Top 20 Cartoon Episodes That Never Get Old

“Phineas and Ferb” (2007-)

Arriving halfway through “Phineas and Ferb”’s first season, this musical episode serves as a welcome shakeup to the Disney Channel original’s established formula. With their parents’ anniversary on the horizon, the titular step brothers team up with their sister Candace to reunite the rock band Love Händel for an all-time celebration. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz sets aside his evil schemes by recruiting Perry to help throw his daughter a birthday party. As is to be expected, this episode is packed to the brim with some tremendously catchy songs as the Love Händel trio rediscover their love of music. But it certainly doesn’t skimp on the heart, either, sneaking its way right into a touching finale where everything that can go right does go right.

“Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)

This Cartoon Network staple would be weird enough if its kooky assortment of characters lived in a completely normal world. But they don’t, and an episode like this demonstrates just how strange their world can get. When the Eds seek to improve their lives through gaining knowledge, they open a can of worms that causes reality to fall apart around them. The neighborhood becomes a veritable playground for the animators as the Eds remove Sarah’s mouth, cut a hole in the sky, and give Rolf two more heads. And that’s not even the half of it. It’s a psychedelic visual feast that fittingly sums up the show’s chaotic madness, and one that deserves to be studied by anyone seeking a career in the visual arts.

“King of the Hill” (1997-2010)

Low-hanging fruit may not be the most impactful source of comedy, but “King of the Hill” crafted one of its most memorable episodes by giving new meaning to the phrase. After Hank encourages Bobby to take boxing lessons to boost his confidence, a misunderstanding lands the impressionable pre-teen in a self-defense class for women. If you’re wondering what happens next, you might find a hint in the episode’s title. The pride Bobby discovers by kicking wrongdoers directly in their manhood is undeniably juvenile. But we’re kidding ourselves if we don’t laugh uncontrollably each time he delivers that hysterical threat. Nevertheless, Peggy and Hank keep the show’s message in focus by steering him straight and teaching him the value of approaching the world with empathy.

“The Fairly Oddparents” (2001-17)

“Epic” isn’t always a word that’s used when discussing this Nickelodeon series, but this three-parter earns that distinction. When Timmy Turner wishes for a magic remote allowing him to travel through his television, he’s thrust headlong into a world of seemingly endless, and endlessly humorous, parodies. Combining tongue-in-cheek satire and various animation styles, everything from the History Channel, reality talent shows, and even fellow Nickelodeon series are up for grabs. But it’s not all fun and games, as Timmy’s quest to stop Vicky from using the remote to take over the world teaches him some hard lessons about growing up and self-reliance. Wrapped up into a thrilling whole, it’s a tribute to the power of imagination that honors the best that TV has to offer.

“X-Men: The Animated Series” (1992-97)

Now that Bishop is something of a mainstay on “X-Men ‘97,” surely it’s worth revisiting where the time-traveling bounty hunter originated, right? Well, that’s just one of many reasons to return to this retelling of the classic X-Men storyline. With the team attempting to stop one of their own from causing events with drastic ramifications, “Days of Future Past” opens viewers up to alternate realities with startling revelations. Every possibility is both intriguing and terrifying to consider, but that’s what makes it so captivating. With energetic action sequences to boot, this episode will leave you wondering who’s right and who’s wrong when it comes to topics like equality and justice. No matter how many times you watch it, you may never have a definitive answer.

“Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-78)

If Mystery, Inc. has a signature villain, it just might be the Creeper. With his hunched back, bulging eyes, and limited vocabulary, this green ghoul poses a clear and present danger to the gang in one of their most absorbing mysteries. On top of supposedly being able to walk through walls, the clues at hand make his identity harder to sniff out than others. Having a tougher nut to crack means that this episode has a little more edge than the standard “Scooby-Doo” affair. The Creeper certainly doesn’t go quietly, and the gang’s final confrontation with him is a surprisingly physical one. If you need proof of how future iterations of the series were able to embrace a darker, more mature tone, look no further.

“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)

You know what they say: “Love is patient, love is kind.” Our patience was certainly tested as Fry and Leela took their time making things official, but this may have been the first indication that they were always meant to be together. After helping Professor Farnsworth test his time machine, Fry finds himself trapped thousands of years in the future. To make matters worse, he misses an important date with Leela and the latter becomes convinced that he’s passed. “Futurama” doesn’t shy away from marrying thought-provoking sci-fi with very human themes, and the lengths Leela goes to to help bring Fry back is a preeminent example. It’s a love story quite literally for the ages, and one that any hopeless romantics can find comfort in.

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-14; 2020)

It ultimately wasn’t the show’s last, but Season 5 of “The Clone Wars” would’ve been a bold yet fitting coda that most series only dream about. That’s because it saw the “Star Wars” universe set up some of its most consequential storylines. We thought things couldn’t get more tense after witnessing Darth Maul’s grudge match against Obi-Wan. But we were thrown for a loop in the finale, which sees Ahsoka standing trial after being falsely accused of attacking the Jedi Temple. Like the Hitchcock film it’s named after, “The Wrong Jedi” is steeped in suspense, heartbreak, and shocking twists. But it’s the turning point in Ahsoka’s relationship with Anakin that truly makes it an all-timer, and crucial to understanding the latter’s disillusionment with the Jedi.

“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)

Like some of the greatest stories ever written, this episode of “Gravity Falls” is just as exciting to watch even when you know about its monumental ending. With Mabel and Dipper losing faith in Grunkle Stan following his arrest, “Not What He Seems” opens up an emotional floodgate as the two are forced to make life-altering decisions on his behalf. In between this, however, is one of the most textured animated episodes out there. Combining the titular town’s mysterious nature with gripping drama and the white-hot thrills of a prison escape, you’ll remain invested even without knowing who can be fully trusted. For being the episode the entire series had been building up to, it’s one that can also be enjoyed on its own merits.

“Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)

With its awkwardly sincere humor and eccentric ensemble of characters, “Bob’s Burgers” is at its best when finding the best use for both. If there’s one episode that does this better than the rest, it’s this one. With the titular restaurant catching a big break, all that stands between Bob and a career-changing interview is an ill-timed prank that leaves him stuck on the toilet. Literally. As the entire town arrives to capitalize on the moment, “Glued, Where’s My Bob?” works overtime to give the supporting cast time to shine. As the series’ 100th episode, the triumphant conclusion gives it the feel of a series finale. But the Belcher family’s unwavering embrace of one another also makes it a fantastic starting point for novices.

“The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-09)

While certain adaptations of the symbiote storyline have come up short, this episode of “The Spectacular Spider-Man” isn’t one of them. The penultimate outing of season one, “Intervention” pays off three episodes worth of build-up as Peter Parker finally confronts his new suit and the damage it’s done to his life. With heart, mind, and relationships hanging in the balance, Peter undergoes an emotional metamorphosis as the symbiote tests his willpower and his ultimate purpose as Spider-Man. It all amounts to one of the show’s most gratifying moments when Peter is saved with a little help from his loved ones. A stirring salute to the character as a whole, it’s perhaps the greatest example of what this show had to offer before its unjust cancellation.

“Adventure Time (2010-18)

Rare is the day that Finn the Human is seen without his canine companion Jake. But this episode from “Adventure Time”’s seventh season dares to show us just that. Trapped in a cave with a mysterious door blocking his only exit, Finn discovers he can only pass through by keeping his eyes shut. However, no matter how far he gets from the cave, he’s sent back to where he was the moment he opens his eyes. It’s a perplexing puzzle for both Finn and audiences alike, but one that offers universal lessons for both. In many ways, the cave is a metaphor for life itself: it’s full of unpredictable turns and setbacks that can all be navigated by embracing change and trusting your instincts.

“BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)

This Netflix original takes full advantage of animation’s limitless possibilities. More than that, it matches its resplendent visuals with some of the greatest dialogue the cartoon medium has ever seen. So it says something that “BoJack” can remain just as compelling when putting its faith in a single character and a single location. For nearly half an hour, the titular horse rants, mourns, and goes on several tangents while eulogizing his abusive mother. “Free Churro” is arguably the most sophisticated episode in a show full of them, and Will Arnett’s delicate performance allows us to hang onto every word. It doesn’t exactly make for easy viewing, but it’s worth revisiting due to the questions it asks about how much the past should dictate the present.

“South Park” (1997-)

The no-holds-barred approach of this series is such that some of its best jokes don’t even need a punchline to stand the test of time. For every episode with something to say about the world at large, there’s one like this that takes a simple premise and runs wild. After being scammed out of his money by the titular high schooler, a vengeful Cartman begins a chain of events that are the stuff of “South Park” legend. It seems like the fourth grader has finally met his match, but his most evil tendencies awaken in a last minute twist that’s so disturbing, it’s brilliant. It’s amusingly over-the-top and extremely low all at once, which is precisely what makes it one of his signature moments.

“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)

A hero is only as great as their villains, and few episodes of television encapsulate that better than this one. While playing a game of poker, five of Batman’s most iconic adversaries share stories about the times they nearly killed him. The set-up could have easily lent itself to the kind of dark subject matter “Batman: The Animated Series” boldly embraced. But each tale is more thrilling and hilarious than the last, capturing the Caped Crusader’s rogues gallery at their most intimidating and their most inept. Despite telling five stories in one, nothing goes to waste as each character’s relationship to Batman is fully fleshed out. It’s one of the series’ most purely entertaining episodes, and embodies everything that made it such a game changer.

“Rick and Morty” (2013-)

Of all the episodes that could’ve won “Rick and Morty” its first Emmy, we’re glad it was this one. When Rick refuses to join his family at therapy, he devises the perfect solution: turning himself into a pickle. The crazed scientist’s new look alone was enough to inspire countless internet memes, but “Pickle Rick” backs up its zany premise by taking Rick on an action-packed adventure through the sewers and beyond. His exploits are enough to convince you that he’s the smartest being in the universe, while also painting a surprisingly complex portrait of his family’s dynamic. This episode ruminates on the lengths Rick is willing to go to avoid his problems, balancing the show’s penchants for extravagant science fiction and existential themes perfectly.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)

Even without heart-racing action, the heroes of “Avatar” continued to grow by facing their insecurities and using them as motivation to finish their quest. The stage show performed by “The Ember Island Players” offers this kind of candid reflection in a hilariously meta way. But “The Tales of Ba Sing Se” stands out for doing it six times over. Told through a series of vignettes, each segment follows the characters throughout the Earth Kingdom city. Zuko pursues romantic connection, Katara and Toph have a spa day, and Iroh gives back to others before creating a moving tribute to his son. Allowing the group to catch their breath may sound like harmless fun, but it’s a breath-taking reminder to the audience of what remains at stake.

“Family Guy” (1999-2003; 2005-)

Brian and Stewie’s adventures have provided “Family Guy” with some of its most enjoyable and original stories. We were oh so tempted to give this spot to the greatest and most multiversal of their “Road to…” episodes. But even we can’t deny how well “Back to the Pilot” honors what made the show great to begin with. Quahog has changed a lot since our first visit, and that idea is milked for everything it's worth when the dog and baby travel back to the moment in question. Although their time in the past comes with consequences, there are more than enough cheeky references to reward longtime fans for their commitment to the series. In other words, this is a 10-season celebration done absolutely right.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)

This Nickelodeon juggernaut has too many quintessential episodes to count. We’d be hard pressed not to try a hot slice of Krusty Krab pizza, and we certainly wouldn’t close the door on SpongeBob and Patrick’s chocolate pitch, either. So why does the Bubble Bowl remain the most irresistible offering? Well, not only does this episode close on a crescendo for the ages, but the journey there is just as rewarding. Serving up sight gags and quotable one-liners galore, “Band Geeks” delivers with its unbeatable timing. Encompassing the show’s timeless blend of silly and sweet to a T, it’s hard not to be moved as Bikini Bottom rallies behind Squidward in his hour of need. It’s a victory as anthemic as the song they perform.

“The Simpsons” (1989-)

Homer Simpson’s many escapades and accomplishments seem too amazing to be true. And that’s because they are. But if there’s one thing this series has taught us not to question, it’s this oafish patriarch's startling amount of luck. Enter Frank Grimes, an ambitious professional driven mad by how little stands in Homer’s way. In an episode that’s equal parts dark and darkly hilarious, Grimey sets out to expose Homer’s incompetence, and his lack of results ultimately get the better of him. In the process, the writers spare no expense in taking shots at themselves and boiling the show’s illogical nature down to its essence. Some still consider it one of “The Simpsons”’s strangest episodes, but we’d argue it’s one of the most ingenious.

Is there a TV episode you can’t get enough of? Be sure to let us know down in the comments!