The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked

A classic staple in the world of animation, Tom and Jerry has continued to captivate audiences for decades with its slapstick humor and escalating rivalry between a crafty mouse, Jerry, and determined cat, Tom. Seamlessly blending traditional animation techniques with ingenious visual gags, the show creates an irresistible sense of comedic timing that transcends language barriers and keeps viewers of all ages on the edge of their seats. Each episode is packed with beautifully animated and elaborate chase sequences that showcase the creators' mastery of fluid motion and impeccable character design. Ultimately, Tom and Jerry stands as a testament to the limitless potential of animation in portraying complex emotions, physical humor, and timeless themes of rivalry and friendship.

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an impressive feat of storytelling, using its visually stunning animation to create a rich and diverse world inspired by real-life cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and elemental magic. The show masterfully weaves its intricate plotlines around a cast of well-developed characters, each with their own distinctive abilities, motivations, and growth, making it an engrossing experience from start to finish. Perhaps most memorable are the show's fight scenes, which demonstrate a deep understanding of martial arts choreography and fluid animation techniques to bring their elemental battles to life in a way that is both thrilling and uniquely immersive. With its seamless blend of Eastern philosophical influences, strong character development, and impactful action sequences, Avatar: The Last Airbender has solidified its place among the greatest animated series of all time.

One of the most iconic cartoon franchises of all time, Looney Tunes has left an indelible mark on the world of animation through its innovative character design, classic slapstick humor, and unforgettable cast of lovable misfits. Featuring such legendary characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, the series set the standard for expressive animation, utilizing squash-and-stretch techniques to create hilariously exaggerated physical comedy and facial expressions that remain influential to this day. The show's use of classical music, expertly synced to the action on screen, adds another layer of refinement and sophistication to its timeless appeal. In essence, Looney Tunes has earned its place in the annals of animation history for its pioneering techniques, memorable characters, and the sheer joy it has brought to generations of viewers.

Boldly pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, Rick and Morty has quickly become a pop culture phenomenon with its dark humor, complex narrative structure, and twisted exploration of science fiction tropes. The show's use of animation allows for incredible creativity in the design of alternate dimensions, alien species, and even mind-bending alternate realities that would be nearly impossible to achieve in any other medium. Each frame features densely-packed visual details and Easter eggs that invite repeated viewings, all while maintaining consistently smooth animation and a colorful, vibrant art style. Rick and Morty stands as an inventive, challenging, and darkly entertaining animated series that showcases the strength of the medium as a storytelling platform.

A beloved classic that has spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! stands out for its winning combination of mystery, humor, and memorable characters. The cartoon's use of animation allows the show's creators to devise a seemingly limitless variety of eerie locations and otherworldly creatures, providing an engaging backdrop for the sleuthing antics of Scooby and the gang. The show's expertly crafted character dynamics and slapstick comedic moments bring levity to their spooky adventures, while the well-paced unraveling of each mystery keeps viewers in suspense until the very end. With its enduring charm, iconic Hanna-Barbera animation style, and clever storytelling, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! remains a standout example of animation's power to create immersive, entertaining worlds.

With its zany characters, surrealist humor, and consistently inventive storylines, SpongeBob SquarePants has captured the imaginations of audiences young and old alike. Set in the colorful underwater world of Bikini Bottom, the series makes brilliant use of its aquatic setting to explore themes of friendship, work, and play in an entertaining and visually captivating way. Combining fluid animation with the occasional foray into stop-motion or live-action, SpongeBob consistently pushes the boundaries of what a cartoon can be. Over its long run, the show has remained a shining example of the creative potential of animation, as well as the enduring appeal of a truly lovable cast of characters.