TOP 10 CARTOON NETWORK SHOWS

We know they’re meant for kids, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy them, too. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 Cartoon Network shows.

For this list, we’re taking a look at shows that had their original run on the Cartoon Network, and basing our ranking on a mix of their creativity, how visually entertaining they are and their overall awesomeness.

#10: “Johnny Bravo” (1997-2004)

With the muscles of an Adonis, the hair of a blond demi-god, and vocal stylings evocative of Elvis, you’d think he’d have no problem with the ladies. But you’d be wrong. In fact, the entire premise of this cartoon is based on Johnny Bravo’s constant fails with the women who were unfortunate enough to strike his fancy. At the very least, the cartoon served as a warning on how NOT to court the girl you like. But it’s still considered a classic in Cartoon Network fare, so Johnny musta done something right.

#9: “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” (2004-09)

What happens to your imaginary friends when you outgrow them? They go to an orphanage, of course. Well, according to this Cartoon Network favorite they do. Following the adventures of a 9-year-old boy, his imaginary best friend, and the Foster’s other residents, this animated series was engaging and fun. And when it focused on Mac and Bloo’s relationship, it could even be quite poignant.

#8: “Regular Show” (2010-)

Created for the Cartoon Network’s Cartoonstitute project, where up-and-coming artists pitch shows free from network interference, this is a show for kids; but many of its themes are clearly for teens and adults. Through the eyes of two local park groundskeepers and best friends Mordecai and Rigby, “Regular Show” runs the gamut from relationships to responsibility to maturity in an entertaining, seemingly random, tongue-in-cheek way. Few cartoons will feature something as unique as an ‘80s dance battle with ghosts, but that’s why we love it.

#7: “Ed, Edd n Eddy” (1999-2009)

They were a trio of friends who also happened to share the same name, more or less. And in spite of being extremely unique in personality and demeanor, they were tight like glue and spawned one of the Cartoon Network’s most successful original programs. What else would you expect from three kids who live on a cul-de-sac? Meanwhile, their love of jawbreakers and neighborhood hijinks didn’t exactly endear them to the kids on their block. Except for the awful, awful Kanker sisters. Clearly, there’s someone for everybody.

#6: “Teen Titans” (2003-06)
These teenagers kick butt, literally. As a group of close-knit adolescent superheroes, they’re committed to fighting crime in the name of good… and also navigating typically teen problems. Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven and Robin had crushes, dealt with insecurity, and got into petty squabbles – hey, that actually sounds a lot like adulthood. The only exception being that most of us don’t also have superpowers and wear costumes. At least not publicly.

#5: “Courage the Cowardly Dog” (1999-2002)

Although his name might seem like a misnomer given that he was frightened of almost everything, Courage actually did possess some impressive bravery – quite befitting of the character at the center of one of the Cartoon Network’s highest-rated premieres ever. He and his elderly owners seemed to constantly encounter the supernatural, the paranormal, or the just plain weird. We’d probably be a little skittish too if we had to frequently battle the undead, monsters, and/or murderous, headless chickens.

#4: “Samurai Jack” (2001-04)

Aside from being visually stunning and winning four Primetime Emmy Awards, “Samurai Jack” was also stylistically distinct and contained few words, which made it quite different from its contemporaries. Centered on the journey of a lone samurai jettisoned to a dystopian future, the show’s main theme was the battle between good and evil. Jack had to battle many foes and villains as he attempted to find his way back to the present to defeat his archenemy Aku. It’s addictive in the best way possible.

#3: “Dexter’s Laboratory” (1996-2003)
Only in a cartoon could a child have an extensive secret professional laboratory at home without his parents even knowing about it. One of the most popular original series ever to air on the Cartoon Network, “Dexter’s Lab” draws its charm from the fact that Dexter’s parents seemed blissfully unaware of his dealings as a burgeoning mad scientist – and also that he adopted an accent of dubious foreign origin. At least his sister got to dance around and cause trouble, which we can’t help but find adorable at times.

#2: “The Powerpuff Girls” (1998-2005)

Who knew that a little sugar, some spice, and an unidentifiable chemical component could produce three crime-fighting kindergarteners, and the Cartoon Network’s highest rated debut episode to that point? Bubbles, Blossom, and Buttercup are three adorable little girls who also have superpowers and help protect the city of Townsville. Y’know, kid stuff. The show itself has tons of pop culture references, as well a distinctive art style that made it a delight to watch for both kids and adults.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-13)
- “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” (2003-08)
- “Codename: Kids Next Door” (2002-08)
- “Ben 10” (2005-08)
- “Justice helloLeague” (2001-04)

#1: “Adventure Time” (2010-)

This is one of those cartoons that could set the standard for all others that come after it. Decidedly colorful in both its animation and its themes, this series follows the adventures of a young human boy named Finn and his magical brother from another mother-slash-best friend, Jake the dog. A ratings juggernaut for the Cartoon Network since it debuted, the show touches on themes of spirituality and mortality, but it also has fart jokes and living candy. It’s light, it’s fun and it’s an all-out cartoon adventure!

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Cartoon Network series? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
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