Let’s face it, animation isn’t just kids’ stuff anymore. It’s art, satire, storytelling, and cultural commentary all wrapped up into one big, shiny package. From prehistoric sitcoms to post-apocalyptic epics, animated TV shows have formed the way we laugh, think, and see the world. So grab a snack, get comfy, and sit down. Here’s a countdown of the 10 most influential animated television shows of all time, starting with number 10.
10. Futurama
Created by Matt Groening, Futurama catapulted us into the 31st century with delivery boy Fry, badass pilot Leela, and the ever-quotable robot Bender. It’s a perfect cocktail of smart sci-fi, absurd comedy, and emotional gut-punches. The show managed to make topics like artificial intelligence, time travel, and loneliness both funny and heartfelt, no easy feat. Many modern animated series owe their mix of heart and humor to Futurama’s trailblazing tone.
9. Batman: The Animated Series
Dark, moody, and stylish as hell, Batman: The Animated Series changed superhero TV forever. When it premiered in 1992, its “Dark Deco” aesthetic and film-noir atmosphere made Saturday mornings feel cinematic. The show didn’t just deepen the mythology of Batman-it introduced Harley Quinn to the world and proved that animation could handle serious themes like trauma, morality, and redemption.
8. The Flintstones
Before The Simpsons, before Family Guy, there was The Flintstones. Premiering in 1960, it was the first animated show to air in prime time-and it made way for every animated sitcom that came after. Set in the Stone Age but loaded with mid-century humor and family dynamics, The Flintstones was essentially The Honeymooners with dinosaurs. Its influence still echoes through every cartoon family that’s come after it.
7. Sailor Moon
Few shows have inspired as many fans, or as many Halloween costumes, as Sailor Moon. This beloved anime brought the “magical girl” genre to the global stage, blending superhero action with themes of friendship, love, and empowerment. Usagi and her squad taught an entire generation that strength and compassion could go hand in hand. More than just sparkles and catchphrases, Sailor Moon helped open Western audiences to anime and redefined what a female hero could look like.
6. South Park
Profane, political, and perpetually relevant, South Park has been skewering pop culture since 1997. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone turned crude paper cutouts into one of TV’s sharpest satires. No topic is off-limits, and no celebrity is safe. Its fearless approach to current events and biting social commentary has kept it fresh for decades. Whether you find it offensive or brilliant (or both), you can’t deny its impact on adult animation.
5. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Jinkies! Since his 1969 premiere, Scooby-Doo has been unmasking bad guys and teaching teamwork to generations of fans. It’s a simple formula-mystery, mayhem, and meddling kids-became a cultural template that spawned spin-offs, parodies, and even memes. From haunted houses to snack attacks, Scooby and the gang proved that solving mysteries could be both spooky and heartwarming.
4. SpongeBob SquarePants
He’s porous, optimistic, and totally unstoppable. SpongeBob SquarePants burst onto Nickelodeon in 1999 and quickly became a phenomenon. Its offbeat humor, surreal characters, and endless quotability turned it into a global juggernaut. Whether you’re laughing at Patrick’s nonsense or quoting SpongeBob memes on social media, this undersea show’s influence is everywhere. It’s proof that absurdity, when done right, can become timeless.
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender showed the world that animation could be epic, emotional, and deeply philosophical. Set in a world divided by elemental nations, it blended martial arts, mythology, and moral complexity in ways that rivaled live-action dramas. Aang’s journey from reluctant hero to world savior tackled themes like war, trauma, and balance without ever talking down to its audience. It’s not just one of the best animated shows, it’s one of the best shows, period.
2. Looney Tunes
Long before “adult animation” was a thing, Looney Tunes was teaching the world how to laugh. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, these icons that set the gold standard for slapstick and wit. Their timeless antics have inspired everyone from comedians to filmmakers, and their influence still pops up in everything from commercials to TikToks. More than eight decades later, “What’s up, Doc?” is still part of our vocabulary.
1. The Simpsons
You knew this was coming. Since 1989, The Simpsons has been the crown jewel of animated television. With its razor-sharp satire, emotional depth, and endless quotability, it redefined what TV comedy could be. The show has shaped pop culture, predicted world events (somehow), and inspired an entire generation of animated storytellers from Family Guy to BoJack Horseman. Love it or not, The Simpsons remains the measuring stick for all that came after.
From slapstick rabbits to cynical superheroes, these shows didn’t just entertain us; they changed the game. They pushed boundaries, told bolder stories, and proved that animation can be every bit as powerful as live action. Whether you grew up on Scooby-Doo or binged Avatar last week, these series remind us that the best animation doesn’t just make us laugh, but it makes us feel, think, and imagine.