Since launching in 1992, Cartoon Network has been a leader in animated kids’ programming. Their current programming just keeps expanding to include critically acclaimed shows such as We Baby Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, Teen Titans Go!, and Craig of the Creek. As the network continues soaring into the future, many fans continue to return to its many classic shows.
Because of its longevity, Cartoon Network has produced an endless array of hit series, from Dexter’s Laboratory to Johnny Bravo. While different generations may have differing opinions about the Cartoon Network’s best old shows, what’s certain is that Cartoon Network has, and will continue to, appeal to viewers.
Updated on August 24, 2023 by Kieran Loughlin: For decades, cartoons have been a television staple for children and adults alike. This post has been updated to include even more of the best old Cartoon Network shows, as well as to meet with CBR’s current formatting standards.
15 The Looney Tunes Show (2011-2013)
The Looney Tunes Show has a great central concept, exploring what happens when Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck become roommates. This allowed for a more grounded take on the Looney Tunes franchise, throwing the characters into a host of fun, new situations. The show brings back all sorts of beloved characters, including Sylvester, Tweety, Porky Pig and Foghorn Leghorn. Above all, the series has all the makings of a great animation– lots of jokes, dazzling visuals and strong voice acting.
14 Totally Spies (2001-2014)
Totally Spies offers plenty to enjoy. It holds a lot of visual appeal, with its anime-inspired visuals and eye-grabbing costumes. Chock-full of humor, it’s difficult to go wrong with this show. Combining high-octane thrills with slice-of-life elements, the series follows Sam, Clover and Alex, as they juggle high-school life with their covert work for the World Organization of Human Protection. Totally Spies fans will be pleased to hear that the show is getting a reboot, set for release in 2024.
13 Regular Show (2010-2017)
Regular Show follows Mordecai the blue jay and a raccoon named Rigby, as they work as groundskeepers at a local park. Despite what may sound like a mundane premise, the show often dips into the absurd, throwing Mordecai and Rigby into all manner of hilarious situations.
The series features an eclectic mix of characters, including Benson the living Gumball machine and Skips, an immortal Yeti who is often seen fixing Mordecai and Rigby’s mistakes. Pop culture references and fun character dynamics also add to Regular Show‘s charm. Ultimately, Regular Show has a universal appeal, with humor that works really well for all ages.
12 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)
A variety of Scooby-Doo shows have aired on Cartoon Network, but Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated was the first one to actually premiere on there. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated very much broke the mold when it comes to Scooby-Doo content. While previous serials and films were relatively self-contained, this relaunch featured an overarching narrative, with various mysteries being woven in from episode to episode.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated took on a dark, edgy tone at times, really making this feel like a unique entry into the franchise. The show features multiple Scooby-Doo veterans including the likes of Frank Welker as Fred and Scoob as well as Mindy Cohn as Velma. Matthew Lillard, who plays Shaggy in the live-action films, notably made the jump to animation with this series.
11 Cow & Chicken (1997 – 1999)
Cow & Chicken is a crass, but clever cartoon. It incorporates plenty of repulsive and surreal humor but knows when to pull back. While the subject is often immature, the characters’ use of malapropism makes for rich dialogue. Even the series’ stand-in for Satan, The Red Guy, is known to engage in the witty banter.
The premise requires some suspension of disbelief: an anthropomorphic 11-year-old chicken and a 7-year-old cow are supposed to be siblings, but this is just the tip of the absurd iceberg. The two consume copious amounts of pork butts, and live with their parents – a duo of presumably human characters who can only be seen from the waist down. For those who like their humor raunchy but still kid-friendly, there are few shows that scratch the same itch as Cow & Chicken.
10 Ed, Edd & Eddy (1999-2009)
With a whistled earworm theme song, Ed, Edd & Eddy invites viewers to watch as three similarly named friends navigate the social ins and outs of their seemingly parent-free cul-de-sac. There’s an empty eeriness to the series, which may put off some viewers, but for many, the tone is part of its charm, and offers a feeling that few kids’ shows have. Ed, Edd & Eddy‘s three leads are perfect foils for one another: Ed is tough but dim, Edd is the brains but a nervous wreck, and Eddy is the scheming heart behind the trio. The series’ humor stems from its wily characters, who are often at odds with one another.
9 Teen Titans (2003 – 2006)
Featuring one of the most powerful DC teams, Teen Titans main team consists of Robin, Raven, Starfire, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, as they work to stop different threats. The characters are well-rounded, with each member receiving at least an episode to dive into their inner lives and struggles to in being heroes.
The series also features many iconic villains, like Slade Wilson, who serves as Robin’s ongoing personal nemesis – although he’s also an antagonist for the team as well. Besides a mature depth not often seen in kids’ cartoons, the series also boasts plenty of action.
8 Ben 10 (2005 – 2008)
Ben 10 is the first, and best, entry in the franchise. The series follows Ben Tennyson who receives an Omnitrix watch, which allows him to transform into a variety of alien races – each with their own specific skillset. The series’ original villains, like Vilgax and Charmcaster, are formidable threats, and just as good as any superhero cartoon of its era. More than just a sci-fi actioner, Ben 10 dives deep into its interpersonal relationships, namely that between Ben and his paternal cousin, Gwen. Together with their grandpa, Max, the family-centric adventures reach heights rarely seen in kids’ programming.
7 Courage The Cowardly Dog (1999 – 2002)
Courage the Cowardly Dog is, for many, like a fever dream. The series takes a simple premise: Courage lives with his owners, Eustace and Muriel Bagge, on a farm in the middle of nowhere. There, disturbing occurrences are the norm – like an disturbed barber coming to the farm, and a giant foot leading a criminal organization – and it falls to Courage to save the day.
What makes the series so great is that it is unrelentingly scary and bizarre, seemingly without a care for who the audience is. Many fans might remember phrases like, “Return the slab,” and there’s plenty of nightmare fuel imagery to ensure that the series won’t ever be forgotten.
6 Adventure Time (2010 – 2018)
From a litany of pop culture references to the Dungeons & Dragons roots, Adventure Time has many great crowd-pleasing elements. The character development and world-building are incredibly detailed, with even side characters receiving their time in the sun. But it’s main Finn the Human and Jake the Dog with whom the audience gets to spend most of their time.
Together, the duo (and typically a bevy of side characters) go on mythically absurd adventures and encounter all types of fantastical beings. What makes the series so great, however, beyond its candy-colored charm, is that it deals with several real-world issues in abstractedly astute ways, like mental wellbeing, and major existential concepts. Adventure Time might be a show for kids, but it’s probably only understood by adults.
5 Samurai Jack (2001 – 2004)
Stories revolving around only one primary antagonist risk monotony, but Samurai Jack takes the timeless battle between Jack and Aku, and spins it into gold. With stellar, ground-breaking animation, the series provides plenty of action, but also never shies away from moments of deep reflection. The series’ fifth and final season, which aired in 2017, took everything that made the series work, pared it down to its bare essentials, and provided the most emotionally rich kids’ show of all time.
4 Johnny Bravo (1997 – 2004)
Comedy fans would be hard-pressed to find any other show that blends adult humor and slapstick humor better than Johnny Bravo. The Cartoon Network hit relies on minor variations to a tried-and-true formula: Johnny’s failed attempts at seducing women – but it works because of the creative one-liners and embarrassing moments. Despite being a wildly delusional character, Johnny’s persistence and lack of self-awareness make him quite likable. No matter how many times he fails, he perseveres. As far as laugh-a-minute series go, Johnny Bravo can hang with the best of ’em.
3 Powerpuff Girls (1999 – 2005)
Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. Three names seared into the minds of Powerpuff Girls fans everywhere. Along with the three iconic leads are Professor Utonium, the petite, mustachioed mayor, and several ongoing antagonists, including super-intelligent-yet-somehow-kind-of-dumb Mojo Jojo. Fans of the series tune in for the ultra-cute trio at the series’ core, but it’s the endless array of creative villains that make this action spectacle worth watching. It’s also got a brilliant animation style, exemplary of a specific era in Cartoon Network’s iconic programming.
2 Steven Universe (2013-2019)
From its music to its groundbreaking representation, there’s so much to love about Steven Universe. The show is centered around the titular Steven Universe, who gradually hones his magic powers. Along with the Crystal Gem warriors, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl, Steven helps protect the Earth from all manner of threats.
Steven Universe is full of heart, and the importance of compassion is a big theme in the show. The relationships with the main characters are a big focus of the series, giving the show a strong emotional core. Steven Universe also isn’t afraid to tackle some mature topics, which really makes it stand out from the crowd.
1 Dexter’s Laboratory (1996 – 2003)
Dexter’s Laboratory is Cartoon Network’s masterpiece. The series follows boy genius, Dexter, who never fails to come up with fantastical inventions. Whether it’s dosing himself with an aging serum to be the appropriate age to hit on his babysitter, or a lab experiment resulting in a planet-wide brother-sister kaiju battle, Dexter‘s Laboratory has something for everyone. What’s even more appealing is that the series has non sequitur segments that are just as great as the main action, including a Justice League riff, The Justice Friends, and Dial M For Monkey, about a space-faring super-chimp.