15 Classic Cartoon Network Shows That Still Hold Up

Not everything in Cartoon Network’s history has aged well, but some of its classic shows have managed to stand the test of time.

’90s babies can rejoice and let out a sigh of relief because, despite the rumors, Cartoon Network isn’t going anywhere. Since 1992, Cartoon Network has been home to some of the most iconic and influential cartoons of all time; shows that have aged well and are now considered classics.

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To be considered a “classic” Cartoon Network show, it must’ve premiered within the channel’s first 15 years, so anything from 1992-2007 is fair game. Of course, not everything in Cartoon Network’s history has aged well (Johnny Bravo, for example), but many classic Cartoon Network shows have managed to stand the test of time.

Updated on December 16, 2022, by Chelsea Steele: Few kids’ networks have quite the influence or reputation of Cartoon Network. For decades, its shows have graced the small screen and made many fans’ childhoods unforgettable. Given the variety of its programming and the experimental nature of many of its shows, not every Cartoon Network series has aged well over the years. However, many are still as amazing now as they were then, showing the true quality of the network’s titles. This list has been updated with even more classics that hold up well today.

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Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi Has Become A Cult Classic

Fans of Teen Titans remember Puffy AmiYumi all too well. This two-girl band sang the iconic theme song for the beloved superhero series. Soon enough, they even got their own series on Cartoon Network, known as Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi. The series stars two best friends named Ami and Yumi, who are complete opposites in almost every way. Nevertheless, they make a dynamic duo and are on their way to pop stardom as the iconic Puffy AmiYumi.

While Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi failed to see much initial success, in recent years, it has been remembered fondly by fans and has slowly gained a cult following. Though it’s unlikely that this one-of-a-kind cartoon will ever get a follow-up, it’s still a fan-favorite that no one can forget.

The Life & Times Of Juniper Lee Is An Underrated Gem

With so many incredible titles coming out during the early days of Cartoon Network, it’s only natural that some wouldn’t get the attention they truly deserve. Among these is The Life and Times of Juniper Lee. The show follows a young girl named Juniper, who has been named the new Te Xuan Ze, the protector of the balance between the human world and the magical world. Granted superhuman powers that make her job possible, Juniper works to keep the status quo of everyday life for the citizens of Orchid Bay.

With its unique premise and style, The Life and Times of Juniper Lee really stands out among the rest of the nostalgic Cartoon Network shows. It may not have been a smashing success upon its release, but fans could easily fall in love with it nowadays.

Chowder Influenced Cartoon Network’s Modern Style

Chowder came out during an era known by most as Cartoon Network’s dark age. Most shows during this time failed to live up to the greatness of their predecessors, and many were forgotten or ignored. However, Chowder was one of the few exceptions, and it helped usher the network out of its slump.

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Chowder brought something creative and new that most viewers had never seen before, from its humor to its visuals. Though most of the credit is given to Adventure Time, there’s no denying that Chowder greatly influenced Cartoon Network’s direction and style over the years, giving fans much of what modern CN is today.

Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends Was One Of The Last Classics Before The Dark Ages

For many, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends is one of the last truly classic Cartoon Network shows. Airing right before the dark age started, it retains much of the charm of the old-style CN series while still bringing something new and fresh to the table.

First airing in 2004, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends follows the adventures of a young boy named Mac and his imaginary friend Bloo, who resides at a whimsical foster home for imaginary friends. Like many classics of the time, fans often regard Foster’s as one of CN’s best series, and it was one of the few shows fans consistently loved during the dark age of the network.

Duck Dodgers Is A Looney Tunes Spin-Off Starring Daffy Duck

The original Looney Tunes may not count as an official Cartoon Network show, but it has plenty of spin-off series that fit the bill. Among the many titles under its umbrella, Duck Dodgers is one of the best.

Premiering on Cartoon Network and Boomerang in 2003, this iconic classic stars Daffy Duck as the heroic space captain, Duck Dodgers. By his side is his faithful companion, the “Eager Young Space Cadet,” played by Porky Pig. Together, they travel the galaxy and defend it from various threats. Duck Dodgers parodies pulp sci-fi classics, featuring campy humor that’s reminiscent of old-school Looney Tunes.

Ben 10 Is Cartoon Network’s Longest-Running Franchise

With four films, countless video games, a plethora of merchandise that’s grossed over $6 billion, and five TV series, Ben 10 is easily Cartoon Networks’ most successful show. The original series ran from 2005 to 2008 and focused on 10-year-old Ben Tennyson. Ben gets a watch-style alien device called the “Omnitrix” that allows him to transform into 10 different alien creatures with different abilities.

Even though Ben 10 features tons of action, at its heart, it is a story about an unlikely hero. This is a story every child can relate to. Although Ben has grown up, the original show is still a classic.

The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy Is A Fun, Campy Horror

On paper, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy shouldn’t work. The series follows two human children who somehow trick the mighty Grim Reaper into being their best friend for the rest of eternity. The show makes the most of its silly premise and supernatural elements, making it the perfect series for kids who are looking for something a little spooky but not too dark.

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The Grim Adventures ran from 2001 to 2007 and won two Emmy Awards. The show’s self-aware humor and obscure references are wrapped in absurd plots. It’s a fun, campy horror show.

Codename: Kids Next Door Was Every Kid’s Dream

Many kids wanted to be part of Kids Next Door and have access to such an awesome hi-tech treehouse. The series focused on a group of 10-year-old kids who secretly work as operative spies for a global organization that fights crimes against kids, which included homework and flossing.

Kids Next Door aired from 2002 until 2008 and captured the imagination of a wide range of kids because, unlike most shows from this period, the series had a very diverse cast of characters. As a result, every kid could relate to the show and wished they could be part of it.

Justice League/Justice League Unlimited Is DC Comics At Its Best

To this day, one of the best on-screen adaptations of the Justice League is the animated series. While they’re not a Cartoon Network Studios production, Justice League and its direct sequel Justice League Unlimited are among the network’s most popular shows.

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Part of each show’s success is that they presented the heroes as regular people with flaws of their own who happen to fight crime. This made the titular superhero group endlessly relatable and easy to root for, and it solidified the Justice League shows as fan favorites.

Ed, Edd, N’ Eddy Is Still Relatable

Ed, Edd, n Eddy is a cult classic series that inadvertently raised an entire generation of kids. The show followed three preteen boys who indulged in silly pranks and get-rich-quick schemes, which usually ended in humiliation or painful predicaments. Ed, Edd, n Eddy was basically The Three Stooges but for kids.

The show reveled in gross-out humor and over-the-top cartoon violence that made it irresistible for young viewers. However, Ed, Edd, n Eddy has just the right number of mature jokes for adults to enjoy. The series ran for an impressive 10 years, from 1999 to 2009, and has given the world countless internet memes that usually feature the blue-haired oddball farmer, Rolf.

Dexter’s Laboratory Helped Define Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network wouldn’t be what it is without the success of Dexter’s Laboratory. This series aired from 1996 to 2003 and centered on a young genius with a secret laboratory. Dexter’s Laboratory helped solidify Cartoon Network as an animation powerhouse and redefined what a cartoon could be.

Whether Dexter was at odds with his ditzy sister Dee Dee or his bitter rival Mandark, the show was always creative and funny. While the animation itself hasn’t held up as well, the show’s humor is still just as fresh all these years later.

Courage The Cowardly Dog Was Many Kids’ Entry To Horror

Courage the Cowardly Dog doesn’t seem like it was made for kids. Even as an adult, the show’s creepy imagery and weird plot lines are pretty scary. However, getting scared and facing these fears is what made the show so enticing to watch and introduced an entire generation to the horror genre.

Courage the Cowardly Dog ran from 1999 to 2002 and followed a small anthropomorphic pink dog who lives with an elderly couple in a farmhouse in the middle of “Nowhere.” He must protect them from supernatural threats and terrifying villains. Courage taught kids that it’s okay to be afraid sometimes.

The Powerpuff Girls Broke New Ground In Animation

The Powerpuff Girls is exploding with vibrant animation and an infectious style, which made it one of Cartoon Networks’ most celebrated series of all time. The show broke new ground with its premise, which centers around three young superhero girls who are called upon to fight criminals.

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Whether The Powerpuff Girls intended to or not, it introduced an entire generation to women’s empowerment and feminist ideals. The show was also incredibly funny and included tons of pop-culture references that made it a favorite with kids and adults. The original series ran from 1998 to 2005 and proved to be so popular that it was rebooted in 2016 and continued until 2018.

Samurai Jack Is Beautifully Animated And Surprisingly Mature

Samurai Jack is still the most mature show in Cartoon Network’s history. The series follows Jack, a samurai prince sent to a dystopian future who must travel back in time to stop the shape-shifting demon Aku and free his kingdom. Even now, Aku is considered one of the best cartoon villains.

The original series ran for four seasons from 2001 to 2004 and is known for its darker tone and impressively choreographed, action-packed fight scenes. Samurai Jack also stands out for its mature themes, like grief and regret. To call Samurai Jack a “kid’s show” would be an insult. It’s not only one of the greatest cartoons of all time, but it’s also one of the greatest series ever.

Teen Titans Redefined What Animation Could Be

Almost 20 years after Teen Titans first premiered on Cartoon Network in 2003, it remains one of the most beautifully animated and best-written shows of all time. The anime-influenced superhero show followed DC Comics’ Robin, Cyborg, Raven, Starlight, and Beast Boy as they protect and monitor Jump City from Titans Tower.

With the perfect blend of character-driven drama, breathtaking action sequences, and occasional humor, Teen Titans redefined animation and became one of the most critically acclaimed series of all time. The show has held up for its exciting action, great stories, and memorable cast of characters. Teen Titans ended in 2006, but it is still considered by many to be the greatest show in Cartoon Network’s history.

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