Best Cartoon Network Shows of All Time: 14 Series Worth Rewatching
From Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack to Adventure Time and Generator Rex: 14 Cartoon Network series that still hold up, in release order.
· Nocturne
If you grew up with Cartoon Network, you probably still know every theme song. If you didn't, this is a good place to start. These are 14 of the channel's best series, listed in release order, and every one of them still holds up.
Each title links to its page on Nocturne, where you can see the cast and seasons, find where to watch, and add the show to My List.
1. Dexter's Laboratory (1996)
A boy genius, his secret lab and the sister who keeps breaking in. Short episodes, huge personality.
2. Johnny Bravo (1997)
Big hair, big muscles, zero luck. Johnny never gets the girl, and that is exactly why it works.
3. The Powerpuff Girls (1998)
Three kindergarteners save Townsville before bedtime. Bright, fast and surprisingly stylish.
4. Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999)
Surprisingly creepy for a kids' show. A nervous dog protects his owners from things that should not exist.
5. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999)
Jawbreaker schemes that never work. Chaotic cul-de-sac comedy with a very particular sense of humor.
6. Samurai Jack (2001)
A samurai lost in a future ruled by Aku. Stunning art and very little dialogue.
7. Teen Titans (2003)
Five young heroes, comedy and a few serious arcs. Still one of the best superhero cartoons.
8. Ben 10 (2005)
A watch that turns a kid into ten different aliens. Simple idea, endless fun.
9. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack (2008)
A boy raised by a whale chases Candied Island with a grumpy pirate. Weird in the best way.
10. Adventure Time (2010)
Finn and Jake in the Land of Ooo. It gets deeper than it looks, and then deeper again.
11. Regular Show (2010)
Two park workers whose boring day turns into chaos. Slacker comedy that escalates fast.
12. Generator Rex (2010)
A teenager who turns his body into machines to fight nanite monsters. Action first, jokes close behind.
13. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011)
Mixes animation styles and never stops being weird. Every episode feels like a different show.
14. Steven Universe (2013)
Warm, emotional and surprisingly big in scope. A story about family and growing up, with great music.
Where to start
Not sure which one to open first? Samurai Jack if you want something cinematic with very little dialogue, Adventure Time if you want a long series that gets deeper as it goes, Gumball if you just want to laugh right away. Looking for more? Browse all animated series on Nocturne, or check the release calendar for new episodes.