The video "Most Popular Cartoons (1920-2020)" takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the top animated series from the past century, showcasing which cartoons captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. With a visual representation of the popularity of these beloved characters, the video dives into key statistics that highlight the success and influence of cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, and more. Here are some fun facts and trivia to enhance your viewing experience!

Tom and Jerry: A Timeless Classic

With over 251 million views, Tom and Jerry stands at the top of the list as the most popular cartoon from 1920 to 2020. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, this iconic cat-and-mouse duo first premiered in 1940 and quickly became a staple of American animation. Did you know that Tom and Jerry has won seven Academy Awards for Animated Short Film?

Looney Tunes: A Cartoon Revolution

Coming in second with nearly 189 million views, Looney Tunes has cemented itself as one of the most influential animated series of all time. Characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig are recognized across the globe. Fun fact: Looney Tunes introduced the world to the very first animated character with a voice—Porky Pig, whose famous "Th-th-th-that's all folks!" line is legendary.

Scooby-Doo: Mystery and Adventure

With 139 million views, Scooby-Doo is a fan favorite that has continued to entertain generations with its mystery-solving gang and lovable Great Dane. Debuting in 1969, Scooby-Doo was originally designed as a way to combine comedy with a detective plot. Over the years, the series has spawned multiple spin-offs, movies, and even comic books.

Popeye the Sailor: Strength and Adventure

Popeye lands fourth on the list with 128 million views. The spinach-loving sailor first appeared in 1929 and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Did you know that Popeye was originally a minor character in a comic strip before becoming the star of his own animated series?

The Flintstones: The First Prime-Time Cartoon

The Flintstones was not just another cartoon; it was the first animated series to air in prime time on television. With over 116 million views, it was a groundbreaking show that pushed the boundaries of animated television. Fun trivia: Fred Flintstone’s catchphrase, "Yabba Dabba Doo!" is still widely recognized today.

Other Notable Mentions

Other cartoons that made the list include The Simpsons, The Jetsons, Bugs Bunny, and Yogi Bear, each with millions of loyal fans who have enjoyed their timeless stories. The Simpsons, for example, is the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running animated series, with over 80 million views.

This video not only ranks the most popular cartoons based on their views but also celebrates the impact these characters and shows have had on pop culture over the decades. It’s clear that animated series have played a huge role in shaping the entertainment industry, and these classics continue to entertain viewers of all ages.

Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, the history of these cartoons is a testament to their lasting appeal. So, grab some popcorn and enjoy the nostalgia as you watch this exciting video!

This review integrates key details from the video and gives a deeper look into the history of some of the most popular animated characters, blending both trivia and fun facts. It should help viewers engage more with the video and learn interesting aspects about these iconic cartoons.

Most popular cartoons based on broadcasting viewer numbers on TV or other broadcasting services.

Cartoons Listed:

Little Nemo

Gertie the Dinosaur

How Mosquito Operates

Feline Follies

Felix the Cat

Alice's Wonderland

Adventures of Prince Achmed

Trolley Troubles

Betty Boop

Steamboat Willie

Poopdeck Pappy

Tom  and Jerry

Pluto Bone Trouble

Mighty Mouse

Bugs Bunny

Woody Woodpecker

Heckle and Jeckle

Yogi Bear

The Peanuts

Ruff and Reddy

Popeye the Sailor

The Jetsons

The Flintstones

Adventures of Mr. Magoo

Road Runner Show

The Pink Panther

Looney Tunes

Scooby-Doo

The Transformers

The Simpsons

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Duck Tales

SpongeBob SquarePants

Dexter's Laboratory

Courage, Cowardly Dog

Dragon Tales

Arthur

Futurama

South Park

Avatar: Last Airbender

Family Guy

Rick and Morty

Gravity Falls

Dragon Ball Z

Pokémon

Ben 10

Top Cat

Most Popular Cartoons of All Time: Broadcasting Viewer Rankings (1920–2026)

Cartoons have shaped global pop culture for more than a century. From hand-drawn silent shorts to prime-time animated television and streaming giants, animated series have consistently dominated broadcasting viewer rankings across generations. This article explores the most popular cartoons of all time, decade by decade, from 1920 to 2026, highlighting their country of origin, cultural impact, and fascinating trivia — all while tracking how animation evolved alongside technology and audience tastes.

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1920s: The Birth of Animated Superstars

Most Popular Cartoon: Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie)
Country of Origin: United States

The 1920s marked the dawn of mainstream animation. Steamboat Willie (1928) wasn’t just a cartoon — it was a technological revolution. Mickey Mouse became the first animated character to achieve global stardom, dominating early cinema screenings.

Why It Ranked #1:

• First synchronized sound cartoon

• Massive theatrical attendance worldwide

• Universal character design appealing to all ages

Fun Fact: Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer before Walt Disney’s wife convinced him to change it.

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1930s: Cartoons Go Theatrical

Most Popular Cartoon: Looney Tunes / Merrie Melodies
Country of Origin: United States

The 1930s saw animation flourish in movie theaters. Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes introduced characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, which quickly outperformed competitors in viewer popularity.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Sharp humor aimed at adults and children

• Weekly theatrical exposure

• Strong character personalities

Trivia: Bugs Bunny’s carrot-chewing habit was inspired by a Clark Gable movie scene.

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1940s: Wartime Animation Dominance

Most Popular Cartoon: Tom and Jerry
Country of Origin: United States

During World War II, Tom and Jerry became the most watched animated series globally, offering slapstick comedy without language barriers — perfect for international audiences.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Minimal dialogue, universal appeal

• Academy Award-winning shorts

• Heavy cinema rotation

Did You Know? Tom and Jerry won 7 Academy Awards, more than any other cartoon series of its era.

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1950s: Television Changes Everything

Most Popular Cartoon: The Flintstones
Country of Origin: United States

The 1950s brought animation into living rooms. The Flintstones became the first prime-time animated TV show, topping broadcasting ratings for years.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Adult sitcom format

• Sponsored by major advertisers

• Family-friendly humor

Fun Fact: Fred Flintstone appeared in cigarette commercials before cartoon advertising regulations existed.

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1960s: Saturday Morning Legends

Most Popular Cartoon: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Country of Origin: United States

The rise of Saturday morning cartoons made Scooby-Doo a ratings powerhouse. Its mystery formula and recurring catchphrases helped it dominate children’s broadcasting slots.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Reusable animation lowered production costs

• Simple storytelling

• Strong merchandising

Trivia: Scooby-Doo was originally designed to be a sheepdog, not a Great Dane.

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1970s: International Animation Gains Ground

Most Popular Cartoon: Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Country of Origin: Japan

The 1970s marked anime’s global breakthrough. Heidi became one of the most watched animated series in Europe and Latin America.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Emotional storytelling

• Broadcast in over 20 countries

• Family-friendly themes

Did You Know? Hayao Miyazaki worked on Heidi years before founding Studio Ghibli.

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1980s: Toy-Driven Broadcasting Boom

Most Popular Cartoon: Transformers
Country of Origin: Japan / United States

The 1980s were dominated by cartoons tied to toys. Transformers topped broadcasting viewer rankings across North America, Japan, and Europe.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Daily syndication

• Strong toy sales driving viewership

• Sci-fi appeal

Fun Fact: Optimus Prime’s death caused so much backlash that writers were forced to resurrect him.

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1990s: The Golden Age of Television Animation

Most Popular Cartoon: The Simpsons
Country of Origin: United States

No cartoon dominated viewer rankings in the 1990s like The Simpsons. It became the longest-running animated series in history and a cultural phenomenon.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Adult satire

• Prime-time dominance

• Global syndication

Trivia: The Simpsons accurately “predicted” dozens of real-world events, becoming a pop-culture meme.

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2000s: Cartoon Network & Nickelodeon Era

Most Popular Cartoon: SpongeBob SquarePants
Country of Origin: United States

The 2000s belonged to SpongeBob. It consistently ranked as the most watched cartoon worldwide across cable TV.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Multi-age appeal

• Meme-worthy humor

• Massive merchandising

Did You Know? SpongeBob was originally meant to be an adult cartoon before being reworked for kids.

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2010s: Streaming Changes the Game

Most Popular Cartoon: Adventure Time
Country of Origin: United States

The 2010s marked the transition from traditional broadcasting to streaming platforms. Adventure Time led viewer rankings across both cable and online platforms.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Deep lore

• Cult fanbase

• Crossover adult appeal

Fun Fact: Many episodes were improvised from loose storyboards.

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2020–2026: Globalized Animation Explosion

Most Popular Cartoon: Bluey
Country of Origin: Australia

From 2020 onward, Bluey became the most streamed and broadcast children’s cartoon globally, dominating Disney+ and TV ratings.

Why It Ranked #1:

• Realistic family dynamics

• Short episode format

• International relatability

Did You Know? Bluey is praised by child psychologists for its realistic parenting portrayal.

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Why These Cartoons Dominated Viewer Rankings

Across every decade, the most popular cartoons of all time share common traits:

• Strong character identity

• Cultural adaptability

• Merchandising synergy

• Broad age appeal

Broadcasting success wasn’t just about animation quality — it was about timing, technology, and emotional connection.

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Final Thoughts

From Mickey Mouse in the 1920s to Bluey in the streaming era, cartoons have continuously reinvented themselves to dominate broadcasting viewer rankings. Each decade reflects changing social values, technological shifts, and global influences, proving that animation is not just entertainment — it’s cultural history.

Source: Play Data