Millennials and early Gen Zs know the quality of cartoons that used to air on TV. Shows like Ben 10, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and more have become legendary due to their creative animation and amazing storytelling. So many iconic moments have been witnessed by kids around the world and are still remembered.
However, the old-era cartoons have been perceived to be ended. A generation that has entered adulthood seems to have a disconnect with more recent animated shows for kids. Even popular shows like Amphibia are being criticized for deriving too much from classic anime like Dragon Ball Z.
However, all is not lost. There are still some amazing shows out there that will shut down any complaints from older fans who have clearly not kept up with the latest cartoons. Here are three of the best recent cartoons that have the potential to be iconic in the future.
1. Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Since the release of Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse, many animated films and series have experimented with animation styles and have seen varying degrees of success. The most recent example is the Seth Rogen-produced film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Delivered in a sketchbook animation style, the film received positive reviews and a sequel is in development.
Acting as a bridge between the first film and the sequel, the cartoon show Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in August and received positive reviews. THR appreciated the storytelling of the series and complemented its slick animation style. One fan posted a pulsating action sequence from the show which sees the TMNT battle Goldfin.
While it received some criticism for staying true to its younger target audience, the response has been good so far.
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
The Marvel show Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur has already been regarded as one of the best recent cartoons. Featuring the voices of Lawrence Fishbourne, Alfre Woodard, Alison Brie, and Diamond White, the show has been received positively across the world and has been appreciated for appealing to both kids and adults. The action sequences too have drawn praise.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur have also won multiple Children and Family Emmy Awards for their first season. It is available to stream on Disney+.
3. Amphibia
While it may be no Ben 10, the Disney cartoon Amphibia has already become iconic. The show has received praise for its animation, humor, and style. The show follows Anne Boonchuy, a Thai-American teen who finds a magical music box that transports her and her friends to a world inhabited by amphibians and other creatures. Brenda Song, known for her role in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, stars as Anne.
Amphibia ended after a three-season run and its first season won an Annie Award for Best Character Design. It has also been praised for its voice acting from actors like Troy Baker and Bill Farmer. The show is available to stream on Disney+.
