While 90s cartoons are considered the golden age of animation, viewers can’t ignore the influence 2000s cartoons brought to the youth of the time.
Since there was a big boom in animation history, creators, writers, and animators of the like, leveled up their cartoons.
The 2000s was the time for people in the cartoon industry to test new art styles, and even some of the weirdest stories were tested during this period. No wonder why people who watched cartoons during this generation have some of the wildest imaginations!
Are you ready to look at some of my childhood animes and cartoons from the 2000s? Well, keep on scrolling through my list below!
Best 2000s Cartoons (and Animes) That Shaped Us
30. Danny Phantom
- Number of Episodes: 53
- First Release: April 3, 2004
- Where to Watch: Paramount+, Prime Video
Danny Phantom is a show following the adventures of a teenage boy named Danny Fenton. He gained ghost powers by accident in his parents’ lab and now dedicates his time as the superhero of their town.
Despite its short run, it’s one of the best cartoons from the 2000s ever aired on its network. A lot of fans are hoping for a sequel, but it looks like there won’t be any.
However, the animators did give fans a treat and drew him as an adult.
29. Kim Possible
- Number of Episodes: 87
- First Release: June 7, 2002
- Where to Watch: Disney+
With the show’s catchy opening and memorable catchphrases, it’s tough to forget Kim Possible. The show revolves around Kim Possible, Middleton’s very own local hero who claims to be able to do anything, even without any superpowers.
Her sidekick, Ron Stoppable, and his naked mole rat Rufus are alongside this teenage hero. Their business was originally just to do babysitting, but they evolved into something more.
Of course let’s not forget their tech support, Wade.
28. Ouran Highschool Host Club
- Number of Episodes: 26
- First Release: September 26, 2006
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Japanese cartoons were also active during this era. During the 2000s, fans of anime and cartoons got to watch a very entertaining reverse harem anime called Ouran Highschool Host Club.
In this series, fans witness the day-to-day activities of the Host club as they struggle to keep Haruhi’s actual gender a secret so she can keep working as a host.
Romance is also bound to happen in this rom-com! So who do you think ends up with Haruhi?
27. Teen Titans
- Number of Episodes: 65
- First Release: July 19, 2003
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Today’s generation is more familiar with Teen Titan’s Go! But people shouldn’t forget the original version of the animated series. Unlike the other versions of this show, Teen Titans’ animation was heavily influenced by anime.
Teen Titans follow a group of teenage superheroes operating around Jump City. Eventually, the Teen Titans had other factions operating globally.
To be honest, I miss this art style and would love a comeback of this version of the series.
26. Shrek
- Number of Episodes: 4 (main movies)
- First Release: May 18, 2001
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
Shrek was a Dreamworks animation film that went down in history and rivaled Pixar and Disney films. In the film, Shrek lives alone in his swamp and is pretty happy about it.
However, several fairytale creatures begin setting up camp in his swamp, leading Shrek to ask the person who displaced them to return to their homes.
He didn’t expect to go on a journey to rescue a princess.
25. Fillmore!
- Number of Episodes: 26
- First Release: September 14, 2002
During its time, Fillmore! was a popular cartoon series, but it eventually became one of the forgotten 2000s cartoon shows in today’s generation.
The show follows 12-year-old Cornelius Fillmore, who joined the safety patrol to avoid detention. A great way to put his talents to use, he accepts the offer!
As it turns out, Fillmore is taking his role so seriously that he destroys school property to get cases done.
24. The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
- Number of Episodes: 84
- First Release: June 13, 2003
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have the Grim Reaper as a best friend? The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy shows its fans just that!
The show follows Billy & Mandy, two kids who struck a deal with the Grim Reaper.
Because Grim ended up losing the deal, he now has to be their best friend and remains stuck in the human realm till the two children he currently serves die.
23. Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Number of Episodes: 61
- First Release: February 21, 2005
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Paramount+
When people ask me to recommend a cartoon that feels like an anime, I’d recommend Avatar, specifically A:TLA.
Why?
It’s got all the elements of what makes anime great, and the art style even looks like anime! The series talks about a young Avatar who was trapped in ice for 100 years. Now that Aang is awake, he must fulfill his duty as the chosen one.
22. Inuyasha
Sword Art Online is usually the one credited for the book in the Isekai genre, but it definitely isn’t the first. One of the very first anime to explore the isekai element is Inuyasha.
Kagome literally gets dragged to the Sengoku period of Japan, a mystical time where yokai and magic are common. The two main protagonists need to search this time period to retrieve the shard of the Shikon no Tama.
Inuyasha even has a part two, where you get to meet their kids!
21. Samurai Jack
- Number of Episodes: 62
- First Release: August 10, 2010
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
People who grew up in the 2000s probably remember Samurai Jack as a popular cartoon that used to show on Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. It’s probably the only Adult Swim cartoon kids were allowed to watch in that period.
Samurai Jack follows the journey of a samurai prince who wields a mythical blade able to strike down the demon Haku. However, Haku transported Jack to the retro-future.
The cartoon made a comeback, and you can finally watch the end now!
20. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends
- Number of Episodes: 79
- First Release: May 3, 2009
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Having Imaginary friends are common among children, but what happens when the child grows up or doesn’t want their friend anymore?
Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends gives viewers an excellent answer to what happens to imaginary friends.
Madam Foster takes in abandoned imaginary friends of all shapes and sizes, no matter how weird they may be.
19. Megas XLR
- Number of Episodes: 26
- First Release: May 1, 2004
This is one of the shows I miss from the 2000s that sadly got canceled and cannot be aired legally on the network anymore.
Megas XLR is all about fights between an alien race set to destroy the earth and a team of teenage humans with the Megas XLR. Despite the premise being serious, this show manages to include a lot in it for teens and post-teens.
Do you remember this toon? It actually feels like Transformers.
18. Spirited Away
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: July 20, 2001
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Hayao Miyazaki had so many note-worthy films, but the film that won the world was Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
I was completely mesmerized by the fantasy spirit world Chihiro found herself trapped in to save her parents. Fans cheered and cried alongside the 10-year-old as she risked everything for love.
Out of Miyazaki’s works, this one is my favorite.
17. 6Tenn
Teens growing up might remember 6teen. It was a cartoon targeted at preadolescents and teenagers because it shows the ordinary everyday lives of a group of 16-year-olds, with different backgrounds and personalities.
Oddly enough they get along. The series was meant to be relatable to any teen watching the show since it emulates real life.
A lot of shows during the 2000s tried to be extraordinary so this show was a good change of pace.
16. Naruto
- Number of Episodes: 720 (including Shippuden)
- First Release: October 3, 2003
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll
I consider Naruto to be one of the best 2000s cartoons. Let me tell you why.
While other cartoons got canceled or ended, Naruto has grown into a franchise and has produced sequels, movies, and games dedicated to following Naruto.
Fans like me grew up with Naruto, who is now the Hokage, and we love him for it despite his flaws. We are all imperfect and prone to err yet it is how we, how Naruto, managed to overcome it all that made him a role model for many.
15. My Life as a Teenage Robot
- Number of Episodes: 40
- First Release: August 1, 2003
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
One of the unique entries in this 2000s cartoon list is the show My Life as a Teenage Robot. It was one of the first shows to explore the idea of having a robot acting as a teenage girl.
At this point in time, there were a lot of teenage superhero cartoons, so this is Nickelodeon’s idea to stir things up a little.
Viewers follow XJ-9 or Jenny, as she tries to fit in as the only robot in her school while protecting the town called Tremorton.
14. Ben 10
- Number of Episodes: 49 (original series)
- First Release: December 27, 2005
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
One of the most popular cartoons and longest-running ones produced by Cartoon Network is the Ben 10 franchise. The story involves the adventures of a 10-year-old boy who can transform into different aliens thanks to the watch he found while he was camping.
Since then, the series has grown, and so has Ben! He now has more aliens in his arsenal, and his cousin even learned some magic!
The franchise is one of the most beloved of the era!
13. Bleach
- Number of Episodes: 366
- First Release: October 5, 2004
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Funimation
Bleach is a well-known shounen anime that was even popular around the world. Ichigo could always see things like spirits, but becoming a Shinigami wasn’t in any of his plans.
Now he has to balance his school life with his duty as a Soul Reaper.
For viewers wanting to try anime with a lot of episodes, Bleach is a good choice to start.
12. Codename: Kids Next Door
- Number of Episodes: 78
- First Release: December 6, 2006
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
You can always count on the KND operatives to defend you from oppressive adults and mean teens. The series focuses on the agents of Sector V of the KND organization.
While everyone is a kid in the group, they prove they are more than capable of fighting bad guys and operating complex gadgets.
Watching this also reminds fans of what it’s like to be a kid again, hanging out with your friends in a tree house.
11. Coraline
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: February 5, 2009
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Henry Selick is known for making some of the best stop-motion animated movies in history, and the movie Coraline, had him work with an equally celebrated storyteller, Neil Gaiman.
The movie is a dark fantasy horror film following the creepy adventure of Coraline Jones as she visits a parallel universe.
While this universe may seem perfect for the young girl, it actually aims to trap her forever.
10. Chicken Run
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: June 23, 2000
- Where to Watch:
One of the most comedic and best 2000s cartoons that is also a stop-motion film is Chicken Run!
Viewers will laugh a lot at watching how these hens devised plan after plan to escape their coop and horrid destiny of getting eaten by Mr. and Mrs. Tweedy.
They even enlist the help of a chicken they believe can fly, Rocky, but the truth is he was only shot out of a cannonball.
9. The Fairly OddParents
- Number of Episodes: 172
- First Release: March 30, 2001
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Paramount+
Timmy doesn’t have the best parents or babysitter in the world, but he has two of the best fairies as his fairy godparents.
Thanks to these magical creatures, Timmy has all sorts of fun and adventures due to their wish-making abilities. So maybe having a horrible babysitter isn’t too bad when Cosmo and Wanda are around.
The catchy opening was also counted as a possible earworm back then.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Number of Episodes: 64
- First Release: April 5, 2009
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll
While the original animation could have made it to this 2000s cartoon list, there is just something about Brotherhood that made it the superior version of the anime.
Brotherhood follows the manga more closely compared to the original FMA. In addition, there are more fight scenes and a happier ending for the brothers. Plus, everyone got to see their favorite ships sail!
Which version of this anime do you prefer?
7. Ratatouille
- Number of Episodes: 1 (Film)
- First Release: June 22, 2007
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Rats are normally the last thing you’d want in your kitchen, with the exception of Remy, a street Rat with a talent for cooking.
However, the fact that he’s helping one of the chefs in Gusteau’s restaurant has to be kept a secret. Otherwise, that might mean the end of his career as a chef and the closing of the restaurant.
Will this rodent get to continue his passion or will he cause the fall of a well-loved restaurant?
6. Death Note
- Number of Episodes: 37
- First Release: October 4, 2006
- Where to Watch: Netflix
If it’s one thing that fueled the emo and goth culture in the 2000s, it was the Japanese cartoon Death Note. In the story, Light Yagami has an obsession with creating the perfect world by killing all criminals using the Death Note.
The odd string of deaths catches the attention of L, who vows to find the culprit.
Light tries to hide his identity from the detective so he can continue and purge the world from all the evil.
5. Treasure Planet
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: November 6, 2006
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Treasure Planet was a hidden gem of Disney. If you love space exploration and pirates, then Treasure Planet combines the best of both worlds.
Viewers get to explore the galaxy with Jim in search of Captain Flint’s lost treasure. This is the adventure Jim has always dreamed of as he grew up reading stories of Space Pirates.
It actually follows the story of the book Treasure Island, only I prefer the idea of Space Pirates more appealing.
4. Mucha Lucha
- Number of Episodes: 52
- First Release: August 17, 2002
Mucha Lucha is one of those forgotten 2000s cartoons. But it was another alternative for kids who were into WWE and the whole wrestling genre.
The series is mainly about Lucha Libre, and everyone in Luchaville is a wrestler with their own ultimate moves! It might sound odd now, but back then, it was the bomb!
It felt a lot shorter when it aired, but maybe it’s because most of the shows were fight scenes rather than actual plots.
3. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack
You can’t really blame Flapjack for searching for an island made completely out of candy.
Any kid his age with a sweet tooth would have jumped for joy knowing such a place exists.
In Flapjack, the titular character goes on several adventures with Captain K’nuckles and his talking whale Bubbie in search of the scrumptious Candy Island.
2. Lilo & Stitch
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: June 16 2002
- Where to Watch: Disney+
One of the best 2000s cartoons to teach kids about family is Lilo and Stitch. Experiment 626, who is designed for chaos and destruction, learns what it means to care about another being other than himself after getting adopted as a dog by accident.
Lilo had a hard time teaching Stitch, but it all worked out in the end.
Stitch even saved the family, and now they are one happy ohana!
1. The Emperor’s New Groove
- Number of Episodes: 1 (film)
- First Release: December 10, 2000
- Where to Watch: Disney+
The Emperor’s New Groove was one of the most entertaining Disney movies in the 2000s that wasn’t a Disney Princess movie.
In the movie, the emperor turned into a Llama and was abandoned in a random kart in the village.
Pacha, the village leader, agrees to help Kuzco after saving him from a pack of jaguars. Through being a Llama, Kuzco learns what it means to be human.
Conclusion
And that concludes my list of the best cartoons from the 2000s.
The 2000s was a time influenced by 80s and 90s cartoons to try to explore new stories and ways to get messages across to viewers. And they did it!
What’s your favorite cartoon from the 2000s? Comment below!
