From the rising influence of anime to the birth of internet animation, these shows exemplify the best in kids' cartoons at the turn of the century.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Even if one didn't grow up in the 2000s, many were familiar with Avatar: The Last Airbender. Anyone from the age of six to 96 should be able to find something to enjoy about this series. While plenty of American cartoons took visual inspiration from anime in the past, Avatar was the first to really match the anime style of complex serialized storytelling. Great characters, detailed fantasy worldbuilding, serious themes, and deep respect for the Asian cultures that inspired it made Avatar a must-watch.
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Samurai Jack (2001-2017)
If Avatar: The Last Airbender was the height of American TV cartoon storytelling in the 2000s, Samurai Jack was the height of American TV cartoon artistry. The plots were simple and archetypal, but the animation, sound design, and directing, were consistently mind-blowing.
All of Genndy Tartakovsky's many cinematic influences — from Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone to Akira and Blade Runner — combined to make Samurai Jack something special. It trusted young viewers with stillness and contemplation before rewarding them with the craziest action on TV. A recent fifth season, aimed at adults who grew up with the original, gave the series a darker but satisfying conclusion.
Invader ZIM (2001-2006)
It might've only lasted but 27 episodes (six of which didn't air on TV until years later), but Invader ZIM's cult following kept it in the public eye long enough to inspire a comic and a movie revival. The show held up amazingly well and proved worth the hype.
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Justice League Unlimited (2004-2006)
Bruce Timm's cartoons have generally been recognized of the best DC superhero adaptations around. Some even hold them to be better than most live-action versions. His innovative '90s Batman: The Animated Series received most of the acclaim, but Justice League Unlimited showcased Timm's talents on the grandest scale. The show used and nailed almost every DC hero in history, telling great stories in a range of tones. It even contained the only Alan Moore-approved adaptation.
Teen Titans (2003-2006)
Teen Titans is one show 2000s kids just won't stop raving about — and for good reasons. Often used as the standard Teen Titans Go! and the "edgy" live-action Titans show are compared to, Teen Titans has five seasons and a sixth has been rumored.
Whether it comes back or not, there's good reason Teen Titans stayed strong in the memories of younger millennials. It was one of the better American responses to the anime boom, with tons of action, humor, and heart. Of course, the J-pop opening theme by PUFFY (AmiYumi) was a solid tune.
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Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (2004-2009)
The Powerpuff Girls was still Craig McCracken's greatest success, but his second show, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, managed to do pretty well for itself, running for six seasons. From the title alone, one could tell there was something special about the show. A comedy about abandoned imaginary friends living together was an irresistible premise.
Foster's was one of the first TV cartoons animated in Flash, and it's still one of the show's best adapted to digital animation technology. The design work on this show was gorgeous. Blooregard Q. Kazoo was striking evidence of how great animators could take the simplest design and imbue it with a vibrant, hilarious personality.
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