50 Best animated TV series of all time
by scbyrnetda | created - 26 Apr 2011 | updated - 15 Jan 2013 | PublicIn no order, my favorite animated TV shows from a professional view and a personal view. Thanks for so many views! All 14,000+ people who took their time to click on my lists :D
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1. The Simpsons (1989– )
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
The satiric adventures of a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield.
Stars: Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, Julie Kavner
Votes: 435,578
This show has had such an impact on animation, and has made the longest running TV series an animated one. Also, this show has given us the best character of all time (according to Entertainment), Homer Simpson. Such an influential show deserves first place on the list.
2. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The Dark Knight battles crime in Gotham City with occasional help from Robin and Batgirl.
Stars: Kevin Conroy, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings
Votes: 116,892
Dark,serious, funny and action packed, Batman: TAS gave an animated show for everyone, both children and adults. It also was the start of the DC Animated Universe that produced fantastic animated shows from 1992 to 2006.
3. The Bugs Bunny/Looney Tunes Comedy Hour (1985–1986)
45 min | Animation, Family, Comedy
A Saturday morning series, collecting of some of the most popular classic cartoons from the Looney Tunes catalogue.
Stars: Mel Blanc, Roberto Zenca, June Foray
Votes: 17,556
The whole Loony Tunes franchise belongs here (Including the newest series). It introduced a new type of animated comedy and has stood the test of time.
4. South Park (1997– )
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
Follows the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.
Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Isaac Hayes, Mona Marshall
Votes: 405,720
South Park holds a mirror to the face of the world and gives as a look at how stupid we all act sometimes. This show has become a sort of current affairs comedy show like late night talk shows because they always show what people are thinking at that point it time. That makes it an awesome creation in itself.
5. The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991–1996)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Ren, a psychotic Chihuahua, and Stimpson J. Cat, a dimwitted Manx cat who goes by the nickname Stimpy, have a host of unusual adventures.
Stars: John Kricfalusi, Billy West, Harris Peet, Bob Camp
Votes: 24,637
A bat-sh*t crazy show for kids on sugar rushes, and one of my favorites.
6. X-Men: Evolution (2000–2003)
TV-Y7 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
This rendition of X-Men features Cyclops, Jean Grey, Rogue, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and Spike as teenagers as they fight for a world that fears and hates them.
Stars: Scott McNeil, Meghan Black, Christopher Judge, Kirby Morrow
Votes: 13,243
As a fan of X-Men and comics in general, this show and others like it are my dreams come true. Its true that this specific show is not the best of the Animated Superhero genre, but it was the first one I was introduced to and paved the way for other great shows like Batman:TAS, X-Men:TAS, and Justice League. It holds a special place in my heart and continues to be one of my favorite shows ever.
7. Animaniacs (1993–1998)
TV-Y7 | 21 min | Animation, Short, Adventure
The zany adventures of a trio of 1930s animated characters in the modern world.
Stars: Rob Paulsen, Jess Harnell, Tress MacNeille, Frank Welker
Votes: 25,827
A wave of nostalgia falls upon me whenever I hear this shows theme song or see a clip of this show. I feel like this is the show that brought back the type of comedy show the Loony Tunes created, and in my personal opinion may have improved.
8. Justice League (2001–2004)
TV-PG | 22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Seven of the most formidable heroes form arguably the most powerful team ever.
Stars: Carl Lumbly, Phil LaMarr, Michael Rosenbaum, George Newbern
Votes: 51,705
Some of the greatest heros ever and their missions adapted to an animated cartoon. JL takes story arcs from the original comics and recreates them to a show to introduce children and even adults to the DC universe and the animated DC universe.
9. Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.
Stars: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Steve Blum
Votes: 138,684
As someone who only enjoys only a few anime shows, it took no time at all for this to become my favorite anime ever.
10. Wolf's Rain (2003–2004)
TV-14 | 701 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In a post-apocalyptic future where humans live in domed cities surrounded by wasteland, wolves are assumed to be two hundred years extinct.
Stars: Sarah Hauser, Darren Pleavin, Kenta Miyake, Akio Suyama
Votes: 8,245
Another anime that I love. Wolf's Rain is action packed and has really amazing characters that you get so attached to. This show is also one of the most depressing things I've ever seen because you get so invested in these charters and you want to see them succeed, and thats the sign of a brilliant show.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two brothers search for a Philosopher's Stone after an attempt to revive their deceased mother goes awry and leaves them in damaged physical forms.
Stars: Kent Williams, Iemasa Kayumi, Matthew Leonhart, Vic Mignogna
Votes: 197,228
12. X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
TV-Y7 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A team of mutant superheroes fight for justice and human acceptance in the Marvel Comics universe.
Stars: Cedric Smith, Cal Dodd, Lenore Zann, George Buza
Votes: 48,773
Classic 90s comic cartoon. Much like Justice League and Batman, X-men depicted the popular story arcs from the comics and introduced the characters to a younger audience.
13. Generator Rex (2010–2013)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In a future where humans are infected by untested, microscopic robots, a young man with the ability to control the bots helps a government agency control the tech's vicious creations.
Stars: Daryl Sabara, Grey Griffin, John DiMaggio, Wally Kurth
Votes: 8,017
The most underrated show on Cartoon Network in my opinion and ended way to soon. Generator Rex had an interesting concept, a mystery that keeps the audience guessing, and a serious edge to the show. This show had wonderful characters each incredibly different, with their own quirks and flaws. And had mature issues such as racism, prejudice, sexual tensions, and the betrayal and loss of loved ones. We see a world on the brink of extinction and see people fighting to save it in their own way. And it's told in such a way that makes the characters feel more real, more solid. There's a depth to them that's hard to find. To me this is a gem of a show.
14. Daria (1997–2002)
TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
A smart and cynical girl goes through teenage life as a proud outsider in a world of mainly idiotic adolescents and condescending adults.
Stars: Tracy Grandstaff, Wendy Hoopes, Julian Rebolledo, John Lynn
Votes: 27,219
The show that spoke to a generation of teens, and even todays to an extant, that showed it's alright to be an outcast and anti-social. Daria's view of society and her friendship with Jane made this show great, and still is what High Schools like today.
15. Metalocalypse (2006–2013)
TV-MA | 11 min | Animation, Comedy, Music
The epic and over-the-top adventures of Dethklok, the world's most successful death metal band.
Stars: Brendon Small, Tommy Blacha, Mark Hamill, Victor Brandt
Votes: 18,161
Pretty much gory, bloody, dark junkfood for the mind. Oh yeah and their songs are *beep* BRUTAL!!!!!
16. Death Note (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
An intelligent high school student goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals from the world after discovering a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written into it.
Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô
Votes: 377,978
Another dark anime that got my attention. This story is about the dangers of ultimate power and that no one person should posses it all. For if it was to fall into the wrong hands, what could we do to stop them?
17. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
TV-Y7-FV | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In a war-torn world of elemental powers, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world.
Stars: Dee Bradley Baker, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena
Votes: 372,177
18. Hey Arnold! (1996–2004)
TV-Y7 | 15 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The everyday life of Arnold, a fourth-grader in a nameless city that resembles Brooklyn, New York, who lives in a multi-racial boarding house with his grandparents and a motley assortment of friends and neighbors.
Stars: Francesca Marie Smith, Jamil Walker Smith, Dan Castellaneta, Justin Shenkarow
Votes: 36,563
19. Futurama (1999– )
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy, is accidentally frozen in 1999 and thawed out on New Year's Eve 2999.
Stars: Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Tress MacNeille
Votes: 260,802
20. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2001–2007)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
The ill-tempered Grim Reaper gets into a wager that forces him to become the life-long companions of two scheming youngsters after he loses.
Stars: Greg Eagles, Grey Griffin, Richard Steven Horvitz, Vanessa Marshall
Votes: 26,449
21. The Boondocks (2005–2014)
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
Brothers Huey and Riley Freeman experience a culture clash when they leave Chicago to move in with their grandfather in the suburbs.
Stars: Regina King, John Witherspoon, Gary Anthony Williams, Cedric Yarbrough
Votes: 35,675
22. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999–2008)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The off-the-wall, day-to-day life of three friends who have exactly the same name.
Stars: Matt Hill, Sam Vincent, Tony Sampson, Erin Fitzgerald
Votes: 40,940
23. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.
Stars: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi, Spike Spencer
Votes: 85,117
24. Robot Chicken (2001–2022)
TV-MA | 11 min | Animation, Short, Adventure
Pop culture references fly thick and fast as stop-motion animation is featured in sketches lampooning everything from television movies to comic books.
Stars: Seth Green, Matthew Senreich, Breckin Meyer, Tom Root
Votes: 46,237
25. Gargoyles (1994–1997)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A clan of heroic night creatures pledge to protect modern New York City as they did in Scotland one thousand years earlier.
Stars: Keith David, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Jeff Bennett, Thom Adcox-Hernandez
Votes: 18,531
26. Scooby Doo, Where Are You! (1969–1978)
TV-G | 22 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A group of teenage friends and their Great Dane (Scooby-Doo) travel in a bright green van solving strange and hilarious mysteries, while returning from or going to a regular teenage function.
Stars: Don Messick, Casey Kasem, Nicole Jaffe, Vic Perrin
Votes: 41,482
27. The Tick (1994–1997)
TV-PG | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An invulnerable, somewhat dim, superhero protects The City from all manner of evil-doers.
Stars: Townsend Coleman, Micky Dolenz, Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke
Votes: 10,161
28. Pinky and the Brain (1995–1998)
TV-Y | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Pinky and Brain are genetically enhanced laboratory mice who reside in the research facility. Brain is self-centered and scheming; Pinky is good-natured but feeble-minded. In each episode, Brain devises a new plan to take over the world.
Stars: Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Frank Welker
Votes: 32,838
29. The Critic (1994–2001)
TV-14 | 522 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Jay Sherman is a New York film critic who has to review films he doesn't like for a living.
Stars: Jon Lovitz, Nick Jameson, Maurice LaMarche, Nancy Cartwright
Votes: 9,081
30. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999– )
TV-Y7 | 23 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The misadventures of a talking sea sponge who works at a fast food restaurant, attends a boating school, and lives in an underwater pineapple.
Stars: Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown
Votes: 111,257
31. Beavis and Butt-Head (1993–2011)
TV-14 | 15 min | Animation, Comedy, Music
Animated MTV series about two teenage heavy-metal music fans who occasionally do idiotic things because they're bored. For them, everything is "cool" or "sucks."
Stars: Mike Judge, Kristofor Brown, Dale Revo, Tracy Grandstaff
Votes: 34,236
32. King of the Hill (1997–2010)
TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
A straight-laced propane salesman in Arlen, Texas tries to deal with the wacky antics of his family and friends, while also trying to keep his son in line.
Stars: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick
Votes: 58,413
33. Bleach (2004–2023)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
High school student Ichigo Kurosaki, who has the ability to see ghosts, gains soul reaper powers from Rukia Kuchiki and sets out to save the world from "Hollows".
Stars: Johnny Yong Bosch, Michelle Ruff, Stephanie Sheh, Jamieson Price
Votes: 68,917
34. Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000–2023)
TV-MA | 15 min | Animation, Comedy
The misadventures of a milkshake, an order of fries, a meatball, and their retired next door neighbor in the suburbs of New Jersey.
Stars: Dave Willis, Carey Means, Dana Snyder, Matt Maiellaro
Votes: 26,788
35. The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991)
TV-Y7 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
The continuing adventures of the staff of the ghost removal service.
Stars: Maurice LaMarche, Dave Coulier, Frank Welker, Arsenio Hall
Votes: 11,007
36. Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1993–2012)
TV-14 | 15 min | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Space Ghost, a superhero from a 1960s Hanna-Barbera cartoon, hosts his own talk show.
Stars: George Lowe, C. Martin Croker, Andy Merrill, Dave Willis
Votes: 7,733
37. The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2004)
TV-Y7-FV | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Three super-powered little girls constantly save the world (or at least the city of Townsville) from monsters, would-be conquerers and a few other gross things.
Stars: Cathy Cavadini, Elizabeth Daily, Tara Strong, Tom Kenny
Votes: 47,852
38. Invader ZIM (2001–2006)
TV-Y7 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An alien named Zim from the planet Irk is sent on a secret mission to conquer Earth, not realising that his leaders were just trying to get rid of him and hoped that he would die. Once there, Zim manages to disguise himself as a human child, but one boy named Dib sees through his disguise.
Stars: Andy Berman, Richard Steven Horvitz, Rikki Simons, Melissa Fahn
Votes: 22,590
39. The Transformers (1984–1987)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two opposing factions of transforming alien robots engage in a battle that has the fate of Earth in the balance.
Stars: Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Corey Burton, Christopher Collins
Votes: 23,531
40. Naruto (2002–2007)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.
Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Kate Higgins, Chie Nakamura
Votes: 127,145
41. Samurai Jack (2001–2017)
TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A samurai, sent through time, fights to return home and save the world.
Stars: Phil LaMarr, Mako, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jeff Bennett
Votes: 59,562
42. Rugrats (1991–2003)
TV-Y | 30 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil and Lil and Susie find themselves in a slew of adventures - both real and imaginary. Baldly go where no baby's every gone before as the Rugrats turn the ordinary into the extraordinary every day.
Stars: Elizabeth Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Nancy Cartwright, Kath Soucie
Votes: 38,462
43. The Jetsons (1962–1963)
TV-Y7 | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The misadventures of a futuristic family.
Stars: George O'Hanlon, Janet Waldo, Mel Blanc, Penny Singleton
Votes: 23,948
44. Freakazoid! (1995–1997)
TV-G | 30 min | Animation, Short, Action
Washington, D.C. has a new defender: Freakazoid. The comedy and insanity never stop when he's around, and he's only one of the weird heroes of the series. It's better than a nice tub of good things.
Stars: Paul Rugg, David Kaufman, Joe Leahy, Tress MacNeille
Votes: 8,555
45. Teen Titans (2003–2006)
TV-Y7-FV | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure