Top 20 Greatest TV Crossovers of All-Time

Sometimes another world is just a click of the remote away. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 20 TV Crossovers.

For this list, we’re looking at TV episodes and specials that brought two different television universes together for a single story. However, we’re excluding crossovers between shows that have always been a part of one established universe. So, as ambitious as it was, the Arrowverse’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths” isn’t eligible.

#20: “Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United” (2011)
“Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” (2010-12) / “Generator Rex” (2010-13)

In the early 2010s, Ben 10 and Generator Rex were two of the biggest names in Cartoon Network’s sci-fi action department. These transforming teenagers are cut from the same cloth in many respects. One can take on different alien forms while the other can sprout weapons and gadgets from his body on a whim. When these heroes finally united, their styles and powers couldn’t have meshed better. Nevertheless, Ben and Rex initially get off on the wrong foot, which you’ll find is a trope in crossover episodes. The two eventually team up, however, to stop Alpha Nanite, which Rex’s brother Caesar created. The special more than delivers on its potential with inventive action, slick animation, and some effective voiceover work from Michael Emerson as Alpha.

#19: “Rufus”
“Lilo & Stitch: The Series” (2003-06) / “Kim Possible” (2002-07)

“It’s a small world after all” is a phrase that Lilo and Stich know all too well - and not merely because they’re under the Disney umbrella. The two practically invaded the Disney Channel at one point, meeting up with Jake Long, the Proud Family, and the “Recess” gang. Their most memorable close encounter however would have to be with Kim Possible. When Dr. Drakken captures Stich, Kim is on the case, although Lilo isn’t about to sit this mission out. Aliens surprisingly feel right at home in the super-spy world of Kim and company. The jokes practically write themselves, most notably when Lilo mistakes the word “Sitch” for “Stich.” Jumba, meanwhile, mistakes Rufus for Experiment 607, which amounts to arguably the episode’s funniest running gag.

#18: “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel”
“Phineas and Ferb” (2007-15) / Marvel Universe

The episode “Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel” is one of the most randomly awesome crossovers to come out of Disney since “Kingdom Hearts.” “Phineas and Ferb” and “The Avengers” have little in common other than their all-powerful owner. Nevertheless, this is a truly ‘well assembled’ special with jokes that appeal to “Phineas and Ferb” fans and Marvel fans alike. As the de-powered superheroes partner with Phineas and Ferb to stop the Marvel baddies, highlights include the menacing Red Skull interacting with the bumbling Dr. Doofenshmirtz, Perry the Platypus posing as a Howard the Duck lookalike, and – of course – a hella catchy song.

#17: “Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself” / “Lahey v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania”
“Scandal” (2012-18) / “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014-)

Innocent or guilty, you’re guaranteed a get out of jail free card when Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating join forces. A crossover event that every TGIT fan had dreamed of, the evening kicked off with “Scandal” as Annalise tracked down Olivia to assist with a class action. The Shonda-verse suddenly felt a lot bigger watching these two strong-willed women trying to out-monologue each other. Despite some early turbulence, Olivia and Annalise form a genuine friendship, which carries over to the subsequent episode of “HTGAWM.” This is where the crossover really heats up as the two take their case to the Supreme Court. The case in question is a deeply personal and poignant one pertaining to racism, culminating in a powerful courtroom speech from Annalise.

#16: “The Night Shift” / “Homecoming”
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013-) / “New Girl” (2011-18)

“New Girl” met New York during its sixth season, paving the way for both a sitcom crossover and an SUV crossover. Of all the vehicles in the Big Apple, Jake Peralta just so happens to commandeer Jessica Day’s. Well, technically it’s Schmidt’s mom’s car, which winds up wrecked and covered in soup. Jake and Jess’s priceless banter is the highlight of this crossover event, but the fun doesn’t end there. As Jake continues to pursue his perp, Jess makes her way to the Nine-Nine where Gina subjects her to a mountain of paperwork. As chaotic as Jess’s trip turns out, her perception of the city is altered thanks to a little guidance from Captain Holt, who also gives her some soup for her trouble.

#15: “That’s So Suite Life of Hannah Montana”
“That’s So Raven” (2003-07) / “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (2005-08) / “Hannah Montana” (2006-11)

Long before the Avengers assembled on the big screen, this was the Disney crossover that had every kid talking. The Disney Channel’s first live-action crossover commenced with “That’s So Raven,” as the titular psychic drops by the Tipton Hotel. She naturally crosses paths with Zack and Cody, who help Raven pull off a photoshoot. Raven tries to return the favor in the crossover’s second act, although her visions can’t prevent a disastrous surprise party. The crossover ends with Hannah Montana checking into the Tipton, rounding out an awesome ensemble piece with no shortage of laughs and music. The Disney Channel Universe continued to expand three years later when the Wizards of Waverly Place wound up on deck with Zack, Cody, and Hannah.

#14: “iParty with Victorious”
“iCarly” (2007-12) / “Victorious” (2010-13)

Some have argued that social media drives people apart, but it brings the “iCarly” crew and the students of Hollywood Arts High School together in this Nickelodeon crossover. While online, Carly begins to suspect that her boyfriend Steven has been two-timing her with Tori Vega. Traveling from Seattle to LA, Carly and her friends collaborate with Tori to serve up some highly satisfying justice. Steven’s comeuppance is just one of the crossover’s many highlights, as Sinjin lands face-first in a jacuzzi, Sam bests Rex in a rap battle, and Kenan Thompson is harassed by a panda. Of course, a crossover of this magnitude had to build to a musical number and “Leave It All to Shine” brings together the best of both worlds.

#13: “The Grim Adventures of the KND”
“Codename: Kids Next Door” (2001-08) / “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2003-08)

When Billy slashes his father’s lucky pants with Grim’s scythe, he turns to a certain group of problem-fixing kids: Ed, Edd n Eddy! The Eds aren’t interested, however, and apparently neither are the Powerpuff Girls. Thus, it’s up to the Kids Next Door to get Billy out of this tight spot. With one show grounded in the supernatural and the other revolving around espionage, this might seem like an odd pairing. There’s actually an interesting link between these two shows, though. Both won The Big Pick, a contest in which viewers would vote on what new Cartoon Network show will be picked up. So, it’s only fitting that these two winners finally came together… with some other Cartoon Network cameos thrown in for good measure.

#12: “Shell Shocked”
“Power Rangers in Space” (1998) / “Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation” (1997-98)

In the ‘90s, the Power Rangers and the TMNT were two of the most marketable kid-friendly franchises. And these martial-arts series finally collided in the sixth season “Power Rangers” episode “Shell Shocked,” where the heroes in a half shell are brainwashed by Astronema and turn evil. As you can imagine, they come out of it and partner with the Rangers to battle the manipulative Princess of Evil. Through adult eyes, this crossover might seem bizarre, cheesy, or just dumb. But the 8-year-old in us all can’t help but be sucked in, seeing two of the defining things from our childhoods kicking ass side by side.

#11: “The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour” (2004)
“The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” (2002-06) / “The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)

Jimmy Neutron’s world is governed by science. Timmy Turner’s world is governed by magic. In “The Jimmy Timmy Power Hour,” these Nickelodeon icons learn that they aren’t as different as we might imagine, with science projects and fairies and mistaken identity as the order of the day. With one series utilizing traditional animation and the other employing computer-generated animation, this TV movie has leeway for a lot of inventive imagery. Seeing Jimmy and Timmy out of their comfort zones particularly makes for some inspired comedy as they attempt to return home and restore order to the tooniverse.

#10: “I, Done”
“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96) / “Diff’rent Strokes” (1978-86) / “The Jeffersons” (1975-85)

The final episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” not only saw the departure of the Banks family, but also the return of some other beloved TV families. With the Bel-Air mansion up for sale; several familiar faces drop by for the Banks’ open house in the episode “I, Done.” Over ten years after going off the air, Arnold Jackson and Mr. Drummond from “Diff’rent Strokes” reappear to check out the home and deliver some classic one-liners. The Banks residence ultimately goes to George and Louise Jefferson, though, who are ready to move on up again.

#9: “Fugue and Riffs”
“Archer” (2009-) / “Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)

Sterling Archer and Bob Belcher are both voiced by H. Jon Benjamin; other than that, these two animated characters couldn’t seem more different. However, in this clever crossover episode of “Archer” called “Fugue and Riffs,” we learn they’re actually one and the same. Suffering from amnesia, Archer opens a burger joint, marries Linda, and helps raise her three bratty kids. When the KGB shows up at Bob’s Burgers, Bob/Archer is sent on a journey for the truth that’s straight out of “The Bourne Identity.” Does he regain his memory and go back to his life as a philandering, deadly super-spy? Only the frying pan knows for sure.

#8: “Stephanie Gets Framed”
“Full House” (1987-95) / “Family Matters” (1989-98)

Steve Urkel not only stole the show on “Family Matters,” but also this episode of “Full House.” In San Francisco for a science fair, an unwelcome Urkel visits the Tanner household. It only takes a couple of minutes of cheese talk until Jesse and Danny decide that they’ve had enough. After he teaches Michelle about money matters, Urkel does pass on some insightful advice to Stephanie, who’s insecure about her new glasses…which she never wears again anyway. The only downside: Why didn’t Urkel and Kimmy Gibbler share any scenes? They were totally meant for each other!

#7: “Simpsorama”
“The Simpsons” (1989-) / “Futurama” (1999-2013)

“The Simpsons” has made several references to “Futurama” and vice versa. With exception to a 2010 comic, though, these two Matt Groening cartoons had yet to experience a crossover of this scale. Homer and Bender quickly find that they have a lot in common, even sharing an uncanny resemblance. This makes things awkward when Bender remembers that he’s been sent to take out Homer in “Terminator” fashion. Can they prevent a frantic future while also preserving their friendship? The episode is exceedingly well-written with clever nods to both shows, including a revealing meeting between Lrrr and Kang and Kodos. The whole crossover plays out like an extended “Treehouse of Horror” segment, throwing out “The Simpsons’” usual rulebook and just having fun with a creative setup.

#6: “Scoobynatural”
“Supernatural” (2005-) / “Scooby-Doo” franchise (1969-)

Scooby-Doo has crossed paths with pretty much everyone, from Johnny Bravo to Batman. Speaking of which, the Caped Crusader has had his own fair share of mind-blowing crossovers, including one with the Green Hornet. As far as crime-solving team-ups go, though, how can you top the Winchesters meeting the OG Scooby Gang? Sam and Dean get animated in this lovingly-crafted crossover, which centers on the classic “Scooby” episode “A Night of Fright Is No Delight.” This familiar mystery takes an unexpected turn when bloody bodies start piling up, leading to some hilarious mature jokes that you wouldn’t normally find in a Saturday morning cartoon. Nevertheless, Dean is determined to maintain the purity of his childhood icons, although he still tries to get lucky with Daphne.

#5: “The One with Two Parts”
“Friends” (1994-2004) / “Mad About You” (1992-99; 2019-)

Before Lisa Kudrow landed her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on “Friends,” she was best known for playing the ditzy waitress Ursula on “Mad About You.” Since both shows were airing around the same time, the producers decided to make the characters twin sisters. Confusion ensues on the “Friends” episode “The One with Two Parts” as Joey meets and falls for Ursula, and Jamie Buchman and Fran encounter Phoebe. If that’s not enough Must-See TV crossover action for ya, this extended episode also features two cute doctors played by George Clooney and Noah Wyle, who hit it big that year on “ER.” This wasn’t the first time a larger universe was hinted at, as both sitcoms were also part of NBC’s 1994 “Blackout Thursday” event.

#4: The Time Ball Saga
“Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1996-2003) / “Boy Meets World” (1993-2000) / “You Wish” (1997-98) / “Teen Angel” (1997-98)

For the ’97-’98 season, ABC was desperate to carry over the success of “Sabrina” and “Boy Meets World” to its new TGIF shows. That’s how this four-way crossover originated. The story saw Sabrina’s black cat swallow a time-ball in the first show of the night. For the rest of the evening, Salem ran through the other sitcoms, thrusting them into new and exciting eras. “Sabrina” traveled to the ‘60s, “Boy Meets World” went to WWII, “You Wish” was in the ‘50s and “Teen Angel” ended up dancing disco. An ambitious crossover, yes; it’s up to you to decide if it succeeded.

#3: “X-Cops”
“The X-Files” (1993-2002; 2016-18) / “Cops” (1989-)

“The X-Files” is widely considered one of the most influential sci-fi shows ever to hit the airwaves. People sometimes forget, however, that when “X-Files” wanted to be funny, it could also be one of television’s best comedies. It’s no wonder why Mulder and Scully fit in so well with the Simpsons. Of all the satirical “X-Files” episodes, “X-Cops” stands out due to its craft and concept. Even if you’ve never seen an episode of “Cops,” chances are you’re familiar with its premise and tropes. This episode pokes fun at all of these reality television conventions, but at the same time manages to tell an involving story full of mystery and dread. Even when playing with different genres, “X-Files” doesn’t stray too far from its roots.

#2: “The Simpsons Guy”
“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-) / “The Simpsons” (1989-)

There was so much hype leading up to this “Family Guy” episode that it’s not surprising the initial viewer response was mixed, but “The Simpsons Guy” is truly a classic in the making that delivers everything one could want from a “Family Guy”/“Simpsons” crossover. The Griffins’ trip to Springfield provides one great laugh after another, full of awe-inspired animation and ingenious references. The best part is just seeing these classic characters interact, as Bart raises hell with Stewie, James Woods meets James Woods and Homer chicken fights Peter. Oh, and Fred Flintstones calls everybody out as a rip-off.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Something Good Coming”
“Cougar Town” (2009-15) / “Community” (2009-15)

“The Resurrection in the Remains”
“Bones” (2005-17) / “Sleepy Hollow” (2013-17)

“Hercules and the Arabian Night”
“Hercules” (1998-99) / “Aladdin” (1994-95)

“Let’s Meet Sonic”
“OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes” (2017-19) / “Sonic the Hedgehog” franchise (1991-)

“Rayny Day”
“The King of Queens” (1998-2007) / “Everybody Loves Raymond” (1996-2005)

#1: “The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones” (1987)
“The Jetsons” (1962-63; 1985-87) / “The Flintstones” (1960-66)

While Hanna-Barbera wasn’t the first studio to experiment with crossovers, the 1987 TV movie “The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones” certainly popularized the concept. It’s actually surprising Hanna-Barbera took so long to bring television’s definitive prehistoric family and ultimate futuristic family together. They completely delivered, however, in a blast from the future and the past made possible by Elroy Jetson’s time machine. This union of cartoon royalty offers a lot of the creative comedic scenarios both shows were known for, as well as loads of heart. Almost thirty years later, it’s still the crossover to beat all crossovers.