Top 20 Best Cartoons You Forgot Existed

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Summary

This video from WatchMojo counts down the top 20 animated programs that have been largely forgotten but are deserving of a comeback. These cartoons, despite their potential, often suffered from low ratings, short runs, or other unfortunate circumstances, preventing them from achieving the widespread recognition they deserved.

Highlights

20. Mummies Alive
00:00:50

This animated series features ancient Egyptian mummies who reawaken in the modern world to protect a boy named Presley, who carries the spirit of Prince Rapses. Despite interesting mythological elements and a 42-episode run, it was canceled after its first season due to low ratings.

Introduction
00:00:00

The video introduces the premise of the countdown: identifying 20 outstanding animated shows that fell through the cracks after their initial run and are now due for rediscovery or a comeback.

19. Bravestarr
00:01:50

Filmation's final cartoon, Bravestarr, is a sci-fi Western set on New Texas. Marshall Bravestarr, with help from spirit animals, maintains peace against a villainous gold rush. It offered strong morals but couldn't compete with other popular shows and was canceled alongside Filmation itself.

18. Count Duckula
00:02:49

A spin-off of Danger Mouse, this cartoon features a vegetarian vampire duck. Known for its smart humor and unique concept, it enjoyed a loyal following before its eventual cancellation. The character, as part of a dynasty, is known for making comebacks.

17. The Wuzzles
00:03:47

Premiering on the same day as Disney's Gummy Bears, The Wuzzles featured hybrid animal characters like Bumbie Lions and Eleroos. Despite its sweet stories and smooth animation, its run was cut short after the tragic death of Bill Scott, the voice of Moosel.

16. The Life and Times of Juniper Lee
00:04:55

Juniper Lee balances the human and magical worlds, fighting monsters while navigating school life. Described as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Simpsons' for its mix of fantasy and self-aware humor, it ran for three seasons before being canceled due to low ratings.

15. The Pirates of Dark Water
00:05:50

This Hanna-Barbera production followed Prince Ren and his crew's quest to find 13 treasures to save their world from the Dark Water. Known for its gritty, swashbuckling premise, the series tragically ended on a cliffhanger with only eight treasures found.

14. Cadillacs and Dinosaurs
00:06:37

Based on the Xenozoic Tales comics, this show portrays a future where dinosaurs have returned. Jack Tenrec and his mechanics fight for survival against resurrected dinosaurs, corrupt politicians, and poachers. It was ahead of its time, tackling environmental issues, but lasted only 13 episodes.

13. Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars
00:07:42

Set in the 'Aniverse,' Captain Bucky O'Hare and his crew battle a toad empire controlled by a rogue computer. This well-animated series, based on a comic, explored a vast universe and intense intergalactic war, but only aired 13 episodes.

12. Megas XLR
00:08:23

A giant time-traveling robot, meant to save humanity from the Glorft in the future, accidentally lands in the past and is modified by two slackers. This action-comedy, which won a Cartoon Network contest, was loved for its unique premise but canceled due to low ratings.

11. The Weekenders
00:09:26

This Disney classic focuses on four seventh graders and their weekend adventures in Bahia Bay. Praised for its relatable portrayal of junior high life and diverse activities, it was canceled after four seasons despite positive reviews and good ratings.

10. Braceface
00:10:21

The show follows Sharon Spitz, a junior high student with braces, through the ups and downs of being a teenager. Known for its humor and relatability, and featuring Alicia Silverstone as both executive producer and the voice of Sharon, it ran for three seasons.

9. Dino-Riders
00:11:18

Combining dinosaurs with futuristic artillery and aliens in a war-torn setting, this series offered a unique 'Star Wars meets Jurassic Park' premise. Despite its imaginative concept, it lasted only 14 episodes and primarily served as a toy commercial.

8. Biker Mice from Mars
00:12:08

Featuring three Martian biker mice fighting villains, this cartoon exemplified the quirky sci-fi shows of the late 80s/early 90s. With self-aware humor, creative characters, and colorful action, it was a popular Saturday morning cartoon.

7. Samurai Pizza Cats
00:13:06

An English adaptation of an anime series, Samurai Pizza Cats was known for its ludicrous action, rapid-fire dialogue, and constant pop culture references. It was a chaotic and energetic show, perfect for a sugar-fueled Saturday morning.

6. Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
00:13:52

Based on the real-life Japanese J-pop group, this animated series chronicles the hilarious misadventures of cartoon rock stars Ami and Yumi as they tour the world. Despite its unique premise and increased Cartoon Network's audience, the series was canceled in 2006.

5. Darkwing Duck
00:14:51

This show blended the adventure and wit of DuckTales with a superhero setting. Darkwing Duck, an egomaniac hero, battled inventive villains with the help of his daughter, Gosalyn, and sidekick, Launchpad. A new comic series was released in 2023, keeping hope for a reboot alive.

4. ReBoot
00:15:58

ReBoot was groundbreaking as the first TV series fully rendered in CGI. It offered a unique world and delightful characters, with technology that was innovative for its time. While a 2018 Netflix spin-off failed to capture the original's essence, fans still hope for a proper reboot.

3. Samurai Jack
00:16:55

A four-time Emmy-winning series, Samurai Jack was celebrated for its cinematic quality, stunning animation, dark tone, and complex storytelling, often featuring minimal dialogue. Creator Genndy Tartakovsky eventually concluded the story with a fifth season on Adult Swim after years of fan demand.

2. Shadow Raiders (War Planets)
00:17:44

Considered a spiritual successor to ReBoot, this CGI sci-fi series is set in a solar system called 'The Cluster.' Different worlds unite against the threat of the Beast Planet, promoting themes of unity and peace. Despite being based on a toy line, it stood out as an original and well-executed series.

1. Gargoyles
00:18:56

Gargoyles is highlighted as an animated series that deserved a wider audience. It gained a cult following due to its stunning animation, dark tone, sophisticated themes, complex characters, and literary influences. The video highly recommends watching it for an unforgettable experience.

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