Top 30 Cartoon Plot Twists Nobody Saw Coming

“Regular Show” (2010-17)
Introduced at the beginning of Season 4, Thomas proves his worth when the past comes back to haunt the park. Thomas is upgraded to a regular cast member, but isn’t given another prominent storyline until Season 5 when he helps his friends reclaim a statue under the guise of “Nicholas.” Thomas didn’t randomly choose this name and his knowledge of espionage didn’t come out of nowhere either. In Season 6, Thomas reveals himself as Nikolai, a Russian spy, and the mom he often speaks of is an acronym for Ministry of Medo Management. Despite this deceit, Nikolai’s loyalties lie with his friends as he goes on the run. Although this twist wasn’t planned from the start, Thomas’ evolution from intern to spy feels surprisingly natural.

“Over the Garden Wall” (2014)
This miniseries plops us into the Unknown as brothers Wirt and Greg navigate a dark forest, searching for home. We don’t know where the brothers came from, but based on their eccentric fashion, it’s safe to assume they aren’t that far removed from this fantastical universe. If that’s the case, though, why are Wirt and Greg caught off guard by some of the creatures they come across? Everything begins to add up in the penultimate episode where we learn that Wirt and Greg are modern-day kids. We’re unsure how “modern” since the precise year is left vague, but in any case, they’re even further from home than we realized. The Halloween backdrop explains their wardrobes while the show’s title is also given a deeper meaning.

“Bluey” (2018-)
Following the show’s first extended special, the episode “Surprise!” seems like a return to the status quo. It’s a typical day as Bandit balances playing two games with his daughters. One sees Bluey bombard her father with a ball blaster while the other finds Bingo playing a parent. Noticing that her dedicated dad could use a break, Bluey makes a mature decision. Bluey grows in ways we didn’t anticipate, as the episode’s ending provides a glimpse into her adulthood. Arriving at her parents’ house, Bluey is now all grown up. In yet another twist, there’s a new kid on the block who looks an awful lot like Bluey and Mackenzie. Even with the word “Surprise” in the title, this came out of the blue.

“Amphibia” (2019-22)
This series follows Anne, an ordinary girl who’s transported to a world where amphibians reign supreme. Anne arrives with her friends Sasha and Marcy, although their dynamic is slowly unveiled. Considering how Sasha bossed Anne around before coming to Amphibia, it’s not surprising that she allies with the villains before redeeming herself. Marcy’s dark turn is another story. Reuniting with Anne, Marcy seems like the glue who held her friends together. That description takes on a more disturbing meaning upon learning Marcy purposely stranded them in Amphibia, not wanting to move with her parents. To stay with her friends, Marcy unwisely cuts a deal with King Andrias. Marcy’s lies continue to snowball until she’s forced to face the music box… and a sword.

“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” (2023)
It was right there in the title, and yet, this twist hit us hard. Throughout the first episode, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” seems like a beat-for-beat adaptation of the graphic novels. It’s well-executed, but we already got a mostly faithful adaptation over a decade ago. Why do we need to see the same story again? The pilot’s ending answers our question by going off-book. Scott doesn’t defeat the first of Ramona’s evil exes. Matthew Patel beats Scott, apparently killing him. While Scott isn’t really dead, he does “take off,” sending Ramona on a journey to find him. This approach provides more development for Ramona, the supporting cast, and even Scott, telling an alternate story that still preserves the franchise’s essential elements.

“Hazbin Hotel” (2024-)
Turns out that the X over Vaggie’s left eye isn’t just for decoration. Charlie has finally been granted a meeting in Heaven, but this isn’t Vaggie’s first trip upstairs. Adam drops the bombshell that Vaggie used to be an exterminator angel. When confronting a child on Extermination Day, Vaggie chose compassion, losing her wings and one eye in the process. She met Charlie shortly after, but even as they grew closer, Vaggie concealed how she came to Hell. The truth gives Charlie pause about their relationship. Thankfully, it isn’t a long pause as Vaggie’s unyielding dedication only strengthens Charlie’s core beliefs in forgiveness, redemption, and love. If love can flourish in Hell, it can thrive anywhere… maybe even in Heaven.

“The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-09)
We know what some of you are already typing in the comments. Of course, Norman Osborn was the Green Goblin! Haven’t you ever read a comic or seen any “Spider-Man” movie? This show knew we’d be suspecting Norman from the moment the Goblin showed up, though. “The Spectacular Spider-Man” plays with expectations, revealing Harry behind the mask in Season 1. Norman claims he’s been trying to protect his son, appearing sincere. While Norman may color outside the lines of justice, we believe he isn’t the Green Goblin. Norman continues to deceive everyone - Spider-Man included - until the series finale when the true Goblin is unmasked. Amazingly, the show made us forget everything we knew about Norman Osborn, reminding us by yanking the rug out from under.

“Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” (2017-20)
Here’s another show where the writers were one step ahead of even the most attentive viewers. From the get-go, there seemed to be something off about Rapunzel’s best friend Cassandra. The fact she’s adopted and looks like Mother Gothel only added to our suspicions. Over two seasons, though, Cassandra establishes herself as a loyal friend. She occasionally clashes with Rapunzel, but by the second season finale, we’re convinced she would never betray Rapunzel… or maybe she would! Just as Rapunzel is within the Moonstone’s grasp, Cassandra swoops in, claiming what she believes to be her destiny. Cassandra was Gothel’s biological daughter, resenting Rapunzel for the life she “stole.” Even if you predicted Cassandra’s lineage, the way the truth comes out threw everyone for a loop.

“Arcane” (2021-)
Jinx is one of the most recognizable “League of Legends” characters, but her upbringing wasn’t fleshed out going into this series. Introduced as Powder, fans of the games figured that this little girl would adopt the name Jinx at some point. Even long-time players couldn’t imagine just how heartbreaking her backstory was. Wanting to prove herself, Powder causes an explosion to save her sister and friends. Powder initially believes that her plan worked, but this triumph quickly turns into tragedy. The explosion inadvertently killed Powder’s foster brothers with her father figure soon following. Her sister Vi survives, but once both realize what Powder has done, their relationship appears beyond repair. When the sisters meet again, Powder is essentially gone with only Jinx remaining.

“X-Men '97” (2024-)
The original “X-Men” series regularly explored adult themes, but being part of the Fox Kids programming block, the showrunners could only go so far. When this sequel series was announced, we wondered if Disney would allow these characters to grow up with their audience. While the characters themselves haven’t drastically aged, the story significantly matures in episode five. Just after the world takes a small step toward accepting mutants, a huge step is taken backward as Master Mold and the Sentinels attack Genosha, killing thousands. Yes, people die in this show, including main characters. Among the casualties is Gambit, who sacrifices himself just as Rogue comes to terms with her feelings for him. Gambit’s death changes the game, evolving the series in expected ways.

“Young Justice” (2010-13; 2019; 2021-22)
Near the end of “Young Justice’s” first season, Roy Harper was finally welcomed into the Justice League. However, fulfilling his dream just unravels one plot twist after another. First of all, he was unknowingly a sleeper agent programmed to infiltrate the League. What’s even more shocking… he wasn’t the real Roy Harper. In reality, he was a clone to replace the actual Speedy who was abducted years before the series started. After he found the real Roy, the clone eventually retired from being a hero and left to make a new life for himself as Will, showing that although he was created for nefarious purposes, he could rise above all that and forge his own identity.

“DuckTales” (2017-21)
Throughout the “DuckTales” reboot, we believed that Webby’s only family was her “grandmother,” Mrs. Beakley. However, the series finale changed everything Webby thought about her life. For starters, Beakley isn’t really her grandmother; she found the infant Webby and took her in for her protection. But the biggest twist of all – Webby is actually a clone made from the DNA of Scrooge McDuck. For years, Webby idolized the McDucks and they became a surrogate family to her. But to find out not only that she’s related by blood to her idols - and that Scrooge himself is her genetic father - really takes the cake. It just goes to show how deep a familial bond can really be.

“Transformers: Prime” (2010-13)
In the Season 1 finale of “Transformers: Prime,” a planetary alignment is having a strange effect on the Earth. Natural disasters are popping up left and right, and a volcano is erupting… Dark Energon? But Dark Energon is rumored to be the blood of the Cybertronian god of chaos, Unicron; so why would it be pumping out of the Earth? In a shocking turn of events, Unicron HIMSELF is the Earth’s core. When he was defeated eons ago, the Earth was formed around his dormant body, and only an unlikely alliance can assure that he never awakens again. This was a very unique way to bring Unicron into the series and only strengthened the connection between Earth and Cybertron.

“South Park” (1997-)
Remember when Cartman had Scott Tenorman’s parents killed and tricked Scott into eating their remains? It’s a testament to how twisted Cartman can be… but the story doesn’t end there. Years later, Scott gets his revenge on Cartman by dropping a major bombshell. He is actually Cartman’s half-brother… meaning that Cartman unknowingly murdered his own father. One of the show’s biggest mysteries was who Cartman’s father was… well, we got our answer in the most gruesome of ways. Naturally, Cartman is horrified, not because of his own actions… but because this means he’s half-ginger. Even when facing the consequences of his horrific deeds, Cartman may never change.

“Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13; 2023-)
We all know Fry’s story, but what if his cryogenic freezing was no accident? Fry getting sent to the future was actually a calculated plan by Nibbler. He made the prank call that brought Fry to the lab, and he caused Fry to trip and fall into the freezer. The only reason he did all this was because Fry was the only one who could save the future from a massive threat. Even though Fry doesn’t like being used, a lot of good came out of Nibbler’s interference. He found a better life in the future and the woman of his dreams, Leela, so in a way, meddling with his past was the best thing to ever happen to him.

“Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017)
Ashi was part of the Daughters of Aku, a cult of assassins dedicated to the demonic dictator himself with one singular goal – to kill Samurai Jack. However, traveling with Jack allows her to break away from Aku’s influence… but it turns out her connection to the demon is deeper than even she knows. In reality, she IS Aku’s daughter, biologically; his demonic essence being a part of her since childbirth. This means that not only does she possess Aku’s powers, but their connection allows him to use her as a puppet to try and slay Jack for good. Fortunately, Ashi manages to break free, and her new powers enable Jack to finally put an end to Aku’s terror.

“Justice League” (2001-04)
While Hawkgirl claims that her coming to Earth was an accident, she becomes one of the founding members of the Justice League. However, in Season 2, we learn the true motives for her arrival. She’s a military spy for her people, the Thanagarians, scouting the planet in preparation for a massive invasion. While she redeems herself in the end, the damage is already done – she lied to her friends and sold out the planet that saw her as a hero. After that, the only honorable thing she can do is leave the League behind. She returns to them eventually, but it takes a while to restore her good name with the League and the public.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
For the longest time, Zuko is sure that defeating Avatar Aang would help him realize his destiny. But one earth-shaking discovery shakes his entire worldview. First, we learn how his paternal great-grandfather, Sozin, betrayed his childhood friend, Aang’s predecessor, Avatar Roku. But almost everyone knows THAT story. What Zuko DIDN’T know was that Roku was his maternal great-grandfather. Suddenly, Zuko’s inner struggle becomes much clearer – both his great-grandfathers’ conflict symbolizes his own inner turmoil between deciding which path to follow, good or evil. If any good comes out of this existential crisis, it’s that it finally sets Zuko along the path of redemption to help Aang finally end the war.

“Justice League Unlimited” (2004-06)
It turns out that Terry and Bruce’s relationship goes beyond a teacher-student bond… Terry is actually Bruce’s biological son. For context, Amanda Waller secretly used Bruce’s DNA to alter Terry’s father’s reproductive system, ensuring that his son would be a worthy successor as Batman. She even schemed to have Terry re-live the tragedy that kickstarted Bruce’s crime fighting career. While her plan didn’t go as intended, Terry would eventually become the new Batman; not as Bruce’s carbon copy, but as someone truly worthy of carrying out his legacy. This episode serves as the conclusion to “Batman Beyond’s” story, and it ends the tale on a high note by giving Terry and Bruce the satisfying endings they both deserve.

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2003-09)
During a brawl at T.C.R.I., the Turtles band together to bring the Shredder down, only to be greeted by a nasty surprise – Shredder is actually a fugitive Utrom alien. This little pest went on a rampage against his fellow aliens, and then escaped to Earth where he took on his faux identity – inspired by the legend of the ACTUAL Shredder of old - and vowed to conquer the Utroms… and anyone who got in his way. While he’s technically not the genuine article, he took this stolen identity and made it his own as the Turtles’ most formidable and ruthless adversary –it’d be safe to say that he WAS the one true Shredder.

“Adventure Time” (2010-18)
Finn and Jake come across a video diary about the Ice King and make a jaw-dropping discovery about their wizarding nemesis. 1,000 years ago, Ice King was a normal human named Simon Petrikov whose life was transformed the day he found the magic crown – he was gifted with ice powers, but his sanity completely crumbled. This adds a DEPRESSING new depth to the icy, princess-chasing psychopath – he once had a normal life, a beautiful fiancée –who he ironically called his “princess”- and was even best friends with a young, not-yet vampire queen Marceline. Tragically, there’s little hope for him remembering the happier life he once led.

“Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015-19)
It turns out that Eclipsa Butterfly, the Queen of Darkness and Princess Star’s supposed ninth great-grandmother, had a monster hybrid daughter – and yet she does not show up in the Butterfly Family scroll. The Butterfly matriarchs hope to squeeze the truth out of the Magic High Commission at Eclipsa’s trial… but what they find out is a doozy. Eclipsa’s daughter was to inherit the throne, but she was switched at birth with another baby. Having been kept in the dark for so long, Star is horrified to learn that she may not be actual royalty… and that her family stole the throne from its true owner… but would giving it back later REALLY help things?

“Teen Titans” (2003-06)
In Season 2, we get to meet Terra, a superpowered teenage girl who struggles with controlling her abilities. She disappears for most of the season before returning to join the Titans, now fully in control of her powers. However, what they don’t know is that Terra had a little help from their archnemesis, Slade. He taught her to control her powers; in exchange, she became his spy to destroy the Titans from the inside. While we don’t condone her betraying her friends, try to understand – she was emotionally volatile and desperate, which led her down a path of self-destruction. She eventually makes amends for her sins… but at a heavy cost.

“The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
In her early days as the Avatar, Korra found herself up against the mysterious Amon – a revolutionary planning to equalize Republic City by taking away all benders’ bending abilities – thanks to some unknown “mystical” power. However, after learning bits and pieces of his family history, it’s revealed that Amon is a bender himself - a bloodbender – and his “gift” is actually a bloodbending technique that severs bending abilities. While his image is a complete lie, his mission was real – he grew to HATE bending after being pushed too hard as a child by his father, and the pressure turned a once innocent kid into a cold and calculating political terrorist.

“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)
Timmy Turner has been put on trial for being the worst godchild in history. After a rocky start, it seems as though Timmy may have finally won the case… until Foop drops a major bombshell – Timmy made an illegal SECRET wish. The wish was that everyone would stop aging so he could keep his fairies… and it was made fifty years ago – meaning that it’s been five decades since the very first pilot episode where Timmy first got Cosmo and Wanda. This was definitely a unique take on the never-aging cartoon characters cliché… but it gets completely swept under the rug and resolved by the end of the episode – because status quo.

“Codename: Kids Next Door” (2002-08)
Chad Dickson, aka Numbuh 274, was considered the best there was in the Kids Next Door organization… until he supposedly turned traitor in the wake of his 13th birthday. Since then, he became a recurring teenage villain, forming a heated rivalry with Numbuh 1… but had he REALLY betrayed his comrades? In the penultimate episode, it’s revealed that Chad was a double agent for the Kids Next Door, and that every time he and Numbuh 1 have clashed, he was secretly helping them from the sidelines – adding a new perspective to all of his “defeats.” As he departs – his loyalty no longer questioned, he leaves his former pupil one last cryptic clue.

“The Simpsons” (1989-)
Many say that THIS is where “The Simpsons” began to decline in quality. In the midst of his twentieth anniversary, Principal Skinner makes a shocking announcement… he’s been lying about his identity. In reality, he was a street punk who served in the platoon of the REAL Seymour Skinner, who became like a mentor to him. When his sergeant was declared dead, the faker ended up living Skinners’ life and dreams in honor of his memory. While some twists can be clever like the mystery of who shot Mr. Burns, this revelation on a well-developed character came out of nowhere, and we were expected to pretend that none of it ever happened afterwards.

“Rick and Morty” (2013-)
It’s another typical day in the Smith household. Rick and Morty’s family find themselves dealing with shapeshifting parasites that trick them with false memories of wild and zany friends and relatives… so, you know, business as usual. At the end of the episode, one of these strange friends, Mr. Poopybutthole, pops up again, and Beth shoots him thinking he’s just another parasite… but he’s no parasite. He’s real… and Beth mortally wounds him. Don’t worry, Mr. Poopybutthole survives and becomes a recurring face in the show. Still, this is a hilarious subversion of expectations, and the way it plays out is shocking both in the revelation and how horrifying and intense the reactions feel.

“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Ever since the series’ beginning, one question has been on the minds of “Gravity Falls” fans: who wrote the mysterious journal that Dipper found? It turns out that the journal was just one of three, all chronicled by Grunkle Stan’s long-lost twin brother, Stanford Pines. Ford became obsessed with the supernatural activity surrounding Gravity Falls and wrote down all of his findings in three journals – only to leave them behind when he vanished through an interdimensional portal during a quarrel with his twin. The real payoff for this revelation was how cleverly hidden the mystery was – a few subtle clues in the background, plus a hilarious misdirection from the show creator himself.

“Steven Universe” (2013-19)
It was believed that Rose Quartz, the loving leader of the Crystal Gems and Steven’s mom, shattered Pink Diamond to protect Earth –with a few hints suggesting otherwise. In Season 5, however, we learn that Rose didn’t shatter Pink Diamond… Rose WAS Pink Diamond! She masqueraded as a Rose Quartz to spark up the rebellion, faked her own shattering to end the war, and forced Pearl to keep everything a secret. While it’s touching that Pink gave up her royal status and inspired countless gems to fight for Earth, she LIED to her own allies, pulled everyone into the crossfire of her fellow Diamonds’ wrath, and put everything the Crystal Gems believed in into question.

Which twist made you rewind several times just to confirm what you just watched? Let us know in the comments.