Cartoons run the gamut from kid-friendly programming to more absurdist adult satire. One hallmark shared by many cartoons, regardless of genre, is having a catchy theme song.
Ranker has created a list of the top cartoon theme songs of cartoons. Let’s take a trip down memory lane as we count down the top 20.
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20. *Danny Phantom*
Danny Phantom only stuck around for three short seasons, but the series had a lasting legacy. Its theme music, composed by Guy Moon and Butch Hartman, helped set the scene for a show that’s still fondly remembered to this day.
19. *The Magic School Bus*
Based on a best-selling series of educational children’s books, this PBS series had a good amount of star power. Lily Tomlin voiced Miss Frizzle while the theme song, ‘Ride on the Magic School Bus’, was performed by the legendary Little Richard.
18. *Pinky and the Brain*
This is one of those kids’ shows that was almost too smart for its own good. Its catchy theme song explained the whole concept in just a few words: “one is a genius, the other is insane.”
17. *Animaniacs*
A variety show consisting of the titular Animaniacs performing in short skits, this was one of the most popular, clever and imaginative cartoons of the ’90s. A catchy theme song, composed by Richard Stone, kicked off every episode.
16. *The Fairly OddParents*
One of Nickelodeon’s strange but successful shows, The Fairly OddParents followed the trials and tribulations of a ten-year-old kid with two fairy godparents. The show was successful enough to run for an impressive ten seasons, which is rare for a cartoon.
15. *Kim Possible*
A staple of early 2000s Disney Channel programming, Kim Possible follows the exploits of Kim and her friend Ron Stoppable as they thwart the plants of a mad scientist. The opening theme, ‘Call Me, Beep Me,’ was performed by Chrstina Milian.
14. *What’s New, Scooby-Doo?*
What’s New, Scooby-Doo? is a 2002 revival of the classic series. While it didn’t differ from the original in too many ways, it featured a very 2002 theme song, performed by pop punkers Simple Plan.
13. *The Simpsons*
The grandaddy of all Fox adult animated series, The Simpsons has more than thirty seasons, and about six good seasons, under its belt. The opening theme goes from dreamy to manic in about three seconds flat and is accompanied by an iconic intro sequence.
12. *The Looney Tunes Show*
There’s no shortage of vintage Looney Tunes material out there, but Warner Brothers decided to update the classic shorts for the 21st century with 2011’s The Looney Tunes Show . The opening theme retains some of that vintage Looney Tunes magic.
11. *The Jetsons*
The futuristic counterpart to The Flintstones , The Jetsons is one of those classic cartoons that you might watch if there’s literally nothing else on TV. That said, Hanna-Barbera did a good job with their classic opening sequence and theme.
10. *Popeye the Sailor*
Popeye’s history stretches back nearly a century, and at the time this cartoon premiered, the franchise was already a few decades old. The sing-song intro, where Popeye reveals his whole mission statement, is one that’s impossible to forget.
9. *Teen Titans*
Teen Titans , a cartoon spinoff of the DC Comics series, ran for five seasons plus a movie in the early 2000s. The opening theme, performed by Japanese rock duo Puffy AmiYumi, is the perfect accompaniment for the show.
8. *Pokémon*
The TV series that spawned a franchise of video games and various other entertainment premiered in April of 1997. The fast-paced intro theme let viewers know that it was time to buckle up and enter the world of the Pocket Monsters.
7. *Inspector Gadget*
A beloved cartoon for anyone who grew up in the ’80s, Inspector Gadget is remembered for many things, but the iconic theme — dah, dah-dah-dah-dah, Inspector Gadget! — might be the most identifiable part of the whole show.
6. *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*
Another iconic ’80s series, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles proved that all you need in a good theme song is a chorus that’ll have kids repeatedly screaming the name of the show. It’s a great form of marketing.
5. *SpongeBob SquarePants*
The SpongeBob SquarePants theme is one of those opening ditties that perfectly matches the show that’s about to follow. The theme, appropriately titled ‘SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Song,’ fits the nautical, irreverent flavor of the show like a hand in a glove.
4. *The Pink Panther Show*
Part of a franchise that confusingly includes cartoons, live-action movies and, uh, pink insulation advertisements, The Pink Panther has a theme that’s more memorable than the show itself. The cool saxophone riff is the kind of song that just doesn’t need lyrics.
3. *DuckTales*
Like many classic cartoons, the DuckTales theme serves two purposes: giving kids a catchy song that will live in their heads well into adulthood, along with explaining in lyrical form what the show they’re about to watch is all about.
2. *The Flintstones*
The Stone Age counterpart to The Jetsons , The Flintstones is an arguably better show, although that isn’t saying much. It has one of those theme songs that everyone knows, even if they’ve never watched the original series.
1. *Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!*
At number one on the list is the OG Scooby Doo cartoon. The theme, ‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!’was performed by Larry Marks from 1969 to 1970, and George A. Robertson, Jr. took over singing duties in 1970.
