Entertainment
10 Classic Cartoons That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Everyone loves a good cartoon, whether they grew up with nostalgic classics or continue to watch the medium evolve with its audience. Animated series are some of the most inventive and entertaining shows around. However, just because some cartoons were good when fans were kids doesn’t mean they have aged perfectly, such as Johnny Bravo and The Smurfs.
On the other hand, some cartoons not only retained their quality today, but are even better, which is why this list will rank 10 classic cartoons that have aged like fine wine. Based on popularity, cult following, animation, style, art, story, relevance, cultural importance, and overall quality, these 10 shows keep getting better no matter how old they get.
1
‘Clone High’ (2002–2003)
Some classic cartoons are so good that companies can’t help but bring them back in the form of a reboot, but they are rarely as good as the original. One such example is Clone High. A government experiment clones some of history’s most influential figures, hoping to use them as strategic pawns in the future. But for now, they are a bunch of high school students.
They tried to reboot Clone High, but it didn’t achieve the same success or acclaim as the original, meaning the classic show aged too well. Canceled after one season, Clone High was controversial for its time, but it became such a cult hit that 20 years later, it found a new audience, proving it aged like a fine wine. Plus, its visual style holds up magnificently.
2
‘Courage the Cowardly Dog’ (1999–2002)
Some of the best cartoons ever have come from the 1990s, and one such icon is Courage the Cowardly Dog. The titular pup is timid and constantly paranoid, and despite his owners not noticing anything, he goes through traumatic horror-movie situations daily, fighting for survival every episode.
For being a kids’ cartoon, Courage the Cowardly Dog is surprisingly scary, using its unique visual style and blend of animation to create an uncanny and unsettling animated series. But no matter how scary the monster, Courage always stood his ground, and this formula of unconditional love made it a heartwarming and comforting cartoon that is still good nowadays.
3
‘Total Drama’ (2007–2014)
Shows like Survivor are some of the most popular on TV, but some spoofs of these iconic reality shows are just as entertaining. Total Drama is a spoof show that parodies various reality shows. Each season follows a group of teenagers who compete in various activities to earn a large cash prize, but chaos and drama usually unfold.
Total Drama was shockingly investing, because even if it parodied the format of elimination-style reality shows, it was also one, and therefore created an entertaining, drama-filled masterpiece. Satires specifically seem to age better than most shows, and while certain humor is outdated and awkward, Total Drama as a whole is still a comfort show for many.
4
‘Gargoyles’ (1994–1997)
There was a certain type of cartoon getting popular during the mid-1990s, and Disney wanted to capitalize on its success, resulting in Gargoyles, a dark animated series that took the world by storm. Hundreds of years ago, Gargoyles used to roam free, but a curse petrified them for centuries. However, with the curse lifted, they are free to roam and get accustomed to the modern-day world.
Gargoyles tried to be the next Batman, and while it won’t ever match that series, it did become its own thing. This cartoon was dark, gritty, and shockingly mature, providing some insightful and complex storylines that made it a standout series. Mature cartoons age better than most, and Gargoyles had an emotional sincerity and flawless writing that make it a wonderful series to revisit.
5
‘King of the Hill’ (1997–Present)
After ending in 2009, King of the Hill returned for a new season over a decade later, proving fans still wanted more of this all-time classic American sitcom. Following an American family in Texas and their neighbors, this animated series is about their lives and the mundane reality they go through, finding humor in everyday happenings.
King of the Hill is all about struggling to adjust to modern times, which is a timeless theme that is still relevant today. Its unique portrayal of characters and American culture is realistic, entertaining, and well-written, creating a relatable and hilarious cartoon. King of the Hill isn’t just a sitcom, but a character study that is still relevant today.
6
‘6teen’ (2004–2010)
Fans don’t realize how many of their favorite cartoons are Canadian, with two already featured on this list: Clone High and Total Drama Island. A third is 6teen, which, albeit less popular, is another fantastic series. Following a group of teenagers working at the mall, it is about their daily life growing up and having fun while causing mayhem.
6teen is one of the greatest Canadian cartoons of all time, but it never got the recognition it deserved, despite aging perfectly. 6teen feels like a time capsule from the 2000s, from its style to its animation to its mallrat culture, making it a true product of its time. However, that nostalgic vibe is all the rage right now. Plus, its unique 2D animation feels classic, but also in style, meaning 6teen is an underrated gem that gets better with age.
7
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)
Nickelodeon is known for its many classic children’s cartoons, but one show that broke the mold was Avatar: The Last Airbender. When the world needed the Avatar the most, Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) disappeared, only reappearing hundreds of years later after the Fire Nation took over. Now, he needs to master all four elements in time to stop the Fire Nation from completely taking over the world.
Shifting to a dedicated story rather than an episodic release, this cartoon hooked everyone’s attention with its endearing characters, riveting story, and intriguing worldbuilding. It may be one of the newer shows on this list, but as time passes, no cartoon has as gripping a storyline. The animation is flawless and better than most series today, making Avatar: The Last Airbender arguably the greatest cartoon of all time.
8
‘Freakazoid!’ (1995–1997)
Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest directors of all time, with movies such as Jaws and Saving Private Ryan, but many fans might not have known he tried his hand at animation, delivering Freakazoid! Set in Washington, D.C., the series follows a superpowered teenager who uses his goofy powers for good and justice, stopping heinous criminals and foiling their evil plans.
The ’90s were a golden age of cartoons, meaning underrated shows like Freakazoid! flew under the radar, but even if it wasn’t as popular, it has aged better than most. Known for its satirical humor and silly antics, this animated series is all the more relevant now. Freakazoid! is a ’90s cartoon that deserves a reboot, mainly because it was ahead of its time with its referential humor and pop culture satire.
9
‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)
DC is known for its animated series, and its most iconic is undoubtedly Batman: The Animated Series. Following the Caped Crusader’s (Kevin Conroy) battle against crime around Gotham City, he takes on some of the most dangerous villains, including the Joker (Mark Hamill). This show features an episodic format and is a deep dive into all the villains and their psychological issues.
Batman: The Animated Series is the best superhero cartoon of all time, and a standout in DC’s catalog. However, it also ages better every year. The Art Deco aesthetic and Gothic style create a unique vibe that influenced future iterations of the character. The animation holds up, and the stories are revolutionary. Batman: The Animated Series aged so well because of its psychological focus on its villains and its profound insight.
10
‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)
Animation is mainly viewed as a kids’ medium, and many of the cartoons featured are for a younger audience, but The Simpsons proves that adult animation is just as in style and essential. Following an ordinary family in a seemingly average town, this series is about their daily life and the chaos it causes, from the nuclear power facility to the local school.
Truthfully, the latest seasons of The Simpsons have not aged well, clearly outliving its lifespan and now delivering mediocre episodes that are a shell of its former self. However, early seasons of The Simpsons continue to age perfectly, which is why this animated icon deserves the top spot on this list. Not only is this series one of the funniest animated series of all time, which naturally makes it age well, but it is also known for predicting the future with extreme precision. The Simpsons is a masterclass of comedy and animation, and its in-the-know writers helped it become a series that aged like fine wine based on its insight into the future.
The Simpsons
- Release Date
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December 17, 1989
- Network
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FOX
- Directors
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Steven Dean Moore, Mark Kirkland, Rob Oliver, Michael Polcino, Mike B. Anderson, Chris Clements, Wes Archer, Timothy Bailey, Lance Kramer, Nancy Kruse, Matthew Faughnan, Chuck Sheetz, Rich Moore, Jeffrey Lynch, Pete Michels, Susie Dietter, Raymond S. Persi, Carlos Baeza, Dominic Polcino, Lauren MacMullan, Michael Marcantel, Neil Affleck, Swinton O. Scott III, Jennifer Moeller
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Homer Simpson / Abe Simpson / Barney Gumble / Krusty (voice)
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Julie Kavner
Marge Simpson / Patty Bouvier / Selma Bouvier (voice)
