Top 15 Animated Series That You’ve Missed Out On
Dating back to early Hanna-Barbera and Disney programs in the 1960’s, animation has been a cornerstone in American culture. With so many legendary productions paving the way, numerous shows flew under the radar; which is why I’m here to focus on the top 15 most underrated animated series from the Golden Ages of cartoons: 1990–2010.
15. SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron (1993–1994):
Often overshadowed by other Hanna-Barbera classics, this punny anthropomorphic kitty-tale revolves around two catty protagonists, Jake and Chance. The pals are sabotaged by their commanding officer then being forced to work in a junkyard — creating their own jet fighter in the process to battle the renowned Dark Kat terrorizing their beloved city.
Following Jake and Chance in their battle to defeat Dark Cat, SWAT Kats showcases fast paced episodes with a shocking amount of on screen deaths! The show makes no point in letting the audience know the violence victims are okay; however, it does match the dark action-packed tone of the show.
Swat Kats was killed after two seasons before it could really blossom leaving a lot of untouched potential. The Youtuber, RebelTaxi, could not have said it better when he proclaimed, “I desperately want more of this show. It’s Star Fox meets Ninja Turtles.”
Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0IQBWWabuU
RebelTaxi SWAT Kats Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axNTi3D8Fho
14. W.I.T.C.H. (2004):
Many will disagree about placing Swat Kats before W.I.T.C.H., but I am nostalgic for this series, so it is my #14 choice. W.I.T.C.H. is about five young girls chosen by otherworldly forces to receive elemental powers so they may participate in an interdimensional rebel war to defend the throne of a rightful king.
Although it took the show a while to find its footing, W.I.T.C.H. began exploring itself more freely in the second season, making it unfortunate the show was canceled before it could reach its full potential.
Outside of some pacing issues, the series had an interesting world, focused designs, and a fun flow making this show and the beautifully illustrated comics for any “Magic Girl” fans out there!
13. Megas XLR (2004–2005):
Do you dig giant robots? Nice! Taking place in a New Jersey junkyard, Megas XLR tells the story of best friends, Coop and Jamie, who happen upon a giant ass-kicking robot and find they are now tasked with saving the planet with an alien woman named Kiva.
This is another rather formulaic show that had a narrative with potential killed by cancellation; however, that did not stop Megas XLR from inventing interesting scenarios and spotlighting the goofy characters. Inspired by, yet often mocking Japanese anime, this goofy series does more justice for New Jersey than its later bearer: Jersey Shore.
12. Aaahh!!! Real Monsters (1994–1997):
Aaahh!!! Real Monsters follows three monster friends, Ickis, Krumm, and Oblina, and their daily adventures to please the dump’s sadistic principal/leader, The Gromble, who evaluates the young monster students during their goofy activities.
Aaahh!!! Real Monsters has one of the stupidest names in cartoon history, yet the name does not take away from the charm of the setting and characters.
The three main protagonists have a great friend dynamic that makes up for lack of character depth. There is also clever content in the monster’s endeavors to spook humans. While Real Monsters had the gross-out factor commonly seen in modern children’s television, it purposefully works with the theme of the show. This four season series does have a darker tone, but it remains goofy and uses all its elements to accentuate key features that make this program truly unique.
Intro (Song ends at 45 seconds): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VfPz-2V8PU
10. Code Lyoko (2003–2007):
Code Lyoko was a short-lived two season French series about several kids who find a neighboring portal to a virtual world, then discover they are now responsible for defending their world from a virus hellbent on destroying everything.
While most episodes follow a similar formula, there was a developing plot and an ending that wrapped the show up surprisingly well. I’m not a fan of the CGI in this show due to its ugliness (Forgive me for not criticizing the other ugly animations listed), but it did grow on me given the strong writing and well made characters.
9. Clone High (2002–2003):
It’s not very often that the lyrics of a show’s opening sequence tell you everything you need to know about the show’s premise, but Clone High does exactly that. In case you decide not to watch the intro (why wouldn’t you?), here’s a simple breakdown: Clone High is about prominent historical figures cloned to be placed in a high school setting.
Popular in Underrated Animation Lists, and reasonably so, this short-lived cult classic cannot be overlooked. The series’ animation style is minimalist, which allows characters, storylines, and humor to take center stage at all times. Word to the wise (AHEM, Netflix): let’s get a proper reboot of this series going already!
8. Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! (2004–2006):
After that mouthful, we will refer to the show as S.R.M.T.H.G… Well, maybe not. Anyway, this 2004 premiere for Disney’s Jetix channel follows a young boy, Chiro, and a team of five robot monkeys as they aim to protect their home city, Shuggazoom, from evil forces.
For a Disney series, this show was surprisingly dark while carrying an incredible energy that inspires nightly cartoon binges. As per common practice with producers on this list, Disney executives canceled the show after the fourth season leaving Robot Monkey on a major cliffhanger. Despite left hanging, the production is a must-watch for any lover of cartoons!
7. As Told by Ginger (2000–2009):
While As Told By Ginger doesn’t necessarily follow a traditional single narrative format, it does offer a look at middle school student, Ginger Foutley, as she and her peers grow up facing the trials of being young adults.
The series showcases important topics such as classism, childhood insecurities, single parent households, addiction, depression, and other aspects of life not often targeted in animated television.
Stylistically, the show does not miss a beat. Crisp characters who change up outfits and physical looks as the series progresses, snappy one-liners, endless awkward humor, and even a banger introduction theme.
As Told by Ginger is an absolute joy to watch, aided by a sense of realism from seeing incredibly investable characters grow up and deal with very real situations.
6. Ultimate Muscle (2002–2004):
Originally a graphic parody manga, American television toned down Ultimate Muscle for children’s programming. Ultimate Muscle follows a cowardly, spoiled young prince by the name of Mantaro (“Kid Muscle”) who reluctantly wrestles to fill his legendary father’s footsteps.
Originally a 1980’s parody manga called Kinnikuman (translation: “Muscle Man”), the comic grew wildly popular in Japan resulting in both a sequel manga and animated series. Regardless of what version of Ultimate Muscle you ultimately choose, each version features mature humor, violent content, darker tones, and dynamic character designs that make this series worth exploring.
Fun Fact: from 1998 to 2004, the Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy manga was featured in the Japanese magazine, Weekly Playboy!
5. Fillmore! (2002–2004):
Taking a spin on early detective shows, Fillmore! cleverly presents two middle school safety patrol detectives, Fillmore and Ingrid, solving the mysteries happening within their Minnesota middle school.
A common theme within Fillmore! is a unique perspective on the effects of systematic issues and why people do bad things with motives beyond “good” and “evil”. Examples include the one size fits all education system, how one’s past does not always define their future, acceptance of perceived mediocrity, etc. The tone of the show has great finesse and focus, with interesting reflections on concrete characters and well placed humor.
4. Bump in the Night (1994–1995):
This under the bed series explores three different mediums: live action, classic animation, and most commonly, claymation. Bumpy, the main sock-loving monster voiced by the sensational Jim Cummings, leads parody adventures with his pals Molly the doll and Squishington the blue blob.
Only lasting one season, the show did not cease to leave viewers in awe with the sheer amount of detail, fast-paced content, choice one-liners, and a distinctive setting. Every run of this show leaves me desiring more, even when my childhood fear manifested in the episode Night of the Living Bread. Viewers can rest easy knowing that White Bread can’t jump.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003–2010):
A series that needs little introduction, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a timeless classic featuring four turtle brothers defending New York City from city and intergalactic villains.
Most are familiar with the first 1980’s TMNT animated series, but it is less commonly known that the turtles started out in a dark, grungy comic that spanned for a whopping 31 years, leading to the 2003 TMNT being the closest to the series roots.
These beefcake ninja turtles have great storylines, character growth, interesting group dynamics while introducing impressive combat animation. 2003 TMNT is a love letter to the history of our favorite teenage turtles, even with program limitations, so don’t let this golden piece of turtle history stay in the sewer (we can leave TMNT: Fast Forward there though)
Kick Ass Intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRnRUtMHGow
2. Wallace and Gromit (1989–2010):
Yes, yes. It’s claymation, but stop motion is considered to be an animation technique, so Wallace and his pal Gromit are here to stay. The series is 5 seasons long, but each season only consists of a single episode continuously featuring eccentric best friends: Wallace the cheesy inventor and Gromit, Wallace’s loyal mate that steers him clear from danger in their adventures spanning as far as the moon.
Wallace and Gromit are historically cheeky with their sly witty humor and dramatic tales. The unique charm of this series lies within the over-engineered world and whimsical characters. Every invention of Wallace’s is ingenious while simultaneously unnecessary, making Wallace’s character dynamic and hilarious, mixing perfectly with his impartial BFF. Though flamboyant in its imaginative showmanship, the series impressively remains simplistic yet clever in its storytelling; and as Vin Diesel says “I live for this shit.”
Intro Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VimZfYsDHkc
Classic “In-Bread” Scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXBmZLmfQZ4
1. Gargoyles (1994–1997):
Stone by day, Gargoyles come to life at sundown to defend their home. The main character, Goliath, and his clan begin in ancient Scotland accidentally ending up in modern New York. After the protagonists face a life changing switch, the show focuses on their ability to adapt to the new environment, face their haunting pasts, and contend with their inadequacies.
Heavily inspired by the popular Batman: The Animated Series, Gargoyles locks onto dark themes with a perfectly matched grayscale style, lessons of gun safety, adaptation to change, and arcs that highlight prejudice and hatred. It is commonly known in the animation community that the tone is only as good as the voice actors, so these intense storylines were carried out perfectly by the illustrious voice cast behind the characters.
No series deserves to be remade more than Gargoyles, so give this treasure some much needed invigoration; then maybe Disney will stop producing trash and give us a reboot worthwhile.
Clearly none of these shows are perfect, given that some of them have jarring animation, convoluted storylines, insomnia curing moments, biting off more than can be chewed, etc.; however, all of these shows are at the very least diamonds in the rough that deserved more attention than they receive. I am a harsh critic, so it takes real restraint for me not to trash every element wrong with shows and the networks involved (LOOKING AT YOU NICKELODEON TOONS), so I will likely make another list regarding these shows and their issues; but this is not to say the shows aren’t worth watching given I have harsh criticisms about legendary shows such as Teen Titans, Hey! Arnold, and Samurai Jack.
If you enjoyed this list, stay tuned for my upcoming posts!
