Roll out the red carpets for our animated gods and goddesses! Nickelodeon nudged its way onto the air back in 1979. Since then its members have built a massive empire, creating radical cartoons for older and younger people. Relax and forget the real world for a minute and venture into the glorious planet of Nickelodeon.
20. Robot and Monster
It’s a super light series that’s free- spirited and visually captivating with its CGI and 3D graphics. The show is mostly for younger kids as it lacks Nickelodeon’s raunchy characters and humor. Mimicking older shows such as Dora the Explorer and The Backyardigans, it’s a nice background show for a peaceful evening.
Robot and Monster displays a bouncy bunch of oddball creatures that resemble plush toys. Sometimes it feels as if you can reach into the screen and touch the whimsical animations. The message about friendship and forgiveness is perfect for little tykes. Those who were around for the short-lived series can appreciate its simplistic and kind-hearted nature.
19. Fanboy and Chum Chum
Nickelodeon let loose when created this insanely loud and boisterous cartoon. The artistic animation is popish and wonderfully colored. 3D animation is always super aesthetically enticing on the eyes. It’s fun to watch and has non-stop action scenes.
Fanboys energetic personality hypes kids up and keeps them fully submerged in the cartoon. Chum chum is a more sensible and sweet character which you think would balance out the hyper-ness of the series. Alas, every episode constantly has some chaotic daily misadventure that’s blown out of proportion for the boys.
Nickelodeon unleashes some of its most dirty and potty related humor yet for a show. Characters are praised for their sleek, vibrant look as well as their gregarious personas. It won five Daytime Emmy Awards for its story directing and animation visuals.
18. Back at the Barnyard
CGI animation began growing in popularity for many shows. It will always be a wonderful new take on the traditional style of cartoons. The animals are bouncy, smooth, and possess life-like textures. Nickelodeon threw in every possible critter you would encounter when visiting a farm.
Each episode consists of the wacky, diverse friends stirring up trouble then needing to fix it. The characters' contrasting qualities always make for a wrong turn. Pig is laid back and calm, Freddy is a frantic ferret, and Peck is a squeamish chicken. It’s pretty funny how the animated animals match up to what you’d think the real animals would be like.
Back at the Barnyard serves good intentions with its underlying theme of friendship and loyalty. Children get a kick out of watching the farm critters trick the humans and driving them to insanity. Parents get a chuckle too by picking up on some sly, crude comical jokes.
17. My Life as a Teenage Robot
It has a nice old school animation style with comic-like settings and characters. Though the plots lack originality and depth, its action and drama mixes the show up nicely. Jenny was crafted by Dr. Nora (who is also her mother) to protect the town of Tremorton from evil.
Jenny is the symbol for what life is like to be a teenage girl. She battles typical young adult issues while also catering to her responsibilities as the world's guardian. It’s great for young kids who are going through the transition into their teens, especially young girls.
My Life as a Teenage Robot displays fun, superhero animation effects and is an exciting watch. Everyone can understand and appreciate the underlying message the show conveys. Growing up can sort of feel daunting and isolating- much like how Jenny the robot feels amongst her human peers.
16. Rocket Power
Rocket Power is one of Nickelodeon’s older cartoon series. It ran from 1999 to 2004. It displays a retro style of animation. The characters have wacky colored hair and clothes and super distinctive facial features. Sketches of buildings and nature are super basic giving it an old school vibe.
Otto and his pals are always taking part in extreme sports like surfing, street hockey, and skateboarding. Kids will be inspired to take on the roles of the character by trying their own hand at sports. Rocket Power is a wild and fun series that is exciting and lively to watch.
The theme of the story sends a nice message that parents will enjoy. Despite the kids' competitive nature, their friendship always shines through in the end. Premise of the story is new, original, and motivational. Children’s hearts will be full of exhilaration and ready to jump into new hobbies and adventures.
15. Invader Zim
There has been nothing but high critic ratings and reviews for Invader Zim. This dark fiction comedy series has taken Nick fans to a whole new dimension. Art style, galactic design, and character creation are absolutely exceptional. An Annie Award, Emmy Award, and World Animation Celebration Award were taken home by its producers.
Zim is an outcast alien due to his short height and thus banished from his planet Irk. The Irken government prepares its Operation for invasion and gives Zim a unique secret mission to keep him distracted. What’s really brilliant is the discolored and dim dystopian tale on Earth. It’s unlike any show Nickelodeon has offered in its dark imagery and setting.
Zim disguises himself as a human in order to dive into the world of the humans and plan his conquest. It’s energetic, moody humor can be creepy and frightful at times. It’s a great horror series that's scary yet whimsical and enchanting as well.
Incredible cutting edge weaponry and sci-fi instruments are used throughout the show. Nickelodeon put its head and heart into developing a show that appeals to the eerie emotions of adults and kids. Invader Zim checks off every single box in regards to its strangeness, stupidity, and limits to animation.
14. The Naked Brothers Band
Most of the characters are non-fictional. Nat, Alex, and their band members are “real.” The brothers are real, the friends are real, and the music is real. The gang showcases their music by documenting it onto the internet to grow stardom.
The show is a fun idea as the cast members videotape music videos and awesome tunes in hopes to make it big. It’s especially enticing for young teens with its relatable aspects regarding friendship, love interests, and sibling rivalry. Nat and Alex’s looks gained lots of interest from girls.
Plots during episodes usually consist of issues the bands face in making decisions as well as relationship and coming of age problems. Songs created by the band were big hits during its time and inspired young viewers to pursue even their wildest dreams.
Storyline is light and fun natured and the humor style caters to the dirty and natural minds of tweens. What kid doesn’t enjoy watching other kids slap together their own music group and making it big? Nickelodeon received lots of recognition for the production of the series, although it didn’t gather as much fame as they had hoped for.
13. The Wild Thornberrys
The Thornberry family is known for creating documentaries based around their wildlife studies. Nigel and his wife Marianne are enthusiastic nature freaks who travel in their motor home along with Eliza, teenager Debbie, and feral boy Donnie. The characters are hilariously sketched together. Facial features are blown out of proportion displaying giant noses, teeth, and foreheads.
Storylines follow Eliza and her pet monkey Darwin as they assist animals who need help. It's super fun to explore different species and crazy animals lifestyles with the crazy family. Art animation is scribbled loosely and painted in with brilliant textures and designs.
Nickelodeon did a superb job in its storyboarding and unique overall plot sequence. Each episode dives into a new wild setting and surfaces with a fun, educational message. The characters are lively and hilarious to watch.
The Wild Thornberrys won three Genesis Awards in respect to its animation. It encourages young viewers to be kind to animals and explore the world's diversity. Overall, it’s a really cool cartoon with extremely odd ball characters and a plot that's exciting and caring.
12. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatars animation meshes an anime and American cartoon style. Its imagery is focused around Chinese culture while also touching on Asian practices. It has received an outrageous amount of praise for its art, voicing, soundtrack, and overall theme.
Unlike any other kids cartoon, it heavily brushes on war, genocide, imperialism, and free choice. Nickelodeon has been given countless awards and been called one of the greatest animated series of all time. The characters' fighting sequences and intricate plot and details have gained immense popularity by kids and teens as well as older adults.
Avatar: The Last Airbender was the highest rated animated show at its premiere. Its authenticity and story details are emotional and feel very real at times. Of course, Aang's childlike curiosity adds that sweet and light humor that audiences adore. It’s quite impressive how critics have gone nuts about the series and all its glory.
11. Hey Arnold!
Hey Arnold is by far one of those feel-good and easy flowing cartoon series. The plot and story is simple and light-hearted. Characters are whimsical and display uniquely shaped body features which make it visually comical for viewers.
Nickelodeon wanted to focus on creating a show based around hardships of childhood. Arnold and his friends breakthrough difficulties by utilizing their imagination and seeking out the good. Relationships are put to the test in each episode.
Arnold is bullied by Helga, who taunts and teases him to mask her true feelings. This aspect of the show is hilarious as it relates to younger kids in the process of becoming teens. In middle school we don’t quite know how to relay the feeling of “love”, so we often torment our crushes.
Altogether, Hey Arnold is appealing for the eyes and sets out a great message. It’s fun, real, and appropriately humored to please the audience. Honestly, any early Nickelodeon show will always have a special place in its fans' hearts.
10. Victorious
Hilarious, outrageously weird, and well scripted sum up the production of this series. All the characters display contrasting personalities which clash during each episode. The teens are constantly breaking out in song and shooting off comical one liners.
Victorious aired on TeenNick, so it’s meant for teens and older audiences. Most of its humor jabs at today’s modern society and real world actors, movies, and issues. The crew encounters a range of oddball problems such as getting arrested in a foreign country to getting trapped in an RV.
Most episodes feature a song performed by the cast which have become big hits. It’s adult- like humor is witty, quick and oftentimes crude. The show is just flat out weird, but fresh and spunky. The strangeness and rawness of the characters give off a sense of confidence.
Tori and her classmates do not hold back when it comes to speaking their minds and being themselves. I think that’s what makes the show so wonderful. Nickelodeon conveys a message to stay true to yourself and bring your quirks and weirdness to the world.
9. Catdog
Catdog is a one of a kind show. First off, the simple idea of attaching a cat and dog together is super different and out there. The character animation and effects are enough to draw an audience.
It’s got some sick and twisted humor that appeals to kids' deranged brains. Parents are factored in too, understanding the darker and more mature side to its comedy. Cat and dog face problems that real cats and dogs do- one wants to eat trash while the other wants a 5-star meal.
Dogs' high energy and lust for adventure and dirt stir up the heat in Cats world. Cat just wants to live simply and elegantly, but is dragged along whenever dog takes them. The series is wildly entertaining and well crafted together with its imagery.
Catdog is a show where animals live and talk freely without human constraint. It’s cute, freaky, and action packed!
8. Rugrats
Funny and bright animation sketches outline the premise of the show. It’s a rough design with many different textures and patterns. The characters have strange hair and skin colors and are dressed in kooky outfits. They have a doll-like quality to them that older audiences reminisce about.
Viewers toddle along with Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil as they happily play and create messes all in the name of imagination. Nickelodeon received superb ratings for its making of the series. The baby's courageous and wild escapades take place when their parents leave to run errands.
Producers of NickToons claim that Rugrats made them the number-one cable channel in the 1990’s. A spin off was released called “All Grown Up” which depicted the babies as middle schoolers, continuing their misadventures. To this day, reboots of the cartoon are still being created drawing new generations to the wonderful world of the Rugrats.
7. Zoey 101
Anyone who was a teen when Zoey 101 aired can speak to the hilarity and craziness of the show. The series premiere was Nickelodeon’s best performance in almost 8 years at the time. Its finale gathered 7.3 million viewers becoming Nick's highest-rated live-action show ever.
Let’s give a round of applause for what kept audiences coming back- the cast members. Zoey, Lola, Quinn, Logan, Chase, and Michael did a stupendous job in their acting performances. They won two Young Artists Awards for their presentation skills.
From Quinn’s insane science projects to outrageous pranks and tricks- the show displays all sorts of hectic antics. Younger kids and teens more than relate to the relationship and friendship issues the gang encounters. Spontaneity and snarky comical bits script the show perfectly leaving no space for any dullness.
6. Danny Phantom
Danny Phantom is one of Nickelodeon’s cartoons that fans have begged to be brought back. It’s jam packed with so much good content and action that it could have easily lasted for another decade. The animation focuses on crafting an eerie and supernatural realm. Clash of dark colors and outline of the cast make for neat sequencing.
Apart from its never ending violent fighting scenes, it digs inside characters planting lots of depth into meaning into their personalities. Although the ghost boy is plagued with the task of fighting evil spirits, he is much more than a superhero. Danny is charismatic, shy, and empathetic.
Nickelodeon producers put their heads and hearts into depicting destructive, torturous villains while respectively building a deep storyline. The world of the Phantoms is just visually awesome. Zaps of lights, deathly foes, and love interests all come together creating one cutting edge cartoon.
5. Jimmy Neutron
Dude, Jimmy Neutron screams nostalgia. It displayed a 3D computer animation style which added an awesome and realistic look to the characters and setting. The characters get tossed into nutty adventures all thanks to Jimmy’s calamitous inventions.
Jimmy, Sheen, and Carl are almost like the three stooges. With Jimmy’s brains, Sheens lack of brains, and Carl’s cowardly attitudes, the trio manage to stir up trouble in Retroville. The cast members are so differently opinionated which leads to hilarious contrasting scripting and scenes.
Episodes show the squad blasting off into space to protect Earth or diving deep below seas to find a massive monster. Nickelodeon sends the characters to almost every continent in which they’re greeted by new cultures and diverse settings. Episode plots are thrilling, exciting, and actually pretty educational.
Human beings of all ages and generations can appreciate the graphic animation and fun the series brings. It’s the type of show where kids will be attempting to construct their own intergalactic inventions. It speaks to everyone's creativity and imagination.
4. iCarly
Nickelodeon producers poured a plethora of antics, comedy, and wit when making the series. It was and still is a highly loved series by both kids and adults. Much of its humor is harmless, but there are plenty of over-the-head jokes that adults raise their eyebrows at.
It’s just pure stupid and weird humor that doesn’t make any sense. That’s what makes it so bizarre and favorable. It tests the limits of standard comedy and bears no restraints on what the characters will say or do next. The gangs webshow consists of them doing extraordinarily unusual bits such as “random dancing” and forcing their guests to touch and eat gross concoctions.
The show is unpredictable and gives off that fuzzy, feel-good vibe. Episodes shoot references to current society in regards to actors, other T.V shows, and cultures. Nickelodeon has guest starred popular actors and singers like One Direction, David Archuleta, and even Michelle Obama.
Carly and her pals were nominated for 57 Awards for its outstanding acting, comedy, and overall favoritism. It won 13 of those nominations and continues to air on TeenNick from time to time. iCarly promises a good belly-chuckle and oddball bits and scenes that have the audience wondering what they just witnessed.
3. Drake and Josh
The step brothers' completely contrasting personalities set up the episodes for mischief and rivalry. Drake is the ladies man who has his own band and is well liked while Josh is clownish and awkward. Both secretly care for each other and end up protecting and defending the other when turmoil arises.
As of 2006, the series ranked consistently among the 10 most-watched cable shows of the week. It won seven Kids Choice Awards for favorite television show and favorite actors. It drew in an enormous fan group of mostly younger kids and teenagers.
It’s blunt, raw comedy will have viewers snickering whether they are 7 or 77. Both boys come across issues regarding their identities and relationships. Young people can relate to Drake's desire to be liked and Josh’s clumsy and out-of-place characteristics.
Nickelodeon put together a masterpiece in designing a show that balances all aspects of a teenagers life. It can be a little much for elementary and middle school children, but appeases high schoolers and young adults. Much like other Nick sitcoms, it throws in its sly references to famous actors, shows, and societal issues.
2. The Fairly Oddparents
Visual effects and animation style is absolutely stunning. Its enchanting, rainbow-like worlds and comic-like sequences tie together a beautiful show. The series grew a massive liking amongst young kids. A 10- year old boy being granted insane wishes is every child’s dream.
The characters and settings are eccentric, colorful, and exciting to behold. Timmy Turner's wishes usually take a wrong turn which result in Dimsdale and its residents to undergo wild transformations. One wish makes everyday Christmas while another causes famous popstar “Chip Skylark” to lose his shiny teeth.
Each episode Turner must fix his bad wishes before it’s too late. Audiences get the chance to explore the awesome land of Fairy World. The animation is brilliantly bright and fun, tempting the audience to jump into the screen. The characters are loud, boisterous and stupidly entertaining.
Nickelodeon reeled in an impressive 51 nominations for its animation and storyline, winning 11 of them. Sound effects pop, crash, and dazzle adding to its already magical properties. To the present day, reruns of the show are televised and a new spin-off was released. It is Nickelodeon’s second longest running series.
1. Spongebob Squarepants
Our favorite yellow dude first appeared on screens in 1999. Since then, it has taken home a myriad of awards and recognition for its existence. The series is inexplicably original, entertaining every number on the age gage. Stephen Hillenburg worked as a Marine Biologist and derived the idea from his love for the ocean.
Spongebob is Nick's number one longest running show on the channel. It’s natural stupidity is funny without even trying. Dumb and ditzy Patrick Star lives under a rock, (coincidentally), Sandy Cheeks is an intelligent squirrel, and Mr. Krabs is a cheapskate business owner. The characters are so clever and well thought out.
Much like its 1990’s cartoon siblings, it’s a simple 2D and 3D animation style. Bikini Bottom is adorable and breathtakingly unique. The underwater theme is unlike anything of its kind. We’ve got fish driving boats, clarinet playing squids, and even talking computers. Spongebob has no limits on its storyline.
Kids and parents fell in love with the sponges' charming and charismatic persona. Whatever problem arises he faces it head on with optimism. Three movies have been released since its airing as well as spin-offs of the original series. People can’t get enough of Spongebob. The only question is: will the show ever end?
You May Also Be Interested In:
- https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/best-cartoons-that-were-cancelled
- https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-best-episodes
- https://www.gamersdecide.com/articles/best-sci-fi-cartoons
