Mexican band Chicos de Barrio.

  • Actors: Mel Blanc, June Foray, Bea Benaderet

  • Also ranks #4 on The Best Bird Cartoons
  • Also ranks #4 on The Best 1970s Animated Shows, Ranked
  • Also ranks #9 on The Best Looney Tunes TV Shows Ever Made

• 4

  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

  September 13, 1969

  19,657 votes

  Is Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! Watchworthy?

  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! is an iconic animated series that premiered in 1969, featuring a group of teenage sleuths and their talking Great Dane named Scooby-Doo. The Mystery Inc. gang, consisting of the leader Fred Jones, the brainy Velma Dinkley, the fashion-forward Daphne Blake, the ever-hungry Shaggy Rogers, and the eponymous Scooby, travel in their colorful van, the Mystery Machine, to solve ghostly and supernatural mysteries which typically turn out to have a perfectly logical explanation.

  Its unique blend of comedy and mystery, endearing characters, and the formulaic yet satisfying resolution of each episode has cemented Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! as one of the greatest kids cartoons. The series has captivated audiences for decades with its mix of light-hearted frights, humorous dynamics among the group, and the charm of Scooby’s and Shaggy’s cowardly antics juxtaposed against the backdrop of monster chases. This classic has spawned numerous iterations and a loyal fan base, marking it as a timeless piece of television history that has mastered the art of cross-generational appeal.

  • Actors: Don Messick, Frank Welker, Casey Kasem, Heather North, Nicole Jaffe

  • Also ranks #1 on The 200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs
  • Also ranks #1 on The Best Hanna-Barbera Cartoons You’re Dying To Watch Again
  • Also ranks #2 on The Best Versions Of Scooby Doo You Watched As A Kid

• 5

  The Flintstones

  September 30, 1960

  18,405 votes

  Is The Flintstones Watchworthy?

  The Flintstones is an animated sitcom that transports audiences to the prehistoric town of Bedrock, following the daily lives of the Flintstone family. Headed by the affable bronto-crane operator Fred, his patient wife Wilma, their daughter Pebbles, and pet dinosaur Dino, they’re often accompanied by their best friends and next-door neighbors, the Rubbles—Barney, Betty, and their son Bamm-Bamm. This charming Stone Age ensemble navigates through modern-day situations and challenges with a delightful prehistoric twist, complete with dinosaurs and mammoth-sized domestic gadgets.

  As one of the best cartoons of all time, The Flintstones stands out for being the first prime-time animated series on television, revolutionizing the medium by proving that cartoons could entertain a family audience beyond Saturday mornings. Its clever use of stone-age versions of contemporary conveniences and its satirical take on mid-20th-century American life added layers of humor that resonated with adults while still capturing the imaginations of younger viewers. The show’s enduring legacy is a testament to its wit, innovative premise, and the timeless appeal of its lovable characters.

  • Actors: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet, Don Messick

  • Dig Deeper Brilliant Flintstones Comics from DC
  • Also ranks #1 on The Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
  • Also ranks #2 on The Best Hanna-Barbera Cartoons You’re Dying To Watch Again

• 6

  DuckTales

  September 18, 1987

  20,165 votes

  Is DuckTales Watchworthy?

  DuckTales is a high-flying animated adventure series that soared onto television screens in the late 1980s. At the heart of the show is the wealthy Scrooge McDuck, a shrewd and adventurous billionaire who’s always on the hunt for the next fortune to increase his wealth. Accompanying him are his mischievous grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, along with other memorable characters like the bumbling pilot Launchpad McQuack and the resourceful Mrs. Beakley. This globetrotting clan finds itself facing off against villains like the conniving Magica De Spell and the industrialist Flintheart Glomgold, seeking treasures and thwarting nefarious plots.

  DuckTales emerges as one of the best cartoons of all time through its unique combination of humor, heart, and high-stakes escapades. Its memorable theme song, engaging storylines, and rich character development resonate across generations, offering a blend of mystery, family values, and the universal message that adventure can be found wherever one is willing to look for it. This blend of the fantastical and the familial, coupled with its cultural impact through syndication and merchandise, has solidified DuckTales‘ position as a hallmark in animation history.

  • Actors: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern, Frank Welker

  • Also ranks #1 on The Best ’90s Cartoon Theme Songs
  • Also ranks #1 on The Best 80s Cartoon Theme Songs
  • Also ranks #2 on The 200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs

Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes is a pioneering series of animated shorts produced by Warner Bros. that has left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Introducing a roster of beloved characters such as the mischievous Bugs Bunny, the sputtering Daffy Duck, the stuttering Porky Pig, and the relentless hunter Elmer Fudd, each episode serves a cocktail of witty slapstick and playful banter. These characters, etched in the annals of pop culture history, navigate through zany predicaments that often include clever chase sequences and outlandish gags.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest cartoons of all time, Looney Tunes shines for its sophisticated humor, cultural satire, and artistic innovation. It melded classical music with expertly timed animation, transcending age barriers and crafting an entertainment palace for every viewer. Its legacy persists through its significant influence on the craft of animation and its ability to resonate with audiences across the globe, earning its reputation through its sharp, enduring wit and timeless appeal.

• Actors: Mel Blanc, June Foray

• Dig Deeper Things We Just Learned About ‘Looney Tunes’ And ‘Merrie Melodies’ That Made Us Do A Double Take
• Also ranks #2 on The 90+ Best Cartoons from the ’70s

The Best Looney Tunes Characters of All Time, Ranked!

• 1Bugs Bunny
   

   

  2,959 Votes
• 2Daffy Duck
   

   

  2,772 Votes
• 3Wile E. Coyote
   

   

  2,300 Votes
• 4Road Runner
   

   

  1,817 Votes

Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry is an animated series that chronicles the never-ending rivalry between Tom, a determined but often outwitted housecat, and Jerry, a mischievous and clever mouse. The classic MGM cartoon was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Without relying much on dialogue, it utilizes physical comedy and silent film influences to present the duo’s comedic altercations and the chaos they inevitably bring to the screen.

What sets Tom and Jerry apart as one of the best cartoons of all time is its masterful blend of humor and action, which appeals to not just kids but viewers of all ages. The carefully choreographed chase scenes, underlined by expressive, almost balletic violence, and a musical score that punctuates every gag, deliver timeless laughs. Its simple yet endlessly entertaining cat-and-mouse premise highlights the universal delight found in slapstick comedy, ensuring its place in the hearts of audiences for generations.

• Actors: Tom Kenny, Rick Zieff, Gary Cole

• Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
• Also ranks #1 on The Best Cartoons From The ’90s, Ranked

The Best Episodes Of ‘Tom and Jerry,’ Ranked

• 1The Yankee Doodle Mouse
   

   

  305 Votes
• 2Jerry’s Cousin
   

   

  209 Votes
• 3The Cat Concerto
   

   

  740 Votes
• 4Tee for Two
   

   

  361 Votes

• NEW

  #150
  Not a Box
  4 votes

The Road Runner Show

Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner are a classic duo within the Looney Tunes universe, known for their relentless pursuit and high-speed chases across the Southwestern American desert. The cartoons feature the determined yet doomed efforts of Wile E. Coyote to catch the elusive Road Runner, who communicates only with his signature “Beep, Beep” and outsmarts the coyote at every turn. The shorts are almost entirely silent save for the sound effects, occasional Latin phrases held up on signs by Wile E., and the iconic auditory gags that punctuate their encounters.

The reason Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner cartoons remain some of the best in animation lies in their brilliant simplicity and the universality of their humor. Their eternal game of cat-and-mouse—or rather, coyote-and-bird—strips comedic storytelling down to its bare essentials, delivering pure, unadulterated slapstick. The innovative use of Acme Corporation products adds a satirical layer to the antics, while the repetitive but ever-creative scenarios showcase the genius of visual gags, making these shorts a masterclass in timing and anticipation. Fans cherish these characters not just for the laughs, but for the portrayal of the unyielding human spirit as seen through Wile E.’s never-ending quest.

• Actors: Mel Blanc, June Foray, Bea Benaderet

• Also ranks #4 on The Best Bird Cartoons
• Also ranks #4 on The Best 1970s Animated Shows, Ranked
• Also ranks #9 on The Best Looney Tunes TV Shows Ever Made

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! is an iconic animated series that premiered in 1969, featuring a group of teenage sleuths and their talking Great Dane named Scooby-Doo. The Mystery Inc. gang, consisting of the leader Fred Jones, the brainy Velma Dinkley, the fashion-forward Daphne Blake, the ever-hungry Shaggy Rogers, and the eponymous Scooby, travel in their colorful van, the Mystery Machine, to solve ghostly and supernatural mysteries which typically turn out to have a perfectly logical explanation.

Its unique blend of comedy and mystery, endearing characters, and the formulaic yet satisfying resolution of each episode has cemented Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! as one of the greatest kids cartoons. The series has captivated audiences for decades with its mix of light-hearted frights, humorous dynamics among the group, and the charm of Scooby’s and Shaggy’s cowardly antics juxtaposed against the backdrop of monster chases. This classic has spawned numerous iterations and a loyal fan base, marking it as a timeless piece of television history that has mastered the art of cross-generational appeal.

• Actors: Don Messick, Frank Welker, Casey Kasem, Heather North, Nicole Jaffe

• Also ranks #1 on The 200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs
• Also ranks #1 on The Best Hanna-Barbera Cartoons You’re Dying To Watch Again
• Also ranks #2 on The Best Versions Of Scooby Doo You Watched As A Kid

The Flintstones

The Flintstones is an animated sitcom that transports audiences to the prehistoric town of Bedrock, following the daily lives of the Flintstone family. Headed by the affable bronto-crane operator Fred, his patient wife Wilma, their daughter Pebbles, and pet dinosaur Dino, they’re often accompanied by their best friends and next-door neighbors, the Rubbles—Barney, Betty, and their son Bamm-Bamm. This charming Stone Age ensemble navigates through modern-day situations and challenges with a delightful prehistoric twist, complete with dinosaurs and mammoth-sized domestic gadgets.

As one of the best cartoons of all time, The Flintstones stands out for being the first prime-time animated series on television, revolutionizing the medium by proving that cartoons could entertain a family audience beyond Saturday mornings. Its clever use of stone-age versions of contemporary conveniences and its satirical take on mid-20th-century American life added layers of humor that resonated with adults while still capturing the imaginations of younger viewers. The show’s enduring legacy is a testament to its wit, innovative premise, and the timeless appeal of its lovable characters.

• Actors: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet, Don Messick

• Dig Deeper Brilliant Flintstones Comics from DC
• Also ranks #1 on The Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
• Also ranks #2 on The Best Hanna-Barbera Cartoons You’re Dying To Watch Again

DuckTales

DuckTales is a high-flying animated adventure series that soared onto television screens in the late 1980s. At the heart of the show is the wealthy Scrooge McDuck, a shrewd and adventurous billionaire who’s always on the hunt for the next fortune to increase his wealth. Accompanying him are his mischievous grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, along with other memorable characters like the bumbling pilot Launchpad McQuack and the resourceful Mrs. Beakley. This globetrotting clan finds itself facing off against villains like the conniving Magica De Spell and the industrialist Flintheart Glomgold, seeking treasures and thwarting nefarious plots.

DuckTales emerges as one of the best cartoons of all time through its unique combination of humor, heart, and high-stakes escapades. Its memorable theme song, engaging storylines, and rich character development resonate across generations, offering a blend of mystery, family values, and the universal message that adventure can be found wherever one is willing to look for it. This blend of the fantastical and the familial, coupled with its cultural impact through syndication and merchandise, has solidified DuckTales‘ position as a hallmark in animation history.

• Actors: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern, Frank Welker

• Also ranks #1 on The Best ’90s Cartoon Theme Songs
• Also ranks #1 on The Best 80s Cartoon Theme Songs
• Also ranks #2 on The 200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs