Cartoons have been a cornerstone of entertainment for generations, shaping childhood memories while also appealing to audiences of all ages. From the golden-era classics like Looney Tunes to modern masterpieces such as Avatar: The Last Airbender or Rick and Morty, the world of animation is vast, diverse, and constantly evolving. But with so many titles spanning different decades, genres, and styles, the real challenge is figuring out how to discover which cartoons truly stand among the greatest cartoons of all time
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best ways to uncover iconic cartoons, whether you’re diving into nostalgia, exploring hidden gems, or looking for modern favourites that push the boundaries of storytelling. By the end, you’ll have the tools and insights to curate your own list of timeless animated treasures.
Explore the Golden Eras of Animation for Timeless Classics
Start your journey by diving into the defining eras of animation, each a treasure trove of iconic cartoons that shaped the medium. The Golden Age (1928–1960s) gave birth to legends like Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry. These shorts, packed with slapstick genius and vibrant characters like Bugs Bunny or Jerry Mouse, set the standard for humour and heart. I recall laughing so hard at Daffy Duck’s antics that my sides hurt. Exaggerated expressions still hold up. Check platforms like Boomerang or HBO Max, where these classics stream in restored glory.
Next, fast-forward to the TV Animation Boom (1980s–1990s). Shows like The Simpsons and Animaniacs redefined storytelling with sharp wit and cultural bite. best cartoons for all ages The Simpsons remains a juggernaut, blending family dynamics with satire. Its early seasons are pure gold. Hunt for these on Disney+ or Hulu, where full seasons await. Then, the 2000s brought the Digital Renaissance, with Avatar: The Last Airbender weaving epic narratives and deep character arcs. Exploring the Best Reviews on Letterboxd Video Games Its blend of anime-inspired art and universal themes still captivates; find it on Netflix or Paramount+.
Why focus on eras? Each period reflects unique artistic leaps in cel animation, early CG, or hybrid styles that reveal what makes a cartoon “great.” Explore one era at a time, starting with a single episode. For Looney Tunes, try “What’s Opera, Doc?”, a 7-minute masterpiece. best cartoon in the world Let these eras guide you to cartoons that endure, sparking joy across generations.But history alone won’t uncover every gem. To find what resonates today, you need to tap into the pulse of modern fans.
Crowdsource Fan Favourites Through Online Communities
Fans don’t always lie well. Online communities buzz with passionate cartoon lovers who’ve already sifted through the noise to crown the greats. Platforms like Reddit’s r/animation or r/cartoons overflow with threads ranking shows like SpongeBob SquarePants or Adventure Time. A quick scroll through a “Top 10 Cartoons” post reveals why fans adore SpongeBob; its absurd humour and meme-worthy moments make it a cultural touchstone. Join these subreddits, post a question like, “What’s the one cartoon I can’t miss?” and watch recommendations pour in.
X is another goldmine. Search hashtags like #BestCartoons or #AnimationClassics, and you’ll find users hyping Rick and Morty for its sci-fi wit or Phineas and Ferb for its wholesome creativity. I once stumbled upon an X thread praising Gravity Falls, its mystery-driven plot and quirky characters, which hooked me for a weekend binge. Follow animation influencers or studios like Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) for curated picks and new releases.
Don’t just lurk, engage! Ask fans why a show clicks for them. Their insights reveal what makes a cartoon timeless: Is it the humour, the art, or the emotional gut-punch? Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door A Timeless Classic Reimagined Compile a shortlist from these discussions, say, five shows, and sample an episode from each. Platforms like MyAnimeList also rank cartoons (especially anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), blending fan votes with critic scores. Crowdsourcing narrows the field, pointing you to cartoons that spark universal love.Still, fans can be biased. To balance passion with prestige, turn to the gatekeepers of animation excellence.
Seek Out Award-Winning and Critically Acclaimed Shows
Awards don’t lie; they signal quality, innovation, and impact. The Annie Awards, animation’s Oscars, spotlight masterpieces like The Simpsons (multiple wins since 1990) or BoJack Horseman (lauded for its raw storytelling). Browse the Annie Awards website for past winners. Over the Garden Wall (2015) is a haunting mini-series that blends folklore and surreal art, perfect for a quick binge on HBO Max.
Emmys also honour cartoons, especially in the Outstanding Animated Program categories. South Park and Futurama have snagged Emmys for their bold humour and sharp writing. Check IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes for critic scores. Avatar: The Last Airbender boasts a 100% approval rating, a rare feat. best cartoons movies of all time Critics love BoJack Horseman for tackling mental health with dark comedy; its 96% Rotten Tomatoes score backs that up.
I dove into Over the Garden Wall after seeing its Annie win, and its eerie yet heartfelt vibe floored me, 10 episodes of pure magic. Use award lists as your roadmap. Stream winners on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, and prioritise those with both critic and audience acclaim. This step ensures you’re watching cartoons that not only entertain but also redefine the craft.Awards highlight excellence, but some classics fly under the radar. To catch those, you need to hunt across genres and cultures.
Dive Into Diverse Genres and Global Animation
Great cartoons don’t stick to one lane; they span comedy, drama, action, and more, from Hollywood to Tokyo. Explore genres to find what clicks. Love laughs? The Flintstones or Regular Show deliver timeless gags. Crave adventure? Samurai Jack blends minimalist art with epic battles. Its Genndy Tartakovsky style is unmatched. For emotional depth, Top 10 Best Switch Indie Games You Need to Play Now Steven Universe weaves empathy and identity into cosmic tales. Find these on HBO Max, Cartoon Network, or Hulu.
Don’t sleep on international cartoons. Anime like Spirited Away (Studio Ghibli) or Attack on Titan redefine storytelling with breathtaking visuals and complex narratives. Crunchyroll and Funimation host thousands of anime series, starting with Cowboy Bebop for its jazzy, noir vibe. European animation, like France’s Miraculous Ladybug, offers fresh perspectives; check Netflix for dubbed versions.
I once binged Hilda (a British-Canadian gem on Netflix) and fell for its cosy yet thrilling world. Sampling genres and global shows broadens your palette, try one comedy, one drama, and one anime. Use streaming filters to sort by genre or country, and read synopses to find content that matches your mood. This step uncovers hidden masterpieces that resonate across borders, proving greatness knows no boundaries.Genres spark discovery, but nothing beats curating your own watchlist with a system.
Build and Test Your Ultimate Cartoon Watchlist
Now, tie it all together with a personalised watchlist. Grab a notebook or app like Notion and list 10–15 cartoons from your research, mix classics (Looney Tunes), fan picks (Adventure Time), award-winners (BoJack), and global hits (One Piece). Rank them by intrigue, using IMDb ratings or Reddit buzz as tiebreakers. For each, note the platform (e.g., Disney+, Netflix) and episode count to plan your binge.
Test your list with a “three-episode rule.” Watch three episodes of a show to gauge its vibe enough to hook you without committing hours. I tried this with Phineas and Ferb and got hooked on its clever humour by episode two. If a show doesn’t click, swap it for another from your list. Track reactions in your notes: Why is Mario Sleeping in Super Mario Bros 2 Did Rick and Morty’s wit spark joy? Did Dragon Ball Z’s action pump you up? Refine your list weekly, prioritising what moves you.
Use tools like JustWatch to confirm streaming availability across platforms. Join watch parties on Discord or X to share reactions. Nothing beats geeking out with fellow fans. This system keeps your journey dynamic, ensuring you discover cartoons that feel like home.
Bonus Tips: Maximise Your Cartoon Quest
- Mix Formats: Blend shorts (Looney Tunes), The Greatest Arcade Games of All Time serialised stories (Gravity Falls), and films (Toy Story). Variety keeps things fresh.
- Check Festivals: Events like Annecy International Animation Festival highlight new greats who stream their picks on platforms like Vimeo.
- Nostalgia Dive: Revisit childhood favourites (Scooby-Doo, Pokémon) on HBO Max or Netflix to rediscover what shaped you.
- Stay Updated: Follow Cartoon Brew or Animation Magazine on X for news on emerging cartoons that could become classics.
Conclusion
Discovering the greatest cartoons of all time isn’t about finding a single “definitive” list; it’s about exploring the vast world of animation and uncovering the shows that resonate most with you. From timeless classics to innovative modern series, each cartoon reflects a unique blend of storytelling, creativity, and cultural influence. By looking at fan favourites, critic rankings, and streaming platforms, you can create your own personalised collection of must-watch animated gems.
At the end of the day, the “greatest” cartoon is the one that sparks your imagination, makes you laugh, or leaves a lasting impression. So dive in, revisit old favourites, and discover new ones. You might find your next all-time favourite cartoon waiting to be explored.
FAQ
What makes a cartoon one of the greatest of all time?
A genuinely great cartoon combines memorable characters, strong storytelling, cultural impact, and lasting popularity. These shows often resonate with multiple generations.
Are classic cartoons better than modern ones?
Not necessarily. Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry are examples of classic cartoons. timeless, but modern cartoons like Adventure Time or BoJack Horseman have redefined animation with deeper themes and creative visuals.
Where can I watch the best cartoons of all time?
Many iconic cartoons are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Some classics may also be found on DVD collections or specialised cartoon networks.
How do I discover hidden gem cartoons?
Explore fan forums, critic lists, online rankings, and animation communities. Social media groups and Reddit threads are also great for finding underrated cartoons.
Do cartoons appeal only to kids?
Not at all. While many are designed for children, a significant number of cartoons are created for teens and adults, tackling complex themes, humour, and life lessons that extend beyond childhood entertainment.
Can I create my own list of greatest cartoons?
Absolutely! The “greatest” list is subjective. By mixing critically acclaimed shows, nostalgic favourites, and modern hits, you can build a list that reflects your personal taste.
