They might not get the same attention as the 1980s and 1990s cartoons or the ones of today, but several cartoons from the 2000s are worth remembering. Some of these shows' geniuses are so evident even adult fans celebrate them. Others are not as celebrated and fall into utter obscurity.
Some of the greatest '00s shows have no official releases available, meaning viewers have only their memories to lean on if they want to relive the experience. The ones that do have official releases are well worth supporting. Covering a range of the decade's popular trends — from the rising influence of anime to the continuing popularity of the late '90s retro "thick line" style to the birth of internet animation — the greatest shows always stand out.
Updated by Michael Colwander on December 15, 2023: The 2000s were a phenomenal period for cartoons, paving the way for some of the best cartoons ever produced. Looking back, it's easy to see why 2000s kids and even '90s kids get nostalgic over this era. We've updated this list with new stylistic improvements to enhance the reader experience as well as to provide information such as where to stream 2000s cartoons.
Years | 2004 – 2005 |
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Seasons | 1 |
Episodes | 21 |
Streaming? | No |
This Disney Channel cartoon revolved around Dave, an extraordinary young barbarian in the Middle Ages. Dave was left with his fashion-obsessed sister, Candy, and younger sister, Fang, to defend the kingdom of Udrogoth while their parents, the King and Queen, were away fighting evil. Their Medieval adventures were short-lived but fun.
Dave the Barbarian also had a Narrator who often broke the fourth wall while telling the story. What stood out in Dave the Barbarian was that young Dave liked the finer and more emotional things in life rather than the pursuit of new lands and conquests. Along with hilarious villains, comic plotlines, and surreal circumstances, the short-lived cartoon became a cult hit.
A teenage slacker is given the ability to turn into the American Dragon and defends all mythical creatures that secretly reside in the human world.
Years | 2005 – 2007 |
---|---|
Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 52 |
Streaming? | Disney+ |
American Dragon: Jake Long is centered on a Chinese-American boy named Jake who discovered that he had the ability to transform into a dragon. Obviously, this wasn't the ideal development in an adolescent's life, but Jake carried his supernatural abilities with aplomb. He protected other mystical beings from dragon slayers while also caring for his family and friends.
Riveting action, family drama, gutwrenching love, and deep feelings — American Dragon: Jake Long had it all. This Disney cartoon was made for children but would appease even adults who watch it. With only two seasons, this animated show was one of the best.
Years | 2006 – 2008 |
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Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 52 |
Streaming? | Disney+ |
The Emperor's New School was the TV spinoff of the Disney movie The Emperor's New Groove. Kuzco, the conceited young royal, was the subject yet again, but this time in a corrective school where he would learn empathy and humanity so that he could be Emperor. Kuzco's eclectic personality and his nemesis Yzma's antics kept this cartoon fresh and funny.
The lighthearted silliness of the show was its core. It always had a giggle to offer to audiences, even if it wasn't the most critically acclaimed cartoon. Like the movie, the show was also full of running gags and jokes where it poked fun at itself, which made it a memorable 2000s kids show.
Years | 2001 – 2003 |
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Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 39 |
Streaming? | No |
The Legend of Tarzan continued from where the 1999 feature film left off and became a cartoon from the 2000s that fans remember fondly. Vibrant animation, strong writing, and character relationships made this a great drama-comedy cartoon for those who wanted to pivot from pure comedy cartoon shows. Tarzan is one of the most iconic Disney characters, and seeing him on the small screen was a treat for fans of early 2000s cartoons.
Charming and sweet, The Legend of Tarzan was sadly cut short in the second season, which ran for only three episodes. Still, it was one of the most beloved 2000s cartoons that left a mark on audiences. Tarzan was lovable, Jane was warm, and their story with the funny wild animals will forever remain a classic.
Years | 2000 – 2019 |
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Seasons | 8 |
Episodes | 177 |
Streaming? | Paramount+ |
Dora the Explorer might not be the most story-heavy 2000s kids show, but it holds a special place in the hearts of all those who watched it when they were young. Dora, the little Latina girl who took children on adventures with her, has become an icon in the pop culture landscape for better or for worse. Everything from her purple backpack to her little friends is a pleasant blast from the past today.
It would be a drag for the 2000s generation to watch it as adults, but it does arouse warm, fuzzy feelings of childhood. It had a soothing, computer-game-like feeling. Dora became a childhood companion who was beloved by many. Dora the Explorer is not just one of the great early 2000s cartoons but also one of the most influential cartoons ever made.
In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world.
Years | 2005 – 2008 |
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Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 61 |
Streaming? | Netflix, Paramount+ |
Even if one did not grow up in the 2000s, many are familiar with Avatar: The Last Airbender. Anyone from the age of 6 to 96 can find something to enjoy about this series. While plenty of American cartoons took visual inspiration from anime in the past, Avatar was the first to match the anime style of complex serialized storytelling.
Great characters, detailed fantasy worlds, serious themes, plenty of hype moments, and deep respect for the Asian cultures that inspired it made Avatar a must-watch. New and old fans can even watch it now on Netflix, where a more faithful live-action take on the series will air in 2024. On top of that, a sequel series titled The Legend of Korra is also available to watch on Netflix, which quickly proved to be a worthy successor.
A samurai, sent through time, fights to return home and save the world.
Years | 2001 – 2017 |
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Seasons | 5 |
Episodes | 62 |
Streaming? | Max |
If Avatar: The Last Airbender was the height of American TV cartoon storytelling in the 2000s, Samurai Jack was the height of American TV cartoon artistry. The plots were simple and archetypal, but the animation, sound design, and directing were consistently mind-blowing.
All of Genndy Tartakovsky's many cinematic influences — from Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone to Akira and Blade Runner — combined to make Samurai Jack something special. It trusted young viewers with stillness and contemplation before rewarding them with thrilling action on TV, proving that hard work beat natural talent. A recent fifth season, aimed at adults who grew up with the original, gave the series a darker but satisfying conclusion.
Years | 2001 – 2006 |
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Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 27 |
Streaming? | Paramount+ |
It only lasted for 27 episodes (six of which did not air on TV until years later), but Invader ZIM's cult following kept it in the public eye long enough to inspire a comic and a movie revival. The show held up amazingly well and proved worth the hype.
This cartoon about an alien trying to conquer a planet of humans feels even more satirically relevant today than in 2001. The twisted animation, casual violence, and comic misanthropy make it questionable for young kids but hilarious for older viewers. Invader ZIM has since continued in comic form, showing that there's still life, and a market, for this classic.
Years | 2004 – 2006 |
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Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 39 |
Streaming? | Max, Netflix |
Bruce Timm's cartoons have generally been recognized as the best DC superhero adaptations around. Some even hold them to be better than most live-action versions. His innovative '90s Batman: The Animated Series received most of the acclaim, but Justice League Unlimited showcased Timm's talents on the grandest scale.
Justice League Unlimited used and nailed almost every DC hero in history, telling great stories in a range of tones. It even contained the only Alan Moore-approved adaptation.
A 14-year-old receives ghost powers and uses them to save the world.
Years | 2003 – 2007 |
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Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 49 |
Streaming? | Paramount+, BET+ |
Danny Phantom was about a 14-year-old boy named Danny Fenton who was accidentally turned into a half-ghost. Though he struggled with his powers initially, Danny used his ghostly abilities for good (while trying to avoid his ghost-hunting family).
Danny Phantom resonated with fans for its unique premise and wacky teen drama. The show was full of puns and jokes, but it also let heavier moments shine through. Danny Phantom is a great show for teens who are also trying to figure out where they belong.
Years | 2002 – 2006 |
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Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 59 |
Streaming? | Paramount+ |
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius followed the titular boy genius on many zany adventures. With the help of his friends, Sean and Carl, and his trusty robot dog, Goddard, Jimmy set out to discover new things and try out new inventions.
Jimmy Neutron was great fun for the whole family. The hilarious adventures of Jimmy and his friends were endearing in a way, as Jimmy never gave up. There was always a solution to every problem in the show, and Jimmy vowed to find them all. The Nickelodeon cartoon's animation did age poorly, but it is still a favorite.
Years | 2003 – 2006 |
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Seasons | 5 |
Episodes | 65 |
Streaming? | Max |
Teen Titans was one show 2000s kids just will not stop raving about — and for good reasons. The show focused on teenage DC heroes, led by Robin, as they fought against villains, demons, and so much more. Currently, there are five seasons, with rumors of a sixth to come.
Whether it comes back or not, there was good reason Teen Titans stayed strong in the memories of younger millennials. It was one of the better American responses to the anime boom, with tons of action, humor, and heart. Of course, the J-pop opening theme by PUFFY (AmiYumi) was also a solid tune.
A boy and his beloved imaginary friend are able to stay together at an orphanage of sorts for imaginary friends that children have outgrown to be adopted by new children.
Years | 2004 – 2009 |
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Seasons | 6 |
Episodes | 79 |
Streaming? | No |
The Powerpuff Girls remains Craig McCracken's greatest success, but his second show, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, managed to do pretty well for itself. From the title alone, one could tell there was something special about the show. A comedy about abandoned imaginary friends living together was an irresistible premise, and it became one of the most popular cartoons.
Foster's was one of the first TV cartoons animated in Flash. The design work on this show was gorgeous. Blooregard Q. Kazoo was striking evidence of how great animators could take the simplest design and imbue it with a vibrant, hilarious personality.
Years | 2004 – 2005 |
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Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 26 |
Streaming? | No |
Perhaps the most cult-like Cartoon Network show, Megas XLR, was only on the channel from 2004 to early 2005. Yet, those who watched it remembered it. At a time when almost every action cartoon was trying to adapt the mecha anime style, MEGAS XLR stood out — having a clear love and knowledge of anime but filtering it all through a very American sensibility.
MEGAS XLR is just the show for viewers looking for a strange, fun time. While that is not a demographic big enough to make the show a hit, this cartoon has the sort of absurdity where those who get it love it.
Years | 2004 – 2010 |
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Seasons | 4 |
Episodes | 93 |
Streaming? | Tubi, PlutoTV |
6Teen is the story of six 16-year-olds who wander the mall after school. Although some of them had on-and-off jobs throughout the series, the show mostly focused on friends hanging out and just being teenagers. Though it was animated, 6Teen had a more mature vibe than other cartoon properties, which should have made it an instant hit.
6Teen's demographic was high schoolers, so it did not shy away from topics like crushes or kissing. This show was a lot of fun at the time of its release for depicting teenagers doing things actual teenagers would do.
A high school cheerleader and her clumsy best friend balance their duties as global crime-fighters with the typical challenges of adolescence.
Years | 2002 – 2007 |
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Seasons | 4 |
Episodes | 87 |
Streaming? | Disney+ |
There is no contest: Kim Possible was the best show on Disney Channel in the 2000s. Disney's live-action sitcoms did not hold up outside a nostalgia trip, and many cartoons were pretty forgettable. Kim Possible, however, held up surprisingly well for its relatable problems and escapist action, and fans miss plenty about this cartoon today.
Witty, exciting, and proudly feminist, Kim Possible took a sledgehammer to the outdated notions that girls would not watch action shows and that boys would not watch shows with female leads. It was also an early example of fandom's power to save their favorite cartoons: the show was set to be canceled after the third season, but fans' demand inspired Disney to renew the show for another year.
The escapades of a super-powered robot who happens to resemble a teenage girl that tries to balance high school and teen problems while trying to save the world from danger.
Years | 2003 – 2009 |
---|---|
Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 39 |
Streaming? | Paramount+ |
Nickelodeon's successful, risk-taking kids' animation dominated in the '90s. Yet, for the most part, the 2000s Nicktoons did not have the same staying power. This was the decade where SpongeBob SquarePants, the network's last great hit of the '90s, became so dominant that other cartoons, good or bad, were mostly ignored.
My Life as a Teenage Robot was one of the best Nicktoons forgotten during the era of the sponge. XJ-9, or "Jenny" — a super-robot trying to live a normal life between fighting villains — made for a strong protagonist. The show's retro-futuristic art style was always cool — so cool that fans made a continuation series called Teenage Robot: Rebooted in 2023.
Years | 2001 – 2006 |
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Seasons | 3 |
Episodes | 79 |
Streaming? | Amazon Prime, Tubi |
Braceface was a 2000s show starring Alicia Silverstone as a high school girl with braces named Sharon Spitz. Sharon and her friends were mostly regular teenagers who learned how to handle awkward high school situations.
While a lot of the show does not hold up as well today, tweens and teens of the 2000s loved it for its fun take on tricky high school experiences like dating and puberty. Most people may not know about it today, but it was a must-watch television in the 2000s.
The story of Ben Tennyson, a typical kid who becomes very atypical after he discovers the Omnitrix, a mysterious alien device with the power to transform the wearer into ten different alien species.
Years | 2005 – 2008 |
---|---|
Seasons | 4 |
Episodes | 52 |
Streaming? | Max, Netflix |
Prolific voice actress Tara Strong dominated the Western cartoon world with her versatile range and lengthy portfolio. She was the voice behind multiple main characters, such as Raven from Teen Titans, Timmy Turner from Fairly OddParents, and even Bo from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away. In addition to these great characters, Strong lent her voice to a mischievous 10-year-old boy with a mysterious alien "watch." His story instantly became a fan-favorite show.
When Ben 10 aired in 2005, it took the cartoon world by storm with its thrilling theme song and unique take on the superhero genre. DC and Marvel-based cartoons dominated the cartoon space, so it was a welcome refresher. The original series lasted four seasons and spanned into a five-part franchise, including a 2016 reboot. Ben 10 received lots of love from 2000s cartoon fans, winning multiple Emmy Awards.
Years | 2000 – 2005 |
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Seasons | 2 |
Episodes | 29 |
Streaming? | Disney+ |
Teacher's Pet might be the strangest Disney cartoon ever made. In an attempt to fuse the edutainment requirements of the One Saturday Morning block with the surrealist sensibilities of artist Gary Baseman, the show's forgotten status might be a product of people believing it to be some strange fever dream rather than an actual show.
Led by an impressive all-star voice cast, Teacher's Pet features the likes of The Lion King voice actor Nathan Lane, Wallace Shawn, and Jerry Stiller. For viewers wanting a mix of highbrow and lowbrow, of strange and sophisticated jokes elevating a standard school cartoon, Teacher's Pet is worth remembering.
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