Summary
- Cartoon Network has produced a wide variety of captivating and entertaining shows over its 30-year history, appealing to multiple generations.
- The top 15 original shows include comedies, action-packed series, and imaginative worlds, offering something for everyone.
- These shows feature larger-than-life characters, engaging storytelling, and a blend of humor that resonates with viewers of all ages.
The best Cartoon Network shows include comedies, action-packed series, and imaginative worlds with incredible characters and fantastical stories. Cartoon Network was founded by Ted Turner in 1992, and primarily broadcasts animated television shows, typically geared towards children. Since then, Cartoon Network has created 67 original animated television shows, bringing to life a wide variety of characters and stories.
Over its 30-year history, Cartoon Network has crafted captivating and entertaining series, ranging from stories of extraordinary events happening within everyday life to adventures in fantastical lands. The humor and engaging storytelling of their shows have left a lasting impact, resonating across multiple generations. Here is a list of the top 15 original shows from Cartoon Network, which includes some of the best animated series of all time.
15 Chowder
Chowder ran on Cartoon Network from 2007 to 2010, following the life of a 9 -year-old child, who resembles a mix of a cat, bear, and rabbit. He serves as an apprentice to chef Mung Daal, in this workplace comedy. This series brings to life the fantastical dishes that Chowder attempts to deliver to the people of Marzipan City. However, his struggle with impulse control often leads to comical situations, particularly when he devours the customer’s dishes. The show thrived on eccentric humor, brought to life by larger-than-life characters residing in a world crafted with a vibrant blend of traditional and stop-motion animation.
14 The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack aired from 2008 to 2010, telling the story of Flapjack, who often got mixed up into high seas escapades because of Captain K’nuckles. Flapjack’s admiration for the washed-up sailor’s outrageous tales led them on numerous journeys, all in search of the legendary Candy Island. While the show was aimed at younger kids, the humor and tone of the series were dark at times, drawing in teens and young adults, making this adventure comedy appealing to all ages.
13 Ed, Edd N Eddy
Ed, Edd n Eddy ran from 1999 to 2009, making it the longest-running original show at Cartoon Network. The show revolves around three pre-adolescent boys, who work to make money off their peers by selling jawbreakers. However, these plans usually fail, leading the Eds into sticky situations. Each of the Eds has a distinct personality, making the trio engaging. It was also one of the last major cartoons to use traditional cell animation, as well as utilizing a modified version of Squigglevision, giving the cartoon a unique and interesting style.
12 The Grimm Adventures Of Billy And Mandy
The Grimm Adventures Of Billy And Mandy ran from 2001 to 2007, featuring an ignorant boy named Billy and his cynical friend Mandy, who befriended a Grim Reaper. The trio has a strong dynamic, as Grim’s access to supernatural items leads them to face otherworldly situations. The show stands out with its witty humor and distinctive storylines, diverging from the typical narratives found in children’s television during that era. Together, Billy, Mandy, and the Grimm Reaper face off against cooky characters like the Boogeyman, Dracula, and the Wolfman in this charming and sometimes even scary animated TV show.
11 Johnny Bravo
Johnny Bravo aired from 1997 to 2004, chronicling the adventures of Johnny, as he ventured through Aron City in pursuit of a date. Johnny’s appearance and voice were loosely based on Elvis Presley and James Dean, with his black sunglasses and pompadour hair. His pursuits were often hindered by his narcissistic nature, resulting in frequent rejections by the women he pursued. The show’s humor thrived through Johnny’s escapades, offering a blend of brilliant slapstick comedy for younger viewers and subtle adult-oriented jokes, making Johnny Bravo an ideal choice for the whole family.
10 Ben 10
Ben 10’s first ideation aired from 2005 to 2008, following the life of 10-year-old Ben Tennyson, who finds a mysterious watch called the “Omnitrix.” This watch gives him the ability to transform into unique alien forms. He utilizes this power to protect his home from extraterrestrial and Earthly evil. The allure of the series lies in Ben’s utilization of the Omnitrix, as he strategically selects the alien form to help him defeat the opposing villain, making the best Ben 10 episodes captivating and unique superhero.
9 Samurai Jack
Samurai Jack initially aired from 2001 to 2004 and came back to Adult Swim in 2017. The story follows Prince Jack from Feudal Japan, whose father’s kingdom falls victim to the shape-shifting demon Aku. After taking his father’s magic katana, Jack goes to face Aku, but gets sent into the distant future through a portal. The storyline is brimming with action, embodying the classic theme of good versus evil. Jack works to find a way to return to his original timeline, all while fighting against the obstacles Aku sends to deter Jack from his mission in one of the best Genndy Tartakovsky TV shows.
8 Regular Show
Regular Show aired from 2010 to 2017, following best friends Mordecai and Rigby, who serve as groundskeepers at a park. Their typical day involves doing whatever they can to avoid their designated tasks. Despite the simplicity of the animation style, the show stands out due to its well-crafted characters and their engaging dynamics. Regular Show presents relatable characters, and features numerous pop culture references and funny catchphrases like “Oooooooooh!”
7 Dexter’s Laboratory
Dexter’s Laboratory ran from 1996 to 2003, following the life of Dexter, a boy genius with a secret science laboratory in his room. The lab is full of incredible and unique inventions, that are constantly at risk of being messed with by his sister, Dee Dee. Apart from his nosey sister, Dexter often faced off against another boy genius named Susan, aka “Mandark,” who has a silly sinister laugh. The show has an original premise, with the animation style amplifying the eccentric characters and plot lines, making this a Cartoon Network classic.
6 Codename: Kids Next Door
Running from 2002 to 2008, Codename: Kids Next Door follows a team of five kids, identified by their code names Numbuh 1 to Numbuh 5, who are trained by the organization known as Kids Next Door. The objective of this organization is to shield children from the crimes of adulthood like flossing, homework, and responsibilities. Their operational hub is a state-of-the-art tree house located in Sector V. The show has inventive storylines that are full of plot twists, captivating audiences of all ages.
5 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends
Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends aired from 2004 to 2009, immersing viewers in an alternate reality where childhood imaginary friends reside with the children who imagine them. Eight-year-old Mac finds himself in a situation where he must send his friend Bloo to Foster’s Home. Mac makes a bargain with Frankie, Herriman, and Madame Foster to keep Bloo from being adopted, as long as he visits the home daily. Bloo and Mac have a dynamic friendship, as they navigate the colorful array of whimsical imaginary friends and take on individuals trying to pull them apart.
4 Courage The Cowardly Dog
Running from 1999 to 2002, Courage The Cowardly Dog revolves around Courage, Muriel, and Eustace, who live together in a farmhouse in Nowhere, Kansas. While Courage is afraid of many ordinary occurrences, his fear tends to be warranted, as the family is consistently haunted by various monsters, aliens, natural disasters, and supernatural beings. While Courage the Cowardly Dog may present mild scares for younger viewers, it is balanced with heartwarming moments of love within the family.
3 The Powerpuff Girls
The original run of The Powerpuff Girls spanned from 1998 to 2005, chronicling the adventures of three young super-powered girls, who were accidentally created by Professor Utonium, during a science experiment. Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup work to combat crime in the city of Townsville, against adversaries like Fuzzy Lumpkins, Gangreen Gang, and the notorious Mojo Jojo. The show is a whirlwind of high energy and action, with humor that caters to both youthful and mature audiences, solidifying its status as a timeless Cartoon Network favorite.
2 Adventure Time
Adventure Time is a fantasy series that ran from 2010 to 2018, following the adventures of a boy named Finn and his adoptive dog brother, Jake, in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. This series resonates for lovers of fantasy role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, as every episode contains elements like NPCs, random encounters, and side quests. The show has excellent and unique characters like Princess Bubblegum, Marceline the Vampire Queen, and The Ice King, each contributing to its unique charm. At the heart of the story is the friendship between Jake and Finn, as they navigate through many enthralling adventures.
1 Over The Garden Wall
In 2014, the miniseries Over the Garden Wall premiered, telling the tale of two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a mysterious forest called the Unknown. The story is inspired by traditional fairy and folk tales while finding its own unique charm. The animation style is stunning, showcasing the brothers’ journey across the mystical landscape. The story is incredibly layered, skillfully balancing comedy and darkness. At its core, Over the Garden Wall imparts a message of overcoming fears through hope and determination, making this Cartoon Network show a fantastic watch for viewers of all ages.
