Cartoons come and go. They speak to a different generation as each decade passes, but there are some cartoons that speak to more than one, even all of them. These shows create lovable characters that live on in each generation in both their original form and in reshaped versions for a new audience. Three of these cartoons rise above the rest. 

 3. “Tom and Jerry”

“Tom and Jerry” had the same formula for every episode, a cat chasing a mouse. Yet it was so much more than that. Something so simple allowed for kids to connect to the characters, it showed them that the cat and the mouse needed each other. Every cat needs a mouse to chase and vice versa. Without the other, they had nothing to live for. “Tom and Jerry” reminds us that we need others, even if they have differing views.

 2. “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

This show is an amazing display of talent and artistry. The visual style produced action, drama and comedy. It was no ordinary cartoon. Each movement and expression of the characters told the story as well as the dialogue. Even more amazing, was the incredible visual world that was brought into full animation. Four nations were brought to life and tied together with a unique coming-of-age story. Avatar Aang will live on in animation lore.

 1. “Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?”

Scooby-Doo has lived on from generation to generation without taking a long hiatus. Countless spin-offs and movies have been made, and it was all because of this first series. “Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?” provided a perfect balance of mystery and comedy. It kept kids intrigued and its formula has yet to wear out. Children everywhere want adventure, and Scooby-Doo has plenty of mysteries that need solving. The simple style of animation, the relatable characters, lovable dog and the sense of involvement draws you into the greatest cartoon ever made, and perhaps the greatest cartoon that ever will be made.