As someone who grew up in the golden age of cartoons, I can confidently say that these three animated series stand out among the rest. Each one offers a unique blend of humor, action, and adventure that has left an indelible mark on my childhood memories.
Choosing the standout ’90s and early 2000s cartoons seems like an insurmountable challenge. But, much like Batman, we need to tackle our doubts to emerge victorious. The abundance of top-notch series from this period makes the task daunting. Shows such as “Biker Mice from Mars” and “Captain Planet and the Planeteers,” which may not make it into most people’s Top 10 or 20, are still treasured by Gen Xers and millennials for their unique appeal.
To clarify the criteria used for this ranked list, let me break it down. Initially, Rotten Tomatoes scores play a significant role. Shows included here must earn positive reviews from both critics and viewers, giving room for exceptions in case of shows that some might consider as “wet blankets.” Afterward, our Looper team discusses the arrangement and inclusion of various series. For instance, one editor passionately advocated for “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which meant we had to reconsider other potential inclusions. Furthermore, being among the most costly animated series in TV history doesn’t automatically guarantee a spot on this list.
Right away, let’s dive into some top-notch picks from the realm of 90s and early 2000s animated shows!
14. Futurama
At first glance, “Futurama” might be written off as just the future version of “The Simpsons,” but Matt Groening’s acclaimed creation remains fresh and funny even after many years. The story revolves around Philip J. Fry (played by Billy West), who accidentally gets frozen for a thousand years and wakes up in the year 2999. He lands a job as a delivery boy at Planet Express, where he encounters Leela (Katey Sagal), a one-eyed captain, and Bender (John DiMaggio), a mad robot. Together, they navigate the zany antics that come with their everyday work life in space.
Initially, the debut of “Futurama” spanned from 1999 to 2003. After a brief hiatus, it came back for further escapades but eventually stopped again. In 2023, Fry and his eccentric companions made their reappearance on Hulu for another chapter in their story. Unlike “The Simpsons,” “Futurama” seems to have an innate understanding of when it’s time to move on, taking breaks to keep its viewers eagerly anticipating its return.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden days of Futurama, particularly episodes like “Godfellas,” which had Bender tumbling through space, only to be transformed into a celestial abode for alien creatures called Shrimpkins. They worshipped him as a deity! This iconic series boasts an impressive 86% critical approval rating and a staggering 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that it’s not just me who finds it brilliant!
13. Danny Phantom
Produced by Butch Hartman, known for “The Fairly OddParents”, the series “Danny Phantom” is not always given the recognition it deserves as an exceptional and innovative superhero show. Airing from 2004 to 2007 across three seasons, it made a lasting impact on its fans who were captivated by Danny Fenton (voiced by David Kaufman), a teenager who transforms into half-ghost, half-human after entering the Ghost Portal. With his new spectral abilities and under the alias of Danny Phantom, he protects his town from various malevolent supernatural threats.
In a critique of the initial season of the series, MTV noted similarities between “Danny Phantom” and “Spider-Man,” stating that Danny’s character mirrors Peter Parker in balancing his life as a middle school student with his supernatural abilities, encountering malicious spirits, bullies, and even parents who are ghost hunters on the verge of discovering him. This comparison seems fitting, and it’s not hard to imagine Spider-Man fans developing an affinity for Danny and his companions too. Over its three seasons, “Danny Phantom” has generally received positive reviews from critics and boasts an 84% approval rating among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
12. Avatar: The Last Airbender
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how “Avatar: The Last Airbender” strikes that perfect balance. It never loses its direction, neatly tying up every plot point it introduces in a way that leaves you feeling contented. Despite having only three seasons from 2005 to 2008, each season brilliantly charts the growth of characters like Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), who is our Avatar and strives for harmony among the Nations, as well as his companions Katara (Mae Whitman), Sokka (Jack De Senna), and Zuko (Dante Basco), the Fire Nation’s prince.
Vanity Fair showered Avatar: The Last Airbender with high praise, commending its ability to align audience expectations and then surpass them in an unforeseen manner. It’s no wonder that the series boasts a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer and 99% on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as not just a fantastic animated show but essential television for all viewers.
11. Spider-Man
Spider-Man loves to spin webs, including in the complexity of his stories. From clones to multiple versions of villains and the endless symbiote sagas, how does anyone keep track of what’s happening in the Spidey lore? Fortunately, 1994’s “Spider-Man,” or “Spider-Man: The Animated Series,” as it’s often referred to, untangles the convoluted narratives to provide an easy-to-follow storyline that covers multiple eras of the Web-Head across five seasons. In addition, it features a sensational voice cast: Christopher Daniel Barnes establishes himself as the voice of Spidey for a generation and he’s complemented by the likes of Edward Asner as J. Jonah Jameson, Hank Azaria as Venom, Roscoe Lee Browne as the Kingpin, and Mark Hamill as Hobgoblin.
In numerous aspects, “Spider-Man” paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe by featuring other Marvel characters like the Punisher, X-Men, Captain America, and Blade. These characters weren’t just used as eye-catching cameos; they played significant roles within the storylines. Also, the live-action version of Michael Morbius from the animated series is expected to have his moment in the spotlight without needing extra time, like “Morbin’ time.
Without a doubt, among all “Spider-Man” animated series, this particular one stands out as the best of the best. Want more convincing evidence? The first season of the show boasts an outstanding 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
10. The Powerpuff Girls
In the late 90s, Cartoon Network debuted several iconic shows, including “Cow and Chicken,” “Dexter’s Laboratory,” and “The Powerpuff Girls.” While all three are remarkable series, I’m partial to “The Powerpuff Girls” due to its enduring popularity. The show initially ran for six seasons, featuring the heroic trio of Blossom (Cathy Cavadini), Bubbles (Tara Strong), and Buttercup (E.G. Daily) as they defended Townsville. In 2016, the series was rebooted, proving its lasting influence. Moreover, who could forget the antagonist Mojo Jojo (Roger L. Jackson), a villainous chimp whose evil schemes were consistently thwarted by the girls, who were created from a combination of sugar, spice, everything nice, and Chemical X?
The debut season of this series boasts a full 100% critical acclaim and an 87% audience appreciation on Rotten Tomatoes. When it initially aired in 1998, a critic from L.A. Weekly enthusiastically praised the show, saying, “With its vibrant colors, elegant designs, and the world being saved twice every half-hour, what more could one want?” Indeed, as they stated, “The Powerpuff Girls” is nothing short of flawless.
9. Gargoyles
In the mid-’90s, there was a flood of cartoons featuring superheroes. Out of nowhere in 1994 emerged an original series called “Gargoyles.” This show, slightly more sophisticated than others, introduced us to a band of stone-like creatures known as Gargoyles who woke up in New York City after a thousand years. During the day, they turned into stone statues, but at night they came alive to protect the city from evil. Notable voice actors in this show included Keith David, Frank Welker, CCH Pounder, along with several cast members from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” such as Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, and Brent Spiner.
The show ran for just three seasons, but unexpectedly, the O.J. Simpson trial influenced its cancellation by Disney’s “Gargoyles.” Remarkably, the series has left a lasting impact and retains a dedicated fanbase who have not forgotten it over time. Intriguingly, creator Greg Weisman resumed writing a comic book sequel for Dynamite Entertainment in 2022. On Rotten Tomatoes, the debut season scored a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer, while the entire series received an 85% rating on the Popcornmeter.
8. Batman Beyond
Fans of superheroes aren’t typically welcoming to change or flexible with their favorite characters. So, if someone proposed that Bruce Wayne would no longer be Batman and a new character named Terry McGinnis would take over, the concern among fans would be immense. In this future scenario, an aged Bruce Wayne assumes the role of Alfred Pennyworth, assisting Terry as he dons a high-tech Batsuit to protect Neo-Gotham. If “Batman Beyond” were to premiere in 2024, Twitter (previously known as X) might erupt in discussion and debate.
1999 saw the show taking the goodwill from “Batman: The Animated Series” and further developing it, growing the mythos of Batman and offering new grounds for comic book exploration. It’s undeniable that this achievement is due to the return of the “Batman” team – Paul Dini, Alan Burnett, Bruce Timm, along with Kevin Conroy, who remains the iconic voice of Batman till today. Additionally, Conroy and Will Friedle formed a noteworthy partnership, with Friedle bringing a youthful energy and cool vibe to Terry.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the animated series “Batman Beyond” garnered a flawless critic rating and a 94% approval from viewers. Therefore, it seems like the perfect moment for DC to produce a live-action film based on this popular show.
7. Kim Possible
As soon as Christina Milian’s “Call Me, Beep Me” plays the opening theme for “Kim Possible,” it’s impossible to tear your eyes away from the screen. This delightful Disney cartoon chronicles the thrilling escapades of Kim Possible (Christy Carlson Romano), a high school student who moonlights as a crime-fighter. She doesn’t fight alone, though, with her friends Ron Stoppable (Will Friedle), the intelligent Wade Load (Tahj Mowry), and Rufus, Ron’s mole rat companion (voiced by Nancy Cartwright) by her side.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette effectively explained why the show “Kim Possible” gained such widespread appeal: it was likened to a blend of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Sydney Bristow from “Alias”, with a dash of vibrant colors, resulting in Disney Channel’s catchy new animated series featuring an action-packed girl protagonist. (Rob Owen’s words)
The animated series “Kim Possible” garnered mainly favorable feedback from reviewers and boasts an impressive 86% rating among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In the year 2019, this beloved franchise made a comeback in the form of a live-action movie.
6. Animaniacs
Blending the physical humor of classic cartoons with sharp wit and suggestive jokes, “Animaniacs” struck a balance captivating both children and adults. The undeniable leads were Yakko (Rob Paulsen), Wakko (Jess Harnell), and Dot Warner (Tress MacNeille). However, secondary characters like the Goodfeathers, Slappy Squirrel, and Pinky and the Brain also left lasting impacts on viewers. Notably, Pinky and the Brain gained immense popularity, so much so that they starred in their own spin-off series where they attempt world domination every night.
On Rotten Tomatoes, “Animaniacs” Season 1 scored a flawless 100% on the Tomatometer and an impressive 91% on the Popcornmeter. The appeal of this series, which spanned five seasons from 1993 to 1998, remains strong in today’s era. Viewers who watch it now will still find themselves laughing at the jokes. In fact, one might marvel at how the creators managed to bypass the strict censors of the ’90s given all the subtle adult humor hidden within “Animaniacs.
5. Teen Titans
Initially, we had just “Teen Titans” before the advent of “Teen Titans Go!”. Although not as whimsical or absurd as its follow-up, this animated series laid the groundwork with an art style inspired by anime that complemented its engaging storytelling. One aspect that makes the show stand out is the bond and chemistry among the Titans – Robin (Scott Menville), Starfire (Hynden Walch), Raven (Tara Strong), Beast Boy (Greg Cipes), and Cyborg (Khary Payton) each bring unique qualities to the team. Unlike many DC series and films, these characters don’t rely on Batman or Superman; they’re self-sufficient. Lastly, Ron Perlman’s portrayal of Slade, often referred to as Deathstroke (though not named as such in this series), excels as the recurring antagonist with his ominous and cunning nature.
Initially airing in 2003, the series ran for five seasons until concluding in 2006. It was followed by a movie titled “Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo,” which served as both a final episode and a film adaptation. The “Teen Titans” show garnered an impressive 92% approval rating from critics and 93% satisfaction among viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s important to note that this was one of those series that improved over time with each new season.
4. X-Men: The Animated Series
Is there an animated television show that boasts an exceptional theme song? If your answer doesn’t include “X-Men: The Animated Series,” you might be mistaken. This show breaks away from the usual lighthearted cartoons of the ’90s with its deep and meaningful themes about acceptance and social justice. It fearlessly tackles significant societal issues, as Professor Xavier and his group of mutants, each endowed with extraordinary abilities, strive to protect both humans and mutants, promoting unity. With an impressive 83% critical approval and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, this series continues to stand out.
Despite appearing somewhat outdated now and some cost-cutting measures evident in later seasons, “X-Men: The Animated Series” still holds its original power for numerous viewers. It serves as the definitive portrayal of the X-Men, making it accessible for newcomers. Following closely was “X-Men ’97,” a series that’s been praised as a successful revival of the classic show, with some even considering it superior to the original.
3. SpongeBob SquarePants
Considering the long-standing impact of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” which debuted in 1999, it’s difficult to debate its inclusion. This animated series, set in a unique underwater world known as Bikini Bottom, has transcended being merely a television show. It’s become an integral part of our pop culture, resulting in numerous merchandise, video games, films, comic books, and a dedicated fanbase. The story follows the adventures of SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny), joined by his eccentric friends like Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke), Squidward (Rodger Bumpass), and Mr. Krab (Clancy Brown). With their offbeat antics, there’s never a shortage of excitement in this series!
It’s clear that not everyone might appreciate the witty humor in “SpongeBob SquarePants,” but it’s indisputable that this show has paved the way for animation genre and left an impact on shows like “Loud House” and “Adventure Time.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the debut season of “SpongeBob” came very close to a double perfect score, earning 100% on the Tomatometer and 98% on the Popcornmeter.
2. Samurai Jack
In terms of distinctive storytelling, nothing surpasses the creativity of “Samurai Jack,” which was conceived by Genndy Tartakovsky, the genius behind “Dexter’s Laboratory.” The narrative revolves around a demon named Aku who sends a samurai prince wielding a mystical sword into a nightmarish world. In this new realm, the warrior is called Jack and embarks on a quest to find his way back through time to vanquish Aku and restore tranquility to his kingdom. The voice acting team includes Phil LaMarr as Jack and the late Mako as Aku.
Samurai Jack” is a unique show that draws influence from traditional animated series, manga, and cyberpunk elements, resulting in a blend that stands out distinctly on television screens. This fusion of ideas proves effective, solidifying itself as one of the most creatively groundbreaking cartoons ever produced. The Television Academy also recognized its innovative spirit, bestowing it with eight Emmy Awards for its bold vision and exceptional execution.
Initially, the series “Samurai Jack” was broadcast for four seasons spanning from 2001 to 2004. Yet, it got an additional fifth season that served as its finale in 2017. With a 93% rating on the Tomatometer and 96% on the Popcornmeter, “Samurai Jack” has earned high praise.
1. Batman: The Animated Series
Is there any question about it? “Batman: The Animated Series” continues to set the benchmark for all Batman tales and serves as a model of quality in animated shows. This series captures the essence of both Bruce Wayne and Batman, portraying how he struggles with the internal conflict of his dual identities. Furthermore, this version of Gotham City and its inhabitants is remarkably well-developed, with stories that aren’t shy about exploring more complex villains like Two-Face and Catwoman. It’s also worth mentioning that the voice actors deliver outstanding performances, particularly Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker, who are widely regarded as the epitome of these characters.
Back in 1992, “Batman: The Animated Series” revolutionized the superhero TV show landscape with its Art Deco aesthetic and richer storylines compared to most shows of the era. This groundbreaking cartoon has garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and fans on Rotten Tomatoes, but such praise barely scratches the surface of its enduring impact. It’s safe to say that the genre wouldn’t be where it is today without this show’s innovative steps. As far as animated series go, it’s widely considered the best ever made, and it may never be surpassed.
In the mood to read about more ‘toons? Check out the 50 best kids shows of the 2000s ranked.
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2024-10-14 14:31