The animation industry of the 21st century is one of the most profitable industries in the world. Interestingly, before becoming the colossus it is today, the animation industry was not very well known during the first half of the 20th century. The U.S. did have cartoons even before Walt Disney, but they were not very popular beyond its borders, and Japan’s animations did not take shape until after World War 2 was over. Fast forward to the 1950s. This is when animated cartoons started to gain popularity. This is also where some of our most memorable cartoons from childhood first premiered.
For the sake of this list, we will not talk about Chinese animated cartoons. While China’s cartoons during the 1950s and 1960s were a huge part of our childhood memory (their animations were beautiful as well), 1: They were not very popular outside of China (and Asia), and 2: Chinese animations at the time were mainly propagandistic. The cartoons in this list will be mostly of Western and Japanese origins.
Most of the cartoons listed below can still be purchased on Amazon. These animated TV shows, in our opinion, are the most memorable ones from our childhood. If you are looking for a nostalgia trip, look no further.
#1 Astro Boy
Source: Internet
Astro Boy (known as Mighty Atom in Japan) originated as a manga series that started in 1952. Three anime series have been made since then, one each in 1963, 1980 and 2003. There are also various spin-offs and even an American comic series in 1987. This cartoon series was the beginning of the aesthetic we now know as anime.
#2 George Of The Jungle
Source: Internet
This cartoon series was inspired by the story of Tarzan, the difference is that George of the Jungle tells a more light-hearted story. George can be considered an “all brawl and no brains” character, but he does have a loving heart to make up for his shortcomings. The series had the potential to go further, but ultimately ended at just 17 episodes due to budget mismanagement.
#3 Kimba The White Lion
Source: Internet
Kimba The White Lion was the first Japanese anime TV series in color. The show premiered in Japan in 1965, with several more series and movies following the success of the original.
People who have watched both this and Walt Disney’s 1994 feature The Lion King have noticed similarities between the two, sparking a debate on originality. The directors of The Lion King claimed that they did not know of Kimba The White Lion at the time of production, but apparently some members of the animation crew were fans of Kimba. The question of originality persisted to the 21st century with Disney‘s recent trend of live-action remakes.
#4 King Kong
Source: Internet
Also known as The King Kong Show. This series was the result of a collaboration between two media companies, one American and one Japanese. Contrary to the destructive power of the giant ape in the 1933 film, this fella is on humanity’s side, fending off villains and protecting humanity.
#5 Popeye The Sailor
Source: Internet
Popeye first appeared in a 1929 comic strip. The rising popularity of cartoon during the 1930s means that seeing Popeye show up in an animated cartoon was only a matter of time. While the series was first released in 1933, it was not until 1960 that he finally made his first appearance on the small screen.
#6 Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Source: Internet
A Hanna-Barbera classic. This was one of the most beloved cartoon series of the 1960s and 1970s. Like many cartoon shows of the same time, the script was simple and can be summarized in just a few sentences. But even then, we still fall in love with the characters and the adventures of Scooby-Doo and the gang.
#7 Spider-Man (1967)
Source: Internet
This is the very first animated TV series about Spider-Man. It is based on Stan Lee‘s comic of the same name. Despite the comic book’s reputation, the animated series was not in top shape due to limited budget.
#8 The Alvin Show
Source: Internet
The Alvin Show was originally planned to be made in color, but when the series first premiered on TV, it was in black and white. The recolored version was rebroadcast in the next year. While the original cartoon saw some success, the live-action remake and its sequels were met with mixed reviews. Still memorable regardless.
#9 The Beatles
Source: Internet
An animated series featuring one of the biggest bands of the world flopping?
Well, reason number 1: The voice actor were Americans, not British.
Reason number 2: The animation style meant that it was no match against other cartoons of the same time.
Reason number 3: The real deal is just plainly better.
#10 The Bugs Bunny Show
Source: Internet
What’s up, doc?” One simple line and we can all agree it’s time for The Bugs Bunny Show. Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck first appeared on TV on October 1960. The TV show lasted 40 years before being sold to a different media company.
#11 The Flintstones
Source: Internet
If your history lessons about Stone Age are starting to get to you, maybe it’s time for some Hanna-Barbera’s The Flintstones. A family living in a juxtaposed world of stone and machinery is what makes the TV show so popular. It was only surpassed by The Simpsons.
#12 The Mr. Magoo Show
Source: Internet
You’d think a cartoon series about an old man with poor eyesight and a lack of responsibility would be boring. Well, allow us to introduce: The Mr. Magoo Show. As mean as Mr. Magoo can be at times, his absurd luck always turned the tides in his favor. All these elements made for a very enjoyable series indeed.
#13 The New Adventures Of Superman
Source: Internet
It does not matter when or where you come from. Superman is instantly recognizable. Comic books, TV shows and movies, he is everywhere. The series premiered in 1964, and was the first to introduce to us some of its most iconic villains, such as Lex Luthor and Brainiac.
#14 The New Three Stooges
Source: Internet
The Three Stooges refers to the original trio Curly Howard, Larry Fine and Moe Howard. They were one of the most renowned comedy crews in America, boasting an impressive 48-year long career featuring some 190 short films.
They were so famous, it was natural that they showed up in TV shows. The cartoon series premiered in 1965 and featured a mix of live-action and animated segments. While the cast did not feature the original trio, the slapstick comedy remained.
#15 The Pink Panther Show
Source: Internet
Since its premiere in 1969, Pink Panther has become an irreplaceable part of our childhood. That and the stealth-like theme music too. The series went on to spawn several sequels bearing the anthropomorphic panther’s name.
#16 Top Cat
Source: Internet
Another work of Hanna-Barbera. One point of interest worth pointing out, the series only had one season. During its prime time (time of premier), Top Cat was a failure. Ratings were low, as it had to contend with other major titles such as The Bugs Bunny Show.
