Top 10 Best Cartoon Network Shows From the 2000s
#10: “Transformers: Animated” (2007-09)
Top 10 Best Transformers Series
We all know the Transformers’ story: the Autobots are fighting a seemingly endless war against the Decepticons. With the war over, the good guys must hide out on earth to keep the ‘Cons from getting their hands on the powerful AllSpark; so it’s a good thing they’ve got an excitable little girl and her father to show them around Earth. Transformers fans are split about this series, with its cartoony designs and emphasis on comedy, but others praise it for doing something different. Rather than a whole army of Autobots, it focuses on five repair crewmembers and their human villains. Topped off with better character development for the ‘bots and ‘cons, this series also has entertaining human enemies, and past series references that any Transformers fan can appreciate.
#9: “Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends” (2004-09)
Sooner or later, we all have to let go of our imaginary friends. But never fear, for they’re going to a good home: Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, that is. From the creators of the Powerpuff Girls, this CN favorite follows 8-year-old Mac and his best imaginary friend Blooregard Q. Kazoo - or just Bloo - as they make the best out of life and get into crazy shenanigans with the other imaginary friends. Bloo can have a huge ego problem, but he usually gets what’s coming to him. That helped fans fall in love with Foster’s, and so did its mix of creativity, comedic genius, and well-crafted chaos.
#8: “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2008-11)
Top 10 Batman The Animated Series Episodes
Looking for a love letter to the Silver Age of DC comics? You won’t find a better series than this one. More light-hearted than Batman’s last few incarnations, this series has the Dark Knight teaming up with a different hero –and occasional baddie– every week to take on some of the biggest threats in the DC Universe. With big musical numbers and mischief from Bat-Mite, this series is more campy and comedy-focused than Batman fans are used to; but let’s not forget where our Caped Crusader got his start on TV. Plus, the minds behind this series clearly did their homework; fitting in plenty of heroes, villains, and comic book references that true Batman fans love.
#7: “Justice League”/”Justice League Unlimited” (2001-06)
Top 10 Best Justice League Episodes
With the conclusion of Batman and Superman’s animated series, there’s only one possible way to continue their heroic adventures: with the Justice League. That’s right; not just Batman and Superman, but also Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and many others come together to form the most powerful superhero team in the universe. United, they will take on any threat to their world, whether it’s from old familiar foes or new unstoppable enemies. And these seven heroes aren’t alone in this fight; the league is only getting bigger with the aid of dozens of other DC heroes, even those from the future. With plenty of action and heartfelt moments, THIS is how you send off the DC Animated Universe.
#6: “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2003-07)
Top 20 Best Cartoon Network Shows From the 2000s
What happens when an idiotic little boy and a terrifying little girl beat the Grim Reaper in a limbo game and make him their best friend forever? Complete and utter chaos. Billy and Mandy’s “friendship” with Grim mostly involves them abusing Grim’s supernatural abilities for their own personal pleasure – whether he’s satisfying Billy’s goofy antics or Mandy’s frightening and demanding nature. Along the way, this surreal trio comes face-to-face with all kinds of bizarre people and creatures – such as the goddess of chaos herself, a deranged spectral exterminator, unexpected Hanna-Barbera cameos, and a surprise cartoon meet up. Trapped with two brats and surrounded by obscure humor, all we can say is, “poor, poor Grim.”
#5: “Ben 10” (2005-08)
Top 10 Best Cartoon Network Shows No One Talks About
When you’re a 10-year-old kid spending the summer on a cross-country trip with your grandpa and cousin, you’re bound to see all kinds of weird things along the way. For Ben Tennyson, this includes a watch that attaches itself to his wrist and allows him to turn into different freaky aliens. But such power comes with a price, and in this case that price is battling Vilgax, an intergalactic warlord who wants Omnitrix for himself. But Ben isn’t giving up on protecting the watch and the Earth from Vilgax: he’s got Grandpa Max’s alien knowledge and Gwen’s magical abilities by his side on this exciting sci-fi adventure. If Ben’s tough to beat when he’s 10, imagine how tough he’ll be at 15.
#4: “Codename: Kids Next Door” (2002-08)
In a world ruled by adults, only one organization has the tools and the means to fight back for the freedom of kids worldwide: The Kids Next Door! With their amazing two-by-four technology, nobody gets the job done better than Numbuhs 1 through 5 of Sector V. But not everyone can be a Kids Next Door operative. Only those under the age of 13 can join up; but once they do, they have to be prepared to face bizarre adult villains, obnoxious teenagers, greedy candy pirates, or worse – The Delightful Children From Down The Lane. With a unique view of the world from a kid’s point-of-view - either you’re in, or you’re old.
#3: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-14)
Top 10 Animated Star Wars Characters
Though the Star Wars prequels have had mixed results according to fans, The Clone Wars TV show is a welcome addition to the expanded universe. Taking place between Episodes 2 and 3, this Cartoon Network series chronicles the Grand Army of the Republic –including Anakin Skywalker and his new apprentice, Ahsoka - as they take on the droid armies of the Separatists. Fans may debate about whether this show is canon or not; but with what it has to offer, it might as well be. Filled with plenty of action, interesting faces both old and new, and some of the best storylines in the Star Wars expanded universe; the force is strong with this series.
#2: “Teen Titans” (2003-06)
Top 20 Teen Couples in Animated Shows
Being a teenager isn’t easy; so try being a kick-butt teenage superhero while you’re at it. It’s one thing to be dealing with insecurities, putting up with each other, and finding that special someone, but now you have to pile on battling evil criminal masterminds, and teenage villains-in-training. But through it all, the Teen Titans – Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Raven – rise up to the challenge and fight for truth, justice, and pizza. While they go head to head with the show’s main villain, Slade, among many others, we get to enjoy watching our favorite adolescent heroes grow with every battle life throws at them – for better or for worse. It’s just a shame “Teen Titans” had to go so soon. Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Class of 3000” (2006-08) “Chowder” (2007-10) “Camp Lazlo” (2005-08)
#1: “Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2016-)
Top 10 Times Samurai Jack Went Beast Mode
From the creator of Dexter’s Laboratory and the first incarnation of Star Wars: The Clone Wars comes the tale of the warrior out of time. After fighting the evil shapeshifter, Aku, the nameless Samurai is sent to a future where the demon is at his most powerful. Armed only with his magic sword, the Samurai –now called Jack- must find a way to travel back to the past and strike Aku down once and for all. This Cartoon Network show is animation gold - with some of the most creative and gorgeous visuals you’ll see, and an atmosphere that serves as an homage to classic samurai films. Throw in an easy-to-follow story, action to spare, and plenty of humor, and you’ve got an instant CN classic.
