The Ultimate Ranking: Unforgettable Cartoon Network Shows from the 2000s!

Summary

Cartoon Network shows in the 2000s were the best, with great cartoons that carried over and introduced memorable new shows.

Total Drama is a top-notch show of this era, skillfully satirizing reality TV by incorporating mature themes and intense competition.

Mucha Lucha distinguishes itself by centering on Lucha Libre and showcasing extravagant Mexican art, establishing it as an essential animated series to watch.

Cartoon Network gained popularity in the 1990s, but it was in the 2000s that the network's shows truly soared. This decade saw the debut of several amazing cartoons that not only carried over into the 2000s, but also solidified Cartoon Network as the top network for animated content. Additionally, the network introduced incredibly memorable cartoons during this time, establishing a decade of animated dominance for Cartoon Network.

In 2001, alongside the launch of Adult Swim, a programming block targeting adult viewers, Cartoon Network continued to push the boundaries of animation for children. However, today's more limited lineup presents a different landscape for the network. As a result, many people still fondly remember and look back to the best Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s, as it was considered the Golden Age of the network, craving the next-level content and a dose of nostalgia.

25 Total Drama (2007 – 2014)

Stream Total Drama on Netflix now and experience one of the top Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s. With spin-offs and a revival underway, this Survivor-inspired series offers a satirical take on reality TV. Join a group of teenagers in each season as they compete and strive to evade elimination. Delve into more mature themes as contestants navigate relationships, conflicts, and betrayal in their quest to remain in the game.

24 Mucha Lucha (2002 – 2005)

Get it now on Amazon.

Set in the town of Luchaville, where nearly all the residents sport Lucha Libre costumes and possess unique fighting techniques, Mucha Lucha is not only one of the top wrestling TV shows, but it is also the first animated series in the Western world to revolve around professional wrestling. Featuring fan-favorite characters like Rikochet, Buena Girl, The Flea, and El Rey - all students at the renowned Foremost World-Renowned International School of Lucha - Mucha Lucha offers a truly captivating and extravagant portrayal of the traditional Mexican form of Lucha Libre. While it may not receive as much recognition as other beloved Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s, Mucha Lucha's larger-than-life representation of Lucha Libre makes it an absolute must-watch.

23 Chowder (2007 – 2010)

Stream on Hulu

Chowder on Hulu is not your typical soup-themed show. Instead, it follows the adventures of Chowder, a young and ambitious cook. However, Chowder's unique and intriguing character is a blend of a cat, bear, and rabbit. Despite his dream of becoming a chef, Chowder's lack of impulse control often leads him into hilarious predicaments. His insatiable hunger frequently results in him devouring customers' meals, but that's not all. Chowder possesses the remarkable ability to regurgitate items, essentially turning his stomach into a storage unit. However, it is important to note that some aspects of Chowder, such as his sexist jokes and occasionally inappropriate content, may not resonate well with today's audience. In fact, it leans more towards being an adult cartoon rather than a children's show.

22 The Cramp Twins (2001 – 2004)

The Cramp Twins utilized a distinctive animation style to narrate the tale of fraternal twins Lucien and Wayne Cramp and bring to life the subtly surreal suburban world of Soap City. The twins' mother, Dorothy, is an obsessed germophobic mad scientist with a passion for cleanliness, while their father, Horace, holds an even stronger obsession with classic Western movies. Dorothy, Horace, and the other vibrant inhabitants of Soap City play supporting roles in the ongoing conflicts between the nerdy and nature-loving Lucien and the aggressive and blue-skinned scrap rat Wayne. While The Cramp Twins may be among the numerous forgotten shows that aired on Cartoon Network during that era, it deserves recognition as one of the best Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s.

21 Time Squad (2001 – 2003)

Streaming not available.

Time Squad, featuring beloved characters like Otto Osworth and Larry 3000, is a Cartoon Network show that takes on the important task of maintaining the flow of time and ensuring a perfect future. Set in the 2000s, this show is like an entertaining after-school history class, where the team of time travelers encounters iconic figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Sigmund Freud during their thrilling adventures. Their mission is to correct the course of history by guiding these significant individuals along the right paths. It is worth noting that Time Squad aired over two decades before the introduction of the Time Variant Authority in Loki, despite Marvel's Kang the Conqueror having made his comic book debut long before Time Squad.

20 Xiaolin Showdown (2003 – 2006)

Shop now on Amazon

In a world where martial arts and magic have become commonplace, a team of Xiaolin warriors is tasked with protecting the mystical artifacts known as the Shen Gon Wu. These artifacts have the power to drastically alter the course of events, whether for good or for evil, depending on who possesses them. Xiaolin Showdown, one of the standout Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s, follows the brave exploits of characters like Omi and Kimiko Tohomiko as they journey across the globe in search of these powerful artifacts, while facing off against formidable adversaries. The series also delves into thought-provoking themes of morality, with some of the heroes grappling with the temptation to use the artifacts for their own personal gain.

19 Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (2004 – 2009)

Stream on Spectrum

With Craig McCracken, the original series creator, already working on the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends reboot, now is the perfect time to revisit what many consider to be the best Cartoon Network show of the 00s. Foster's Home marked the beginning of truly surreal storytelling in Cartoon Network's regular programming. In a world where imaginary friends are tangible and live alongside humans, a young boy named Mac is pressured by his mother to let go of his imaginary friend, Bloo. However, they soon stumble upon a foster home for abandoned imaginary friends. As long as Mac continues to visit Bloo there, he is shielded from adoption, creating a heartwarming premise that leads to hilariously entertaining narratives.

18 The Grim Adventures Of Billy And Mandy (2001 – 2007)

Streaming on Max, the animated show The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy draws inspiration from Ingmar Bergman's iconic film The Seventh Seal. In a peculiar twist, the personification of death, known as Grim, finds himself defeated in a limbo match by the seemingly unintelligent Billy and his cynically sarcastic best friend Mandy. Consequently, Grim is compelled to serve these children, leaving many unsurprised when they consider the series to be one of Cartoon Network's timeless gems deserving of a movie adaptation. Interestingly, some viewers may have overlooked Grim's initial inclination to eliminate the two children, making for a compelling beginning to the show.

17 Duck Dodgers (2003 – 2005)

Stream on Boomerang: Duck Dodgers

Duck Dodgers, a sci-fi adaptation of a 1953 theatrical cartoon, brings Looney Tunes characters into an unconventional and peculiar world. The show features Daffy Duck as the main character, who embarks on a hilarious journey after being accidentally frozen for over three centuries and waking up in the far future. Along the way, he encounters iconic space characters including K'chutha Sa'am (Yosemite Sam), Witch Hazel (Leezah the Wicked), and Wile E. Coyote (a clever parody of the alien from Predator). The series, with its numerous references to beloved franchises like Star Trek and Bond films, offers a delightful and nostalgic experience, especially for adult viewers.

16 Codename: Kids Next Door (2002 – 2008)

Stream on Max

No list of the top Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s would be complete without Codename: Kids Next Door. In this series, five kids known as Numbuhs 1 through 5 are trained by an organization called Kids Next Door. They take oaths to protect children and fight against the challenges of growing up. These kids are responsible for overseeing Sector V, where they operate from a highly advanced tree house that is surprisingly much larger on the inside. While most agents of Kids Next Door are retired at the age of 13, it was later revealed that the most skilled agents are recruited into Teens Next Door to keep a close eye on the activities of troublesome teenagers.

15 Ben 10: Alien Force (2008 – 2010)

Stream Max takes place five years after the initial Ben 10 series and follows the teenage adventures of Ben Tennyson. Despite his grandpa going missing and the reappearance of villains worldwide, Ben chooses to once again utilize the Omnitrix. This time, the show delves into darker storylines and features more mature character portrayals, making it suitable for its teenage audience. Additionally, with an expanded repertoire of alien forms available through the Omnitrix, it surpasses the original series in terms of entertainment value.

14 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack (2008 – 2010)

Stream the Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack on Hulu! This Cartoon Network show from the 2000s is not only one of the best, but also genuinely terrifying. Join Flapjack, Bubbie, and Captain K'nuckles on their adventures around Stormalong Harbor as they dream of finding the legendary Candied Island. Bubbie, the lovable whale, plays the role of a maternal figure and is the voice of reason for the wild antics of the two leads. With its diverse animation styles and surreal elements, Flapjack has earned its place as a classic on Cartoon Network.

13 Megas XLR (2004 – 2005)

Stream on Max

Unbeknownst to viewers at the time, Megas XLR cleverly parodied the beloved mecha anime of the 2000s, making it one of the standout shows from Cartoon Network in the 00s. It's no wonder that many believe Megas XLR deserves a reboot along with other Cartoon Network favorites. The series follows Coop, a skilled mechanic, and his loyal friend Jamie, as they discover and refurbish a powerful mecha robot named Megas. Together, they must protect Earth from the villainous Glorft, a malevolent alien race determined to bring about its destruction. With elements of time travel, a futuristic pilot, and thrilling vehicle modifications, the show offers a level of sophistication that appeals to a more mature audience.

12 Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)

Stream on Max

Danny Antonucci created Ed, Edd n Eddy, which is often considered one of the best Cartoon Network cartoons from the 90s. Despite only airing for a year in that decade, it managed to remain on the air for the entire 2000s, finally ending in 2009. This adult cartoon follows the misfit trio of Ed, Edd, and Eddy in a neighborhood full of strange and surreal humor. The show's popularity primarily stems from its eccentric characters, particularly the three Eds. It has received numerous awards and there have been rumors of a reboot in recent years.

11 Johnny Bravo (1997-2004)

Available on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Originating in 1997, Johnny Bravo was a long-running Cartoon Network show that aired until 2004. The series revolved around the muscular protagonist, Johnny Bravo, and his adventures with his five-year-old neighbor, Suzy. These adventures often featured special guests, such as the original Batman, Adam West. Unlike some other Cartoon Network shows of the 2000s, Johnny Bravo targeted adult audiences through its pop culture humor. Regarded as one of the top shows from that era, it also served as a platform for Seth MacFarlane's career.

10 Teen Titans (2003 – 2006)

Stream on Max

Teen Titans, one of the most beloved and highly acclaimed cartoons of all time, is now available to stream on HBO Max. This show, which was a staple of Cartoon Network in the 2000s, serves as the inspiration for the hit series Titans on HBO Max. In the original animated Teen Titans, Robin shines as a brilliant and strategic leader. Viewers are also introduced to other iconic characters such as Starfire, a cheerful alien princess, and Cyborg, a powerful half-human, half-robot with exceptional strength and technological expertise. Rounding out the group are Beast Boy, a playful trickster with the ability to transform into any animal, and Raven, a mysterious individual who wields dark energy and possesses psychic abilities.

9 Ben 10 (2005 – 2008)

Stream on Max

Despite being one of the most popular Cartoon Network shows of the 2000s, Ben 10 is much more than that. It centers around a young boy named Ben, voiced by veteran voice actor Tara Strong, who becomes the owner of a powerful alien watch called the "Omnitrix." This device allows Ben to transform into various alien forms, each with its own special ability. Ben’s relatability with viewers of Cartoon Network in the 2000s stems from the fact that he is a kid himself, yet understands the responsibility of defending others from intergalactic enemies.

8 Batman: The Brave And The Bold (2008 – 2011)

Stream on Max

Batman: The Brave and the Bold stands out as the first cartoon to masterfully incorporate both the gritty and surreal elements of the Batman universe. Regarded as one of Cartoon Network's finest shows from the 2000s, it predates the modern live-action Batman films and is widely recognized as one of the top animated series centered around the iconic superhero. Distinct from the DCU's latest Batman motion picture, this animated show from the 2000s draws inspiration from the DC comics series, often showcasing lesser-known heroes and villains from DC's extensive lineup. Adult viewers will be pleasantly surprised by how Batman: The Brave and the Bold delves into thought-provoking comic book themes while simultaneously imparting valuable lessons to children.

7 Courage The Cowardly Dog (1999-2002)

Stream on Max

One of the most beloved Cartoon Network shows from the 2000s is Courage the Cowardly Dog, which developed a strong cult following. Although it premiered in 1999, it gained immense popularity from 2000 to 2002. The series revolves around Courage, a dog who resides with his elderly owners, Muriel and Eustace. Together, they confront various supernatural beings, with Courage consistently sensing the danger, even when his owners disregard his warnings. This distinctive cartoon is renowned for its unsettling visuals, combining realistic elements with CGI to construct a truly surreal experience. Despite its relatively short run of three seasons, the show received numerous accolades and has remained a cult favorite.

6 Dexter's Laboratory (1996-2003)

Stream on Prime Video

Before creating the cult classic series Samurai Jack, Genndy Tartakovsky began his career on Cartoon Network with the beloved show Dexter's Laboratory. Premiering in 1996, the show quickly became one of Cartoon Network's best series during the 2000s. Running until 2003, Dexter's Laboratory followed the adventures of a child genius named Dexter, who invents incredible creations in his laboratory, but constantly finds himself at odds with his mischievous sister, Dee Dee. The show's appeal extended to both children and adults, offering a combination of humor and clever pop culture references. Recognized for its excellence, Dexter's Laboratory received 19 award nominations and secured three Annie Awards during its successful run.