Cartoons are beloved TV entertainment, often known for appealing to those of all ages. Though these series are designed for children, some are stand-out additions that are just as wholesome and captivating for adult viewers. These exceptional shows are also known for some of the best cartoon-based movies.
From ’90s icons like Rugrats to long-running hits like The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, these animated movies offer fresh concepts and familiar favorite tropes from the beloved TV series. Movies based on cartoons aren’t always appealing to those unfamiliar with the show, but these storylines stand-out with some viewers even finding them more entertaining than the cartoon episodes.
10 The Tigger Movie (2000)
There are some great movies based on the Winnie the Pooh series, including Pooh’s Grand Adventure and Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, but The Tigger Movie is less appreciated within the collection despite the great storytelling. In the movie, Tigger sets out to see if there are others of his kind.
The Tigger Movie is delightful for younger audiences, but it’s entertaining for parents as well. The tale is heartwarming and funny, giving the audience an abundance of joy. The animated special is also known for featuring a fan-favorite character.
9 The Simpsons Movie (2007)
The Simpsons is the longest-running primetime show, still on after over thirty-three years. Despite the lengthy time period of this hit animated series, the show has only received one movie. The Simpsons Movie was a success, capturing the charm of the series while telling a fresh story.
The Simpsons Movie is a biting satire that is consistently funny. Though the movie wasn’t as epic as some fans thought it would be, the premise was amusing and made for some great scenes mimicked and quoted in modern pop culture.
8 A Goofy Movie (1995)
The Disney TV show Goof Troop wasn’t nearly as popular as this iconic ’90s movie. A Goofy Movie deserves more recognition for being one of the most moving animated movies about a children-parent relationship. In this plotline, Goofy and his son embark on a cross-country road trip.
A Goofy Movie not only tackles the difficulties of single parenthood but also explores the complexity of a young adult trying to be independent. The movie is wholesome, heartwarming and has a charming unexpected journey storyline.
7 Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (2018)
Teen Titans Go! isn’t the most popular creation based on DC characters, but it is an icon of modern cartoons. This animated series received a successful movie, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, which had more to offer viewers besides a fun play on words.
Unlike other dark DC adaptations, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies captured the fun-loving, adventurous nature of the cartoon. Audiences loved how this humorous, lighthearted storyline doesn’t allow itself to get too serious, focusing on the consistent jokes throughout.
6 The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002)
The Wild Thornberrys TV series was a gem in the ’90s animated cartoons, offering kids a fun adventure throughout the world’s wilderness along with young Eliza Thornberry who has the ability to talk to animals. The Wild Thornberrys Movie captures the exciting life of these adventurers in a spectacular plot.
The Wild Thornberrys Movie is an energetic, exciting storyline that is wholesome and fun while also being surprisingly meaningful. Despite being aimed at a young audience, the emotional pull and harrowing exploits in the movie are great entertainment for all ages.
5 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
Some children’s shows are too immature for many adult audiences, but SpongeBob SquarePants is a kid show that is also a favorite for adult viewers. Not only is it one of the most hilarious kid shows, but many episodes have an underlying moral lesson beneath all the lighthearted entertainment.
There have been a few movies based on the TV series, but The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, the first in the collection, is dear to dedicated fans. This movie is hilariously goofy, giving audiences of all ages a lasting impression that is still iconic in pop culture.
4 Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
Within the dozens of Scooby-Doo movies and TV shows, Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost is arguably the best Scooby-Doo movie in the bunch. In this plot, Scooby and the gang travel to Massachusetts to investigate witchcraft.
Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost is one of the most notable films because of a couple of stand-out aspects. This is one of the few plots in which the monster is actually real and not a human imposter. In addition, this was the first movie to feature the female rock band, The Hex Girls, which became one of the most popular additions to the Scooby-Doo universe.
3 Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000)
The Rugrats is one of the ’90s cartoons that received a few movies in addition to the popular TV series. It’s arguable which is the most popular among fans, but there is no doubt Rugrats in Paris: The Movie is a heartwarming storyline with an exciting adventure.
Rugrats in Paris is notable for largely focusing on Chuckie and his dad Chaz. While the toddler yearns to have a mother in his life, Chaz unexpectedly causes conflict when he falls for a woman he thinks will be a perfect mother to his son. This makes for a fun but shockingly inspirational plotline about love and loss.
2 Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across The 2nd Dimension (2011)
With the upcoming revival of Phineas and Ferb, now is a perfect time for fans to rewatch the original series and the two movies added to the collection. Though both of the full-length films were successful, most fans agree Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension is far more entertaining.
This Phineas and Ferb movie brings in much of the charm of the traditional plotlines found in the cartoon but adds action-packed sequences to keep the story continuously exciting. The thrilling, hilarious movie is a great addition to a family movie night that is just as entertaining for the adults as the children.
1 Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998)
The several Scooby-Doo TV series are a staple of cartoon history, but some fans would argue the movie collection is even more entertaining than the short episodes. While fans all have their own idea regarding the best throughout the dozens of films, there’s no doubt Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is a stand-out plot.
Scooby-Doo is known for its spooky quality, but Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island is notably scarier than other productions in the franchise. Part of the creepy factor is the freaky zombies and the fact that these monsters are also real creatures and not masked villains.