10 Most Popular Canadian Cartoons Of All Time

There are many great cartoons from all over the world, but most of the best animated shows of all time are American productions. However, many of those best of all time, along with some of the most underrated and forgotten cartoons, are Canadian productions. TV shows like Caillou, Franklin, and Care Bears, as well as forgotten gems like Braceface and Clone High, are Canadian productions and show that Canadian cartoons truly have every style and genre covered.

From wholesome educational shows to superhero classics, book adaptations, and expansions of iconic movies, the most popular Canadian cartoons of all time have something for viewers of all ages and with different interests, and they are all worth watching at least once. It’s worth noting that this list is about cartoons that were Canadian productions from the beginning and not reboots and revivals that changed to a Canadian production.

Paw Patrol (2013-Present)

Created by Keith Chapman, Paw Patrol is a children’s show. Paw Patrol introduces viewers to a crew of search and rescue dogs that go by the name of “Paw Patrol.” The team is lead by 10-year-old boy Ryder, who is either told about a problem or witnesses a problematic situation himself that requires the help of the Paw Patrol.

Paw Patrol has been a huge success since its debut in 2013, and has made way for a highly profitable franchise. At the time of writing, the Paw Patrol franchise covers movies, video games, live presentations, and a spinoff series titled Rubble & Crew, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping, nor has its popularity decreased.

Ed, Edd n Eddy (1999-2009)

Ed, Edd n Eddy was created by Danny Antonucci, and it follows the title characters, three friends who share the same name but with different versions to avoid confusion. Ed is the dim-witted but kind-hearted one of the group, Edd is an inventor and the most intelligent of the three, and Eddy is the devious self-appointed leader of the group. The show follows them on their daily adventures, which usually consist of coming up with ways to scam neighborhood kids.

Ed, Edd n Eddy relied on physical comedy and gross humor, and it became one of Cartoon Network’s most successful original cartoons. Like other shows on this list, Ed, Edd n Eddy expanded with a TV movie titled Ed, Edd n Eddy’s Big Picture Show, which served as the series finale. Just like the main show, the movie was a big hit for the network.

Inspector Gadget (1983-1985)

Created by Andy Heyward, Jean Chalopin, and Bruno Bianchi, Inspector Gadget introduced the world to the title character, a police inspector-turned-cyborg, as he has various bionic gadgets built into his body. Gadget works for a secret police organization that fights crime in different parts of the world, with their biggest enemy being Dr. Claw and his criminal organization M.A.D. Despite Gadget’s talents and devices, he relies heavily on the investigation work of his niece, Penny.

Inspector Gadget was a huge success, spawning a franchise that expanded to live-action movies (which, unfortunately, weren’t as good as the original show), books, and a CGI reboot series. A live-action Inspector Gadget reboot was announced to be in development in 2015, but there have been no updates since then.

Invincible (2021-Present)

Invincible is an adult-animated superhero TV show based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. Invincible centers on Mark Grayson, a teenager and human-alien hybrid who fights crime as the superhero “Invincible.” Grayson is guided by his father, Omni-Man, the most powerful superhero on Earth, but as he struggles to balance his personal life and his superhero duties, Grayson learns the dark truth about his father.

Invincible has been a huge success for Prime Video, with praise for its tone, animation, voice performances, and story, as it’s darker and much more mature than most superhero shows (especially those from the big superhero franchises). At the time of writing, Invincible has been renewed for a fifth and sixth season.

The Magic School Bus (1994-1997)

The Magic School Bus is an educational children’s TV series based on Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen’s book series of the same name. The Magic School Bus follows the eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle, who takes her eight students on exciting and unbelievable field trips on her magic school bus. The group explores different parts of the world, time periods, and even goes to space, all while learning about science, different cultures, and more.

The Magic School Bus is one of the most popular and beloved cartoons of all time, and with good reason, as it not only serves its purpose as an educational show, but it’s also a fun, heartwarming, and entertaining show. The Magic School Bus has expanded to video games, got a preschool spinoff, and a revival on Netflix.

Beetlejuice (1989-1992)

One year after Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice was released, the famous bio-exorcist returned, only this time in an animated show that children could also enjoy. Beetlejuice, then, follows the adventures of the title character and Lydia in both the mortal world and the Neitherworld. In its final episodes, Beetlejuice changed its concept a little bit, with the stories being parodies of other TV shows, movies, and books.

Beetlejuice has a lighter tone than the movie, and while its place in the timeline is confusing, it’s a fun addition to the world of the chaotic bio-exorcist. Beetlejuice was a success, and just like Burton’s movie, it released a variety of merchandise, including video games and action figures. Unlike many other shows on this list, the Beetlejuice show never got a revival or reboot.

Gargoyles (1994-1997)

One of the best yet most underrated animated shows of all time is Gargoyles, which aired for three seasons from 1994 to 1997. Gargoyles takes the audience back to 994 to meet the title creatures, led by Goliath. The gargoyles live in a castle and come to life at night, turning into stone by day. After being betrayed and most are killed by humans while petrified, the rest are cursed to remain frozen until the castle “rises above the clouds.”

A century later, billionaire David Xanatos buys the castle and reconstructs it atop his new skyscraper, thus breaking the curse. Goliath and his fellow survivors awaken, and while they adapt to the modern world, they also become the city’s night vigilantes. Gargoyles continues to be praised for its darkness, maturity, themes, characters, and animation, and a reboot has been rumored for years.

Babar (1989-1991)

Based on Jean de Brunhoff’s books Babar the Elephant, Babar ran for five seasons from 1989 to 1991, with a sixth season released in 2001. Babar follows the life of the title character, a wise elephant king and ruler of Celesteville. Babar shares his story with his children, with flashbacks to his younger years, covering tragedies like the murder of his mother, how a kind human lady adopted him, and his return and rise as king.

Babar combines beautiful animation with gentle storytelling, emotional depth, complex themes, and moral lessons. Babar is one of the best, most beautiful (aesthetically and narratively), deep, and heartwarming cartoons of all time, and while it got a revival series in 2001, the original show stands as the best.

X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997)

X-Men: The Animated Series is an animated superhero TV series that aired from 1992 to 1997 for five seasons. X-Men: The Animated Series follows the title team of mutants, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they protect the world. However, the mutants also deal with the rejection and hate of the human world they work so hard to protect. X-Men: The Animated Series, then, balances superhero action with emotional depth and mature topics, such as loneliness, religion, relationships, AIDS hysteria, and more.

X-Men: The Animated Series is widely considered one of the best superhero TV shows of all time, and a must-watch for fans of the title team and superheroes in general. X-Men: The Animated Series got a revival in 2024 titled X-Men ‘97, which has been a big success so far.

Arthur (1992-2022)

One of the most beloved cartoons of all time, as well as one of the longest-running children’s animated shows, is Arthur, based on Marc Brown’s book series of the same name. Arthur follows the title character, an anthropomorphic aardvark and third-grade student, in his everyday life with his friends, family, and more. Arthur was a massive success, so much so that it ran for a total of 25 seasons.

Arthur has been praised for its concept, animation, and how it portrays complex themes relevant to both children and their parents, such as different illnesses, religion, divorce, autism, and more. Arthur covered all those themes and more with respect and made them accessible to its young audience, and it stands as one of the best cartoons of all time.