Top 10 Cartoons That Should NEVER Be Remade
#10: “Infinity Train” (2019-21)
Woefully overlooked and mistreated by its networks, “Infinity Train” is well worth hopping aboard. The show follows the various passengers and residents of a mysterious, seemingly endless train. Those who come aboard face challenges and discover new things about themselves and the train itself. “Infinity Train” is beautifully inventive and has some of the most carefully executed emotional storytelling out there. It’s an incredible series, and recapturing its magic twice would be a one-in-infinity chance. Or maybe, “One-One.” Still, if the creators could find a way to continue and complete the show after its cancellation, we’d be positively ecstatic!
#9: “Amphibia” (2019-22)
Top 10 Darkest Amphibia Moments
A spiritual successor of sorts to a show we’ll be discussing later, “Amphibia” follows a group of friends who are transported to a world inhabited by intelligent frogs. Separated from one another they each form unique relationships with the inhabitants and learn more about themselves in the journey to find each other and return home. “Amphibia” features a surprisingly complex narrative and while its ending isn’t entirely happy, it is a definitive one. It may have ended recently, but we get the feeling that it will hold up well in the years to come.
#8: “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
Top 10 Kevin Conroy Batman Moments
“Batman: The Animated Series” is one of the most celebrated superhero cartoons and, some would argue, the definitive version of the Dark Knight. It has the comedy of classic “Batman,” the grittiness of the modern material, and some killer voice acting to boot. And it’s all delivered with a perfectly dark and cinematic animation style. We’re only putting this so low on the list, because while there will never be another “Batman: The Animated Series,” there have been, and will be, plenty of animated series starring Batman. None of them can match the definitive article though.
#7: “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 20 Greatest SpongeBob Squarepants Running Gags
“SpongeBob SquarePants” has been running for decades now, so while we don’t think it will get remade any time soon, it definitely shouldn’t in the future. The adventures of the titular sponge and his friends under the sea are not only hilarious and have entertained generations of kids (and adults), but the show is responsible for around half of all memes on the internet. If the show ever did end and Nickelodeon wanted to keep making tons of cash, we could see them remaking the show. But to retread the ground SpongeBob and company have already tread would feel… disrespectful to its legacy.
#6: “Steven Universe” (2013-19)
Top 10 BEST Steven Universe Moments
“Steven Universe” was one of the smash hits of the 2010s. It follows the titular Steven and his friends the Crystal Gems in their adventures in life and love. Featuring bright, delightful animation and quite a few musical numbers, “Steven Universe” not only excels in having a compelling storyline and character development, but it also gives some much-needed spotlight on LGBTQ+ characters and issues. Ultimately though, the show doesn’t need a reboot because it tells a complete story on its own and even got a spin-off sequel to wrap up all the loose ends.
#5: “Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends” (2004-09)
A series about a foster home for real imaginary friends, this Emmy-winning series is full of madcap adventures from its various residents, visitors, and staff. The premise provides plenty of opportunities for inventive characters and fun escapades to be had, no matter what the characters get up to. Also, the show’s whimsical and sweet tone made practically every character endearing and entertaining to watch. And given how divisive one of the other reboots of creator Craig McCracken’s work was… well, let’s just say that a reboot of this show is best left… imaginary. Well, at least McCracken will have input on the upcoming preschool series.
#4: “Adventure Time” (2010-18)
Top 10 Best Adventure Time Songs
On the surface, “Adventure Time” is a wacky show about a boy and his talking, shapeshifting dog going on adventures in a strange and magical land. And it is that, but also so much more. The series boasts a surprisingly detailed world, with plenty of secrets to discover. It can be funny, terrifying, heartwarming, and tear-jerking, sometimes all at once. “Adventure Time” has grabbed the attention of people of all ages, enough to warrant several spin-offs and a major franchise built up around it. It feels eternally relevant and boundless. So a remake would only detract from that sensation. Finn, Jake, and the gang’s adventures don’t need repeating – unless it’s because we’re watching them again for yet another time.
#3: “Samurai Jack” (2001-04; 2017)
Top 10 Times Samurai Jack Went Beast Mode
We know the show is all about getting back, back to the past, but a reboot? No thanks. “Samurai Jack” follows the titular Japanese warrior in the distant future where the villainous Aku has banished him. Jack’s journey takes him to many incredible and fantastic places as he seeks to find a way back to his own time. Presented in a cinematic style, often with minimal dialogue, “Samurai Jack” is positively timeless. Although a revival gave the show the ending it deserves, “Samurai Jack” doesn’t need reinvention when it’s borderline perfect already.
#2: “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Top 10 Adult Jokes in Gravity Falls You Missed
Two kids staying with their great-uncle in a weird town full of mysteries is a brilliant idea on paper and in execution! “Gravity Falls” is not only a creative series full of unforgettable characters and hilarious comedy, but it also features a gripping and well-executed story with a shocking degree of depth. Revisiting the series provides something new to discover every time, whether it’s foreshadowing you didn’t catch the first time around or a hidden cryptogram. It’s already a complete story with plenty of hidden depths, so remaking it doesn’t make sense. But, to be clear, if Disney and creator Alex Hirsch ever get it in their minds to do a sequel, we’re throwing money at them until it happens! Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
“6teen” (2004-10)
This Slice of Life Was Too Much a Product of the 2000s to Work Now
“Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015-19)
Top 10 Star & Marco Moments on Star vs. the Forces of Evil
They’d Have to Be Evil to Put Us Through Starco’s Will-They/Won’t-They Romance Again!
“Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)
Top 10 Secretly Dark Cartoons
These Cul-de-Sac Adventures Are So Timeless, They Don’t Need to Be Circled Back Around To
“The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2001-07)
Top 10 Rejected Cartoons That Became Successful
The Animation Still Holds Up & It’s Far Darker Than Today’s Cartoons Can Get Away With
#1: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Every Season of Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of Korra: RANKED
Yes, we know “Avatar” is getting a live-action remake. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s probably not a great idea. We have our doubts because “Avatar: The Last Airbender” is often regarded as one of the best cartoons ever made. The story of Aang’s journey to save the world from the Fire Nation is executed nearly to perfection, with fantastic character arcs for the cast, amazing worldbuilding, great action, and humor that appeals to all ages. Plus, it has plenty of spin-off material expanding on the world, like the sequel series “Legend of Korra” (which doesn’t need one either, by the way). Bottomline – “Avatar” is a story that would be difficult to recapture the magic of, regardless of the medium.
