Top 10 Best Classic Cartoon Theme Songs
#10: “George of the Jungle” (1967)
10 Times George Cooper Sr Was Nothing Like Sheldon Described on The Big Bang Theory
This classic ‘60s cartoon from the same creators as “Rocky and Bullwinkle” follows George, a dopey parody of Tarzan. The intro sees George and his friends involved in various misadventures and pratfalls. Meanwhile, the distinctive, drum-heavy theme song evokes that Tarzan feeling further. The lyrics focus on the show’s title, while also introducing George’s friends - Ursula, Ape, and Shep - and prominently featuring his swinging call, that’s completely original, and not at all like another man raised by apes. It’s a bouncy, upbeat intro that’s as impossible to get out of our heads as it is for George to avoid swinging into trees!
#9: “Underdog” (1964-67)
It’s astounding that a cartoon parody of Superman has a theme this epic! While the lyrics and visuals vary slightly across different versions of the intro, the gist remains the same - Underdog is here to save the day when criminals appear! As we see the titular hero save the day from bad guys, we’re serenaded with a chorus of voices belting the lyrics. The harmonies, bass line, and clarinet all work together to take a simple concept to its absolute peak! Much like its namesake, the “Underdog” intro may be humble, but it’s still a victory of a theme!
#8: “Josie and the Pussycats” (1970-72)
Hanna-Barbera cartoons are known for their snappy intros, and “Josie and the Pussycats” is no exception! The show follows the eponymous globetrotting band as they get caught up in various capers and plots. The intro shows them doing just that, along with the band apparently playing their own theme song. Speaking of which, it’s a self-proclaimed “neat, sweet, groovy song,” and that describes it to a T! Written partially by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera themselves, the piece is a wonderfully bubbly tune that sets up the show’s premise and is loaded with cat-related lyrics. We certainly think it’s the cat’s meow.
#7: “Jonny Quest” (1964-65)
Another Hanna-Barbera masterpiece, “Jonny Quest” is the quintessential adventure cartoon. The visuals begin with various action setpieces, showing everything you can expect from the show, from exotic animals to explosions to daring feats. All this is underscored with music that’s appropriately bombastic, with a bit of a big band jazz influence. It then takes the time to introduce the main characters, with the music taking a slower approach, before ramping up again at the end. “Jonny Quest” is the gold standard for classic adventure cartoons, and its intro delivers exactly what makes the show great!
#6: “The Pink Panther Show” (1969-80)
Top 10 Greatest Cartoon Show Theme Songs
To be clear, there are actually several different intros for this long running animated shorts showcase. Our pick goes to the version that uses Henry Mancini’s famous composition from the film series of the same name. While this version retains the smooth, jazzy tone of the original, with that unparalleled saxophone, it also has a slight disco flair to it - which is especially evident in the outro, with the Pink Panther’s dancing. Speaking of which, the title big cat gets into various situations during the intro, usually by playing with the medium of animation, such as his environment being redrawn around him. This theme for “The Pink Panther Show” is a fun take on a classic tune that lives up to its origins.
#5: “Looney Tunes” (1937-)
Top 10 Most Iconic Looney Tunes Catchphrases
When it comes to classic cartoons, they don’t get much more classic than “Looney Tunes.” There have been compilation TV series of these shorts for decades, and while they’ve gone by many names, they nearly always begin with the same invigorating melody. Over a usually static title card, sometimes featuring the character the short centers around, the song “The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down” trumpets its whimsical fanfare. While the choice of instruments varies depending on the era, the song and this presentation are linked forever with these classic cartoons. The “Looney Tunes” intro is among the most recognizable ever made. And “that’s all folks!”
#4: “The Jetsons” (1962-63; 1985-87)
Top 20 Cartoon Theme Songs
Composed by Hoyt Curtin, who did many of the Hanna-Barbera theme songs, the theme to “The Jetsons” is a relentlessly catchy tune. Against the futuristic backdrop of their airborne city, the titular family makes their morning commute. After a lighthearted opening fanfare, the lyrics introduce us to each family member one by one, as each departs for the day, until George Jetson arrives at work. While it’s fairly simple lyrically, this intro is breezy and incredibly memorable, which has allowed it to remain in the public consciousness for decades. It’ll probably continue being so until we’re all driving flying cars for real.
#3: “Spider-Man” (1967-70)
Top 10 Spectacular Spider Man Fight Scenes
Everyone’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man has had many TV theme songs, but easily his most famous is this ‘60s anthem. A chorus of voices proclaim the webhead’s virtues as well as his abilities, with lyrics that are as silly as they are catchy! Meanwhile, we’re treated to imagery of Spidey saving the day all over New York. With its infectious beat and memorable lyrics, this theme song has left a major mark on pop culture, receiving parodies and tributes galore! Even over half a century later, this intro still sets our senses tingling - Spidey, or otherwise!
#2: “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” (1969-70; 1978)
Top 10 Best Scooby-Doo & Shaggy Moments
Speaking of franchises with a ton of theme songs, “Scooby-Doo” has had its share. But the original is the one everyone remembers! One part spooky and another part groovy, the theme to “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” describes the titular Great Dane’s cowardice and the singer’s need for Scoob to step up. Meanwhile, the visuals take us through the usual Scooby Gang antics - masked villains, hijinks, and so on. Covered and referenced countless times in the years since it debuted, this theme song is among the most famous and enduring popular out there, cartoon or not.
#1: “The Flintstones” (1960-66)
Top 20 Catchiest Cartoon Theme Songs
You’d have to be from the Stone Age not to have encountered the intro to “The Flintstones!” While the details of the intro can vary, depending on the season, we’re always treated to the familiar sight of the modern Stone Age family going about their lives, along with one of the catchiest songs ever made! The jazzy, upbeat tune just demands to be sung along with, or at least insists you get your toes tapping! Recognizable the world over, the song, titled “Meet the Flintstones,” has had generations exclaiming “yabba-dabba-doo!” and makes for one of the greatest cartoon intros ever made. Is there a classic cartoon intro we forgot? Introduce us to your favorites in the comments! And watch out for that tree!
