Top 10 Animated Series Everyone Needs to See At Least Once

The 2010s experienced a glut of whimsical, colorful adventure cartoons with quirky, offbeat humor and most of them can be traced back to “Adventure Time.” The show follows Finn the human, Jake the dog, and many of the other residents of their magical/post-apocalyptic land. The premise of the fantasy series allows for a ton of variety, from comedy, to action, to romance. As such, “Adventure Time” has a little bit of everything and it’s all tied together with its signature strange, yet charming style. While it’s episodic enough that anyone can jump in at nearly any time, “Adventure Time” also features excellent character progression and an overarching storyline. The original show may’ve ended, but the fun never does.

There are a cavalcade of classic cartoons to choose from, but for this list, we’re going with “Tom and Jerry.” The original shorts from the ‘40s to the ‘60s center on the eponymous cat and mouse who are forever locked in a game of… well, cat and mouse. Tom’s attempts to catch Jerry rarely go well though. In many cases, the feline pursuer finds himself outwitted or severely injured because of the wily rodent’s actions, while there are a few times they’ll team up against a greater threat or for a common goal. Chase cartoons are a quintessential variety of the golden age of cartoon shorts, and “Tom and Jerry” perfected them.

Easily the most underrated show on our list, “Gargoyles” is also one of the darkest…well, of those made for kids anyway. The series follows a group of living gargoyles who turn to stone by day and battle crime and evil by night. “Gargoyles” has held up incredibly well, given that it helped lay the foundation for heavy story and character arcs in cartoons. It also draws inspiration from Shakespeare and features some of the most brilliant and well-written villains out there. “Gargoyles”” initial reception may have been stone cold, but now here in the era of streaming, your ignorance can be broken and it can live again! Plus, Disney+ announced in 2023 that a live action reboot was in the works!

This franchise may be about babies, but don’t make the mistake that it’s for babies. Well, it is, but not only children can enjoy the adventures of Tommy Pickles and his friends. These infants and toddlers’ take ordinary life and make it fantastical. In addition to turning the way you see the world on its head, “Rugrats” also features some great satire of everyday life that people of all ages can appreciate. Running from 1991 to 2004, the original “Rugrats” TV series is one of the longest Nickelodeon shows for good reason, and its reboot is shaping up pretty nicely too.

An adult animated series about the has-been horse actor of the same name, “BoJack Horseman” may take place in a brightly colored world, but it’s one of the most sobering, dark cartoons around. BoJack’s attempts to revive his career while struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues can be a tough watch sometimes, but the show is well worth the discomfort. The series also delves into the uglier side of the entertainment industry, with potent parodies and biting humor. “BoJack Horseman” will give you all the feels, from laughter to sorrow to everything in between.

There are a lot of cartoons about kids just hanging out and doing kid things, but none of them are quite as definitive as “Ed, Edd n Eddy.” The show follows the trio of similarly named boys and the antics they get up to with the other kids in their neighborhood. Motivated primarily by candy, particularly jawbreakers, the Eds’ schemes and mishaps feel like they could take place during anyone’s childhood in any decade. Whether you’re a kid now or just want to remind yourself of your own childhood, “Ed, Edd n Eddy” is a perfect time capsule of juvenile fun.

Whether you’re into the reboot or the original, you really can’t go wrong grabbing on to some “DuckTales!” This Disney adventure franchise follows the globetrotting explorations of the greedy Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews, and their friends. Both versions feature a great balance of action, comedy, and wonder, while each has its own strengths – the original is more episodic, while the reboot is more serialized. Plus no matter which version, “DuckTales” has one of the most infectiously catchy theme songs ever made that will live rent-free in your brain for decades! Woo-oo!

This sci-fi superhero series spawned a huge franchise of excellent shows, but it’s the original that everyone should check out if you don’t have time for any of the others. While on a road trip with his grandpa and cousin, Ben Tennyson becomes bonded with an alien device that lets him transform into a number of different aliens, each with special abilities. While superhero stories are nothing new, “Ben 10” has a unique spin on a familiar formula, with relatable characters, and an ever-growing mythology that unfolds nicely across the show, while still telling individual stories. And even with all its sequels, TV films, and reboots, “Ben 10” still feels fresh.

Yes, the whole thing! There have been over a dozen different shows about the titular cowardly, crime solving dog and his friends. While not all of them are worth a Scooby Snack, the sheer number of them means that practically everyone has seen at least one of them over the decades. And if you haven’t, you’re missing out! Whether you’re into the cheese of the original “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” or the juvenile fun of “A Pup Named Scooby-Doo,” or the surprising depth and sarcastic humor of “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated,” you’re bound to have a good time with these meddling kids and their Great Dane.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Basically the Template For Every Animated Sitcom

The Original & Rebooted Series Are Fantastic, Hilarious Variety Shows

The Mystery Show That Wouldn’t Be Here If It Weren’t for “Scooby-Doo”

Cartoons So Rarely Embrace Horror

It’s Inescapable – Plus, It’s Far Deeper Than It Might Seem

Surprised? Probably not, because you just can’t beat this animated Nickelodeon action series. The story of the young Avatar’s attempts to save the world isn’t just a great cartoon, it’s one of the great fantasy epics written in the last few decades. With impeccable worldbuilding, brilliant character development, incredible action, hilarious comedy, and much more besides, it’s no wonder that “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has acquired such a devoted following. And thanks to the ever-expanding franchise around the show, it’s never too late to see what all the hype is about.