The Best Comic Book Cartoons & Animated Shows

Updated June 23, 2023 64.4K votes 4.2K voters 51.9K views

Over 4.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Comic Book Cartoons & Animated Shows

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite animated TV shows based on comics!

A lot of children's first introduction to comic book characters come in the form of animated television shows. Sure, nowadays we have big blockbuster films, live-actions shows, and an enormous amount of video games, but many comic book fans today can trace back the origin of the start of their obsession to comic book cartoons.

Some comic book shows liked to do their own thing and create original stories, but some of the most notable shows are the "X-Men" and "Batman" animated shows from the '90s that were as faithful as they could be to the original comic book storylines.

Not all of them are well received. Shows like "Ultimate Spider-Man" and "Beware the Batman" have fans all riled up.

Here we have a list of all the greatest comic book cartoons ever made. We all have our favorites, but which one is the best? That's for all of you to decide. Make sure to vote up all your favorite comic book animated shows.

What are the best comic cartoons?

Most divisive: The World's Greatest Super Friends

Ranked by

1
Batman: The Animated Series
Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist, Bob Hastings
1,613 votes
- Premiered: September 5, 1992
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation,Fantasy,Kids
A triumph in the realm of animated television, Batman: The Animated Series has set a high standard for storytelling and character development since its debut in 1992. With a dark, film-noir inspired aesthetic and an iconic, award-winning score, this show delves into the complex world of Gotham City and its brooding protector, Batman. The series boasts a stellar voice cast, including Kevin Conroy as the caped crusader himself, and Mark Hamill masterfully portraying the infamous Joker. Throughout its run, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple Emmy Awards and solidifying its status as a beloved classic in both the superhero and animation genres.
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2
Spider-Man
Christopher Daniel Barnes, Jennifer Hale, Ed Asner
1,335 votes
- Premiered: September 10, 1994
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation,Kids
A superhero with spider-like skills fights villains.
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3
Justice League
Carl Lumbly, George Newbern, Phil LaMarr
1,246 votes
- Premiered: November 17, 2001
- Genres: Animation, Animated cartoon, Children's television series, Superhero fiction, Action
Justice League is an American animated television series which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. It is part of the DC animated universe. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics. After the second season, the series was renamed Justice League Unlimited, and aired for an additional three seasons.
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4
Justice League Unlimited
Antoine M. Dillard, Natasha L. Dillard
1,110 votes
- Premiered: November 17, 2001
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation,Fantasy,Kids
Delving into the intricate world of superheroes, Justice League Unlimited showcases an array of characters while expertly balancing action and storytelling. With a rich ensemble cast, including Superman (George Newbern), Batman (Kevin Conroy), and Wonder Woman (Susan Eisenberg), the show masterfully explores the human side of these iconic heroes. As an Emmy-nominated series, it has received accolades for its animation and attention to detail. The intricate plotlines span across multiple episodes, providing viewers with a cohesive narrative that keeps them engaged. This animated gem offers a fresh perspective on familiar faces, reminding us why these heroes continue to resonate with audiences.
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5
Batman Beyond
Will Friedle, Kevin Conroy, Cree Summer
1,181 votes
- Premiered: January 10, 1999
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation,Fantasy,Kids
In a futuristic Gotham City teeming with technological advancements, Batman Beyond introduces a new Dark Knight, Terry McGinnis (voiced by Will Friedle), as he takes up the mantle under the guidance of an aging Bruce Wayne (Kevin Conroy). This animated series, which garnered a Daytime Emmy Award, masterfully weaves elements of action, drama, and science fiction to create a fresh take on the iconic superhero. The show delves into the complexities of heroism and mentorship, while exploring the ever-evolving landscape of crime and justice. With its cutting-edge animation and gripping storylines, Batman Beyond remains a standout entry in the DC animated universe.
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6
Young Justice
Jesse McCartney, Jason Spisak, Khary Payton
1,070 votes
- Premiered: November 26, 2010
- Genres: Action,Adventure,Animation
Young Justice, an animated series that delves into the lives of DC Comics' most iconic sidekicks, showcases their journey as they forge their own identities while fighting crime and navigating adolescence. With its rich storytelling and dynamic character development, the show has earned a dedicated following and critical acclaim, including multiple Daytime Emmy Award nominations. The ensemble cast features Aqualad (Khary Payton), Robin (Jesse McCartney), Kid Flash (Jason Spisak), and others, as they confront various challenges and work together under the guidance of their mentors, such as Batman and Aquaman. Young Justice strikes a fine balance between superhero action and relatable human drama, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
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Batman: The Animated Series

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Spider-Man

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Justice League

Justice League Unlimited

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Batman Beyond

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Young Justice

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