Let’s be real—2000s cartoons weren’t merely something you saw; they were an experience. For everyone who came of age during that time, those shows dictated your after-school hangout time, your initial sense of humor, and most likely half your personality. You were either a Disney Channel child, a Cartoon Network staple, or a Nicktoons addict, but the 2000s brought an animation golden age that still has yet to be beat.
Ready to go back and relive some cartoon greatness? Here are 15 iconic cartoons of the 2000s that still make the feels—numbered dramatically, naturally, from nostalgic throwbacks to all-time legends.
15. The Proud Family
Penny Proud and her boisterous, lovely family were a Disney Channel mainstay. It blended teen soap opera, comedy, and cultural pride with standout flair—particularly that memorable theme song, courtesy of Destiny’s Child and Solange.
14. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends
Suppose your old childhood imaginary friend could get his own big house full of other fabricated pals. Cartoon Network’s series of shows went wild with that concept, presenting innovative mayhem, touching moments, and a cast.
13. Atomic Betty
Leading a dual life as a schoolgirl during the day and space heroine in the evening, Atomic Betty provided children with a flavor of science fiction excitement complete with attitude. The action-packed plot and rich worldbuilding made this program a secret treasure.
12. Braceface
Sharon Spitz was not your average teenager—her braces had minds of their own. Confronting embarrassing puberty issues and high school drama with candor and wit, this Canadian cartoon did not gloss over growing up.
11. George Shrinks
George may have been small, but the adventures he had were anything but. This quiet, imaginative series provided a comforting escape from the madness, making everyday life an epic adventure for its pint-sized hero.
10. Sitting Ducks
A zany, under-the-radar show about ducks coexisting with alligators. Weird? Absolutely. But its charm, offbeat characters, and aesthetic made it an odd one to stand out in early 2000s television.
9. Yakkity Yak
This mouthy yak with ambitions to be a stand-up comedian delivered huge laughs and loads of weirdness. It was goofy, dreamlike, and replete with that random 2000s cartoon zest we secretly miss.
8. Hamtaro
Tiny hamsters, huge adventures. Hamtaro was kind, sweet, and perpetually adorable. For a lot of children, it was an early introduction to anime—and a lesson that even the smallest characters can have the biggest hearts.
7. Code Lyoko
Blending 2D school drama with 3D sci-fi action, Code Lyoko had a style all its own. The story of kids battling a rogue AI in a virtual world still feels relevant, and its moody aesthetic sets it apart from anything else on TV.
6. Totally Spies
Spies. School. Fashion. WinxClub had it all. With gadgets aplenty and over-the-top plots, it served up high-speed fun with an added dash of girl power that everyone still revels in today.
5. Winx Club
When magical girl teams were a rarity, Winx Club introduced us to fairies with attitude. The program was glamorous, theatrical, and empowering—blending friendship and fantasy in a manner that resonated with an entire generation.
4. ChalkZone
What if doodles could turn into reality? ChalkZone did that for you. With its innovative idea and imaginative world-building, it took something as simple as an idea and turned it into a thrilling adventure.
3. My Life as a Teenage Robot
Jenny (aka XJ-9) was constructed to rescue the world, but wished to attend prom. Her retro-futuristic look and internal struggle between robotic responsibilities and human feeling made this show more introspective than it initially seemed.
2. As Told By Ginger
This series didn’t take it safe—it addressed real issues such as family life changes, peer influence, and insecurity. Ginger and her peers developed and matured through the years, which was a rarity in cartoons during that time. It was smart, honest, and highly relatable.
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Nothing is better. With rich narrative, profound themes, and iconic characters, Avatar wasn’t an animated cartoon—it was an epic. From Zuko’s redemption to Aang’s battle with responsibility, it reimagined what children’s animation could be. Its impact is still alive today, and for many reasons.
There’s a reason we keep returning to these shows. Whether it’s the nostalgia, the characters, or feeling seen at just the right time in life, cartoons from the 2000s had a magic that lingered with us. As GWI points out, Millennials and Gen Z are spearheading nostalgia media, and it’s no wonder—those cartoons did more than just entertain us. They helped make us who we are. So, if you are in the mood for a throwback marathon, you already know where to begin. The feels? Fresh as ever.