As a lifelong cartoon enthusiast and animation aficionado who’s spent countless hours poring over every frame of these shows, I can confidently say that “Cowboy Bebop” is one of the most exceptional animated series ever created. This show transcended its genre and captured the hearts of fans around the world with its masterful blend of science fiction, noir, and jazz.
Animation often doesn’t receive the recognition it should, yet it’s a beloved form of television for people of all ages. While American production studios have historically categorized animation as a specialized genre, typically focused on comedy and children’s content, the potential of this medium goes far beyond these limitations. In reality, the top-tier animated shows on TV today can rival live-action series in terms of quality.
This collection primarily focuses on episodic animated television series, whether aired on TV, video, or streaming platforms, excluding animated movies or short films (thus, no “Looney Tunes” as they were produced for theaters). The range of content was broad: action shows and comedies, cartoons suitable for children and adults alike, American animations, and Japanese anime.
To determine our list, we balanced personal preference with a show’s cultural influence, gave priority to exceptional moments over sustained brilliance across multiple seasons, and compared programs that catered to diverse genres. Therefore, here it is – these remarkable animated series, organized in order, represent the crème de la crème of cartoons throughout history.
18. Gravity Falls
Nestled between the realms of “The Simpsons” and “The X-Files,” “Gravity Falls” stands out as a quirkier, funnier, and more intricate animated series than one might anticipate from Disney. The show is brimming with unsolved mysteries, detailed world-building, and numerous hidden cryptographic clues, making it irresistible to fans of all ages who lean towards geekdom. However, beneath its labyrinthine lore and supernatural antics, “Gravity Falls” tells a heartfelt story that resonates deeply with viewers about the trials and tribulations of growing up. The creator, Alex Hirsch, drew upon his personal experiences to craft the characters of Dipper and Mabel – Dipper, the intellectually anxious kid yearning for respect, and Mabel, the energetic artist who cherishes her youth – who react differently to the struggles of being 12, yet rely on each other to navigate the summer of Weirdmageddon.
- Starring: Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal, Alex Hirsch
- Creator: Alex Hirsch
- Year: 2012-2016
- Episodes: 41
- Rating: TV-Y7
- IMDb Score: 8.9
17. Invader ZIM
Alongside shows like ‘The Ren & Stimpy Show’ and ‘Rocko’s Modern Life,’ ‘Invader ZIM’ left fans wondering how it managed to air on Nickelodeon, given its creator Jhonen Vasquez was known for his dark comic book series ‘Johnny the Homicidal Maniac.’ It’s astonishing that he was able to incorporate so much body horror and a Cronenbergian feel into a kids’ show! Despite being canceled midway through its second season, the unique blend of twisted humor, charm from ZIM’s malfunctioning robot GIR, and the show’s lasting popularity among the Hot Topic crowd kept it relevant. To this day, ‘Invader ZIM’ remains as fresh and its cynical satire seems more fitting than ever in a world that appears to be doomed by human stupidity.
- Starring: Richard Horvitz, Rikki Simons, Andy Berman
- Creator: Jhonen Vasquez
- Year: 2001-2006
- Episodes: 28
- Rating: TV-Y7
- IMDb Score: 8.4
16. Arcane
As a dedicated viewer, I must admit that “Arcane” stands out in my animation rotation like no other. Unlike most shows in its genre, it boasts episodes running between 39 and 44 minutes – a format less common in animation but gaining traction with series such as this, “Invincible”, and “Blue Eye Samurai”. What makes “Arcane” unique is that it’s the only production on our list created predominantly using 3D animation. While budget constraints and schedules often hinder the quality of 3D animations in TV productions, French animation studio Fortiche managed to create one of the most visually stunning streaming series ever after six years of development for Season 1 and an impressive $250 million budget that covers both seasons.
- Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro
- Creator: Christian Linke, Alex Yee
- Year: 2021-2024
- Episodes: 18
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 9.0
15. Animaniacs
Few television cartoons have matched the unbridled comedic genius of the classic “Looney Tunes” shorts from the Golden Age, but “Animaniacs” came close to many. Created by Tom Ruegger and overseen by Steven Spielberg, it expanded on their previous success with “Tiny Toon Adventures,” offering a wildly eccentric variety show featuring slapstick humor, memorable educational songs, and a degree of adult wit that few children’s shows dare to tackle. Kids who grew up watching “Animaniacs” were exposed to pop culture references before they even understood what was being parodied. Not every episode was a hit, but it was always enjoyable to watch Yakko, Wakko, and Dot push authority figures to their limits. The offbeat spin-off “Pinky and the Brain” is worthy of mention, but never quite reached the heights of “Animaniacs.
- Starring: Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille
- Creator: Tom Ruegger
- Year: 1993-1998
- Episodes: 99
- Rating: TV-Y7
- IMDb Score: 7.9
14. Fruits Basket (2019)
Anime centered on shojo themes are frequently underestimated in “greatest cartoons of all time” rankings, but the 2019 adaptation of Natsuki Takaya’s manga series “Fruits Basket” merits exceptional acclaim (though the initial 2001 series is cherished by many, it only covered approximately a third of the narrative). This romantic comedy with a fantastical twist – where characters transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by those of the opposite gender – shares some comedic traits with the absurd humor of “Ranma 1/2,” but its comedy is merely a small part of its overall brilliance. Be prepared to shed tears while watching “Fruits Basket,” as it develops into a profound psychological examination of dysfunctional families and the journey towards healing from trauma. The heroine, an orphaned girl named Tohru Honda, serves as an inspiration through her unwavering compassion 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
The long-running series “Bob’s Burgers” earns its place on this list by maintaining a consistent level of humor and charm over 15 seasons. A show that has managed to stay this amusing and endearing is clearly doing something right. Unlike the more outrageous or ambitious “The Simpsons,” “Bob’s Burgers” appeals through its relatable storyline about a struggling family running a burger restaurant. The quirky traits of the Belcher family, such as Bob conversing with his burgers, Linda singing spontaneously, Tina writing erotic stories, Gene speaking whatever crosses his mind, and Louise causing mischief, have become a weekly comfort for viewers. One unique aspect of the show is that many of its voice actors record their scenes together, which gives it an improvisational style that sets it apart from most animated series.
- Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Kristen Schaal
- Creator: Loren Bouchard
- Year: 2011-present
- Episodes: 282+
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.2
12. Samurai Jack
Genndy Tartakovsky, known for hit cartoons such as “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “Primal,” and “The Powerpuff Girls,” is arguably one of the most accomplished TV animation directors in America today. His magnum opus, “Samurai Jack,” tells an epic tale of a ronin seeking to return to the past and vanquish the malevolent force ruling over a bleak future dystopia. The majority of “Samurai Jack” episodes have straightforward plots and minimal dialogue, relying instead on stunning visual storytelling. With its breathtaking animation and heart-pounding action, “Samurai Jack” requires no elaborate narrative to captivate audiences. Its innovative approach to storytelling made it seem more sophisticated than typical Cartoon Network shows, making the transition to Adult Swim for the later seasons a fitting progression.
- 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 Score: 8.5
11. Over the Garden Wall
Over the Garden Wall,” an Emmy-winning Cartoon Network miniseries, beautifully encapsulates the essence of autumn more effectively than most other media. It’s a tradition to watch it every year when leaves turn brown and the air becomes chilly, due to its stunning visuals and enchanting soundtrack that embody a nostalgic Americana feel. The series is set during Halloween season, offering a blend of adorable and eerie elements that make it perfect for this time of year.
- Starring: Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey
- Creator: Patrick McHale
- Year: 2014
- Episodes: 10
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 8.8
10. FLCL
The story of “FLCL” is quite unique: A boy encounters a girl, she whacks him with a guitar, leading to a robot emerging from his head. This girl then embarks on a quest for a pirate king, and a giant hand attempts to smooth out everyone’s brain creases. Sounds familiar? Yes, it’s another one of those! Initially, the plot can be hard to follow when you first watch “FLCL”, but its eccentric animation (created by artists who later worked on shows like “Gurren Lagann” and “Kill La Kill”) and fantastic music by The Pillows make it a delight to revisit. As the initial surprise subsides, you’ll discover a somewhat poignant coming-of-age narrative hidden within. Adult Swim collaborated on four sequel series, with varying levels of success – from decent to major letdowns. However, the original remains standalone and captivating.
- Starring: Jun Mizuki, Mayumi Shintani, Izumi Kasagi
- Creator: Kazuya Tsurumaki
- Year: 2000-2001
- Episodes: 6
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.1
9. SpongeBob SquarePants
In today’s fragmented cultural milieu, it’s strangely enchanting to observe various age groups engaging in deep conversations using lines from the iconic cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Although fame doesn’t always guarantee quality, when a show as bizarre as this has maintained popularity for 25 years, it often suggests there is something special about it. “SpongeBob” is undeniably funny and exudes an uplifting spirit that everyone yearns to embody in their lives—and when that’s not feasible, Squidward resonates with us more deeply. The initial three seasons, overseen by the show’s late creator Stephen Hillenburg, remain the best, but modern “SpongeBob” still deserves recognition for allowing its artists greater freedom to explore a more cartoony style than anything else on television today.
- Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass
- Creator: Stephen Hillenberg
- Year: 1999-present
- Episodes: 322+
- Rating: TV-Y7
- IMDb Score: 8.2
8. Steven Universe
In creating “Steven Universe,” Rebecca Sugar aimed to blur the lines between shows traditionally labeled as “boy” and “girl.” The character Steven, half-human son of the leader Crystal Gem Rose Quartz, embodies positive masculinity, unafraid to express his feelings, resolve conflicts peacefully, and admire the powerful Gems who present in a feminine manner. The relationships between the Gems introduced groundbreaking queer representation within children’s programming, making a significant impact on many LGBTQ+ viewers. This animated series boasts stunning visuals, memorable music, a witty sense of humor, and clever plot developments. However, it is the show’s emotional intelligence (a trait also evident in the spin-off “Steven Universe Future”) that elevates it from exceptional entertainment to a modern masterpiece.
- Starring: Zach Callison, Deedee Magno Hall, Estelle
- Creator: Rebecca Sugar
- Year: 2013-2019
- Episodes: 155
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 8.2
7. Batman: The Animated Series
Bruce Timm’s DC Animated Universe series are all worthy of accolades, but it’s “Batman: The Animated Series” that revolutionized American action cartoons. Its distinctive designs enabled deeper, more evocative animation, inspired by Art Deco and German Expressionism, a stark contrast to shows like “He-Man” and “G.I. Joe.” While it did sell toys (it was Batman after all), the emphasis wasn’t primarily on advertising; instead, it focused on telling engaging stories suitable for all ages. Kevin Conroy’s portrayal of Batman is often hailed as the finest, and who doesn’t associate The Joker with Mark Hamill’s chilling laugh? Furthermore, “Batman: The Animated Series” was instrumental in shaping the future of its comic book origins, with characters like Harley Quinn.
- Starring: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
- Creator: Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski
- Year: 1992-1995
- Episodes: 85
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 9.0
6. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Back in the 2000s, a lot of American cartoons mimicked anime’s visual style, but “Avatar: The Last Airbender” took it up a notch by heavily borrowing from anime’s serialized narrative structure. This fantastic fantasy saga continues to captivate young and old viewers alike. Unlike many Nickelodeon shows, it tackles some heavy topics like war, genocide, and imperialism, but it never loses sight of the fact that our protagonists are just kids. Even in tough times, Avatar Aang and the show itself keep a playful spirit. The creators delved deep into Asian and Native American cultures while designing the four nations, and the elemental bending looks as cool as it does because it’s based on real martial arts schools. Hollywood has tried to bring “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to live-action multiple times, but those attempts only reinforce why this story works best in animation.
- Starring: Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Dante Basco
- Creator: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
- Year: 2005-2008
- Episodes: 62
- Rating: TV-Y7
- IMDb Score: 9.3
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Some will say that #5 is too 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 very ability to provoke such intense emotion is proof of its undeniable artistic power. Whether or not you like Shinji Ikari, a depressed 14-year-old who’d really rather not get in the robot, it’s impossible not to empathize with him. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” tells a story about the end of the world, filled with convoluted sci-fi lore and religious symbolism of dubious meaning, but it’s the psychological and emotional conflicts that fill it with meaning. What starts off as one of most entertaining “monster of the week” anime shows ever evolves into one of television’s most daring and ambitious works of art (and if you’re baffled by the ending of “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” here’s an explainer).
- Starring: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura
- Creator: Hideaki Anno
- Year: 1995-1996
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.5
4. Adventure Time
Since its debut in Nickelodeon’s pilot that gained popularity online before Cartoon Network took it for a full series, “Adventure Time” stood out with its unique charm. Over 10 seasons and various spin-offs, the cartoon crafted by Pendleton Ward took viewers on an unexpected journey none could have foreseen at the start. Ranging from 10-year-olds to college professors, everyone found something special in it for their own reasons. It’s a remarkable series that could be as whimsical as “SpongeBob SquarePants” and profound like a Hayao Miyazaki film simultaneously. Much like Jake the Dog, “Adventure Time” showcased flexibility in all directions; similarly, Finn the Human grew up alongside its audience mirroring their journey. Among other cartoons listed here, this one best illustrates the boundless creative power of animation as an art form. The fun continues!
- Starring: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Tom Kenny
- Creator: Pendleton Ward
- Year: 2010-2018
- Episodes: 289
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 8.6
3. Cowboy Bebop
Shinichiro Watanabe is renowned for creating excellent anime, yet none have had the lasting impact as “Cowboy Bebop”. Could any animated series ever be this stylish? The character of Spike Spiegel, an outer space bounty hunter, could easily grace the pages of a dictionary. Yoko Kanno’s jazz fusion soundtrack is exceptional, with the opening theme “Tank!” often hailed as the greatest in anime history. Despite some outdated CG effects, the visuals and animation still surpass 99% of contemporary anime. The episodic storytelling encompasses a variety of themes and moods – one week it might evoke classic film noir, the next a vibrant blaxploitation spoof – while the overarching narrative adds depth to its characters through existential struggles. Watching “Cowboy Bebop”, you wish it would never end, but it concludes its 26-episode journey with a fitting (and poignant) finale.
- Starring: Koichi Yamadera, Unsho Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara
- Creator: Shinichiro Watanabe
- Year: 1998-1999
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.9
2. BoJack Horseman
The animated series ‘BoJack Horseman’ showcases how the Netflix binge format can enhance a program. Initially, it captivates with its witty humor, but soon unveils unexpected emotional depth. Over six seasons, the character BoJack Horseman, a washed-up sitcom actor, finds himself alongside Tony Soprano and Walter White as unforgettable antiheroes you can’t help but watch despite their repelling qualities. The show delves deeply into themes like depression, generational trauma, and redemption, creating some of the saddest episodes in television history. However, it doesn’t forget to be funny, with clever animal puns, Hollywood references, and every Todd subplot! ‘BoJack Horseman’ redefined adult animation, and it’s hard to deny its claim for the top spot on this list.
- Starring: Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins
- Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
- Year: 2014-2020
- Episodes: 77
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.8
1. The Simpsons
People can debate how much “The Simpsons” has declined from its classic era and if it’s “good again,” but the following statement shouldn’t be controversial: For at least the first eight seasons, “The Simpsons” was the funniest thing on TV, changing the mediums of both animation and television forever. When it began, a cartoon in primetime was a risk, dysfunctional families were controversial material, and Bart’s “eat my shorts” rebelliousness sent parents’ groups and even the President into shock. Today, it’s weird to imagine how anyone got offended by what’s at heart a sweet and good-natured show, with characters who love each other even if they get on each other’s nerves. With an extensive array of pop culture references and possibly the highest laugh-per-minute ratio in TV history, the best “Simpsons” episodes are built for rewatching, memeing, and obsessive quoting. It’s the greatest cartoon of all time, and it will take something truly special to dethrone it.
- Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer
- Creator: Matt Groening
- Year: 1989-present
- Episodes: 776+
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.7
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2024-11-23 18:31