Great 2000s Cartoons That Are Even Better Today: The 4 Best Shows

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In the early 2000s, young members of Generation Z were treated to an abundance of entertaining animated shows every time they switched on their TVs. Notable cartoons such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Jimmy Neutron,” “Danny Phantom,” “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy,” and “Codename: Kids Next Door” – along with many others – premiered soon after the new millennium and quickly became popular mainstays on their respective networks.

In the passage of time, numerous animated shows from the celebrated golden era of cartoons continue to have a high level of rewatchability. Quite surprisingly, some of these series are even more enjoyable now than they were during their initial television broadcasts on cable. Let’s explore four animations that still hold their weight in 2025.

1) Teen Titans

Few animated series receive as much acclaim as “Teen Titans,” and rightfully so. This series is based on the youthful team of DC Comics heroes, and it presented a refreshing perspective on legendary DC characters. The storyline follows Robin, Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven, and Cyborg as they battle injustice, making it one of the most authentic comic book adaptations of its era.

It’s quite possible to make the case that the animated series of “Teen Titans” surpassed its comic book roots in terms of popularity (and quality). The series notably demonstrated that this group of teenage superheroes were not just sidekicks, but rather a dynamic team of talented, fearless individuals who relished battling tyranny as much as they enjoyed leisure activities like pizza and video games.

Occasionally, the show had a very playful and funny vibe. Certain episodes took on a more serious tone, dealing with weightier issues, including the challenges and hardships of being a hero. Throughout its five-season stint on Cartoon Network, it gained a devoted fan base and was recognized as one of the top comic book adaptations. Even after over 20 years since its initial airing, the show remains entertaining to watch again and continues to be fondly remembered by its primarily Gen Z viewership.

2) Ed, Edd n Eddy

In my humble opinion, diving into the world of “Ed, Edd n Eddy” feels like a rollercoaster ride through laughter-filled high school antics! This delightful animated series, broadcast on Cartoon Network for an impressive six seasons (1999-2009), revolves around three energetic friends – Ed, Edd, and Eddy – affectionately dubbed “the Eds.”

Their setting is the quaint suburban neighborhood of Peach Creek, where they embark on a series of entrepreneurial escapades to accumulate enough cash for the elusive jawbreaker candy. With their zany inventions and clever but harmless scams, these resourceful youngsters attempt to fleece their classmates and neighbors out of valuable quarters! It’s an absolute must-watch for anyone seeking a touch of nostalgia or a good chuckle.

The animated series “Ed, Edd n Eddy” was originally developed by the adult cartoonist Danny Antonucci. Despite being intended for a child audience, the show cleverly incorporates a substantial amount of mature humor, which helped it garner a viewership of over 31 million households. This popular show earned critical acclaim and is now considered one of Cartoon Network’s most successful series.

For over two decades now, this beloved animated series continues to feature some of the funniest episodes ever made in the world of animation. Furthermore, as the final show to employ traditional hand-drawn cel animation, it stands out as a unique, vintage treasure that’s definitely worth another look.

3) The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius

Even before the launch of the iPhone by Steve Jobs and the introduction of fully electric Tesla vehicles by Elon Musk, Jimmy Neutron had already earned the title of the world’s most inventive engineer.

The show titled “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius” follows the thrilling escapades of its main character, Jimmy Neutron, a brilliant adolescent inventor. With an insatiable curiosity and creative genius, Jimmy was always on the brink of coming up with something extraordinary. He crafted various innovative items, such as a jetpack, a headband that boosts athletic prowess, a time-traveling device called the Chrono arch, a toaster that delivers newspapers, and even his flying and laser-beaming robotic pet Goddard.

Even though it was broadcast alongside popular Nickelodeon shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly Oddparents, and Danny Phantom during the 2000s, Jimmy Neutron managed to maintain its appeal and continue entertaining audiences for many years.

4) The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy 

The show known as “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy” is an animated television series developed by Maxwell Atoms. This series follows the unusual, fantastical journeys of Grim, Billy, and Mandy in a ghoulish setting. It first aired in June 2003 and continued for six seasons, amounting to a total of 86 episodes. Upon first glance, the storyline of “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy” may appear rather grim. The tale revolves around two kids joining forces with the Grim Reaper and embarking on adventures guided by a Grim Reaper character with a Jamaican accent, who navigates them through the perilous underworld catacombs. Their escapades involve encounters with Dracula, Eris – the goddess of chaos, Hoss Delgado – an exceptional monster hunter, Jeff the Spider, and numerous other malevolent creatures. However, it’s the show’s dark yet ironic narrative that truly sets “The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy” apart, making it so popular among viewers.

One aspect that makes Cartoon Network appealing is its animated shows’ willingness to venture towards the extreme and incorporate humor reminiscent of adult humor, with “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” serving as a notable illustration. This series from the 2000s stands out for being particularly unconventional, offering a humorous take on the mythology and underworld creatures. Combining comedy and fantasy seamlessly, this show is an excellent choice for those who enjoy exploring the lore of the underworld.

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2025-08-27 00:46