For decades, video games have been inspired by cartoons, starting all the way back in 1981 with the Mickey Mouse game for Nintendo’s Game & Watch. These games have improved a lot since then, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best. We’ve left out games based on anime and LEGO titles, as those are covered elsewhere, and we’re focusing only on games adapted from TV shows – that means no Kingdom Hearts either. We ranked each game based on how well it was received by critics when it first came out, how many copies it sold, and how much players still enjoy it today.
5) SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom
Released in 2003, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom was a platforming adventure game available on all consoles of the time. While the handheld versions were 2D, the console versions were in 3D. Regardless of which version you played, the game featured a new story where you battled evil robots sent by Plankton to take over Bikini Bottom. Players could control SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy, with most of the original voice actors returning for their roles. Battle for Bikini Bottom didn’t achieve massive success initially, but it has since become a beloved game with a dedicated fanbase, praised for its unique gameplay and controls that pushed the platforming genre forward.
4) South Park: The Stick of Truth
There have been ten video games based on South Park, and many fans consider South Park: The Stick of Truth, created by Obsidian Entertainment, to be the best. It’s a role-playing game where you play as a new kid in town, caught in a fantastical war between humans, elves, and wizards—all fighting over a powerful artifact called the Stick of Truth. True to the show, things quickly become hilariously chaotic and inappropriate. It’s an enjoyable adventure game, and South Park fans still love playing it even years after it first came out.
3) The Adventures of Batman and Robin
While many excellent video games are based on DC Comics, fewer draw inspiration from its animated series. The Adventures of Batman and Robin game, based on the popular cartoon, was created by several developers for different gaming systems. The two most highly-regarded versions are the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis releases. The Super Nintendo version is celebrated for its stunning visuals and faithful recreation of the cartoon’s style. The Sega Genesis version boasts impressive graphics and tighter, more refined gameplay. Both are excellent adaptations of the cartoon, but also stand out as strong platformers and action games in their own right.
2) The Simpsons: Hit & Run
Similar to South Park, The Simpsons has seen many video game versions. While the classic arcade beat-’em-up is enjoyable and stands out for its time, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is generally considered the best in terms of gameplay. In the game, the Simpsons team up with Abu to protect the city from strange events and widespread chaos caused by Buzz Cola. It features a variety of missions, including timed quests and races against opponents. Essentially, it’s a humorous take on Grand Theft Auto III, tailored to the world of The Simpsons, and it’s one of the most popular games ever made based on the cartoon.
1) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
Many excellent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games have been released over the years, including a notoriously challenging title for the NES. While the franchise began with comic books, most of the games are based on the popular 1987 cartoon series, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. Released in 1991, Turtles in Time continued the gameplay of the original arcade game with its side-scrolling action. The game was a huge hit, and its engaging story set it apart from other typical side-scrolling arcade games of the late 80s and early 90s.
What’s the best video game ever made that’s based on a cartoon? Share your pick in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-02 20:13