The 140 Essential Animated TV Shows

The Smurfs (1981)
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#69
Synopsis: Little blue people live in harmony and battle scheming Gargamel.... [More]
Starring: Frank Welker, Don Messick, Michael Bell, Paul Winchell
Directed By: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

UNderdogStuff with Gregory Nesmith (2017)
80%

#68
Synopsis: ... [More]
Starring:

Super Friends (1973)
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#67
Synopsis: The Justice League of America battles crime.... [More]
Starring: Danny Dark, Olan Soule, Casey Kasem, Shannon Farnon
Directed By: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

Teen Titans (2003)
92%

#66
Synopsis: Leading the Teen Titans to protect Earth is Robin, formerly Batman's sidekick. He has no special powers, just a utility... [More]
Starring: Hynden Walch, Scott Menville, Greg Cipes, Khary Payton
Directed By: Sam Register, Sander Schwartz

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#65

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010)
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#64
Synopsis: This revamped incarnation of the "My Little Pony" franchise not only appeals to the little girls that the toy line... [More]
Starring: Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain
Directed By: Jayson Thiessen, Jim Miller, Stephen Davis

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#63

Dragon Ball Z (1996)
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#62
Synopsis: "Dragon Ball Z" follows the adventures of Goku who, along with the Z Warriors, defends the Earth against evil. The... [More]
Starring: Sean Schemmel, Christopher Sabat, Kyle Hebert, Ian James Corlett

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
93%

#61
Synopsis: The first weekly TV series from Lucasfilm Animation chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi and other popular... [More]
Starring: Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, Tom Kane, James Arnold Taylor
Directed By: Dave Filoni, Giancarlo Volpe, Kyle Dunlevy, Rob Coleman

Gravity Falls (2012)
100%

#60
Synopsis: Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to spend the summer with their great-uncle, Grunkle Stan, in the mysterious town... [More]
Starring: Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal, Alex Hirsch, Linda Cardellini
Directed By: Alex Hirsch

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983)
100%

#59
Synopsis: When he holds up the magical Sword of Power and utters the words "By the power of Grayskull," Prince Adam... [More]
Starring: John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Lou Scheimer, Linda Gary
Directed By: Lou Scheimer

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2018)
100%

#58
Synopsis: The flying squirrel and moose find themselves thrust into harrowing situations in which they end up on a collision course... [More]
Starring: Tara Strong, Brad Norman, Ben Diskin, Rachel Butera
Directed By: Scott Fellows, Tiffany Ward

Gargoyles (1994)
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#57
Synopsis: Manhattan gargoyles come to life at night to fight crime.... [More]
Starring: Keith David, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Jeff Bennett, Ed Asner
Directed By: Michael Hirsh

Home Movies (1999)
100%

#56
Synopsis: Brendon Small is a young kid who loves to make movies with his family's video camera. At the same time,... [More]
Starring: Paula Poundstone, Brendon Small, H. Jon Benjamin, Melissa Bardin Galsky
Directed By: Tom Snyder, Loren Bouchard, Bonnie Burns, Mary Catherine Tucker

The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008)
100%

#55
Synopsis: Teenager Peter Parker tries to juggle his two new worlds -- he must learn how to use his new powers... [More]
Starring: Josh Keaton, Lacey Chabert, Joshua LeBar, Grey DeLisle
Directed By: Victor Cook

Robot Chicken (2005)
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#54
Synopsis: Actor Seth Green ("Family Guy") and Matthew Senreich created the off-the-wall comedy hit, which is a series of pop-culture parodies... [More]
Starring: Seth Green, Dan Milano, Breckin Meyer
Directed By: Douglas Goldstein, Eric Towner, John Harvatine IV, Matthew Senreich

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#53

Space Ghost: Coast to Coast (1994)
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#52
Synopsis: This animated talk show is hosted by not-so-superhero Space Ghost and set in deep space. The show is often disrupted... [More]
Starring: George Lowe, C. Martin Croker
Directed By: Mike Lazzo, Keith Crofford, Matt Harrigan

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#51

Death Note (2006)
100%

#50
Synopsis: A high-school student discovers a supernatural notebook that grants its user the ability to kill.... [More]
Starring: Kappei Yamaguchi, Mamoru Miyano, Shido Nakamura, Aya Hirano

Batman Beyond (1999)
100%

#49
Synopsis: A new Dark Knight protects the Gotham of the future.... [More]
Starring: Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy, Cree Summer, Lauren Tom

Dexter's Laboratory (1996)
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#48
Synopsis: Sleep tight, America! Your fate lies safely in the hands of Dexter, a child genius who whips up dazzling, world-saving... [More]
Starring: Christine Cavanaugh, Jeff Bennett, Kath Soucie, Frank Welker
Directed By: Genndy Tartakovsky

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)
96%

#47
Synopsis: In this reboot of the 1980s series, a magic sword transforms an orphan girl into warrior She-Ra, who unites a... [More]
Starring: Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, Amanda Michalka, Marcus Scribner
Directed By: Jen Bennett, Roy Burdine, ND Stevenson, Chuck Austen

ThunderCats (1985)
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#46
Synopsis: "ThunderCats" follows the adventures of a group of catlike humanoid aliens from the planet Thundera. When the dying planet meets... [More]
Starring: Peter Newman, Gerrianne Raphael, Robert McFadden, Larry Kenney

Pokémon the Series (1997)
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#45
Synopsis: "Indigo League" is where it all began as the first season of the long-running "Pokémon" animated series. Young Ash Ketchum... [More]
Starring: Sarah Natochenny, Ikue Ōtani, Haven Paschall, Michael Liscio Jr.
Directed By: Tetsuo Yajima

Carmen Sandiego (2019)
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#44
Synopsis: A master thief who uses her skills for good, Carmen Sandiego travels the world foiling V.I.L.E.'s evil plans -- with... [More]
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Finn Wolfhard, Abby Trott, Michael Hawley
Directed By: Caroline Fraser

Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
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#43
Synopsis: Jedi knights battle Darth Sidious.... [More]
Starring: Mat Lucas, James Arnold Taylor, Tom Kane, Grey DeLisle

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#42

Phineas and Ferb (2007)
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#41
Synopsis: Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother, Ferb Fletcher, are determined to make every day of their summer vacation fun. They try... [More]
Starring: Vincent Martella, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ashley Tisdale, Caroline Rhea
Directed By: Dan Povenmire, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Dan Povenmire, Zac Moncrief

Star Wars Rebels (2014)
98%

#40
Synopsis: This animated entry in the "Star Wars" franchise fills the gap between the events of "Episode III" and "Episode IV."... [More]
Starring: David Oyelowo, Vanessa Marshall, Tiya Sircar, Steve Blum
Directed By: Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, Henry Gilroy, Greg Weisman

The Jetsons (1962)
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#39
Synopsis: "Meet George Jetson." Just those words will prompt viewers of a certain age to join in singing the show's catchy... [More]
Starring: George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo, Daws Butler
Directed By: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera

Justice League (2001)
95%

#38
Synopsis: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and other superheroes join forces to battle crime and otherworldly threats, keeping a watchful... [More]
Starring:
Directed By: Sander Schwartz, Jean MacCurdy

Rugrats (1991)
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#37
Synopsis: "Rugrats" reveals the world from a baby's point of view. Everything looks bigger, more mysterious and uncontrollable. Angelica, the oldest,... [More]
Starring: E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie, Cheryl Chase

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)
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#36
Synopsis: Mutant heroes live in New York sewers and train in martial arts to protect the city from crime.... [More]
Starring: Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Barry Gordon, Townsend Coleman
Directed By: Mark Freedman, Fred Wolf

Young Justice (2010)
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#35
Synopsis: The lives of teenage heroes as members of a covert operation team: Young Justice.... [More]
Starring: Jesse McCartney, Jason Spisak, Khary Payton, Danica McKellar

Steven Universe (2013)
100%

#34
Synopsis: The Crystal Gems are a team of magical beings who are the self-appointed guardians of the universe. Half-human, half-Gem hero... [More]
Starring: Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno
Directed By: Rebecca Sugar, Curtis Lelash, Brian A. Miller, Jennifer Pelphrey

Big Mouth (2017)
94%

#33
Synopsis: Even for a cartoon character, going through puberty isn't easy for a young person. Andrew is learning that first hand... [More]
Starring: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason Mantzoukas
Directed By: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett

Superman: The Animated Series (1996)
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#32
Synopsis: Superman battles evil while trying to conceal his alter ego, Clark Kent.... [More]
Starring: Tim Daly, Dana Delany, Clancy Brown, David Kaufman

X-Men (1992)
83%

#31
Synopsis: Professor Charles Xavier and his band of courageous mutants strike back against corrupt and bigoted government agencies as well as... [More]
Starring: Cal Dodd, Cedric Smith, Norm Spencer, Lenore Zann

DuckTales (1987)
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#30
Synopsis: Scrooge McDuck's globetrotting quests to gain more wealth.... [More]
Starring: Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann, Terence McGovern
Directed By: Matthew Humphreys, Francisco Angones, Matt Youngberg

The Powerpuff Girls (2016)
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#29
Synopsis: In this reboot of the classic Cartoon Network series, the Powerpuff Girls return to protect Townsville from villains who want... [More]
Starring: Amanda Leighton, Natalie Palamides, Kristen Li, Tom Kenny
Directed By: Nick Jennings, Bob Boyle, Julia Fitzmaurice

Samurai Jack (2001)
93%

#28
Synopsis: After being sent into the future by evil wizard Aku, young samurai Jack makes a quest to return to the... [More]
Starring: Phil LaMarr
Directed By: Genndy Tartakovsky

Pinky & the Brain (1995)
75%

#27
Synopsis: The odd buddies have many strange adventures.... [More]
Starring: Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen
Directed By: Steven Spielberg

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#26

Bob's Burgers (2011)
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#25
Synopsis: Bob Belcher is a third-generation restaurateur who runs Bob's Burgers with his loving wife and their three children. Bob believes... [More]
Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts
Directed By: Loren Bouchard, Nora Smith, Rich Rinaldi, Greg Thompson

The Tick (1994)
100%

#24
Synopsis: People dressed in tights and capes set out to save the world.... [More]
Starring: Townsend Coleman, Rob Paulsen, Cam Clarke, Jess Harnell

Beavis and Butt-head (1993)
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#23
Synopsis: Beavis and Butt-head are, as one of the early preshow disclaimers read, "dumb, crude, ugly, thoughtless, sexist, self-destructive fools. But... [More]
Starring: Mike Judge
Directed By: Mike Judge

Animaniacs (1993)
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#22
Synopsis: Blending wit, slapstick and pop culture references, the variety show "Animaniacs" features a large cast of characters, whose predominant personalities... [More]
Starring: Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell
Directed By: Steven Spielberg

Cowboy Bebop (1998)
100%

#21
Synopsis: The adventures of a group of bounty hunters who travel around the solar system chasing criminals, unraveling their dark and... [More]
Starring: Steve Blum, John Billingslea, Wendee Lee, Alex Hassell

Peanuts (2014)
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#20
Synopsis: The "Peanuts" comic strip was a staple of daily life for many Americans for nearly 50 years until original production... [More]
Starring: Aiden Lewandowski, Emma Yarovinsky, Jude Perry, Caleel Harris
Directed By: Alexis Lavillat, Damién Levy

Adventure Time (2010)
100%

#19
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Finn battles evil in the Land of Ooo. Assisted by his magical dog, Jake, Finn roams the Land of... [More]
Starring: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Tom Kenny
Directed By: Fred Seibert

Daria (1997)
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#18
Synopsis: Brainy, sardonic Daria Morgendorffer tries to fly under the radar at Lawndale High School, and she's doing a pretty good... [More]
Starring: Tracy Grandstaff, Wendy Hoopes, Julian Rebolledo, Johh Lynn
Directed By: Karen Disher

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#17

BoJack Horseman (2014)
93%

#16
Synopsis: A humanoid horse, BoJack Horseman -- lost in a sea of self-loathing and booze -- decides it's time for a... [More]
Starring: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul
Directed By: Steven A. Cohen, Noel Bright, Will Arnett, Aaron Paul

Archer (2010)
91%

#15
Synopsis: The suave, confident and devastatingly handsome Sterling Archer may be the world's greatest spy, but he still has issues with... [More]
Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer
Directed By: Adam Reed, Matt Thompson, Casey Willis

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
100%

#14
Synopsis: When violent monsters descend upon Earth to destroy humanity, a reluctant young man joins a small squad of pilots under... [More]
Starring: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi, Yuriko Yamaguchi
Directed By: Hideaki Anno

Rick and Morty (2013)
90%

#13
Synopsis: After having been missing for nearly 20 years, Rick Sanchez suddenly arrives at daughter Beth's doorstep to move in with... [More]
Starring: Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer
Directed By: Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland

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#12

King of the Hill (1997)
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#11
Synopsis: Set in Texas, an animated series follows the life of propane salesman Hank Hill, who lives with his substitute-teacher wife... [More]
Starring: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick
Directed By: Mike Judge, Greg Daniels, Michael Rotenberg, Howard Klein

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
100%

#10
Synopsis: The world is divided into four nations -- the Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom, the Fire Nation and and the... [More]
Starring: Zachery Tyler, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dee Bradley Baker
Directed By: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding

The Ren & Stimpy Show (1991)
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#9
Synopsis: Ren, a psychotic Chihuahua, and Stimpson J. Cat, a dimwitted Manx cat who goes by the nickname Stimpy, have a... [More]
Starring: John Kricfalusi, Billy West

Family Guy (1999)
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#8
Synopsis: This animated series features the adventures of the Griffin family. Endearingly ignorant Peter and his stay-at-home wife, Lois, reside in... [More]
Starring: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis
Directed By: Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel, Alec Sulkin, Steve Callaghan

The Flintstones (1960)
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#7
Synopsis: The Flintstones were the modern Stone Age family. Residing in Bedrock, Fred Flintstone worked an unsatisfying quarry job, but returned... [More]
Starring: Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet
Directed By: Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
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#6
Synopsis: A square yellow sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants lives in a pineapple with his pet snail, Gary, in the city of... [More]
Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown
Directed By: Vincent Waller, Stephen Hillenburg, Adam Belfer

South Park (1997)
80%

#5
Synopsis: The animated series is not for children. In fact, its goal seems to be to offend as many as possible... [More]
Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
Directed By: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Anne Garefino, Trey Parker

Futurama (1999)
86%

#4
Synopsis: Accidentally frozen, pizza-deliverer Fry wakes up 1,000 years in the future. He is taken in by his sole descendant, an... [More]
Starring: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille
Directed By: Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, Ken Keeler, Claudia Katz

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#3

Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
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#2
Synopsis: Gotham City's Caped Crusader, Bruce Wayne, is sometimes moody; Robin's alter ego, Dick Grayson is mature.... [More]
Starring: Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings, Loren Lester
Directed By: Kevin Altieri

The Simpsons (1989)
85%

#1
Synopsis: This long-running animated comedy focuses on the eponymous family in the town of Springfield in an unnamed U.S. state. The... [More]
Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith
Directed By: James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Matt Selman

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