The Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons

Ranker TV
Updated May 1, 2024 34 items
Ranked By
484 votes
88 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up the cartoons that primarily feature monkeys or other primates.

Since the beginning of time, humans have felt a kinship with monkeys – and since the beginning of animation, the best cartoons have had primate stars. It's no wonder that monkeys, or other primates, have become favorites in animated series. Monkey and ape cartoons and animated series starring monkeys are some of the most prolific animated animal shows. So like us, but so different at the same time, they're funny, educational, cute, crude, sarcastic, or smart, the animated monkeys of our favorite childhood - and adulthood - TV shows will always hold a special place in our hearts.

The series on this list, all of which feature monkeys, apes, or other members of the primate family as the star, were with us during our Saturday mornings in front of the TV and our after-school homework procrastination sessions. So let's stop monkeying around and rank the top monkey and ape cartoons that kept us all company from best to worst.

Latest additions: Skull Island
Over 80 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons
  • Curious George
    1
    Frank Welker, Jeff Bennett, Annie Mumolo
    49 votes

    Enter the enchanting world of a curious little monkey named George, who never seems to tire of exploring and learning new things. With his insatiable curiosity and penchant for mischief, this Emmy Award-winning program teaches children valuable life lessons while providing endless entertainment. Through his adventures with his human friend, The Man in the Yellow Hat, George navigates through various challenges that encourage kids to use their problem-solving skills.

  • Donkey Kong Country
    2
    Frank Welker, Len Carlson, John Stocker
    17 votes

    Venture deep into Kongo Bongo Island's lush landscape to join Donkey Kong and his primate pals as they defend their homeland from the nefarious King K. Rool and his Kremling minions. Showcasing cutting-edge computer animation for its time, this action-packed adaptation of the popular video game franchise boasts thrilling storylines rich in adventure and humor. With its memorable characters and iconic soundtrack, Donkey Kong Country has earned its place as a beloved classic among gamers and cartoon enthusiasts alike.

  • Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!
    3
    Greg Cipes, Kevin Michael Richardson, Kari Wahlgren
    13 votes

    Prepare for an intergalactic thrill ride as five cybernetically-enhanced simian warriors join forces with their human leader Chiro to protect the universe from evil. This action-packed animated series boasts breathtaking animation, compelling storylines, and an unforgettable cast of characters that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! is a must-watch for fans of all ages.

  • Tinga Tinga Tales
    4
    Miriam Margolyes, Lenny Henry, Shaun Parkes
    13 votes

    Inspired by traditional African folktales and art, this vibrant animated series invites young viewers to dive into a world filled with colorful characters and captivating stories centered around life lessons. Set in the breathtaking Tinga Tinga landscape, each episode reveals an origin story for one of Africa's many fascinating animals – from clever monkeys to curious chameleons. Through captivating visuals and unforgettable narratives, Tinga Tinga Tales delivers an enchanting cultural experience that resonates across generations.

  • Go, Diego, Go!
    5
    Jake T. Austin, Rosie Perez, Keeler Sandhaus
    23 votes

    Prepare for a vibrant expedition into the heart of the rainforest with Diego Marquez, an eight-year-old animal rescuer on a mission to save endangered species. Alongside his beloved sidekick, Baby Jaguar, Diego navigates treacherous terrains and encounters fascinating creatures in his quest to protect Mother Nature's precious gifts. This action-packed animated series not only entertains but also educates young viewers about ecology and wildlife conservation.

  • Jungle Cubs
    6
    Jim Cummings, Tress MacNeille, Rob Paulsen
    19 votes

    Delve into the playful origins of your favorite Jungle Book characters in this spirited prequel series that brings Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa, and more to life as lovable youngsters exploring their wild surroundings. Set in an enchanting Indian jungle, this nostalgic trip down memory lane gives audiences a glimpse into the early adventures of these unforgettable animal friends. Brimming with humor, heart, and catchy tunes, Jungle Cubs is a delightful romp for fans both young and old.

  • Camp Lazlo
    7
    Lars Thiesgaard, Carlos Alazraqui, Tom Kenny\
    14 votes

    Welcome to Camp Kidney, where a plucky bean-scout named Lazlo leads his fellow campers on zany escapades in this offbeat animated series! Filled with colorful characters and quirky humor, Camp Lazlo offers an irreverent take on traditional summer camp tropes that will leave audiences laughing out loud. Bursting with energy and creativity, this beloved show delivers endless entertainment for kids and adults alike.

  • The Wild Thornberrys
    8
    Lacey Chabert, Tim Curry, Jodi Carlisle
    30 votes

    Embark on thrilling escapades with Eliza Thornberry, a young girl gifted with the extraordinary ability to communicate with animals. In this captivating series set in exotic locales worldwide, Eliza uses her newfound power to unravel the mysteries of nature alongside her quirky yet lovable family – including a mischievous pet chimpanzee named Darwin. Audiences will be captivated by the rich animation and compelling storylines that intertwine environmental awareness with heartwarming family dynamics.

  • My Gym Partner's a Monkey
    9
    Tom Kenny, Nika Futterman, Grey Griffin
    20 votes

    Imagine attending a school where animals rule supreme – welcome to Charles Darwin Middle School. In this offbeat animated series, we follow human student Adam Lyon as he navigates the wild world of interspecies education alongside his simian best friend Jake Spidermonkey. Filled with uproarious comedy and endearing friendships that defy expectations, My Gym Partner's a Monkey offers a hilariously unique take on the trials and tribulations of middle school life.

  • Marvel's Hit-Monkey
    10
    Fred Tatasciore, Jason Sudeikis, Olivia Munn
    10 votes

    Step into the dark realm of Marvel's underworld with this gritty animated series centered around an unlikely anti-hero – a vengeful Japanese snow monkey equipped with lethal skills and guided by the ghost of a slain American assassin. As Hit-Monkey traverses Tokyo's seedy underbelly to exact vengeance upon those who wronged him, audiences are treated to a thrilling blend of action, drama, and dark humor that pushes the boundaries of traditional superhero storytelling

  • The King Kong Show
    11
    Paul Soles, Billie Mae Richards, John Drainie
    10 votes

    Behold the legendary King Kong as he embarks on fantastic adventures across uncharted lands alongside his human friends Bobby Bond and Professor Bond! In this classic animated series from 1966, our heroic ape faces off against nefarious foes such as Doctor Who (no relation to the British sci-fi icon) and Mechani-Kong while tackling exciting challenges that showcase his unparalleled strength and intelligence. With its iconic theme song and an unforgettable cast of characters, The King Kong Show remains a beloved classic for generations of fans.

  • Ape Escape
    12

    Ape Escape

    Annie Mumolo, Greg Ellis, Eric Bauza
    10 votes

    Get ready for nonstop hilarity as we follow the escapades of Specter – an intelligent ape who breaks free from his cage at the zoo and uses mind-control helmets to seize control over his fellow primates. This uproarious animated series based on the popular video game franchise chronicles Specter's wacky schemes while introducing viewers to an unforgettable cast of characters that will leave them laughing out loud. With its clever premise and engaging storylines, Ape Escape is a must-watch for fans of comedic animation.

  • Julius Jr.
    13

    Julius Jr.

    Steph Lynn Robinson, Julie Lemieux, Elizabeth Daily
    23 votes

    Step into the whimsical world of Julius Jr., an inventive young monkey who, along with his pals, transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary inventions. This delightful animated series encourages creativity and friendship through its engaging stories and charming character dynamics. Young viewers will be inspired by Julius Jr.'s ingenuity as he demonstrates that even the most mundane items can become magical with a little imagination.

  • The Legend of Tarzan
    14

    The Legend of Tarzan

    Michael T. Weiss, Olivia d'Abo, Jim Cummings
    16 votes

    Explore the untamed depths of the African jungle with this thrilling animated series that reimagines the classic story of Tarzan, the ape-man who wields unmatched strength and agility. Joined by his loyal wife Jane and a diverse cast of animal friends, Tarzan battles against nefarious villains and dangerous creatures in defense of his beloved homeland. With its lush animation and high-stakes adventure, The Legend of Tarzan is a captivating update on a timeless tale.

  • Captain Simian & the Space Monkeys
    15
    Malcolm McDowell, James Avery, Michael Dorn
    9 votes

    Blast off into outer space with Captain Simian – a NASA-trained chimpanzee – and his band of genetically-enhanced primate astronauts as they battle against nefarious forces in this cosmic comedy adventure. Filled with interstellar escapades and witty banter, this beloved animated series from the 1990s delivers nonstop laughs while exploring themes such as teamwork and perseverance. A true gem from television's golden age of animation.

  • Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt
    16
    Robbie Daymond, Dayci Brookshire, Anthony Tedesco
    8 votes

    Dive into the action-packed world of Chico Bon Bon – an ingenious monkey equipped with a versatile tool belt that can solve any problem! In this engaging animated series aimed at preschoolers, Chico and his Fix-It Force pals embark on thrilling adventures that teach young viewers about teamwork, perseverance, and creative thinking. Packed with humor, heart, and educational value, Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

  • Kong: The Animated Series
    17

    Kong: The Animated Series

    Scott McNeil, David Kaye, Kirby Morrow
    10 votes

    Witness King Kong like never before as he returns to Skull Island in this action-packed animated series that picks up where the iconic 1933 film left off. Joined by human companions Jason Jenkins and Lua, Kong faces off against nefarious foes such as Harpy Queen Chiros while protecting his island home from various threats. Brimming with pulse-pounding adventure and state-of-the-art animation, Kong: The Animated Series breathes new life into a beloved classic.

  • The Great Grape Ape Show
    18

    The Great Grape Ape Show

    Bob Holt, Marty Ingels
    10 votes

    Towering at an impressive 40 feet tall, the lovable purple primate known as Grape Ape embarks on a series of wacky adventures alongside his pint-sized canine companion, Beegle Beagle. This nostalgic Hanna-Barbera creation from the 1970s showcases the duo's zany escapades as they travel the countryside in their signature yellow van, leaving a trail of laughter and chaos in their wake. Bursting with humor and heart, The Great Grape Ape Show remains a timeless treasure for animation enthusiasts.

  • Rocket Monkeys
    19

    Rocket Monkeys

    David Berni, Mark Edwards
    12 votes

    Strap in for a wild ride with brothers Gus and Wally – two bumbling primate astronauts who embark on hilarious misadventures across the galaxy in this zany animated series. With their trusty robot companion YAY-OK by their side, these simian siblings navigate chaotic situations that showcase their endless optimism and penchant for causing trouble. Overflowing with slapstick humor and madcap antics, Rocket Monkeys is a side-splitting cosmic romp that's out of this world.

  • Rated A for Awesome
    20
    Sam Vincent, Chiara Zanni, Colin Murdock
    12 votes

    Dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of Team Awesome, a group of four resourceful kids and their talking monkey mascot who band together to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through their ingenious inventions. This high-energy animated series encourages creativity and teamwork as our heroes tackle various challenges that showcase their boundless imaginations. Bursting with humor and heart, Rated A for Awesome delivers an unforgettable viewing experience that will inspire young minds to dream big.

  • The Magilla Gorilla Show
    21
    Allan Melvin, Howard Morris, Jean Vander Pyl
    14 votes

    Travel back in time to 1964 with this classic Hanna-Barbera creation featuring Magilla Gorilla, an amiable ape incessantly seeking adoption from passersby at Peebles' Pet Shop. With its colorful cast of characters – including pet shop owner Mr. Peebles and cunning cat Ogee – this endearing show offers audiences a perfect blend of slapstick humor, heartfelt moments, and catchy tunes that continue to charm fans more than half a century later.

  • WordGirl
    22
    Dannah Feinglass Phirman, Tom Kenny, Cree Summer
    14 votes

    Root for WordGirl, a superheroine armed with incredible strength and an extensive vocabulary, as she battles dastardly villains while teaching young viewers about language in this Emmy Award-winning animated series! Alongside her sidekick Captain Huggy Face – a simian companion with extraordinary powers – WordGirl uses her linguistic prowess to save the day time and again. This engaging show not only entertains but also educates by introducing viewers to new words and their meanings in fun contexts.

  • Life's a Zoo
    23
    Joseph Motiki
    7 votes

    Step into the twisted world of this stop-motion animated series, where seven misfit animals – including a fame-hungry chimpanzee named Jake – compete in a reality TV show to win the coveted prize of living in a luxurious mansion. Equal parts dark comedy and biting satire, Life's a Zoo offers an offbeat take on the genre while exploring themes such as ambition, friendship, and loyalty. With its unique animation style and mature humor, this show stands out as a daring departure from traditional children's programming.

  • Zigby
    24

    Zigby

    Jamie Croft, Brian Drummond, Matt Hill
    7 votes

    Embark on delightful adventures with Zigby, an imaginative zebra who, along with his monkey and bird friends, transforms their tropical island home into a playground filled with fun and excitement! This heartwarming animated series encourages creativity and problem-solving as our intrepid heroes face various challenges that require teamwork and ingenuity. With its charming animation and engaging storylines, Zigby is sure to capture the hearts of young viewers everywhere.

  • Animalia
    25
    Maurice LaMarche, Dean O'Gorman, Maddie Blaustein
    11 votes

    Journey to the fantastical realm of Animalia, where talking animals coexist in harmony within a unique world inspired by Graeme Base's beloved picture book. In this visually stunning animated series, young viewers follow human friends Alex and Zoe as they embark on exciting adventures alongside an eclectic cast of animal characters, exploring themes of friendship, teamwork, and problem-solving. With its lush animation and engaging storylines, Animalia is a must-watch for young audiences with a penchant for imagination.

  • Kong: King of the Apes
    26
    Lee Tockar, Sam Vincent, Alessandro Juliani
    11 votes

    Immerse yourself in this futuristic reimagining of the King Kong mythos set in 2050, where our titular hero finds himself pitted against sinister forces seeking world domination. As Kong forms alliances with human friends Lukas Remy and Amy Quon, this action-packed animated series weaves thrilling adventures with cutting-edge animation that breathes new life into a legendary character. With its compelling storylines and unforgettable cast, Kong: King of the Apes is an exhilarating addition to the King Kong legacy.

  • Monchhichis
    27
    Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Sidney Miller
    11 votes

    Enter the enchanting world of the Monchhichis, adorable monkey-like creatures who inhabit a magical land filled with whimsy and wonder. In this heartwarming animated series from the 1980s, young viewers join the lovable characters as they engage in delightful adventures and learn valuable life lessons along the way. Overflowing with charm, humor, and nostalgia, Monchhichis remains a cherished classic for generations of fans.

  • George of the Jungle
    28
    Paul Dobson, Britt Irvin, Tabitha St. Germain
    15 votes

    In this wildly entertaining reboot of the classic 1960s animated series, our lovable buffoon, George, finds himself in precarious situations as he navigates life in the jungle alongside his trusty sidekick, an intellectually superior ape named Ape. Voiced by the talented Lee Tockar and Paul Dobson, respectively, their comedic chemistry is simply bananas. With a delightful blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, this show swings into action and leaves viewers both young and old grinning from ear to ear.

  • Waybuloo
    29
    Oliver Dillon
    14 votes

    Journey to the whimsical world of Nara, where magical creatures called Piplings engage in a series of playful adventures that teach young viewers about friendship, problem-solving, and mindfulness. This enchanting animated series blends captivating storytelling with live-action footage of children practicing yoga-inspired movements known as "Waybuloo moves." With its unique blend of entertainment and education, Waybuloo offers a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that promotes emotional well-being for kids.

  • George of the Jungle
    30
    June Foray, Paul Frees, Daws Butler
    14 votes

    Swing back into action with this modern adaptation of the classic 1967 cartoon featuring our bumbling yet lovable ape-man hero George. This updated version retains all the charm of its predecessor while introducing fresh storylines and characters that will captivate audiences all over again. With its delightful mix of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable theme song, this iteration of George of the Jungle is sure to win over fans both old and new.