Most Popular Cartoons (1920-2020) - A Comprehensive List

Cartoons have been a staple of popular culture for over a century, bringing joy and laughter to people of all ages. From the early days of Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop to the modern classics like The Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants, cartoons have entertained and inspired audiences around the world.

This article takes a look at the most popular cartoons from 1920 to 2020. The list is based on a variety of factors, including critical acclaim, commercial success, and cultural impact.

1920s

Felix the Cat (1920-1928): This black-and-white cartoon cat was one of the most popular characters of the silent era. Felix was known for his mischievous personality and his ability to escape from any situation.
Mickey Mouse (1928-present): Created by Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic cartoon characters of all time. Mickey's early cartoons were simple and slapstick, but they quickly became popular with audiences around the world.
Steamboat Willie (1928): This short film is considered to be the first Mickey Mouse cartoon. It was a groundbreaking film that featured synchronized sound and music.
The Three Little Pigs (1933): This classic cartoon tells the story of three pigs who build different houses to protect themselves from a wolf. The film is a cautionary tale about the importance of preparation.
Betty Boop (1930-1939): This cartoon character was known for her curvaceous figure and her sultry voice. Betty Boop was a sex symbol of the 1930s, and she continues to be a popular figure today.

1940s

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): This Disney animated feature was the first full-length animated film. Snow White is a classic fairy tale about a young woman who is forced to flee her home by her evil stepmother.
Pinocchio (1940): This Disney animated feature is based on the Italian children's novel of the same name. Pinocchio is a puppet who is given the chance to become a real boy if he can prove himself to be brave, truthful, and unselfish.
Fantasia (1940): This Disney animated feature is a collection of eight short films set to classical music. Fantasia is a visually stunning film that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
Dumbo (1941): This Disney animated feature tells the story of a baby elephant who is born with large ears. Dumbo is a heartwarming tale about acceptance and overcoming obstacles.
Tom and Jerry (1940-1958): This classic cartoon duo is known for their slapstick humor and their never-ending rivalry. Tom is a cat who is constantly trying to catch Jerry, a mouse.

1950s

Looney Tunes (1930-1969): This Warner Bros. cartoon series featured a variety of popular characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Wile E. Coyote. Looney Tunes cartoons are known for their fast-paced humor and their absurdist plots.
The Flintstones (1960-1966): This animated sitcom is set in a prehistoric world where the characters live in caves and drive cars. The Flintstones is a humorous take on American society.
The Jetsons (1962-1963): This animated sitcom is set in a futuristic world where the characters live in flying houses and travel by flying cars. The Jetsons is a lighthearted look at the future.
The Addams Family (1964-1966): This animated sitcom is based on the popular comic strip of the same name. The Addams Family is a darkly humorous look at a family of eccentric characters.
Sesame Street (1969-present): This educational children's show features a variety of Muppet characters, including Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Elmo. Sesame Street is a groundbreaking show that has helped to educate and entertain children of all ages.

1960s

The Beatles (1965): This animated short film features the Beatles as cartoon characters. The film is a musical adventure that follows the Beatles as they travel through time and space.
Yellow Submarine (1968): This animated feature film is based on the Beatles' song of the same name. Yellow Submarine is a psychedelic fantasy film that is full of colorful

1970s

Scooby-Doo (1969-1976): This animated mystery series follows a group of teenagers and their talking dog as they solve crimes. Scooby-Doo is a classic cartoon that is still enjoyed by audiences today.
Super Friends (1973-1986): This animated superhero series features a team of DC Comics superheroes, including Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Super Friends is a classic cartoon that helped to introduce many children to the world of DC Comics superheroes.
The Brady Bunch (1972-1974): This animated sitcom is based on the popular live-action sitcom of the same name. The Brady Bunch is a heartwarming tale about a blended family.
Charlie Brown and Snoopy (1969-1980): This animated series is based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz. Charlie Brown and Snoopy is a heartwarming and humorous look at childhood.
Happy Days (1974-1979): This animated sitcom is based on the popular live-action sitcom of the same name. Happy Days is a nostalgic look at the 1950s.

1980s

The Smurfs (1981-1989): This animated series is based on the Belgian comic strip of the same name. The Smurfs is a heartwarming tale about a group of small blue creatures who live in a mushroom village.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-1985): This animated action series is based on the Mattel toy line of the same name. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is a classic cartoon that helped to popularize the action figure genre.
Transformers (1984-1987): This animated action series is based on the Hasbro toy line of the same name. Transformers is a classic cartoon that follows the conflict between two factions of robots who can transform into vehicles and other objects.
The Simpsons (1989-present): This animated sitcom is the longest-running scripted primetime television series in American history. The Simpsons is a satirical look at American society.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996): This animated action series is based on the comic book of the same name. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic cartoon that follows the adventures of four turtles who were mutated by radioactive ooze and trained in the art of ninjutsu by a rat.

1990s

Animaniacs (1993-1999): This Warner Bros. animated series features a variety of characters from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons. Animaniacs is a fast-paced and witty cartoon that is full of pop culture references.
Rugrats (1991-2006): This Nickelodeon animated series follows the adventures of a group of babies and toddlers. Rugrats is a heartwarming and humorous look at early childhood.
Doug (1991-1999): This Nickelodeon animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Doug Funnie. Doug is a coming-of-age story that is relatable to children of all ages.
Pinky and the Brain (1995-1998): This Warner Bros. animated series follows the adventures of two lab mice named Pinky and the Brain. Pinky and the Brain is a humorous and intelligent cartoon that is full of social commentary.
Dexter's Laboratory (1996-2003): This Cartoon Network animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Dexter who is a brilliant scientist. Dexter's Laboratory is a humorous and educational cartoon that teaches children about science and technology.

2000s

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-present): This Nickelodeon animated series follows the adventures of a sea sponge named SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends. SpongeBob SquarePants is a classic cartoon that is enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
The Fairly OddParents (2001-2017): This Nickelodeon animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Timmy Turner who has two fairy godparents named Cosmo and Wanda. The Fairly OddParents is a heartwarming and humorous cartoon that is full of magical adventures.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008): This Nickelodeon animated series is set in a world where people can bend the elements of water, earth, fire, and air. The series follows the adventures of a young boy named Aang, who is the Avatar, the only person who can bend all four elements. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a critically acclaimed cartoon that is praised for its complex characters, rich world-building, and exciting action sequences.

2010s

Adventure Time (2010-2018): This Cartoon Network animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Finn and his dog brother Jake. Adventure Time is a whimsical and imaginative cartoon that is full of heart and humor.
Gravity Falls (2012-2016): This Disney Channel animated series follows the adventures of two twins named Dipper and Mabel Pines who spend their summer vacation with their Grunkle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. Gravity Falls is a funny and exciting cartoon that is full of supernatural mysteries and secrets.
Steven Universe (2013-2019): This Cartoon Network animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Steven Universe who is half-human and half-gem. Steven Universe is a heartwarming and inclusive cartoon that is praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014): This Nickelodeon animated series is a sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender and follows the adventures of Korra, the next Avatar. The Legend of Korra is a critically acclaimed cartoon that is praised for its complex characters, rich world-building, and exciting action sequences.
Rick and Morty (2013-present): This Adult Swim animated series follows the adventures of a brilliant but unstable scientist named Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith. Rick and Morty is a hilarious and intelligent cartoon that is full of science fiction concepts and dark humor.

2020s

The Owl House (2020-present): This Disney Channel animated series follows the adventures of a young girl named Luz Noceda who accidentally travels to the Boiling Isles, a magical world where everyone has a witch's curse. The Owl House is a heartwarming and inclusive cartoon that is praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters.
Amphibia (2019-present): This Disney Channel animated series follows the adventures of a young girl named Anne Boonchuy who is transported to the magical world of Amphibia. Amphibia is a funny and heartwarming cartoon that is full of adventure and friendship.
The Ghost and Molly McGee (2021-present): This Disney Channel animated series follows the adventures of Molly McGee, a teenage girl who becomes friends with a ghost named Scratch. The Ghost and Molly McGee is a funny and heartwarming cartoon that is full of supernatural hijinks.
Craig of the Creek (2018-present): This Cartoon Network animated series follows the adventures of a young boy named Craig Williams and his friends as they explore their neighborhood creek. Craig of the Creek is a creative and imaginative cartoon that is full of adventure and friendship.
We Bare Bears (2014-2019): This Cartoon Network animated series follows the adventures of three bear brothers, Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear, as they try to fit in with human society. We Bare Bears is a funny and heartwarming cartoon that is full of relatable moments.

These are just a few of the many popular cartoons that have been released over the past century. Cartoons have entertained and inspired people of all ages, and they continue to be a staple of popular culture today.