Top 10 Greatest Cartoon Franchises
#10: “Batman” franchise (1968-)
Top 20 Greatest Batman The Animated Series Episodes
Comic book adaptations are big business these days, but our favorite caped crusader Batman, as well as the webbed wonder Spider-Man, have had plenty of awesome adaptations in the animated world over the years. Whether it was on the dark and gritty “Batman: The Animated Series,” through the bright, energetic storylines of “Batman: The Brave and The Bold,” or even on the classic ‘70s “Superfriends” series, the animated world has definitely done justice to the Dark Knight. Engaging storylines, balls to the wall action and exquisite animation have all done Bruce Wayne and his legendary Rogues Gallery proud, with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
#9: “G.I. Joe” franchise (1983-)
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The world of “G.I. Joe” has a history dating back long before two lackluster live action movies re-introduced young movie fans to the franchise. No, these real American heroes actually began life as an action figure collection from Hasbro before eventually moving on to the animated world in 1983. The cartoon series depicted the heroic G.I. Joe forces fighting for freedom against the evil terrorist military organization known as Cobra, and quickly went on to become one of the most popular and profitable cartoon franchises of the 1980s and beyond. Indeed, the Joe animated franchise has seen numerous reboots and reimaginings, even enjoying a full length theatrical animated feature in 1987, simply titled “G.I. Joe: The Movie.” Yooo Joe!
#8: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise (1987-)
Top 10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rip-Offs
First arriving in the world as a comic book, these heroes in a half shell may be one of the most prolific cartoon franchises on our list, boasting a world of commercial spinoffs, starting all the way back with their classic 1987 animated series. Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey have seen their ninjitsu skills put to the test against alien warlords, deadly samurai and, of course, their arch enemy The Shredder over the course of numerous animated programs. Splinter’s warrior sons even managed to fit a fully animated feature film in 2007 into their busy schedules, simply and succinctly titled “TMNT.” Cowabunga, dude!
#7: “Transformers” franchise (1984-)
Top 10 Best Transformers Series
These robots in disguise fought for animated supremacy back in the 1980s, and in the process ended up becoming one of the most iconic franchises of all time. After 1984 brought both a Transformers toy line debut and comic, the Autobots received an animated series that same year. No one could’ve predicted just how much popularity and endurance the show and its characters would enjoy. The heroic Autobots battled the villainous Decepticons throughout the course of numerous series, as well as an epic full length animated feature in 1986, which instantly had Lion’s iconic “Transformers” theme song stuck in our heads forever!
#6: “Tom and Jerry” franchise (1940-)
Top 10 Greatest Cartoon Rivalries
It’s difficult to imagine whether or not this classic cartoon franchise would’ve gotten the rubber stamp in today’s media climate, especially given the fact that “Tom and Jerry” was faced with criticism about its violence, even back during its initial run. Still, time has been remarkably kind to this determined cat and plucky mouse combo, thanks to the often overblown and extravagant nature of their feuds. Indeed, Tom and Jerry have remained cherished characters of cartoonhistory, enjoying both film and series reboots over the years. Even after everything, though, the duo’s original run, with its amazing jazz and pop soundtrack musical cues, remains their shining moment as a team.
#5: “Scooby-Doo” franchise (1969-)
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Hop in for a ride in the Mystery Machine, and get ready for a trip down memory lane with the “Scooby-Doo” crew! This gang of teen detectives and their ever-hungry pet dog Scooby have sure come a long way since they first captured fans’ imaginations back in 1969 with their debut animated series, “Scooby Doo, Where Are You?” Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy and Scooby have solved mysteries and caught crooks alongside characters as random as Sonny and Cher, The Harlem Globetrotters, and even Batman, making them true cartoon crossover legends as well!
#4: “The Simpsons” franchise (1989-)
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Spoofing American middle-class life, pop-culture, and, well, seemingly everything, “The Simpsons” proved that cartoons don’t have to be for kids. Debuting in 1987 on “The Tracy Ullman Show,” Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and all the residents of Springfield, USA have left a huge imprint, both on the TV world and on general society by becoming the longest-running American animated program ever, spawning merchandise, a movie and catchphrases galore. The show’s trademark wit would be imitated, though never quite matched, for years to come; and while it dipped in quality after decades on the air, nothing can take away from “The Simpsons”’ talent at their peak. In fact, they’re one of the most beloved families in TV history – animated or not.
#3: “Peanuts” franchise (1965-)
Ah, is there anything that brings that sense of nostalgia out more than watching a classic “Peanuts” cartoon special? Whether you’re five or sixty-five, odds are you have a family tradition that involves sitting down together to watch any one of the animated features that follow this classic comic strip character created by Charles Schulz back in 1950. The adventures of Charlie Brown, his beagle Snoopy and the entire “Peanuts” gang bring us back to a time when life was a little simpler, and animated entertainment could be achieved just by watching great storytelling with likeable characters and great music. You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.
#2: “Looney Tunes” franchise (1930-)
Top 10 Most Iconic Looney Tunes Catchphrases
The Looney Tunes franchise is rivaled only by a precious few as one of the world’s most iconic and influential animated franchises. You’ll find few animated worlds have spawned as many classic cartoon characters as the Looney Tunes crew, whether it’s Daffy Duck as space adventurer Duck Dodgers, Bugs Bunny, Speedy Gonzalez or Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner. These wacky and wonderful animated friends have been comforting sources of humor for us all over the years, enduring in animated spin-offs like “Tiny Toon Adventures,” 1996’s fan favorite “Space Jam” or even newer reinterpretations of these timeless ‘toons. We hope “That’s All, Folks!” is something that never truly comes to pass for these animated legends. Before we reveal our top cartoon franchise, here are a few honorable mentions! “My Little Pony” franchise (1984-) “The Flintstones” franchise (1960-) “Garfield” franchise (1978-) “South Park” franchise (1997-) “SpongeBob SquarePants” franchise (1999-)
#1: Mickey Mouse & Friends (1928-)
Mickey Mouse vs Bugs Bunny
Few animated icons are as beloved or as treasured as Mickey Mouse. The same goes for many of his Disney pals, including Donald Duck, Goofy and so many others. Without even mentioning the numerous animated features the House of Mouse has gifted us with, Disney’s cartoon legacy spans not only the classic shorts featuring Mickey himself, but also countless animated spinoff series like “DuckTales,” and “Goof Troop” from their classic ‘90s “Disney Afternoon” programming block. “Steamboat Willie” first introduced the iconic character in 1928, and generations of fans have embraced Mickey and friends in the years since. And, as President Jimmy Carter once said, “When one sees Mickey Mouse, they see happiness.” That’s good enough for us!
