The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
Cartoons have always captivated audiences, transcending their roots as simple entertainment to become iconic pillars of storytelling. This curated collection celebrates the best cartoons of all time, blending nostalgia with contemporary appeal and showcasing both beloved classics and hidden gems. From the comedic brilliance of Jimmy Neutron to the imaginative heights of Nickelodeon’s golden age and the genre-defining era of Cartoon Network, these animated series have stood the test of time.
What sets this list apart is its crowd-ranked format, where over 200K fans of popular cartoons and casual viewers have contributed their opinions. Spanning a rich tapestry of styles—from slapstick comedy to heartwarming drama and even thought-provoking sci-fi—this list honors the creative depth and versatility of the medium.
Remember, cartoons are not just a part of our childhood but a significant part of our cultural fabric. They offer a unique blend of humor, storytelling, and artistry that appeals to all ages. This list is not just a ranking; it’s a celebration of the enduring impact and creativity of the world of animation. Dive in, explore, and vote for your favorite cartoons and animated series.
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1
Tom and Jerry
February 10, 1940A classic staple in the world of animation, Tom and Jerry has continued to captivate audiences for decades with its slapstick humor and escalating rivalry between a crafty mouse, Jerry, and determined cat, Tom. Seamlessly blending traditional animation techniques with ingenious visual gags, the show creates an irresistible sense of comedic timing that transcends language barriers and keeps viewers of all ages on the edge of their seats. Each episode is packed with beautifully animated and elaborate chase sequences that showcase the creators’ mastery of fluid motion and impeccable character design. Ultimately, Tom and Jerry stands as a testament to the limitless potential of animation in portraying complex emotions, physical humor, and timeless themes of rivalry and friendship.
- Actors: Tom Kenny, Rick Zieff, Gary Cole
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Cartoons From The ’90s, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The 170 Best Cartoon TV Shows
The Best Episodes Of ‘Tom and Jerry,’ Ranked
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1The Yankee Doodle Mouse293 Votes
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2Tee for Two346 Votes
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3The Cat Concerto731 Votes
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2
Avatar: The Last Airbender
February 21, 2005Avatar: The Last Airbender is an impressive feat of storytelling, using its visually stunning animation to create a rich and diverse world inspired by real-life cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and elemental magic. The show masterfully weaves its intricate plotlines around a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive abilities, motivations, and growth, making it an engrossing experience from start to finish. Perhaps most memorable are the show’s fight scenes, which demonstrate a deep understanding of martial arts choreography and fluid animation techniques to bring their elemental battles to life in a way that is both thrilling and uniquely immersive. With its seamless blend of Eastern philosophical influences, strong character development, and impactful action sequences, Avatar: The Last Airbender has solidified its place among the greatest animated series of all time.
- Actors: Zachery Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dee Bradley Baker, Dante Basco
- Dig Deeper The Strongest Characters In ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ Ranked
- And Deeper The Best Aang Fights In ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
- Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
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3
Looney Tunes
1930One of the most iconic cartoon franchises of all time, Looney Tunes has left an indelible mark on the world of animation through its innovative character design, classic slapstick humor, and unforgettable cast of lovable misfits. Featuring such legendary characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, the series set the standard for expressive animation, utilizing squash-and-stretch techniques to create hilariously exaggerated physical comedy and facial expressions that remain influential to this day. The show’s use of classical music, expertly synced to the action on screen, adds another layer of refinement and sophistication to its timeless appeal. In essence, Looney Tunes has earned its place in the annals of animation history for its pioneering techniques, memorable characters, and the sheer joy it has brought to generations of viewers.
- 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 #1 on The 420+ Best Kids Cartoons Of All Time
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The Best Looney Tunes Characters of All Time, Ranked!
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1Bugs Bunny2,896 Votes
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2Daffy Duck2,721 Votes
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3Wile E. Coyote2,259 Votes
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4
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
September 13, 1969A beloved classic that has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! stands out for its winning combination of mystery, humor, and memorable characters. The cartoon’s use of animation allows the show’s creators to devise a seemingly limitless variety of eerie locations and otherworldly creatures, providing an engaging backdrop for the sleuthing antics of Scooby and the gang. The show’s expertly crafted character dynamics and slapstick comedic moments bring levity to their spooky adventures, while the well-paced unraveling of each mystery keeps viewers in suspense until the very end. With its enduring charm, iconic Hanna-Barbera animation style, and clever storytelling, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! remains a standout example of animation’s power to create immersive, entertaining worlds.
- 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
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5
Rick and Morty
December 2, 2013Boldly pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, Rick and Morty has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon with its dark humor, complex narrative structure, and twisted exploration of science fiction tropes. The show’s use of animation allows for incredible creativity in the design of alternate dimensions, alien species, and even mind-bending alternate realities that would be nearly impossible to achieve in any other medium. Each frame features densely-packed visual details and Easter eggs that invite repeated viewings, all while maintaining consistently smooth animation and a colorful, vibrant art style. Rick and Morty stands as an inventive, challenging, and darkly entertaining animated series that showcases the strength of the medium as a storytelling platform.
- Actors: Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell
- Dig Deeper Every Rick From Rick & Morty, Ranked By Sheer Rickishness
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Adult Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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The Schwiftiest Rick and Morty Characters
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1Rick Sanchez2,273 Votes
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2Morty Smith1,835 Votes
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3Pickle Rick1,652 Votes
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6
SpongeBob SquarePants
May 1, 1999With its zany characters, surrealist humor, and consistently inventive storylines, SpongeBob SquarePants has captured the imaginations of audiences young and old alike. Set in the colorful underwater world of Bikini Bottom, the series makes brilliant use of its aquatic setting to explore themes of friendship, work, and play in an entertaining and visually captivating way. Combining fluid animation with the occasional foray into stop-motion or live-action, SpongeBob consistently pushes the boundaries of what a cartoon can be. Over its long run, the show has remained a shining example of the creative potential of animation, as well as the enduring appeal of a truly lovable cast of characters.
- Actors: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Carolyn Lawrence
- Dig Deeper The Best SpongeBob Memes Of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The 30+ Best Current Shows On Nickelodeon
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The Best Episodes Of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ Ranked
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1Band Geeks4,968 Votes
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2Pizza Delivery3,942 Votes
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3The Camping Episode3,244 Votes
Tom and Jerry
A classic staple in the world of animation, Tom and Jerry has continued to captivate audiences for decades with its slapstick humor and escalating rivalry between a crafty mouse, Jerry, and determined cat, Tom. Seamlessly blending traditional animation techniques with ingenious visual gags, the show creates an irresistible sense of comedic timing that transcends language barriers and keeps viewers of all ages on the edge of their seats. Each episode is packed with beautifully animated and elaborate chase sequences that showcase the creators’ mastery of fluid motion and impeccable character design. Ultimately, Tom and Jerry stands as a testament to the limitless potential of animation in portraying complex emotions, physical humor, and timeless themes of rivalry and friendship.
- Actors: Tom Kenny, Rick Zieff, Gary Cole
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Cartoons From The ’90s, Ranked
- Also ranks #1 on The 170 Best Cartoon TV Shows
The Best Episodes Of ‘Tom and Jerry,’ Ranked
-
1The Yankee Doodle Mouse293 Votes
-
2Tee for Two346 Votes
-
3The Cat Concerto731 Votes
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is an impressive feat of storytelling, using its visually stunning animation to create a rich and diverse world inspired by real-life cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and elemental magic. The show masterfully weaves its intricate plotlines around a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive abilities, motivations, and growth, making it an engrossing experience from start to finish. Perhaps most memorable are the show’s fight scenes, which demonstrate a deep understanding of martial arts choreography and fluid animation techniques to bring their elemental battles to life in a way that is both thrilling and uniquely immersive. With its seamless blend of Eastern philosophical influences, strong character development, and impactful action sequences, Avatar: The Last Airbender has solidified its place among the greatest animated series of all time.
- Actors: Zachery Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dee Bradley Baker, Dante Basco
- Dig Deeper The Strongest Characters In ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ Ranked
- And Deeper The Best Aang Fights In ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
- Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
Looney Tunes
One of the most iconic cartoon franchises of all time, Looney Tunes has left an indelible mark on the world of animation through its innovative character design, classic slapstick humor, and unforgettable cast of lovable misfits. Featuring such legendary characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, the series set the standard for expressive animation, utilizing squash-and-stretch techniques to create hilariously exaggerated physical comedy and facial expressions that remain influential to this day. The show’s use of classical music, expertly synced to the action on screen, adds another layer of refinement and sophistication to its timeless appeal. In essence, Looney Tunes has earned its place in the annals of animation history for its pioneering techniques, memorable characters, and the sheer joy it has brought to generations of viewers.
- 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 #1 on The 420+ Best Kids Cartoons Of All Time
The Best Looney Tunes Characters of All Time, Ranked!
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1Bugs Bunny2,896 Votes
-
2Daffy Duck2,721 Votes
-
3Wile E. Coyote2,259 Votes
Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
A beloved classic that has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! stands out for its winning combination of mystery, humor, and memorable characters. The cartoon’s use of animation allows the show’s creators to devise a seemingly limitless variety of eerie locations and otherworldly creatures, providing an engaging backdrop for the sleuthing antics of Scooby and the gang. The show’s expertly crafted character dynamics and slapstick comedic moments bring levity to their spooky adventures, while the well-paced unraveling of each mystery keeps viewers in suspense until the very end. With its enduring charm, iconic Hanna-Barbera animation style, and clever storytelling, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! remains a standout example of animation’s power to create immersive, entertaining worlds.
- 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
Rick and Morty
Boldly pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, Rick and Morty has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon with its dark humor, complex narrative structure, and twisted exploration of science fiction tropes. The show’s use of animation allows for incredible creativity in the design of alternate dimensions, alien species, and even mind-bending alternate realities that would be nearly impossible to achieve in any other medium. Each frame features densely-packed visual details and Easter eggs that invite repeated viewings, all while maintaining consistently smooth animation and a colorful, vibrant art style. Rick and Morty stands as an inventive, challenging, and darkly entertaining animated series that showcases the strength of the medium as a storytelling platform.
- Actors: Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell
- Dig Deeper Every Rick From Rick & Morty, Ranked By Sheer Rickishness
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Adult Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
The Schwiftiest Rick and Morty Characters
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1Rick Sanchez2,273 Votes
-
2Morty Smith1,835 Votes
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3Pickle Rick1,652 Votes
SpongeBob SquarePants
With its zany characters, surrealist humor, and consistently inventive storylines, SpongeBob SquarePants has captured the imaginations of audiences young and old alike. Set in the colorful underwater world of Bikini Bottom, the series makes brilliant use of its aquatic setting to explore themes of friendship, work, and play in an entertaining and visually captivating way. Combining fluid animation with the occasional foray into stop-motion or live-action, SpongeBob consistently pushes the boundaries of what a cartoon can be. Over its long run, the show has remained a shining example of the creative potential of animation, as well as the enduring appeal of a truly lovable cast of characters.
- Actors: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, Carolyn Lawrence
- Dig Deeper The Best SpongeBob Memes Of All Time
- Also ranks #1 on The 30+ Best Current Shows On Nickelodeon
The Best Episodes Of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ Ranked
-
1Band Geeks4,968 Votes
-
2Pizza Delivery3,942 Votes
-
3The Camping Episode3,244 Votes
