Each viewer has their own thoughts on what the greatest cartoons of all time are. Although various animated series possess unique qualities that attract audiences, certain cartoons have resonated with larger audiences and significantly influenced pop culture.

Cartoons like Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, and Pokémon have left a lasting impact on viewers over the years, adapting to contemporary culture while remaining timeless. Similarly, shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Last Airbender are beloved by children and still appreciated by adult audiences. These series are among the most iconic cartoons in history.

Revised on February 3, 2025, by Robert Vaux: Cartoons have become an essential aspect of society, just like live-action media. They are no longer solely for children; now, individuals of all ages appreciate the animated format. The most popular cartoons rank among the finest television offerings, and we have refreshed this list to include even more exceptional cartoons.

“Archer”

During the first three seasons of Archer, no other comedy on television featured writing as clever. The jokes transitioned seamlessly from one to the next, leading to a series filled with continuous laughter from start to finish. This set a standard that was hard to meet, but even when Archer dipped from its earlier peaks, it still outshined most other shows thanks to its exceptional character dynamics.

That might explain why “Archer” lasted for more than thirteen seasons. The dysfunctional group of co-workers who managed to remain friends despite their jobs being repeatedly in jeopardy was simply entertaining. It was always enjoyable to see how they found new ways to barely scrape by and continue on their journey.

“Regular Show”

When considering the top Cartoon Network series of the 2010s, Regular Show is often one of the first that is mentioned. Similar to other great cartoons, it doesn’t revolve around a significant plot; rather, it follows the antics of Mordecai and Rigby, two friends who serve as groundskeepers at a nearby park. They spend their time goofing around, whether they’re on or off the job, and their antics either irritate or entertain their coworkers.

Regular Show was cherished for its imaginative storytelling during Mordecai and Rigby’s escapades. By allowing the writing to mature slightly, the show tackled more daring themes and humor, making it enjoyable for kids while being even more entertaining for teens and adults. Its widespread affection has led to its revival, happening in less than ten years after its cancellation.

“Beavis and Butt-Head”

Through the MTV series Beavis and Butt-Head, Mike Judge had already crafted a classic that resonated with the “slacker generation.” However, with King of the Hill, Judge and his collaborator Greg Daniels produced something even more significant: a cartoon that blue-collar families across America could relate to. The series established a successful formula that allowed it to continue for more than ten years.

King of the Hill was successful for several reasons, starting with its respectful portrayal of blue-collar workers and small-town residents. Unlike other shows that feature dysfunctional families with inept fathers, such as Married… with Children or The Simpsons, Hank Hill stands out as one of the most endearing characters on television. Additionally, creators Judge and Daniels excelled at worldbuilding, gradually developing not only Hank’s family but also the other residents of Arlen, allowing viewers to feel as familiar with the town as they do with their own.

“Tom and Jerry”

Tom and Jerry is a classic and enduring cartoon that has stood the test of time. The show’s premise revolves around Tom, a domestic cat, who is constantly trying to catch a mouse named Jerry. Each episode primarily focuses on Tom’s increasingly complex attempts to catch Jerry, who always seems to escape with ease.

Tom and Jerry encompasses all the elements essential for a successful short cartoon: fast-paced humor, chaos, and a good dose of schadenfreude. Debuting in 1940, the iconic duo continues to captivate audiences, with new animated shorts and even a live-action/animation film released in 2021. Additionally, the abundance of other Tom and Jerry films and comic strips guarantees that laughter is always accessible.

The Tom and Jerry franchise centers around the conflict between Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse. It was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. The first film in the series is “Tom and Jerry: The Movie,” while the most recent film is “Tom and Jerry: Snowman’s Land.” The original television show was titled “The Tom and Jerry Show,” with the latest series simply called “Tom and Jerry.”

“X-Men”

X-Men: The Animated Series was a key cartoon from the 1990s. The series showcases the X-Men uniting to confront different foes from the Marvel universe. Additionally, it addressed several significant themes during its airing, such as divorce, the Holocaust, and depression.

The series gained immense popularity among fans and even had a crossover with another cherished animated show, Spider-Man. Its enduring appeal played a crucial role in Marvel Studios’ decision to revive it, starting in 2019. Many members of the original cast and crew have returned for X-Men ’97, which is currently available on Disney+ and has been positively received by both critics and audiences.