Best 30 Cartoon Series of All Time

Drew KeyJuly 25, 2025

Cartoons have always been an essential part of childhood, offering entertainment, humor, and even lessons for people of all ages. Some series have stood the test of time, becoming beloved classics, while others have captivated new generations. From zany adventures to touching moments, here’s a list of the 30 best cartoon series of all time.

1. The Simpsons
The Simpsons is a cultural phenomenon, one of the longest-running and most influential animated series. It follows the lives of the Simpson family in the fictional town of Springfield. The series is known for its humor, satire, and the quirky dynamics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. A perfect blend of sharp wit and heartwarming moments.

2. SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants takes us to the underwater world of Bikini Bottom, where the eternally optimistic SpongeBob works at the Krusty Krab. With his friends Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward, SpongeBob embarks on hilarious and absurd adventures. This cartoon has become iconic for its quirky humor and memorable characters.
3. Tom and Jerry
The iconic cat-and-mouse chase between Tom and Jerry has entertained generations. Without much dialogue, the slapstick comedy of Tom trying (and often failing) to catch Jerry is both timeless and universally loved. Their endless rivalry continues to delight fans worldwide.
4. Avatar: The Last Airbender
This epic fantasy series follows Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar, tasked with bringing balance to a war-torn world. With stunning animation, a rich storyline, and memorable characters, it’s hailed as one of the greatest animated series of all time, mixing adventure, spirituality, and humor.
5. Looney Tunes
Looney Tunes introduced characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Elmer Fudd, making it a staple of animated comedy. These shorts blend humor, exaggerated action, and clever dialogue, often resulting in hilarious chaos. It’s a golden era of animation that’s beloved by many.
6. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Scooby-Doo and his gang of teenagers—Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma—solve spooky mysteries with a combination of comedy and mild scares. The series has seen many revivals, but the core premise of meddling kids and a talking Great Dane remains timeless.
7. Rick and Morty
A dark, twisted, and often philosophical animated series that follows mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his anxious grandson Morty as they travel through dimensions. “Rick and Morty” is known for its sharp wit, complex storytelling, and dark humor, appealing to adult audiences with its often mind-bending plots.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are four anthropomorphic turtles trained in ninjitsu by their rat sensei, Splinter. Their adventures include battling villains like Shredder while navigating their friendship and heroism. It’s a fun and action-packed series that has captured audiences across decades.
9. Adventure Time
In the post-apocalyptic land of Ooo, Finn the Human and Jake the Dog embark on surreal and often whimsical adventures. “Adventure Time” mixes humor, fantasy, and existential themes, offering a colorful and emotionally rich viewing experience for both children and adults.
10. Batman: The Animated Series
A visually stunning and mature series that captures the darker tone of Batman’s world. It’s considered one of the best adaptations of the superhero, blending crime-solving, action, and psychological depth in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
11. The Flintstones
Set in prehistoric times, “The Flintstones” follows the family of Fred and Wilma Flintstone, living in the town of Bedrock. This family-friendly sitcom has a stone-age twist with humorous modern-day parallels, offering slapstick humor and sharp commentary on suburban life.
12. The Powerpuff Girls
Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup are three superpowered girls created by Professor Utonium to protect Townsville from evil. With their unique personalities and powers, they take on villains with charm and energy, offering an exciting and empowering show for young viewers.
13. Family Guy
Family Guy is an irreverent and often controversial animated sitcom that follows the dysfunctional Griffin family. With its satirical humor, cultural references, and cutaway gags, it has developed a dedicated fanbase and sparked debates for its audacious content.
14. Futurama
From the creator of “The Simpsons,” “Futurama” follows the adventures of Fry, a man from the 20th century who is frozen and wakes up in the future. The series blends futuristic sci-fi concepts with sharp humor, and its exploration of time, space, and identity makes it a cult classic.
15. The Jetsons
A futuristic counterpart to “The Flintstones,” “The Jetsons” offers a humorous look at life in a space-age society. With flying cars, robots, and household gadgets, it imagines a world of technology, convenience, and hilarity while focusing on the Jetson family’s everyday life.
16. Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend the summer with their eccentric Grunkle Stan in a mysterious town. The series is known for its blend of supernatural intrigue, comedy, and character-driven storytelling, making it a standout for all ages.
17. Spirited Away (Movie Series)
Though it’s a movie and not a series, “Spirited Away” by Studio Ghibli has influenced the world of animation greatly. The film follows Chihiro as she navigates a world of spirits and strange creatures. Its blend of wonder, mystery, and stunning animation sets it apart as one of the best animated works.
18. Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z follows Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from powerful enemies. With its epic battles, power-ups, and memorable characters, it became one of the most influential anime series worldwide, building a massive fanbase that spans generations.
19. DuckTales
The adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie are filled with treasure hunts, action-packed adventures, and comical moments. “DuckTales” has become a beloved series, with its catchy theme song and unforgettable characters.
20. Pinky and the Brain
Pinky and Brain are two lab mice with grand plans to take over the world. The “Pinky and the Brain” series mixes clever humor with the recurring plot of their never-ending schemes. Brain’s complex intelligence contrasts hilariously with Pinky’s dim-witted antics.
21. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Chip and Dale lead a group of animal friends known as the Rescue Rangers, solving mysteries and stopping villains. The series combines adventure and humor while showcasing teamwork, making it a memorable 90s classic.
22. The Wild Thornberrys
Eliza Thornberry has the unique ability to talk to animals, leading to numerous adventures around the world with her family. “The Wild Thornberrys” mixes environmental themes with exciting, animal-filled escapades.
23. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Prince Adam transforms into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe, to protect Eternia from the evil Skeletor. This action-packed series became a beloved icon in the 80s and continues to influence pop culture today.
24. Kim Possible
Kim Possible is a teenage girl who balances high school with fighting crime as a secret agent. Full of action, humor, and girl power, Kim Possible is a groundbreaking series that has remained a favorite among fans.
25. Arthur
Arthur is an educational animated series that follows Arthur Read, an aardvark, through life lessons, school, and friendships. Its relatable stories and messages about empathy, kindness, and perseverance made it a standout show for children.
26. The Angry Beavers
Two beaver brothers, Norbert and Daggett, live in the woods and constantly get into hilarious situations. Known for its quirky humor and oddball characters, “The Angry Beavers” became a cult favorite for those who love absurd animation.
27. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Aimed at young children, this series follows Mickey Mouse and his friends as they solve problems and complete tasks using “Mouseketools.” Its educational approach and engaging format make it a go-to for preschoolers.
28. Bojack Horseman
A dark comedy series that follows BoJack, a washed-up TV star, and his struggles with depression, addiction, and identity. “BoJack Horseman” combines humor with serious themes of self-worth and the complexities of fame.
29. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
Billy and Mandy, two mischievous children, win the Grim Reaper as their best friend in a bet. The series balances dark humor with absurdity and features a variety of strange, supernatural occurrences.
30. Masha and the Bear
A Russian animated series that follows the adventures of a curious little girl named Masha and her bear friend. With its simple storylines and gentle humor, “Masha and the Bear” has gained popularity among children worldwide.

From classic slapstick to modern, sophisticated humor, these cartoons showcase the diverse world of animation. Whether you’re nostalgic for the shows of your childhood or discovering them for the first time, each of these series has earned its spot as one of the best of all time.

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