2000s Cartoons That Raised Us (Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon & Disney)

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Most popular cartoons from the 2000s include Kim Possible, The Fairly OddParents, 6Teen, Braceface, Teacher’s Pet, and Fillmore!

The 2000s stirs fond memories of the unique fashion trends, music, and TV shows that defined the decade.

This ten-year span also produced some of the most rewatchable animated series ever—Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ben 10, Teen Titans, Samurai Jack, The Fairly OddParents, Kim Possible, Phineas and Ferb, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Danny Phantom, and The Spectacular Spider-Man.

In this era, the lines between “kids’ cartoon” and “actually good TV” blurred. You could feel the influence of anime and manga creeping into Western animation (especially action cartoons), while networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon were also pushing weirder comedy and darker storytelling.

So this is my love letter to the best 2000s cartoons—and I’m intentionally covering the long-tail phrases people actually search, like best cartoons of the 2000s, early 2000s cartoons, 2000s Cartoon Network shows, 2000s Nickelodeon cartoons, 2000s Disney Channel cartoons, and even adult cartoons from the 2000s.

If you want quick companion hubs while you read, these pair perfectly with this post:
best kids shows of the 2000s,
best Cartoon Network shows (kids),
Disney Channel cartoons, and
cartoons shows inspired by anime.

Golden Era – 2000s Cartoons

Oh, the 2000s. The decade of boy bands, baggy jeans, and bizarre pop culture. But let’s not forget the most important part: 2000s cartoons. Animated shows dominated the TV landscape, bringing unforgettable cartoon characters and stories into our lives.

Why these hit different:

• More arcs: long-form storytelling became normal.
• Sharper comedy: jokes for kids and parents.
• More personality: characters weren’t all “good” or “bad.”
• Network identity: CN felt different from Nick, which felt different from Disney.

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Quick Jump

• Cartoon Network + Adult Swim
• Nickelodeon / Nicktoons
• Disney Channel
• Action + Superhero + Anime-influenced
• FAQ

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Cartoon Network + Adult Swim

1. Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends (2004–2009)

This show is the definition of “Cartoon Network knew what it was doing.” It’s funny, but it also understands childhood attachment. If you like this flavor, you’ll probably also enjoy browsing best Cartoon Network shows (kids).

2. Baby Looney Tunes (2001–2006)

Baby Looney Tunes rode the early-2000s wave of “classic characters, but smaller.” It aired on Cartoon Network and Kids’ WB—right in the era when cartoons felt like they were everywhere.

3. Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000–2015)

If you’re going down the ATHF rabbit hole, your internal links are stacked: Master Shake, Frylock, Meatwad, and Carl Brutananadilewski. For more adult animation in this lane, here’s a strong follow-up hub: adult cartoons similar to Family Guy.

4. The Powerpuff Girls (1998–2005; dominated the 2000s)

Even though it began in the late 90s, it absolutely counts as one of the best 2000s kid cartoons—because it’s what was actually on TV and in everyone’s brain.

5. Chowder (2007–2010)

Chowder is divisive in the best way: it’s either your thing immediately or it isn’t. If you want a character rabbit hole, you’ve got: Chowder cartoon characters.

6. Codename: Kids Next Door (2002–2008)

KND is peak “kid logic turned into a conspiracy.” It also pairs well with your broader topic pages like cartoon teenagers and chaotic cartoon characters.

7. Total Drama (2007–2014)

Total Drama is messy on purpose, which is why it’s bingeable. Every episode ends with “fine, one more.”

8. The Grim Adventures Of Billy and Mandy (2001–2007)

Two kids win a limbo game and trap the Grim Reaper into being their forever friend. That premise alone screams “2000s Cartoon Network shows.”

9. Duck Dodgers (2003–2005)

Duck Dodgers is better than it has any right to be, and it’s one of those “this was on TV constantly” memories that feels uniquely 2000s.

10. Ed, Edd n Eddy (1998–2009)

If you want a fun internal link that fits the vibe of the show’s designs, you even have: characters with dreadlocks.

11. Megas XLR (2004–2005)

Megas XLR is one of my favorite “underrated 2000s cartoons” because it’s clearly made by people who love the genre.

12. The Venture Bros. (2003–2018)

It starts as satire, then becomes genuinely character-driven. If you’re building a “best adult animation” section, this belongs near the top.

13. Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–2005)

This is one of those series you start “for one episode” and suddenly you’re done with the whole run.

Nickelodeon / Nicktoons

14. Bob the Builder (1998– ; peak early-2000s kids TV)

Not every 2000s list includes preschool shows, but if you lived through the era, Bob was unavoidable—in the best way.

15. The Koala Brothers (2003–2007)

A sweet “help your neighbors” series with a cozy tone—great for younger kids, and honestly relaxing for adults too.

16. The Fairly OddParents (2001–2017)

Fairly OddParents is a core example of 2000s Nickelodeon cartoons: loud, clever, and constantly escalating. If you want a fun internal tie-in, you have a perfect universe link: Crimson Chin.

17. My Life As A Teenage Robot (2003–2009)

It’s one of the best “hidden gem” picks of the decade. Internal link: My Life as a Teenage Robot.

18. CatDog (1998–2005)

Animation is the only medium where this premise makes sense—and the 2000s were the perfect time for it.

19. Invader Zim (2001–2006)

Zim is a perfect fit for your darker Nick content. Internal links that match: Invader Zim characters and dark Nickelodeon cartoon characters.

20. What’s New, Scooby Doo? (2002–2006)

The formula still works because it’s simple: spooky setup, funny chase, and a mask reveal.

21. Totally Spies! (2001)

22. Danny Phantom (2004–2007)

Disney Channel

23. House Of Mouse (2001–2003)

If you’re exploring this lane, it’s worth keeping the Disney hub nearby: Disney Channel cartoons.

24. Fillmore! (2002–2004)

25. The Emperor’s New School (2006–2008)

If you like Emperor’s New Groove characters, you also have a great internal tie-in: Yzma.

Action + Superhero + Anime-influenced

26. Jackie Chan Adventures (2000–2005)

27. X-Men: Evolution (2000–2003)

If you want a broader internal link for this genre, you’ve got: animated superhero series.

28. Wolverine And The X-Men (2008–2009)

29. Samurai Jack (2001–2017; core 2000s run)

30. Teen Titans (2003–2006)

31. The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008–2009)

This pairs nicely with your Marvel hub: Marvel animated movies.

32. Kim Possible (2002–2007)

If you want one clean character-level internal link from this universe: Monkey Fist.

33. Ben 10 (2005–2008)

34. Justice League (2001–2004)

Internal hub for deeper DC linking: DC animated movies.

35. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

If you want the “this is still a kids’ show, technically” angle, your internal link is perfect: best kids shows of the 2000s.

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Bonus: SpongeBob’s 2000s orbit (because it’s unavoidable)

SpongeBob is technically late 90s, but it owned the 2000s. If you’re trying to build topical authority, this is one of your best internal-link clusters:

• Squidward Tentacles
• SpongeBob villains
• Patrick Star
• Mr. Krabs
• Mrs. Puff
• Pearl Krabs

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More adult animation that defined the era

36. American Dad! (2005– )

Internal linking goldmine here: Stan Smith, Roger Smith, American Dad characters, and best American Dad episodes.

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2000s Cartoon Shows | The Ultimate Collection!

What made 2000s cartoons different from previous decades?

Cartoons in the 2000s were influenced by a broader range of cultures, with more shows drawing inspiration from anime and manga. This decade also pushed toward more complex storytelling and character development, which helped cartoons pull in older audiences.

Are any of the 2000s cartoons still running?

Yes. Some series that began in the 2000s ran long past the decade (and are still cultural staples). Others continued via reboots, sequel series, or specials.

What should I watch first if I want a “best of the decade” starter pack?

If you only pick five: Avatar, Teen Titans, Ben 10, Fairly OddParents, and one “comedy cornerstone” that fits your taste (Foster’s, KND, or Adult Swim like Aqua Teen).