Today’s TV world is chaotic, especially with streaming. It’s become common for the same shows to be spread across many different services. Animation is particularly tricky – a single cartoon, like South Park, might have licensing deals that mean you need multiple subscriptions to watch everything. And frankly, nobody wants to juggle that many services.
I’ve noticed that those older cartoons – the ones a lot of us grew up with – are really popular now, with parents wanting to share them with their kids. But it’s surprisingly hard to find them on streaming services! I keep wondering if we’ll ever be able to watch those shows for free, the way we used to.
Good news! You can actually watch at least 7 classic cartoon series online right now, completely free! See the list below to get started.
7. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
WHERE TO WATCH: TUBI
With the new Masters of the Universe movie coming out, it’s a great time for fans to revisit the original cartoon that started it all. The series, which ran from 1983 to 1985, is a delightfully cheesy and fun look back at a time when action cartoons weren’t afraid to be a little over-the-top.
The story takes place in the fantastical world of Eternia, where Adam, the quiet son of King Randor and Queen Marlena, lives. The villainous Skeletor and his forces are always attempting to take over the kingdom, but Eternia’s heroes always fight them off. Adam has a secret weapon: the Sword of Power. When he holds it and says a special phrase, he becomes He-Man, a powerful hero. With his incredible strength and the help of his warrior friends, He-Man protects his home from evil.
6. Dungeons & Dragons
WHERE TO WATCH: PLEX TV
Want to enjoy the world of Dungeons & Dragons without learning all the complicated rules and backstory? The animated series from 1983-1985 is a great option! It’s a lighthearted and silly take on D&D, designed for kids, but it still gives you a basic understanding of the game’s universe.
5. Scooby-Doo Where Are You!
WHERE TO WATCH: TUBI
Scooby-Doo is getting another update! The franchise has seen several revivals over the years, and while the HBO Max series Velma didn’t quite take off, the new live-action Scooby-Doo Origins series coming to Netflix looks promising. Before it arrives, now’s a great time to revisit the original animated series that started it all.
4. Popeye the Sailor
WHERE TO WATCH: PLEX TV
Popeye the Sailor is a well-known character, but his history goes further back than many realize. While the 1960s cartoon is the most famous, the very first Popeye cartoons actually debuted in 1932 from Paramount. Since then, he’s become a major part of pop culture, appearing in comic books, various TV shows, movies, online comics, and tons of merchandise. If you’re looking to experience the classic Popeye, the 1960s series is a great place to start.
3. Animaniacs
WHERE TO WATCH: TUBI
The Animaniacs have become a true pop culture phenomenon, leading to a revival series on Hulu in recent years. While the new version is worth checking out, many fans still prefer the original 1990s Animaniacs, which was remarkably innovative for its time – almost designed for the internet age. The show’s main characters and memorable segments, like the “Yakko’s World” song, are great, but it’s the variety of supporting bits that really make Animaniacs special. From the Orson Welles-inspired Pinky and the Brain (which even got its own spin-off series) to the recurring, cult-favorite “Chicken Boo” segments, there was always something new and hilarious to enjoy.
2. Tom & Jerry
WHERE TO WATCH: TUBI
While older generations grew up with Abbott and Costello, kids had Tom and Jerry. This cat and mouse duo’s slapstick battles for control of the house were a huge part of childhood for many, from the 1940s to the 2000s. Though a recent 2021 reboot film wasn’t a big hit—likely due to the pandemic—the original series remains a classic. It’s perfect whether you’re actively watching or just having it on in the background, and it’s so visually funny you can even enjoy it without sound.
1. The Transformers / Beast Wars
WHERE TO WATCH: TUBI & PLEX TV
Transformers, the cartoon that launched a massive modern franchise, remains timeless. Every fan should start with the original The Transformers series, and then watch The Transformers: The Movie from 1986. For a fresh take, Beast Wars: Transformers—a computer-animated series from the mid-1990s—updated the concept for a new generation. Both shows are delightfully over-the-top, and they perfectly capture what made Transformers and its characters so popular and enduring.
You can stream all of these animated series (and so many more) for free on Tubi or Plex TV.
Read More
- Web3 Games: Fun First, Crypto Later – Tina Fey’s Take
- New Nintendo Switch 2 Model With Upgrade Officially Confirmed
- Avengers: Doomsday Can’t Beat Infinity War and Endgame, Admits Robert Downey Jr (So It Won’t Try)
- Star Wars Officially Sets Up An Ahsoka Reunion 19 Years in the Making
- Live Service MMO Horizon Steel Frontiers Delayed Until 2027
- Scary Movie – REVIEW
- Every Tom Hanks World War II Movie and TV Show, Ranked
- Marvel’s Wolverine’s Accessibility Options Detailed, Includes Gameplay Assists and Visual Options
- God of War Laufey Doesn’t Mean No More Stories About Kratos, Say Director and Head of Creative
- Legendary BBC radio host Bob Harris to step down from show due to ill health
2026-06-04 18:45