Najae's Top 5 Cartoons

5. Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry created one of the most famous and long-lived rivalries in the history of television. Though the show barely used any dialogue, the actions of the characters entertained the audience. The lack of speaking in the cartoon caused the music played in the background to be extremely important. The sound effects accented and added emotion to what was happening during each episode. Viewers tuned in to see if Tom would finally win or would he be once again outsmarted by Jerry. The cartoon mostly uses slapstick comedy which is very easy for its audience to understand. Dramatic irony is also used to make viewers laugh such as when we know Tom is around the corner or that Jerry has a hammer behind his back. The cartoon did not need an extensive cast or a complicated plot to keep its audience interested. The show was exteneded into movies and won seven academy awards. It is a cartoon that has stood the test of time and is still watched today.

4. Scooby Doo

Scooby Doo was one of the only cartoons that proposed a mystery for its audience.  After watching the episode and attempting to solve the mystery it was interesting to see who was the villain of that episode and why. The characters themselves each added substance to the cartoon. Scooby and Shaggy's obliviousness of what was happening while on their never ending quest for food was entertaining. We always wanted to see how the mess created by the dynamic duo would be corrected by the rest of the characters. Fred's leadership role, Daphne's damsel in distress act, and Velma's intelligence each provided pieces to the puzzle that was the gang. The cartoon also had signature characteristics often imitated by fans such as the Mystery Machine and the infamous Scooby Snacks. New episodes of Scooby Doo are still being made in the present day in addition to the several spin-offs and movies previously aired. The cartoon continues to make the fifties accessible and enjoyable to watch. 

3. Courage The Cowardly Dog

This cartoon was unlike anything else that was coming on television during it's time. Courage the Cowardly Dog actually scared viewers which was highly unexpected from something coming on Cartoon Network. First off the show did not make use of bright colors and appealing characters like much of what was being shown for children. It consisted of dark colors, eerie music, and supernatural villains with very disturbing features which intrigued its audience.  The show won an Annie Award for its unique use of music in one of it's episodes in 2001. The setting of the show was also very different than any other show that was being aired. Most cartoons were being depicted in large cities while Courage the Cowardly Dog took place literally in the middle of nowhere. The show also made use of irony by naming the main character Courage who was not the superhero his owners felt that he should be. We would always want to see how the very timid Courage would fight off the next group of monsters.  

2. Family Guy

Family Guy is such a great cartoon because it creates a satirical view of american culture. This is funny to us as viewers because we are all guilty of the things they are making fun of. Family guy is also extremely racists, but because the writers make of of several different cultures, we accept the insults as just jokes. The show also has signature phrases and sayings that are comical such as Quagmire's "giggity giggity goo." Several other characters in the show have signature things that they do that also add substance to the show. Stewie's obsession with world domination and Meg's desire to fit in puts them in interesting situations that the audience enjoys. Family guy makes it's viewers laugh at the political, social, and economic issues facing America. The shows ability to do this is what makes it so great and entertaining. Family Guy's nomination for 12 Emmy's and 11 Annie awards and the winning of three of each are verification enough of the appeal of the show in addition to the characteristics discussed.

1. Spongebob Squarepants

Spongebob being the highest rated show on nickelodeon solidifies its position as the best cartoon ever to happen to the network. The show is also just plain funny. The entire concept of the show is funny to us now because we are older and realize that it is so unrealistic. We know that there can be no underwater city and animals can not speak. But we still watch Spongebob because its very enjoyable. Obama stated in an interview in 2007 that Spongebob was his favorite character. No matter the age of the audience, the situations the characters get themselves into are comical. The characters also possess qualities that make them funny such as Mr. Krabs'  frugal behavior and Patrick's stupidity. The show also approaches social issues in a careful, sublte way. For example when both Spongebob and Patrick were the parents of the baby clam. We as veiwers probably werent aware at the time but this episode was about homosexuality. Spongebob was such a huge success because it can be enjoyed by the entire family. I enjoy spongebob because it is almost like a vacation away from the harsh realities we experience daily.