The Best Animated Shows About Families, Ranked
- 1Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
The Simpsons artfully utilizes the animated family sitcom genre to deliver a hilarious yet poignant look into the heart of the relatable all-American, nuclear family. With its well-developed, three-dimensional characters, the show provides an insightful and satirical commentary on everyday life and societal norms. Through relatable moments of family conflict, love, and dysfunction, The Simpsons embodies the essence of the familial subgenre in animation, while managing to entertain and engage audiences for over thirty years. The show's outstanding writing, combined with its iconic visual style, makes it a true gem in the realm of animated family television.
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- #8 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 2Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc
As one of the pioneers of the animated family sitcom, The Flintstones paved the way for many shows that followed. Set in prehistoric times, this iconic series captures the essence of the familial subgenre by presenting a comical but realistic portrayal of a loving, eccentric family. Its characters and storylines skillfully blend modern sensibilities with Stone Age humor, creating a timeless feel that has captivated generations. The Flintstones' clever use of the animated medium allows for endless creative possibilities, as it explores relatable themes such as parenthood, marriage, and friendship in a truly unique setting.
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- #57 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 3George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo
The Jetsons is not only an excellent example of an animated family sitcom, but it also serves as a futuristic counterpart to the Flintstones. Its futurist setting offers endless possibilities for imaginative and humorous storylines, centered around a close-knit family dealing with the challenges of living in a technologically advanced world. This groundbreaking series expertly blends science fiction elements with relatable family dynamics, reflecting both the optimism and anxieties of its time. By doing so, The Jetsons not only entertains but also provides a thought-provoking glimpse into our society's ever-evolving relationship with technology.
More The Jetsons- #59 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 4Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann
DuckTales masterfully reinvents the animated family sitcom by centering its story around Scrooge McDuck and his three grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. This delightful series takes a fresh approach to the familial subgenre by combining heartwarming character development with thrilling action-adventure storylines. Its innovative narrative structure showcases how families can come together through shared experiences and challenges, providing a captivating and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. DuckTales' legacy as one of the best animated shows about families is further bolstered by its iconic theme song, timeless humor, and memorable cast of characters.
More DuckTales- #16 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #2 of 193 on190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
- #5 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 5E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie
Rugrats holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it offers a refreshingly innocent perspective on family life through the eyes of imaginative toddlers. This groundbreaking series expertly blends humor with heartfelt moments as it follows the adventures of Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica, who navigate the world around them despite their limited understanding of it. The show's exploration of childhood friendships, sibling rivalries, and parental dynamics, set against a backdrop of wild, exaggerated scenarios, provides a delightful and entertaining take on the animated family sitcom. Rugrats (1991) stands as a true classic, cherished for its ability to evoke both laughter and nostalgia in audiences of all ages.
- 6Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green
Family Guy pushes the boundaries of the animated family sitcom with its irreverent humor, thought-provoking satire, and audacious gags. Through the Griffin family's wild misadventures, this cult classic explores modern society and pop culture with biting wit and unapologetic candor. Its ability to pack a powerful punch in addressing contemporary issues, thanks to its animated medium, sets it apart from other family-focused shows. While Family Guy's edgy humor may not be for everyone, its unique perspective and razor-sharp commentary on family life make it an unforgettable contender in the world of animated television.
- 7H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman
Bob's Burgers finds strength in its quirky cast of characters and the genuine love that binds the Belcher family together. With a delightful blend of humor and realism, this animated sitcom offers an honest and heartwarming depiction of a small-business, working-class family reluctant to conform to societal norms. Through a combination of clever writing, offbeat situations, and relatable family dynamics, Bob's Burgers demonstrates the power of animation to explore complex, human emotions while still delivering laugh-out-loud comedy. The show's unique charm lies in its ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of family life, making it an exceptional entry in the world of animated family television.
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- #66 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 8Vincent Martella, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ashley Tisdale
Phineas and Ferb breathes new life into the animated family sitcom genre with its endearing characters, ingenious inventions, and relentlessly upbeat tone. This innovative series revolves around the titular stepbrothers' ambitious summer projects, which often lead to hilarious mishaps and unintended consequences. Alongside their family, friends, and even a pet platypus who doubles as a secret agent, they tackle everyday challenges while embarking on extraordinary adventures. Phineas and Ferb showcases the power of imagination, strong storytelling, and clever humor in creating an animated show that resonates with both children and adults, proving that family entertainment can be both smart and fun.
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- #14 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 9Susan Blakeslee, Daran Norris, Tara Strong
The Fairly OddParents takes the idea of childhood wish-fulfillment to fantastical heights through the adventures of Timmy Turner and his magical fairy godparents. With its fast-paced humor, imaginative scenarios, and relatable characters, this entertaining series engages both children and adults alike. Its clever use of magic allows for the exploration of real-world challenges faced by families, such as sibling rivalries, parental struggles, and school pressures, in a highly inventive and enjoyable manner. The Fairly OddParents' blend of whimsy, humor, and heart make it a standout in the realm of animated family television.
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- #17 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 10John Astin, Nancy Linari, Debi Derryberry
The Addams Family's light-hearted humor and delightfully quirky characters have made it an enduring classic in the world of animated family television. By embracing an unconventional approach to family dynamics and celebrating the macabre, this iconic series manages to explore universal themes of love, acceptance, and togetherness in a refreshingly original manner. Its distinctive visual style and gothic atmosphere serve as a perfect backdrop for its unique brand of humor and heart. The Addams Family's ability to be both engaging and thought-provoking while remaining true to its outlandish premise makes it a timeless entry in the animated family genre.
More The Addams Family- #146 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- #110 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- 11Trey Parker, Matt Stone
South Park's provocative humor, unapologetic satire, and willingness to tackle challenging subject matter have made it a groundbreaking entry in the realm of animated family television. This controversial series follows the lives of four foul-mouthed children navigating school, family, and the absurdities of the titular Colorado town. South Park uses its irreverent style and animated platform to dissect complex social and political issues while offering a hilariously offbeat perspective on American family life. Despite its divisive reputation, there is no denying that this standout show has left an indelible mark on the world of television.
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- #23 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 12Roman Lutterotti, Bruce Dinsmore, Daniel Brochu
Arthur is an enduring animated series that masterfully addresses real-life issues children face, while providing valuable lessons about friendship, family, and empathy. Centered around the titular aardvark and his anthropomorphic animal friends, this beloved show demonstrates the importance of understanding different perspectives and learning from one another. By weaving educational elements into entertaining storylines, Arthur expertly balances education and entertainment to create a show that resonates with families and children alike. Its unpretentious and sincere approach to storytelling has made it a favorite among generations, securing its place as one of the best animated shows about families.
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- #80 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 13Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon
King of the Hill sets itself apart from other animated family sitcoms with its down-to-earth characters, excellent storytelling, and satirical look at traditional American values. By following the trials and tribulations of the working-class Hill family, this critically acclaimed series addresses the challenges and joys of everyday life in a relatable and often hilarious manner. Its expert portrayal of small-town Texas life, combined with its warm and empathetic approach to character development, makes King of the Hill a standout in the genre. Its understated humor and focus on authentic human emotions have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the best animated shows about families.
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- #82 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 14Frank Welker, Don Messick, Michael Bell
The Smurfs' whimsical, magical setting and charming characters have delighted families for generations. While not a traditional family sitcom, this delightful animated series focuses on the interconnected relationships of a tight-knit community of small, blue creatures living harmoniously together. By exploring themes of friendship, teamwork, and resilience, The Smurfs skillfully weaves in life lessons and moral values amidst enchanting adventures. Its colorful visuals, lovable characters, and universal appeal make The Smurfs an enduring classic in the realm of animated family television.
More The Smurfs- #60 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 15Seth MacFarlane, Wendy Schaal, Rachael MacFarlane
American Dad! takes the concept of a seemingly idyllic suburban family and turns it on its head, using dark humor and surreal elements to create a uniquely entertaining show. Centered around CIA agent Stan Smith and his unorthodox family, including an alien and a talking goldfish, the series dares to push the envelope in its exploration of American culture and family dynamics. Through clever storytelling and biting satire, American Dad! succeeds in delivering thought-provoking comedy that resonates with viewers, despite its bizarre premise. By challenging conventional norms and expectations, this unconventional animated sitcom proves itself a worthy entry in the world of family television.
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- #76 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 16Lane Toran, Jamil Walker Smith, Francesca Smith
Hey Arnold! offers a unique and engaging take on the animated family genre by focusing on the challenges faced by its titular character, a young boy growing up in a big city. Through Arnold's experiences with his grandparents, friends, and diverse array of neighbors, the show adeptly addresses issues of friendship, family, and community. Its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and urban setting make Hey Arnold! a distinctive member of the animated family television landscape. The series' heartfelt moments, coupled with its humor and relatability, cement its place as a beloved classic.
- 17Nicolas Cantu, Kyla Rae Kowalewski, Teresa Gallagher
The Amazing World of Gumball brings an unparalleled level of creativity and visual innovation to the animated family genre. Centered around the misadventures of a quirky blue cat named Gumball and his peculiar family, this critically acclaimed series is lauded for its endless imagination, offbeat humor, and engaging storytelling. With its unique blend of animation styles and unbeatable charm, The Amazing World of Gumball delivers an entertaining and refreshing take on the family sitcom formula. Its ability to be both visually stunning and heartwarming cements its status as one of the best animated shows about families.
- #67 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- #79 of 578 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 18Debi Derryberry, Frank Welker, Rob Paulsen
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius combines the excitement and wonder of scientific discovery with the relatable struggles of growing up and navigating family life. This innovative series chronicles the life of a genius inventor whose wild creations often lead to unexpected, comical consequences for himself and those around him. By exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and the importance of family support, the show skillfully weaves together fantastical adventures and heartfelt moments. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius offers a delightful and imaginative take on the animated family sitcom, making it a beloved favorite among children and adults alike.
- #53 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 19Lacey Chabert, Tim Curry, Jodi Carlisle
The Wild Thornberrys offers a unique spin on the animated family genre by focusing on the thrilling adventures of a globe-trotting documentary filmmaker family. Its engaging stories, distinctive animation style, and lovable characters make for a captivating viewing experience. The show expertly weaves together themes of environmental conservation, animal welfare, and family bonding, creating a memorable and educational series that continues to resonate with audiences. The Wild Thornberrys' ability to blend adventure, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling make it a standout in the world of animated family television.
- 20Billy West, Becca Lish, Doug Preis
Doug is a charming coming-of-age tale that focuses on the life of its titular character, a sensitive and imaginative young boy navigating the challenges of adolescence and family relationships. The series' minimalist animation style and grounded storytelling make it an excellent representation of the animated family sitcom. By delving into the emotional complexities of growing up, Doug offers a refreshingly sincere and relatable perspective on life's simpler moments. Its gentle humor and thoughtful exploration of family dynamics make Doug an enduring classic in the world of television.
More Doug - 21David Kaufman, Rickey D'Shon Collins, Grey DeLisle
Danny Phantom puts a supernatural twist on the animated family genre by following the high-stakes adventures of its titular character, a teen superhero with ghostly powers. Framed within a high school setting, this action-packed series explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-discovery while intertwining elements of family life and sibling relationships. Its dynamic animation style and compelling storytelling capture the essence of adolescence while delivering high-octane supernatural action. Danny Phantom's unique premise, engrossing plotlines, and entertaining characters make it a beloved entry in the world of animated family television.
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- #35 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 22Jim Cummings, Rob Paulsen, Maurice LaMarche
Taz-Mania puts a fresh spin on the animated family genre by centering its story around the iconic Looney Tunes character, the Tasmanian Devil. Set in the wilds of Tasmania, this engaging series follows the exploits of Taz, his eccentric family, and a colorful cast of supporting characters as they navigate the challenges of life in their unique world. Infused with the slapstick humor synonymous with the Looney Tunes brand, Taz-Mania succeeds in delivering a delightful and entertaining take on the family sitcom format. Its blend of unforgettable characters, offbeat humor, and heart make it an enduring classic in the realm of animated family television.
More Taz-Mania- #74 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 23Tracy Grandstaff, Wendy Hoopes, Julian Rebolledo
Daria offers a refreshingly cynical and subversive perspective on the animated family genre, showcasing the life of its titular character, a sardonic and intelligent high school student navigating the challenges of adolescence. This groundbreaking series is praised for its unparalleled wit, relatable characters, and incisive social commentary, making it a beloved favorite among viewers seeking something different from the typical animated family sitcom. By delving into the complexities of family dynamics, teenage angst, and societal expectations, Daria provides a thought-provoking and compelling viewing experience. Its razor-sharp humor and unapologetic exploration of challenging themes have cemented its status as a cult classic in the world of television.
More Daria - 24Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, Kevin Michael Richardson
The Cleveland Show, a spinoff from the creators of Family Guy, focuses on the life of the affable Cleveland Brown as he starts a new life with his blended family. With its quirky humor, captivating characters, and heartfelt moments, this animated sitcom offers a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by a modern family trying to find their place in the world. The show's clever use of the animated medium allows for outlandish storylines and offbeat humor that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The Cleveland Show's unique charm and engaging storytelling make it a welcome addition to the realm of animated family television.
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- #289 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- 25E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright, Cheryl Chase
Rugrats (2021) artfully reimagines the beloved classic animated series, breathing new life into the adventures of Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Angelica. With updated animation and fresh storylines, this reboot expertly captures the essence of childhood wonder, while maintaining the humor and heart that made the original series so endearing. By exploring themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the boundless imagination of children, Rugrats (2021) offers a delightful and nostalgic experience for fans of all ages. Its successful blend of new and old elements secures its place as a worthy successor to one of the best animated shows about families.
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- 26Melissa Disney, Jeannie Elias, Liz Georges
As Told by Ginger is a refreshingly honest and heartfelt portrayal of adolescence, centered around the life of its titular character, Ginger Foutley, as she navigates the challenges of middle school and family life. This groundbreaking series employs a unique animation style and engaging storytelling to provide an authentic reflection of the emotional ups and downs faced by teens. By focusing on themes of self-esteem, friendships, and the evolving complexities of family dynamics, As Told by Ginger successfully captures the essence of growing up in a relatable and captivating manner. Its poignant narratives, memorable characters, and genuine charm make it a standout in the world of animated family television.
More As Told by Ginger- #467 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #255 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
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- 27Mike Road, Tim Matheson, Don Messick
Jonny Quest is a classic adventure series that masterfully combines thrilling action, captivating storylines, and unforgettable characters to present a timeless take on the animated family genre. Centered around the titular character and his friends as they embark on daring missions around the globe, this groundbreaking show skillfully weaves together elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery in a truly timeless manner. Its focus on family bonds, friendship, and teamwork make Jonny Quest an enduring favorite among fans of all ages. Its groundbreaking animation style and captivating storytelling have solidified its status as a true classic in the world of animated family television.
More Jonny Quest- #167 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
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- 28James Arnold Taylor, Trevor Devall, Maryke Hendrikse
Johnny Test (2021) revitalizes the beloved animated franchise, bringing back the adventures of the mischievous Johnny and his super-genius twin sisters. With updated animation and fresh storylines, this reboot delivers a high-energy, entertaining experience that both longtime fans and newcomers will enjoy. The show's focus on family dynamics, sibling relationships, and inventive storytelling provides a fun and engaging exploration of the challenges and joys of family life. Johnny Test (2021) proves that smart, action-packed animation can appeal to audiences of all ages, making it a welcome addition to the world of family television.
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- 29Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker
The Proud Family is a groundbreaking series that offers a vibrant and authentic portrayal of African-American family life. With its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and sharp humor, this animated sitcom explores themes of friendship, identity, and the importance of family support. Its bold animation style and inclusive approach to storytelling make The Proud Family a trailblazer in the world of animated family television. Its enduring popularity and continued relevance demonstrate its ability to resonate with diverse audiences and highlight the power of animated storytelling.
More The Proud Family- #145 of 540 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #122 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- #224 of 578 onThe 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
- 30James Arnold Taylor, Maryke Hendrikse, Lee Tockar
Johnny Test (2005) delivers a high-octane take on the animated family sitcom with its action-packed adventures and fast-paced humor. Focused on the energetic titular character and his genius twin sisters, this inventive series explores themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and scientific discovery through a unique blend of comedy and adventure. Its distinctive animation style, engaging storylines, and memorable characters make Johnny Test (2005) an entertaining and beloved addition to the world of family television. The show's ability to balance exciting action sequences with heartfelt moments ensures its place among the best animated shows about families.
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