Last time I made a Top 10 on my favorite anime shows showcasing my love for Japanese cartoons, this time I want to list out my favorite western cartoons. I found this list to be a lot easier since I have more history with cartoons in general, so let’s see what makes the cut.
10. Recess
A cartoon about the best time during the school day? Of course it’s going to be good. An episodic series about kids at Third Street Elementary School getting into countless hi-jinks, it’s such a classic Disney cartoon, one of the only Disney cartoons I watched back in the day, Recess is still relatable to all those fun times I had as a kid. Also the School’s Out movie is still awesome.
9. Avatar: The Last Airbender
The most recent cartoon on this list, I didn’t initially see this but I remember so many people talking about it constantly growing up. I was initially shocked to see how mature Avatar could be while retaining that fun and mystical tone. Great cast of characters that I instantly fell in love with, and action that has become so unique that we’re still seeing references to Avatar to this day. Consider watching this if you haven’t yet.
8. Codename: Kids Next Door
Looking back at this show, it was freaking bonkers! An organization of kids fighting against adult tyranny, and using kid-like tech that kids would absolutely use, Kids Next Door was bonkers in all the best ways. If nothing else, I always wanted to have a treehouse and crazy tech from the show, even if it’s impossible to do so.
One of the first shows to show how girls can be just as badass as the guys, The Powerpuff Girls was an instant hit for me. As one of the first original Cartoon Network cartoons it really grabbed your attention with the characters and action, it was also very funny with no shortage of hilarious moments. This is an instant recommendation for me as it still holds up today.
6. Dexter's Laboratory
With the first wave of original programs on Cartoon Network, I believe that Dexter’s Laboratory is the flagship series of that wave of original cartoons. It still holds up incredibly well, still very funny, and I often find myself quoting the characters quite a bit. It’s also one of those shows with a bunch of jokes, and if one joke didn’t make you laugh, there’s at least five more that will. It stands the test of time as one of Cartoon Network’s first original successes.
5. Samurai Jack
One of the greatest cartoons of the 00s, Samurai Jack is a masterclass in visual storytelling. This was the very first cartoon to show me that great stories can be done in more than just the normal ways. While having moments of fun, the show also shows how dire the situation is, given that Aku has taken over the future. With a legendary performance of Aku by the late great Mako, Samurai Jack must be seen to be believed. Also the ending is great, no shut up it is, it’s the perfect ending for Jack’s journey.
4. Batman: The Animated Series
THE superhero cartoon in my opinion, this show absolutely still stands the test of time, so much so that the other Batman shows are kinda unfairly compared to it. Me praising it does not do it justice, Batman The Animated Series is arguably the greatest piece of Batman media out there, it has influenced the mythos of Batman to this very day. Batman and Joker having defined roles with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill bringing them to life, Mister Freeze’s transformation from one off villain to one of the Dark Knight’s greatest villains and a fantastic tragic figure thanks to Heart of Ice, which won a freaking Emmy. And let’s not forget the introduction of Harley Quinn, who depending on who you ask, has become a mainstay for better or worse. You MUST watch this if you love cartoons and/or Batman.
3. Tom and Jerry
Now we’re getting to the cartoons that are not only a cornerstone of my childhood, they shaped my humor and taste of comedy. And we’re starting off arguably the greatest cartoon slapstick of all time. I cannot tell you how many hours I lost watching Tom and Jerry on Cartoon Network, the answer is most likely thousands and counting. The ultimate cat and mouse chase, pun absolutely intended, the duo’s been doing this song and dance for over 80 years and still going! It’s classic slapstick at its finest and is a masterclass in how to do voiceless comedy.
2. Looney Tunes
Like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes has been around for a very long time, it’s easily the oldest cartoons on this list, and just like the cat and mouse duo, the toons have most definitely left their mark on our culture. Whether it’s the classic cartoons, Space Jam, Back in Action, or the recent cartoons, the legacy of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, etc. has stood the test of time for a reason.
1. The Simpsons/Ed, Edd n Eddy
I don’t think there’s a single show out there that influenced my childhood and sense of humor more than these two, which is why they’re both at the top of this list. With Ed, Edd n Eddy you had the wacky adventures of the cul-de-sac kids and their fun during the summer, not to mention all of the sound effects that are gut bustingly hilarious, it really made you feel like you were part of that chaos. And what else can be said about The Simpsons that hasn’t been said (Besides please let it die)? The family from Springfield was a cultural phenomenon in the 90’s with some of the greatest gags and jokes I’ve ever seen from any show, let alone a cartoon. If I were to recommend both, watch all of Ed, Edd n Eddy plus the specials and movie, as for The Simpsons, Seasons 1-10 is peak comedy and made the show the juggernaut that it is today. In my opinion you won’t find better slapstick and comedy anywhere else.
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