Best Decade For Morning Cartoons A Definitive Ranking
ostalgia is a powerful force, and for many of us who grew up in the late 20th century, nothing evokes that feeling quite like the memory of saturday morning cartoons. waking up early, pouring a bowl of cereal, and settling in front of the television for a marathon of animated adventures was a weekend ritual. but which decade truly reigned supreme when it came to the best morning cartoons? this is a question that sparks fierce debate among animation enthusiasts, each championing their favorite era with unwavering conviction. to settle this once and for all, we embark on a definitive ranking of the decades, analyzing the shows, the animation styles, and the cultural impact they left behind. we'll delve into the golden age of animation, the adventurous 80s, the revivalist 90s, and even the early 2000s, exploring the unique charms and groundbreaking contributions of each period. so, grab your favorite bowl and spoon, and prepare to journey back in time as we determine which decade truly holds the cartoon crown.
the golden age of animation (1960s)
the 1960s, often hailed as the golden age of animation, laid the foundational groundwork for the saturday morning cartoon landscape we know and love. this decade witnessed the rise of iconic studios like hanna-barbera, who dominated the airwaves with their charming and catchy creations. shows like "the flintstones," "the jetsons," and "scooby-doo, where are you!" became instant classics, captivating audiences with their endearing characters, humorous storylines, and memorable theme songs. these cartoons weren't just entertainment; they were a cultural phenomenon, shaping the childhoods of generations and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. the simple yet effective animation style of the 1960s, while not as technically advanced as later decades, possessed a unique charm that continues to resonate with viewers today. the focus was on storytelling and character development, creating narratives that were both engaging and family-friendly. "the flintstones," for instance, cleverly blended stone age settings with modern suburban life, offering social commentary and relatable situations that appealed to both children and adults. "the jetsons" provided a futuristic vision of the world, filled with flying cars, robotic helpers, and whimsical gadgets, sparking the imagination and fueling dreams of the future. and "scooby-doo, where are you!" introduced a lovable cast of mystery-solving teenagers and their talking dog, embarking on spooky adventures that were more humorous than frightening. the impact of these shows extends far beyond their original run, with numerous reboots, spin-offs, and adaptations attesting to their enduring popularity. the 1960s cartoons established the formula for saturday morning success: catchy theme songs, memorable characters, and lighthearted storylines. this decade set the standard for what a saturday morning cartoon could be, and its influence can still be seen in animated shows today. the golden age of animation truly deserves its title, as it not only provided hours of entertainment but also shaped the landscape of animation for decades to come.
the adventurous 1980s
the 1980s were a decade of bold experimentation and unbridled creativity in the world of saturday morning cartoons. this era witnessed a proliferation of animated series based on popular toy lines, video games, and comic books, ushering in a new era of action-packed adventures and larger-than-life characters. shows like "transformers," "g.i. joe," and "he-man and the masters of the universe" became cultural juggernauts, captivating audiences with their epic battles, moralistic storylines, and memorable catchphrases. the 1980s cartoons embraced serialization, with ongoing storylines and character development that kept viewers hooked week after week. this departure from the episodic format of previous decades allowed for more complex narratives and deeper emotional connections with the characters. "transformers," for example, told the story of a civil war between sentient robots, exploring themes of good versus evil, sacrifice, and the importance of freedom. "g.i. joe" pitted a team of highly skilled soldiers against a terrorist organization, promoting patriotism, teamwork, and the fight for justice. and "he-man and the masters of the universe" transported viewers to the magical world of eternia, where a muscle-bound hero battled against the forces of darkness, teaching valuable lessons about courage, responsibility, and the power of good. the 1980s also saw the emergence of animated sitcoms, such as "the simpsons" (which initially aired as shorts on "the tracey ullman show" before becoming its own series in 1989) and "alf: the animated series," which blended humor with heartwarming stories and relatable family dynamics. these shows paved the way for the animated sitcoms that would dominate the 1990s. while the 1980s cartoons were often criticized for their blatant commercialism, the sheer creativity and entertainment value of these shows cannot be denied. they captured the spirit of the decade, with their bright colors, synthesizer-heavy soundtracks, and optimistic outlook. the 1980s were a golden age for action-adventure animation, and the legacy of these shows continues to resonate with fans today. the adventurous spirit of the 1980s pushed the boundaries of saturday morning cartoons, paving the way for the diverse and innovative animation of the following decade. the bold choices and willingness to experiment made the adventurous 1980s a truly memorable era in the history of animation.
the revivalist 1990s
the 1990s represented a renaissance for saturday morning cartoons, with a focus on sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and innovative animation techniques. this decade saw the rise of animated series that appealed to both children and adults, blurring the lines between kids' entertainment and primetime television. shows like "batman: the animated series," "x-men," and "spider-man" redefined the superhero genre in animation, with darker storylines, nuanced characters, and stunning visuals. "batman: the animated series" is widely considered a masterpiece of animation, with its film noir aesthetic, gripping plots, and iconic voice acting. the show delved into the psyche of batman, exploring his inner demons and complex motivations. "x-men" tackled social issues such as prejudice and discrimination, using the metaphor of mutants to explore the experiences of marginalized groups. and "spider-man" balanced superhero action with relatable teenage drama, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant series. the 1990s also witnessed the emergence of original animated series that pushed the boundaries of the medium. shows like "rugrats," "doug," and "rocko's modern life" captured the anxieties and absurdities of childhood, with humorous and heartwarming stories that resonated with viewers of all ages. "rugrats" offered a child's-eye view of the world, exploring the imagination and innocence of babies and toddlers. "doug" chronicled the everyday adventures of a shy and introspective middle schooler, tackling issues of friendship, family, and self-discovery. and "rocko's modern life" satirized modern society with its surreal humor and quirky characters. the animation style of the 1990s was also more diverse and experimental than in previous decades. shows like "the ren & stimpy show" and "aaahh!!! real monsters" embraced gross-out humor and exaggerated character designs, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for children's television. this willingness to take risks and experiment with new styles helped to elevate the medium of animation and pave the way for the innovative animated series of the 21st century. the revivalist 1990s were a golden age for animation, with a wealth of creative and groundbreaking shows that continue to be celebrated today. the decade's emphasis on storytelling, character development, and innovative animation helped to transform the landscape of saturday morning cartoons and elevate the medium to new heights.
the early 2000s
the early 2000s marked a transitional period for saturday morning cartoons, with the rise of cable television and the internet changing the way children consumed media. while the traditional saturday morning block began to decline, this era still produced a number of memorable and innovative animated series. shows like "spongebob squarepants," "the fairly oddparents," and "kim possible" captured the hearts of a new generation, with their quirky characters, humorous storylines, and catchy theme songs. "spongebob squarepants" became a cultural phenomenon, with its surreal humor, endearing characters, and optimistic outlook. the show appealed to both children and adults, becoming one of the most successful animated series of all time. "the fairly oddparents" offered a magical twist on everyday life, with a young boy receiving two fairy godparents who could grant his wishes. the show explored themes of responsibility, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. and "kim possible" blended action-adventure with teenage drama, creating a strong female protagonist who could save the world and still make it to cheerleading practice. the early 2000s also saw the emergence of anime as a major force in saturday morning programming. shows like "pokemon," "digimon," and "yu-gi-oh!" introduced a new style of animation and storytelling to western audiences, with complex plots, intricate character designs, and action-packed battles. these shows became incredibly popular, spawning video games, trading cards, and other merchandise. while the golden age of saturday morning cartoons may have passed, the early 2000s still produced a number of memorable series that helped to shape the childhoods of many. the decade's willingness to embrace new styles and genres paved the way for the diverse and innovative animation of today. the early 2000s represent a transitional period that, while not as dominant as previous decades, still contributed significantly to the landscape of animation and left its own unique mark on the world of saturday morning cartoons.
the definitive ranking
after delving into each decade, it's time to render a definitive ranking of which era truly delivered the best morning cartoons. while nostalgia plays a significant role in shaping our preferences, it's crucial to consider the overall quality, innovation, and cultural impact of the shows from each period. taking all factors into account, the 1990s emerge as the clear winner. this decade redefined saturday morning animation with its sophisticated storytelling, complex characters, and innovative animation techniques. shows like "batman: the animated series," "x-men," and "spider-man" set a new standard for superhero animation, while original series like "rugrats," "doug," and "rocko's modern life" captured the essence of childhood in a way that resonated with viewers of all ages. the 1980s secure the second spot in the ranking, thanks to their adventurous spirit and willingness to experiment. shows like "transformers," "g.i. joe," and "he-man and the masters of the universe" defined action-adventure animation, while the emergence of animated sitcoms paved the way for future success in the genre. the golden age of the 1960s claims the third position, as this decade laid the foundation for saturday morning cartoons with its iconic characters and memorable shows. "the flintstones," "the jetsons," and "scooby-doo, where are you!" remain cultural touchstones, and their influence can still be seen in animation today. finally, the early 2000s round out the ranking, as this transitional period still produced a number of beloved series. "spongebob squarepants," "the fairly oddparents," and "kim possible" captured the hearts of a new generation, while the rise of anime added a new dimension to saturday morning programming. ultimately, the best decade for morning cartoons is a matter of personal preference, but the 1990s stand out for their groundbreaking contributions and lasting impact on the world of animation. no matter your favorite era, the memories of waking up early on saturday mornings to watch cartoons remain a cherished part of childhood for many of us. these shows provided laughter, adventure, and valuable life lessons, shaping our imaginations and leaving an indelible mark on our lives. so, whether you're a fan of the golden age classics, the action-packed adventures of the 80s, the sophisticated storytelling of the 90s, or the quirky humor of the early 2000s, there's no denying the power of saturday morning cartoons to transport us back to a simpler time and remind us of the joy of childhood.
