Originally inspired by Part 1: The 90 Best Cartoons of All Time, this sequel dives deeper into the animated universe. We’ve curated 25 more standout cartoons from 1980–2009 and another 25 from 2010 to the present, all ranked by viewership, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. Each entry includes the release year, network, and a humorous snippet to keep things lively. Let’s continue the animated adventure!
🕰️ 25 More Best Cartoons (1980–2009)
1. Teen Titans (2003–2006) – Cartoon Network
Adolescent heroes saving the world in between emotional breakdowns.
Beast Boy was the OG green flag.
2. The Magic School Bus (1994–1997) – PBS
Ms. Frizzle taught science by driving her class into lava.
Field trips so wild even OSHA couldn’t approve them.
3. Mighty Max (1993–1994) – Syndicated
A kid travels through portals fighting evil with a talking fowl and Viking.
Proof that Polly Pocket needed more monsters.
4. Cybersix (1999) – Teletoon
A genetically-engineered heroine fights monstrous threats in a moody, noir setting.
If Batman and anime had a stylish Argentinian baby.
5. Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars (1991) – Syndicated
A green space bunny leads a crew against the evil toad empire.
Because space battles are better with talking animals.
6. The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse (1987–1988) – CBS
This reboot got weird, wacky, and controversial—but never boring.
Here I come to confuse the day!
7. Static Shock (2000–2004) – WB
A teen gains electromagnetic powers and becomes an unexpected hero.
Electrifying puberty metaphor incoming!
8. The Critic (1994–1995) – ABC/Fox
A grumpy film critic slogs through Hollywood’s worst while dropping one-liners.
It stinks! And that's a compliment.
9. Megas XLR (2004–2005) – Cartoon Network
A gamer and his buddy retrofit a giant robot with car parts. Chaos follows.
The most Jersey mech pilot ever.
10. The Maxx (1995) – MTV
Trippy, dark, and unlike anything else, this cult hit explored trauma and fantasy.
Like if Freud directed Saturday morning cartoons.
11. Taz-Mania (1991–1995) – Fox Kids
The Tasmanian Devil gets a suburban family and a surprising amount of sarcasm.
Where everything goes round and round and round...
12. The Bots Master (1993–1994) – Syndicated
Ziv Zool and his robot gang fight corporate overlords in this cyberpunk deep cut.
He told you he was cool, and honestly, he kinda was.
13. Galaxy High School (1986) – CBS
Two Earth teens attend high school on a planet full of aliens.
Where detention might literally eat you.
14. Rocket Power (1999–2004) – Nickelodeon
Surf's up! These kids ride waves, skateboards, and every '90s slang word.
They made us all want to say 'shoobies' unironically.
15. Inspector Gadget (1983–1986) – Syndicated
Half-man, half-machine, all klutz.
His niece did 90% of the work.
16. SilverHawks (1986) – Syndicated
Metal-winged heroes soar through space battles and synthesizer solos.
Like ThunderCats but shinier and with 100% more sax solos.
17. Mission Hill (1999–2002) – The WB/Adult Swim
Hipsters, Gen-X slackers, and surreal sight gags galore.
The one cartoon that made loft apartments seem affordable.
18. Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008–2011) – Cartoon Network
A colorful, campy take on the Dark Knight teaming up with oddball heroes.
Batman's jazz hands were criminally underrated.
19. The Weekenders (2000–2004) – Disney Channel
The show that proved the weekend starts with pizza and ends with matching outfits.
SoCal vibes and rotating clothes? Peak Y2K.
20. El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera (2007–2008) – Nickelodeon
A tween must choose between becoming a superhero or a supervillain.
Family legacy meets lucha libre.
21. The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008–2009) – The CW
Spidey's early days reimagined with sleek storytelling and emotional depth.
The only teen who can juggle homework and the Sinister Six.
22. The Pirates of Dark Water (1991–1993) – Hanna-Barbera
A high-seas fantasy epic with mutated creatures and world-saving stakes.
Proof that 90s cartoons could be deep and slimy.
23. Freakazoid! (1995–1997) – WB
A manic superhero zaps through absurd plots and 4th-wall-breaking humor.
He’s like Deadpool before it was cool.
24. Clone High (2002–2003) – MTV
Teenage clones of historical figures attend high school and get real weird.
Abe Lincoln’s clone is bad at dating. History is wild.
25. Captain Planet and the Planeteers (1990–1996) – TBS
Environmentalism with superpowers and green mullets.
When your final boss is... pollution.
🚀 25 Best Cartoons Post-2010
1. Adventure Time (2010–2018) – Cartoon Network
A boy and his magical dog embark on surreal, heartfelt adventures in the Land of Ooo.
Mathematical! And occasionally existential.
2. Rick and Morty (2013–Present) – Adult Swim
A nihilistic scientist drags his grandson through chaotic interdimensional escapades.
Wubba lubba dub dub—therapy not included.
3. Gravity Falls (2012–2016) – Disney XD
Twin siblings investigate supernatural mysteries during a summer in Oregon.
Think 'X-Files' meets summer camp—with way more gnomes.
4. BoJack Horseman (2014–2020) – Netflix
A washed-up sitcom actor (who happens to be a horse) navigates fame, depression, and self-loathing.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll question your existence.
5. Steven Universe (2013–2020) – Cartoon Network
A boy learns to harness magical powers while defending Earth with the Crystal Gems.
Come for the battles, stay for the emotional growth.
6. The Owl House (2020–2023) – Disney Channel
A teen girl trains as a witch in a magical world full of strange creatures and even stranger laws.
Witch school > regular school, confirmed.
7. Bluey (2018–Present) – ABC Kids / Disney+
An Australian Blue Heeler pup teaches life lessons through imaginative play.
It’s supposed to be for preschoolers, but why are adults sobbing?
8. Hilda (2018–Present) – Netflix
A fearless girl and her deer-fox explore a world of trolls, spirits, and hidden wonders.
Every episode is like a bedtime story with actual monsters.
9. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011–2019) – Cartoon Network
A mash-up of animation styles following the bizarre lives of a cat, a goldfish, and their odd family.
The only show where a T-Rex, banana, and toast are classmates.
10. Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015–2019) – Disney XD
A magical princess battles interdimensional foes while dealing with teen drama.
Funny Snippet: "Teen angst and magical explosions? Sign us up.
11. Regular Show (2010–2017) – Cartoon Network
A blue jay and raccoon just trying to avoid work end up saving the universe… a lot.
This show escalates faster than your group chat drama.
12. Big Mouth (2017–Present) – Netflix
Teen hormones take literal monstrous form in this raunchy coming-of-age comedy.
The birds and the bees—but way, WAY more awkward.
13. The Legend of Korra (2012–2014) – Nickelodeon
The follow-up to "Avatar: The Last Airbender," featuring a fierce new Avatar in a changing world.
She bends elements—and social norms.
14. Infinity Train (2019–2021) – Cartoon Network
Travelers board a mysterious train with infinite cars, each reflecting a piece of their psyche.
All aboard the therapy express!
15. Final Space (2018–2021) – TBS / Netflix
A space hero wannabe faces real stakes—and cosmic threats—with hilarious results.
It’s Star Wars meets ‘The Office’—if everyone cried more.
16. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018–2020) – Netflix
A rebellious warrior discovers her destiny while uniting magical princesses against evil.
Friendship, lasers, and angst—what more do you need?
17. Craig of the Creek (2018–Present) – Cartoon Network
A kid and his friends turn their local creek into a world of childhood imagination.
It’s like Calvin and Hobbes with a neighborhood budget.
18. Solar Opposites (2020–Present) – Hulu
Aliens try (and fail) to blend into suburban Earth life.
Your HOA won’t like them—but your therapist might.
19. Arcane (2021–Present) – Netflix
Based on League of Legends, this series blends stunning animation with mature storytelling.
Gorgeous visuals, family trauma, and lots of explosions. A win-win-win.
20. Maya and the Three (2021) – Netflix
An epic fantasy adventure inspired by Mesoamerican mythology.
This isn't Dora’s cousin—this Maya kicks butt.
21. Central Park (2020–Present) – Apple TV+
A musical comedy about a family managing Central Park while dodging a rich villainess.
Hamilton meets Bob’s Burgers in the bushes.
22. Primal (2019–2022) – Adult Swim
A caveman and a dinosaur form a bond in a brutal prehistoric world.
No words. Just pure, violent poetry.
23. Inside Job (2021–2022) – Netflix
A behind-the-scenes look at conspiracy theories—and the people who manage them.
Yes, the moon landing was fake. But HR is the real villain.
24. Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts (2020) – Netflix
A girl navigates a post-apocalyptic world full of mutated animals and unexpected allies.
Mad Max with more bunnies and synth music.
25. Kid Cosmic (2021–2022) – Netflix
A boy discovers cosmic stones of power and tries (badly) to be a hero.
His power? Reckless optimism—and maybe flight.
🎉 Wrap-Up
There you have it—50 more incredible cartoons to complete your animated education. Whether you grew up with Toonami, Saturday morning syndication, or binge-worthy Netflix drops, this expanded list proves that cartoons aren’t just for kids—they’re for everyone. Be sure to revisit Part 1: The 90 Best Cartoons of All Time for the full experience. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments—and keep those remotes handy.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucky_O%27Hare
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maxx
- https://bigcartoon.org/wiki/Inspector_Gadget
- https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WesternAnimation/ElTigreTheAdventuresOfMannyRivera
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Planet_and_the_Planeteers
- https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/sep/13/steven-universe-brings-the-color-music-/
- https://ponett.medium.com/thoughts-on-star-fe9a7a96dc4a
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ForgottenTV/comments/1fwgsnz/final_space_20182021/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_and_the_Three
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/kid_cosmic/s01
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