These animated kids shows are just as much for adults. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the children's cartoons you’re most likely to find grown-ups watching even when there are no kids around.
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00:00 "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mom and when she sees what you are doing, you are going down!"
00:04 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the children's cartoons
00:09 you're most likely to find grown-ups watching, even when there are no kids around.
00:14 "Rusty Cray-ay-ay-ay, yay-ay-ay-ay, yay-ay-ay, pizza, it's the pizza, yeah, for you and me!"
00:29 Number 10.
00:30 Steven Universe
00:31 You can't blame us for loving this imaginative show as adults.
00:39 With every season being rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's technically flawless.
00:44 Series creator Rebecca Sugar got their start in television working on Adventure Time.
00:48 She eventually exited that show to focus on her own creation, a coming-of-age sci-fi cartoon
00:53 about powerful alien warriors and a magical half-human boy.
00:57 In addition to being exciting and action-packed, the show explores the bonds we share with
01:01 one another to gorgeous effect.
01:03 In 2019, it made history as the first animated series to earn the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding
01:09 Kids and Family Program.
01:10 "But now there's nothing we can do, so tell me, what's the use of feeling?
01:16 What's the use of feeling?
01:18 What's the use of feeling?"
01:22 It's also beloved for its performances, music, and narrative world-building.
01:26 "It means if you try to make this empire perfect, if you just wipe away everything you see as
01:32 flawed, you lose all the things that make you happy, like hot dogs."
01:37 Number 9.
01:38 Regular Show
01:39 Over the years, Cartoon Network has aired more than a few original series that are beloved
01:44 by adults, and this one is a great example.
01:46 "Come on, it can't be that bad."
01:48 "I sang a song about how hot she was and that I wanted us to be together forever."
01:52 "Okay, that's really bad."
01:55 Starring an anthropomorphized Blue Jay and raccoon, it approaches the banality of everyday
01:59 life with obscure humor.
02:01 The cartoon demonstrates a desire to escape the grind of a regular job, something many
02:05 grown-ups know well.
02:06 Plus, it's been praised by critics for its script, narrative, and characters, things
02:11 which folks of any age can enjoy.
02:13 "And let's have it."
02:15 "What?"
02:16 "Forty dollars you two conned out of me with that stupid keyboard crap.
02:20 I know you still got it.
02:22 Now give it back."
02:24 It has, however, been the subject of some criticism for the use of more adult subject
02:28 matter.
02:29 While we could debate whether said subject matter is suitable for children's TV shows,
02:33 they are certainly appreciated by older viewers.
02:43 Number 8.
02:44 The Amazing World of Gumball
02:46 This series does an excellent job of balancing random humor with genuine heart.
02:50 While intended for children, it's also enjoyed by adults.
02:53 "He's got a beard, sneakers, and a leather coat."
02:57 "Is that all he's wearing?
02:58 Sounds like he should be running from the police."
03:00 It focuses on a 12-year-old anthropomorphic cat as he navigates life at home and school.
03:05 But thanks to a hodgepodge of different animation techniques, it does so in a way that's artistically
03:10 unlike any comparable cartoon.
03:13 The Amazing World of Gumball has notably been applauded for its depiction of something dubbed
03:17 domestic chaos.
03:18 Despite being chaotic, the world-building and character development is solid.
03:23 Older viewers can appreciate the exploration of themes like philosophy, politics, and romantic
03:27 relationships, as well as the employment of black and self-referential comedy.
03:31 "What are you looking at?"
03:32 "Darwin Sprouser history."
03:34 "The what?"
03:36 Unsurprisingly, the series has garnered critical praise and a cult following.
03:41 "Your mother has to take care of some unfinished business.
03:44 Don't follow me, it's too dangerous.
03:45 There's leftover ham in the fridge and some tater tots in the oven.
03:49 Do not microwave them.
03:50 They'll go soggy."
03:52 Number 7.
03:53 Gravity Falls
03:54 Considering its charming humor and endearing characters, it's no mystery why adults as
03:58 well as kids love this coming-of-age cartoon.
04:01 The series stars twins Dipper and Mabel as they solve various supernatural conundrums
04:05 around a small town in Oregon.
04:07 Their great-uncle Stan plays a supporting role and gives the show a multi-generational
04:11 perspective.
04:12 "Between me and him, I'm not always the bad twin."
04:15 "Between him and me?
04:19 Grammar, Stanley."
04:20 "Oh, grammar, Stanley, you!"
04:22 Plus, there are plenty of pop culture references and adult-appropriate jokes sprinkled in throughout.
04:28 "Woo-hoo-hoo!
04:29 I've been chicken for seven days straight!"
04:31 Critics share a positive opinion on the series, as reflected by its Rotten Tomatoes score
04:36 of 100%.
04:38 Although the target demographic for this Disney Channel original is technically children,
04:42 adults surely find themselves enjoying it as well.
04:45 "So things won't be too awkward now?"
04:48 "I just wrestled myself, dude.
04:50 That was awkward.
04:51 If you can handle that monster, you can handle a little awkwardness."
04:56 Number 6.
04:57 The Powerpuff Girls
04:58 "Not so fast, crooks!"
05:00 "The Powerpuff Girls!"
05:02 Many of us grew up watching and loving this cartoon about three very young superheroes.
05:06 Years later, we think it still holds up, and not just for nostalgia's sake.
05:11 For one, it has plenty of jokes that land with older viewers.
05:14 From innuendos to pop culture references, much of the dialogue goes over the heads of
05:18 little ones.
05:19 Additionally, the young female leaves, blossom, bubbles, and buttercup are a welcome change
05:24 of pace from other superheroes in popular media.
05:26 "I'll show them.
05:27 I'll prove that I can be…
05:30 My core."
05:33 The girls take on terrifying monsters while also facing more typical childhood challenges
05:37 and make it all feel fun.
05:39 We bet that if you asked any millennial which Powerpuff Girl is their favorite, they'd have
05:44 an answer.
05:45 "We can't leave Townsville even for one weekend."
05:46 "Can you imagine what would happen if we weren't here to protect it?"
05:52 "Well, heck if I know."
05:54 "Exactly!"
05:55 Number 5.
05:56 Phineas and Ferb
05:57 "Yes!
05:58 The days are repeating!
05:59 Which means I still have a chance to…
06:01 Oh no, I'm not falling for that one again."
06:03 When co-creators Jeff Swampy Marsh and Dan Povenmire made this inventive cartoon, they
06:08 did so for a wide-ranging audience, not limited by age.
06:12 "Ooooh, I'm gonna tell Mom and when she sees what you are doing, you are going down!"
06:16 The show has numerous nods to popular culture and often features guest stars familiar to
06:21 older viewers, like Allison Janney and Tim Curry.
06:24 Not to mention the theme tune is performed by Bowling for Soup.
06:27 Stylistically speaking, Phineas and Ferb has even been compared to Family Guy by many.
06:32 In fact, before the former show was picked up by Disney Channel, Povenmire had worked
06:36 on Fox's more mature cartoon as a director.
06:39 "Ah, Mary the Platypus, what an unexpected surprise.
06:43 And by unexpected, I mean completely expected!"
06:46 Wordplay, self-aware humor, and comedic silences are elements appreciated by adults that can
06:52 be found in both series.
06:53 "Let's deploy the chutes, Ferb.
06:55 There's romance in the air.
06:58 There's nothing I'd rather do than take a moonlight drive with you in your sweet ride."
07:04 4.
07:05 Adventure Time
07:06 Don't let the lowbrow jokes fool you.
07:08 This silly show is surprisingly deep.
07:11 It balances creative humor with more difficult themes like mental health and illness.
07:15 "Simon, promise me you won't put it on again."
07:19 Its nuance is something that adults especially can appreciate.
07:22 Interestingly, many notable contemporary animators such as Rebecca Sugar and Kent Osborne worked
07:27 on Adventure Time at one point or another and left fantastic, mature marks.
07:31 "Nothing never happening to me.
07:34 Never."
07:35 "I know, I'm…
07:36 Girl, you phrase that so weird."
07:38 "I might have a concussion."
07:44 Having been touched by a lot of talented artists, it's an important example of modern television
07:48 that has been justifiably appreciated by older viewers.
07:51 "Don't worry."
07:52 "Ouch.
07:53 They're all hiding."
07:54 "From what?"
07:55 "From me."
07:57 With heavy influences from the game Dungeons & Dragons, it particularly resonates with
08:01 adventure lovers big and small.
08:04 3.
08:05 Bluey
08:06 Parents especially love this preschool-appropriate program.
08:08 While kid-centered can often be mind-numbing for older viewers, this wholesome cartoon is
08:13 surprisingly captivating for people of all ages.
08:15 "Wow, so beautiful.
08:16 I made a special.
08:17 You used real food.
08:18 Is that a real food?"
08:19 "Yes, it's real food."
08:20 "Is that special?"
08:21 "Yeah."
08:22 "That's really special."
08:25 It centers on an endearing anthropomorphic family of four Australian dogs, consisting
08:29 of a mum, dad, little sister Bingo, and the titular Bluey.
08:33 Domestic situations like sibling disagreements and visits to the park are depicted in ways
08:38 that feel relatable and enjoyable.
08:39 "Are they happy tears, mum?"
08:42 "Yeah.
08:43 Happy tears, honey."
08:45 Meanwhile, the Australian setting is nothing short of gorgeous.
08:48 We don't blame parents for keeping this cartoon on after their little ones leave the room,
08:53 or childless folk for watching it in their spare time.
08:56 "Thanks for looking after me."
08:59 "That's OK, honey."
09:00 2.
09:01 SpongeBob SquarePants
09:02 "Rusty Crane, yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah.
09:07 Pizza is the pizza, yeah, for you and me."
09:16 This pic has been around for so long that many of us grew up watching it.
09:20 After more than two decades on air, it remains a favorite among fans of all ages.
09:24 "Is mayonnaise an instrument?"
09:27 "No, Patrick, mayonnaise is not an instrument."
09:30 The lead character is only one of many lovable figures to come from the show, some others
09:34 being Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, and Sandy.
09:39 Strewn among their silly misadventures around Bikini Bottom are jokes and references that
09:43 only adults are likely to pick up.
09:45 Happily, the show is as good as we thought it was in our younger years.
09:50 "Sweet, sweet, sweet victory, yeah."
09:56 Today, adult audiences can enjoy re-watching episodes they first saw in their youth and
10:01 catching new ones as they premiere.
10:02 "What would this town do without you, SpongeBob?"
10:06 "My leg!"
10:07 Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
10:10 Dexter's Laboratory
10:12 This show is as good as we remember.
10:14 "Say it again, Dexter."
10:16 "Omelette de fromage."
10:17 Animaniacs, a reboot of a show from the '90s, this one is dripping in nostalgia.
10:27 "Alright guys, there's a lot of pressure on our first lines."
10:30 She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
10:32 These characters give a whole new meaning to the phrase "girl power."
10:53 Batman the Animated Series
10:55 The Caped Crusader is a hero beloved by people of all ages.
10:59 "I am vengeance.
11:00 I am the knight.
11:01 I am Batman."
11:02 Arthur
11:03 We basically grew up with this PBS classic, and it still holds up.
11:11 "I told you not to touch it!"
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11:35 Avatar The Last Airbender
11:37 Centering on a 12-year-old boy who's destined to save the world, this children's program
11:41 is more mature than most content on television aimed at adults.
11:45 Fittingly, the fantastical premise is one that can be enjoyed by audiences young and
11:49 old.
11:50 "You can't knock me down."
11:51 "Go, Katara!"
11:52 Over the course of its three seasons, the cartoon explores difficult themes like war
12:03 and colonialism with the nuance, gravity, and respect they demand.
12:06 At the same time, it manages to maintain a sense of optimism and hope.
12:11 Meanwhile, narratively, the characters, arcs, and plot points are some of TV's best.
12:16 "Sorry, but you're not going to become Fire Lord today."
12:19 "I am."
12:20 "I am."
12:21 "I am."
12:22 "I am."
12:23 "Hahaha, you're hilarious.
12:24 And you're going down."
12:28 No matter what your age is, if you haven't seen Avatar The Last Airbender, we highly
12:32 recommend starting it.
12:39 What's your favorite kids' cartoon to watch?
12:41 Let us know in the comments below.
12:43 "Well, I've had it with your leadership!"
12:49 Do you agree with our picks?
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12:52 And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
12:56 "I'm a good kid."
13:03 (upbeat music)
13:06 (upbeat music)