Worldwide Wonders: Top 10 Most Popular Cartoon in the World

Top 10 Most Popular Cartoon in the World

Cartoons have been an essential part of entertainment for generations, captivating audiences of all ages with their unique stories, memorable characters, and vibrant animation styles. From timeless classics to modern-day favorites, the top cartoons in the world have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

These animated series are not only beloved for their humor and creativity but also for their ability to connect with viewers through relatable themes and imaginative worlds. Whether it’s the adventures of pirates, talking animals, or fantastical heroes, these cartoons continue to inspire and entertain millions worldwide, making them true icons in the world of animation.

10. One Piece

One Piece is a sprawling epic anime and manga series created by Eiichiro Oda that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited young pirate with the unique ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating a magical Devil Fruit.

Luffy’s dream is to find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” and become the Pirate King, a title that grants ultimate freedom on the seas.

Along his journey, he assembles a diverse and loyal crew called the Straw Hat Pirates, each with their own dreams and skills, from swordsman Zoro to navigator Nami.

• Voiced by: Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Christopher R. Sabat (English dub for multiple characters)
• Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Released Year: 1999 (anime)
• Language: Japanese (original), English (dub), others
• Director: Various, including Kōnosuke Uda, Munehisa Sakai
• Number of Seasons: Over 20 seasons

Anime’s Modern Titan: 500+ million manga copies sold

One Piece stands as the best-selling manga series of all time, captivating readers with its epic tale of pirates, friendship, and adventure. Eiichiro Oda’s creation has built a massive global fanbase, making it a cornerstone of modern Japanese anime.

Streaming Success:

Consistently ranking among the most-watched shows on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, One Piece has played a major role in bringing anime into mainstream Western entertainment.

Cultural Export:

The series has transformed anime from a niche interest into a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring fans across generations and influencing countless creators in the medium.

9. Doraemon

Doraemon is a Japanese cultural icon, created by Fujiko F. Fujio, that follows a robotic cat from the future helping a young boy named Nobita with futuristic gadgets.

Since its debut in the 1970s, it has become a beloved educational and entertaining show broadcast in over 100 countries.

Doraemon promotes values like friendship, perseverance, and creativity, making it a favorite among children and parents alike.

The series showcases imaginative inventions that spark curiosity and problem-solving. Beyond the screen, Doraemon’s image appears in merchandise, theme parks, and cultural events, embodying Japan’s soft power globally.

• Voiced by: Nobuyo Ōyama (original Japanese Doraemon), Wasabi Mizuta (later), Mona Marshall (English dub)
• Genre: Sci-fi, Children’s, Comedy
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Released Year: 1973 (first anime), current series started in 2005
• Language: Japanese (original), dubbed in many languages
• Number of Seasons: Over 40 years of episodes, continuous airing with new episodes since 2005

Japan's Cultural Ambassador: 100+ countries

Fujiko F. Fujio’s robotic cat from the future embodies Japan’s cultural soft power, broadcasting in over 100 countries.

Asian Dominance:

In many Asian countries, Doraemon surpasses Western cartoons in popularity, fueling billions in merchandise and theme park revenue.

Educational Impact:

The show promotes valuable lessons such as friendship and perseverance, making it a favorite among parents and educators globally.

8. Scooby-Doo

Since 1969, Scooby-Doo and his gang of mystery solvers have captured imaginations worldwide. Created by Hanna-Barbera, the series follows Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma as they investigate spooky mysteries, usually involving unmasking villains.

The show’s formula of humor, suspense, and teamwork has remained popular across generations. Scooby-Doo pioneered the “monster of the week” format, influencing countless other cartoons.

Its many spin-offs, movies, and reboots keep the franchise fresh for new audiences. Cross-generational appeal means parents often introduce the show to their children, creating a lasting family tradition.

The lovable Great Dane and his friends continue to entertain with their timeless charm and quirky antics.

• Voiced by: Don Messick (original Scooby), Frank Welker (Scooby since 2002), Casey Kasem (Shaggy)
• Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Adventure
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1969
• Language: English
• Director: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera (original creators/directors)
• Number of Seasons: Multiple series; original show had 2 seasons, many reboots and spin-offs with varied seasons

Mystery-Solving Legacy: 50+ years strong

Since 1969, Scooby-Doo and his gang have been unmasking villains, making the franchise one of the most enduring in animation history.

Format Innovation:

Scooby-Doo popularized the “monster of the week” format, influencing countless children’s mystery-adventure shows.

Cross-Generational Appeal:

From baby boomers to Generation Z, Scooby-Doo continues to be a beloved family viewing tradition.

7. SpongeBob SquarePants

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants premiered in 1999, creating an underwater world filled with quirky humor and eccentric characters. Created by Stephen Hillenburg, SpongeBob is an eternally optimistic sea sponge who works at the Krusty Krab and lives in a pineapple under the sea.

The show appeals to children and adults alike, blending absurd comedy with heartwarming moments. Its unique brand of humor has generated a massive fanbase and spawned billions in merchandise sales.

SpongeBob has also become a significant figure in internet meme culture, with countless scenes becoming viral. With over 13 seasons and 50 languages, the show’s global reach proves its universal appeal.

• Voiced by: Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward)
• Genre: Comedy, Children’s, Slapstick
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1999
• Language: English
• Director: Stephen Hillenburg (creator), various others over time
• Number of Seasons: 13+ (ongoing)

Nickelodeon's Golden Child: $8+ billion in retail sales

Stephen Hillenburg’s optimistic and quirky sea sponge has become Nickelodeon’s most successful creation. SpongeBob SquarePants appeals to a broad demographic, from young children to college students.

Meme Culture:

SpongeBob’s countless moments have become viral internet memes, securing his place in digital culture.

Global Appeal:

Broadcast in over 170 countries and translated into more than 50 languages, SpongeBob’s humor transcends borders.

6. Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, began as a manga in the 1980s before becoming an influential anime series.

It follows Goku and his friends as they protect Earth using martial arts, powerful energy attacks, and transformative abilities.

The action-packed narrative, with epic battles and character growth, has made it a global phenomenon.

Broadcast in over 80 countries, it introduced many viewers to anime for the first time. The franchise’s success led to numerous sequels like Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, with huge followings worldwide.

• Voiced by: Masako Nozawa (Goku in Japanese), Sean Schemmel (Goku in English)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts, Fantasy
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Released Year: 1986 (original Dragon Ball anime)
• Language: Japanese (original), English (dub), others
• Director: Various including Daisuke Nishio (Dragon Ball Z)
• Number of Seasons: Dragon Ball (153 episodes), Dragon Ball Z (291 episodes), plus sequels like Dragon Ball Super (5 seasons total)

Manga Sales: 260+ million copies

Akira Toriyama’s martial arts epic went from a Japanese manga to a global sensation. Dragon Ball Z became synonymous with anime for millions around the world.

International Success:

Broadcast in over 80 countries, the series inspired a generation of fans and even professional athletes who cite Goku as an inspiration.

Merchandising Powerhouse:

Generating over $5 billion annually, Dragon Ball’s reach extends across media, merchandise, and licensing worldwide.

5. Pokemon

Starting as a video game in 1996 and quickly becoming an anime sensation, Pokémon has grown into the highest-grossing media franchise ever. Created by Satoshi Tajiri, the story follows Ash Ketchum and his quest to become a Pokémon Master by catching, training, and battling creatures known as Pokémon.

The franchise includes TV shows, movies, trading cards, toys, and video games, making it a multimedia powerhouse.

Broadcast in nearly every country, Pokémon introduced many Western audiences to Japanese anime and culture. Its blend of adventure, friendship, and strategy has captivated children and adults alike.

Pokémon’s widespread popularity helped spark a global anime boom and continues to generate new content, maintaining its cultural relevance across decades.

• Voiced by: Rica Matsumoto (Japanese Ash), Veronica Taylor and Sarah Natochenny (English Ash), many others for characters
• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Released Year: 1997 (anime)
• Language: Japanese (original), English (dub), multiple others
• Director: Kunihiko Yuyama (primary anime director)
• Number of Seasons: Over 25 seasons in the main series (varies by region and arc)

Multimedia Empire: $100+ billion franchise

Created by Satoshi Tajiri, Pokémon began as a modest Game Boy game in Japan but quickly exploded into a worldwide phenomenon encompassing TV shows, movies, trading cards, and endless merchandise.

Global Reach:

Pokémon airs in 192 countries and has been translated into more than a dozen languages. With over 440 million video games sold and 52 billion trading cards distributed, its impact is unmatched.

Cultural Bridge:

Pokémon was pivotal in introducing Western audiences to Japanese anime and culture, sparking a worldwide anime boom.

4. The Simpsons

Debuting in 1989, The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted American TV show and has revolutionized adult animation. Created by Matt Groening, the show features the dysfunctional yet lovable Simpson family living in the fictional town of Springfield.

It blends humor with sharp social and political satire, addressing real-world issues through animated storytelling.

The Simpsons has predicted future events with remarkable accuracy, earning it a unique place in pop culture. Its mix of heartfelt moments, witty jokes, and complex characters has attracted a loyal, multigenerational audience.

The series has also paved the way for numerous adult-oriented cartoons, expanding the genre’s reach.

Over 35 seasons later, The Simpsons remains a relevant and influential force in television.

• Voiced by: Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer
• Genre: Animated Sitcom, Satire, Comedy
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1989
• Language: English
• Director: Various, including David Silverman, Jim Reardon
• Number of Seasons: 35+ (ongoing)

Longest-Running: 35+ seasons and counting

Matt Groening’s iconic yellow family from Springfield has redefined animation’s potential since its debut in 1989. What started as a simple family sitcom evolved into a sharp social commentary that resonates with adults and children alike.

Revolutionary Impact:

The Simpsons proved cartoons could tackle serious societal issues while remaining entertaining. It paved the way for adult-oriented animated series like Family Guy and Rick and Morty.

Prediction Power:

The show is famous for making over 30 eerily accurate predictions—from technological advances to political events.

3. Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes launched in the 1930s with a cast of vibrant, zany characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig. Bugs Bunny, the franchise’s star, became famous for his clever wit and catchphrase, “What’s up, Doc?” The series combined slapstick, satire, and sophisticated humor, appealing to both children and adults.

Produced by Warner Bros., Looney Tunes influenced generations of animators and became a cultural staple with theatrical shorts, TV shows, and movies.

The franchise has generated billions in merchandise sales and remains relevant, partly due to projects like Space Jam, which mixed animation with live-action.

Its enduring popularity reflects the timeless humor and memorable personalities of its characters. Looney Tunes also pioneered innovative animation techniques that shaped the industry.

• Voiced by: Mel Blanc (original voice of Bugs Bunny), others include Jeff Bergman and Joe Alaskey
• Genre: Comedy, Satire
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1930
• Language: English
• Director: Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, Robert McKimson (among others)
• Number of Seasons: Multiple series; original shorts (1930s–1960s), newer series (Looney Tunes Show 2011–2014 had 2 seasons)

Box Office Magic:

Theatrical films featuring the Looney Tunes have grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Their merchandise continues to generate billions in sales annually.

Cultural Phenomenon:

Bugs Bunny’s collaboration with Michael Jordan in Space Jam (1996), which grossed $250 million globally, introduced him to a new generation, blending animation with live-action in a cultural milestone.

2. Tom and Jerry

Created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Tom and Jerry is a classic cat-and-mouse duo whose comedic antics have entertained audiences globally.

What sets this cartoon apart is its near-complete reliance on visual slapstick humor, allowing it to transcend language barriers and cultural differences.

Tom’s relentless pursuit of Jerry is filled with elaborate traps, wild chases, and hilarious misadventures, which have made the show timeless.

Broadcast in over 190 countries, it often serves as many children’s first exposure to Western animation.

With seven Academy Awards to its name, it remains one of the most critically acclaimed animated series ever. The minimal dialogue enhances its universal appeal, making it accessible to viewers of all ages.

• Voiced by: Mostly non-verbal, some vocal effects by William Hanna; some characters voiced by various actors like June Foray and Harry E. Lang
• Genre: Slapstick, Comedy
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1940
• Language: Mostly non-verbal, occasional vocal sounds
• Director: William Hanna & Joseph Barbera (original shorts)
• Number of Seasons: Various series; classic shorts (1940–1958), The Tom and Jerry Show (1975, 2014, 2021) — number of seasons varies by version, e.g., 2014 show had 3 seasons.

Episodes Broadcast: 190+ countries

This classic cat-and-mouse duo has achieved a remarkable feat: making audiences worldwide laugh without uttering a single word. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera in 1940, Tom and Jerry's universal appeal lies in its pure visual comedy, allowing it to effortlessly cross language barriers.

Global Domination:

Broadcast in nearly every country, Tom and Jerry often serve as many children’s first encounter with Western animation.

Awards Glory:

The series has won seven Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film—more than any other animated series in history, cementing its legacy.

1. Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse is arguably the most iconic cartoon character in history, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1928.

This cheerful anthropomorphic mouse quickly became a symbol of joy and optimism worldwide.

Over nearly a century, Mickey has starred in over 130 films and numerous television shows, spreading Disney’s magic across more than 200 countries.

Beyond entertainment, Mickey Mouse represents the American Dream, appearing on currency, merchandise, and theme parks across four continents.

The character’s appeal crosses generations, with “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” engaging young children, while the classic shorts still entertain adults today.

Mickey’s global recognition—at 98% of children worldwide—is unmatched by any other fictional character.

• Voiced by: Walt Disney (original voice of Mickey Mouse), later Wayne Allwine, Bret Iwan
• Genre: Comedy, Family, Musical
• Country of Origin: United States
• Released Year: 1928 (Steamboat Willie)
• Language: English (original)
• Director: Walt Disney (early shorts), various over time
• Number of Seasons: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (2006–2016) had 4 seasons; Mickey Mouse shorts (2013–2019) had 5 seasons

Global Recognition: 98% worldwide

Cultural Impact:

Mickey has graced currency in several countries and boasts a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Disney’s empire reaches over 200 countries, with “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” translated into more than 30 languages. The character’s appeal transcends age, inspiring theme parks on four continents and shaping generations.