Top 20 Best Cartoon Network Shows from the 2000s
Welcome to WatchMojo! Today, we’re diving into a nostalgia-packed list of the Top 20 Best Cartoon Network Shows from the 2000s—an era that delivered some of the most creative, hilarious, and unforgettable animated series.
Note: We’re only counting shows that originally aired between 2000 and 2009, so while classics like Total Drama and Ed, Edd n Eddy were awesome, they don’t quite make the cut for this list.
Did we miss one of your 2000s favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
20. Class of 3000
At this unique Atlanta school, funk and flair are part of the curriculum. Led by music teacher Sunny Bridges (voiced by André 3000), Class of 3000 stood out with its original songs, each paired with stylized music videos. Beyond the beats, it was the heart of characters like Little D and Tamika that gave the show its unforgettable soul.
19.Camp Lazlo 
What could possibly go wrong at a summer camp for anthropomorphic animals? A lot, apparently—but that’s half the fun. Camp Lazlo was chaotic and quirky, but also warm and full of charm. Its vibrant aesthetic and catchy theme song made it a joy to revisit even years later.
18.Evil Con Carne
Villainy never looked so ridiculous. After a failed experiment, all that’s left of Hector Con Carne is his brain and stomach—both hosted inside a sentient circus bear. This show’s dark comedy, absurd schemes, and creepy charm made every episode a twisted delight.
17.Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
Based on the real-life Japanese pop-rock duo, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi brought music, energy, and lots of animated flair to Cartoon Network. From the animated antics to musical cameos, this was a love letter to fans of both J-pop and quirky humor.
16. The Life and Times of Juniper Lee
Juniper Lee balances middle school and magical responsibilities as the protector of the world. What made this series stand out was not just the action-packed plots, but how relatable Juniper felt—a normal girl navigating an extraordinary life.
15.Duck Dodgers
Daffy Duck goes sci-fi as the bumbling but brave Duck Dodgers, hero of the 24½th century. Equal parts homage and parody, this series deconstructed space opera tropes with wit and classic Looney Tunes charm.
14. The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack
Raised by a whale and sailing with a kooky captain in search of Candy Island, Flapjack’s world was like no other. This surreal, grimy, and darkly funny show stood out for its unique animation style and absurd storytelling.
13.Megas XLR
What happens when a slacker modifies a giant mech with a hot rod and video game controller? You get Megas XLR. Filled with giant robot battles, pop culture references, and over-the-top action, this show was a cult favorite that deserved a longer run.watch video
12. Time Squad
Imagine fixing history so the future stays intact. That’s the job of Otto, Larry, and Buck in Time Squad. From ancient Greece to Shakespearean England, this show turned time travel into a laugh-out-loud history lesson.
11. Chowder
A culinary fantasy world filled with food-themed characters, Chowder served up laughs and creativity in every episode. Chowder’s sweet and silly nature added heart to the absurdity, making this show a delicious treat for all ages.
10. Transformers: Animated
Not your typical Transformers show, this series focused on a small repair crew of Autobots trying to adjust to life on Earth. Its stylized designs and character-driven stories split fans but earned praise for fresh storytelling and strong development of both heroes and villains.
9. Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends
What happens to imaginary friends after they’re outgrown? They go to Foster’s! This imaginative, chaotic, and heartfelt series followed Mac and his friend Bloo as they navigated a home filled with colorful characters, emotional stories, and plenty of laughs.
8. Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Campy, colorful, and full of comic book nostalgia, this Batman series was a love letter to the Silver Age of comics. Each episode teamed Batman with different heroes (and villains), bringing variety, humor, and lots of action to Gotham and beyond.
7. Justice League & Justice League Unlimited
After Batman and Superman: The Animated Series, the natural next step was assembling DC’s greatest heroes. With deep stories, rich character arcs, and epic battles, Justice League (and later Unlimited) set the gold standard for superhero animation.
6. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
When two kids beat the Grim Reaper at limbo, they gain a supernatural best friend. Hilariously dark and bizarre, this series blended horror tropes with surreal comedy—thanks to Billy’s cluelessness, Mandy’s menace, and Grim’s suffering.
5. Ben 10
Ten-year-old Ben Tennyson discovers a mysterious watch that lets him transform into aliens. Along with Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen, Ben faces villains like Vilgax on a journey filled with action, sci-fi, and tons of transformation sequences. A franchise was born.
4. Codename: Kids Next Door
In the war between kids and adults, only one organization fights for fun, freedom, and candy: the Kids Next Door. Using makeshift gadgets and wild imaginations, Sector V tackled teen tyranny, bedtime, and the dreaded Delightful Children from Down the Lane.
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Set between Episodes II and III, this animated series expanded the Star Wars universe with new characters, deeper lore, and compelling arcs—especially for Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano. With later seasons airing on Netflix and Disney+, this series became essential viewing for fans.
2.Teen Titans
Teenagers with superpowers? Sign us up. Teen Titans blended anime-inspired visuals with strong character development and emotional depth. From goofy pizza parties to intense battles with Slade, this show had it all—and fans still mourn its early cancellation.
1. Samurai Jack
From Dexter’s Laboratory creator Genndy Tartakovsky came this epic tale of a lone samurai flung into a dystopian future ruled by Aku. With stunning visuals, minimal dialogue, and cinematic storytelling, Samurai Jack was a masterpiece that eventually got its long-awaited conclusion on Adult Swim.