We've all imagined what it'd be like to venture through space. Not everyone can become an astronaut. But here are top 10 cartoons that'll make it feel like you are!
10. Lloyd in Space
Lloyd is your average alien in middle school with a space captain mom and a mind-reading bratty sister. Every day he navigates his own personal nebula known as life. But with his family, friends, and intergalactic community, he just might survive!
How many thought this show was a fever dream before looking it up and seeing it was actually real?
Sweet, sweet memories…
If you grew up on Toon Disney, your childhood was the best!
While shows like Darkwing Duck and Tailspin took the spotlight, this show was so HORRIBLY underrated!
I can’t understand why this does not sit on the same pedestal as the other classic Disney Afternoon shows. It was creative, comedic, and didn’t have to go overboard with dark sequences and massive angst. *cough*Steven Universe*cough*
Like Star Wars, there were a lot of different alien species to learn from. Even robots had personality in this series (Lloyd’s teacher is a hilariously sadistic bitch for someone “outdated”).
It almost felt as if you were there, hanging out with Lloyd and the gang. And forget that you’re even in space. It was just the norm. And the mall was ten times better than yours.
One of the things that really made this show interesting was how they didn’t make the human the main character of the show. Eddie is a human, but this show doesn’t focus on him. His role is mainly being the supportive best friend to Lloyd, who’s an alien.
Don’t get me wrong, the “human among non-human people” trope is great. But then it came around to that moment where that’s almost become the norm: Steven Universe, Amphibia, The Owl House, Penn-Zero: Part Time Hero, etc.
And no, Eddie is not a “token human”, he makes the show what it is as much as Lloyd and any other character in the show. He is the Sandy to Lloyd’s Spongebob. (Fun fact: Kurt, one of Lloyd’s best friends, shares the same voice actor and traits of Patrick Star)
If Ducktales can get a reboot (not to mention bring back the nostalgia of every Disney Afternoon cartoon we know, even the Gummi Bears), then there should be no qualms about rebooting THIS.
9. Astroblast!
They say running a space station AND a smoothie cafe is impossible. Not for Comet, Sputnik, Halley, Radar, and Jet who run such an amazing business alongside their good friend Sal! The Frosty Star is one of the best smoothie hangouts in the galaxy. Run by the best crew this side of the Milky Way!
I remember how 2016 was definitely a sh*tty year (granted, it was nothing compared to 2020; and 2021 is hits and misses). I was often home alone and always looking for a good channel to serve as background noise (so the house would feel less lonely). And I discovered the Sprout (which is now rebranded as Universal Kids) network.
And this show made me forget my depression.
It was cute. It was in space. And I love talking animals. And smoothies.
Comet and the gang live with their good friend Sal in the space station. But for me, it felt like we were all living together.
What really made me fall in love with this show was how they treated their customers like family. Olive Garden should just sell the rights of the “When you’re here, you’re family” slogan to the Frosty Star.
This show wasn’t without its lessons. Not super sugary lessons like what Dora the Explorer shoves down your throat. But relatable ones that would make both kids and adults nod in agreement.
Trying something new. Being a good sport. And most importantly: NOT GIVING SPOILERS.
This show really got me through 2016. And despite Sprout being no more and this show having had a very short run, I still consider it one of the greats to this day. Which is why it deserves a spot on this list.
If a streaming service like maybe Netflix could take this show in, that would be so great.
I just want to see Comet and the gang again.
8. Miles From Tomorrowland
The Callistos are your average 2051 family living the space life. They work for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority whose purpose is to reach out and connect with other planets in the galaxy. Whether it’s discovering an entirely new civilization. Finding a way to recycle than clutter. Or keep a wacky criminal from getting his hands on some TTA technology. Miles and his family always have a plan!
This was one of the shows I enjoyed watching on Disney Junior, alongside Doc McStuffins. While both have ended (this one actually got cancelled after three seasons), I still hold high regards for them today.
This show felt like you were back in school watching Bill Nye on the rolling TV. Just like that memory, Miles and co. made science and space look so much fun.
Speaking of Bill Nye...he actually voiced a character in this series! How awesome is that?
Miles’ sister Loretta was basically a mood. Smart. Punctual. And not afraid to show some sass toward her brother or the potential bad guys.
I think just like Doc McStuffins, some kids (and adults) definitely learned more from this show than they did in school.
Hell, I took an Astronomy class in college, and I didn’t learn sh*t! This show taught you what to do during a power outage and how to preserve energy while visiting a new planet!
See what happens when Disney doesn’t focus on princess stuff?
7. Hanazuki: Full of Treasures
In the faraway galaxy known as the Lunaverse, a plant humanoid named Hanazuki is born on a particular moon. She is a Moonflower given the task to nurture her own moon and care for the colorful-rabbit-like creatures that reside on it. Bubbly and optimistic, she still has a lot to learn about her responsibilities and skills in order to protect her home. She is not the only Moonflower in the galaxy, as many reside on their own moons to nurture. However, she is the only one who was actually able to save her moon. Something the other Moonflowers have failed and seek her aid for.
Remember when The Hub used to be around and it was a never-ending Saturday morning of My Little Pony, Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, and Littlest Pet Shop?
Yeah, good times...
This was Hasbro’s newest franchise. And while the toy line might not be doing so hot, this show is actually pleasing. Especially for kawaii lovers and people who just want another show with cute characters.
I feel pretty bad that I didn’t get around to watching more of this show after half the first season. 2017 felt like forever ago…
It finished its second season back in 2019. But according to sources, there has been a LOT of changes in Hasbro in the last decade. There have been speculations of a third season, we just gotta keep our fingers crossed.
The best I can think of is that this could be like how Pokemon used to be on Cartoon Network, then moved to Disney Channel, before currently showing on Netflix.
It just takes one studio to bring back Hanazuki.
And knowing Hasbro, they’re too busy cash-cowing Transformers and all that Equestria Girls crap…
There have been mentions of a movie in production too.
A movie! If Steven Universe and My Little Pony can get those, then of course Hanazuki deserves one too! I’m still waiting for that Happy Tree Friends movie as we speak. (Hurry up, Mondo Media!)
Since making this article, I have actually gotten back into the show. It’s a lot deeper than I remembered.
I just realized the biggest reason I even liked Hanazuki: Full of Treasures to begin with: the Hemkas.
How the hell did the toys not do so well? Those little creatures are freaking cute!
6. Wander Over Yonder
Meet Wander, a good Samaritan who, along with his best friend/trusty steed, travel across the universe meeting and making new friends! And as any good friend does, he will put everything down to help someone in need. Even offer to help Lord Hater, the most malicious (and most childish) conqueror in the galaxy. Never hurts to help, right?
I’m still mad at Disney for screwing over this one.
It was one of the BEST shows to grace the network (besides Gravity Falls) and they decided to pull the plug even though we all wanted that third season so badly?!
Craig McCracken had a plan for the third season, even hinted it in the credits of the season 2 finale.
There was a possibility Earth was going to be introduced in the series!
Not to mention what could Dominator be possibly planning despite getting her ass kicked and walking off like the petty bitch she is?
Is Hater going to change his ways for real?
Where did Wander actually come from?
These questions still haunt me five years after the series ended.
You know it took until after WoY ended did I realize Wander has the same voice actor as Fix-It Felix from Wreck-It Ralph. Jack McBrayer is a name I will never forget.
If you’re just reading this article now and are not familiar with one of the best cartoons ever, here’s the episode I recommend for a first-timer:
The Cartoon
“Animation is hard and people who do this for a living deserve more credit and respect!” - Lord Hater 2016
Just take out ‘Animation’ and you got a meme!
But seriously, this show needs to come back.
5. Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
Buzz and his newly-acquired team are the galaxy’s best heroes. And Zurg’s worst enemies. Whenever there is trouble, Team Lightyear is there to save the day. Buzz isn’t playing cowboys and robbers in this series!
Raise of hands, who actually prefers this to the entire Toy Story franchise?
Yeah, f*ck the fourth film too…
Maybe Stinky Pete had a point when he said children only wanted to play with space toys.
Because you would not expect Woody’s adventures to be this badass.
While he’s busy moping over Andy and simping over a chick, his best friend is living his best life.
I remember when this used to be on Toon Disney. I would get excited watching stuff like Darkwing Duck or even Bonkers. But I was always SUPER hyped when Buzz and his gang showed up!
My favorite character was always XR. I’m a huge fanatic of robotic characters. Like Robot Jones, Larry 3000 from Time Squad, Karen from Spongebob Squarepants, and especially BIT from Glitch Techs.
While all of team Lightyear gave off comic relief, XR was the one who would make you forget a bad day. His one-liners and overall personality are what really made me fall in love with him.
That and I found it so cute when he tried to flirt. I like him way more than most of Andy and Bonnie’s toys.
With Toy Story pretty much just a gigantic cash cow now, it wouldn’t hurt to bring this back.
I would honestly love to watch a reboot of this rather than whatever the hell Woody’s doing with what’s-her-face...
4. Kid Cosmic
From the creator of The Powerpuff Girls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and Wander Over Yonder comes this space hero-esque series following a kid called Kid and his “band of misfit space warriors”. In a town centered in the middle of nowhere, Kid discovers a bunch of rocks that fell from space. Soon after he realizes how powerful they are, and thus believes his “origin story” has finally begun. However, every hero needs a team. With the aid of his grandpa, a hyper little girl, a teen waitress with big dreams, and a beloved cat, Kid Cosmic’s adventure can finally begin!
No restrictions. No sugarcoating. No Disney bullsh*t.
Craig McCracken finally gets to play by his rules in his latest animated series.
If you thought watching Steven Universe was one hell of a dark time (that mercilessly punched you right in the feels), this series will practically destroy you!
Well, I say let it dominate because this is McCracken’s best work yet!
I can’t exactly spoil anything because it’s still relatively new. And some people are still searching what to watch on their Netflix before tuning to this show. *P.S. Avoid Twitter and Tumblr because of spoilers.
But I will say that I have never seen more relatable characters, especially Kid Cosmic himself.
When I say the creator is playing by his rules, that means this show isn’t all sugar, spice, and everything nice.
There is a lot of black comedy in this one. But unlike Rick and Morty, it’s actually funny. You’ll find yourself laughing more than being disturbed.
The angst is strong with this one.
The show revolves around things that are usually touchy subjects in cartoons: loss, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and especially change.
As someone who has gone through all of those in the last few years, I think Kid Cosmic is the perfect vent cartoon.
I already watched the entire first season in a day. I’m already hoping McCracken will make a crossover with Wander Over Yonder (or, you know, bring it back for a 3rd season).
So put down Pokemon Journeys, take a break from Hilda, and watch Kid Cosmic!
3. Duck Dodgers
In the 24-½ century, Duck Dodgers is the universe’s greatest hero. At least, that’s what he claims to be. Granted, he’s got a few hiccups but he’s still reliable! With the aid of his cadet (Porky Pig) and the scientific prowess of Dr. I.Q. Hi, Dodgers is actually able to save the Earth when it needs to be saved. Especially from the likes of Mars, ruled by the Martian Queen and her loyal captain Marvin the Martian.
This show proves that Daffy can work well without that damn rabbit.
If there are three characters that deserve to have a show with just them in it, definitely Daffy, Porky, and Marvin the Martian.
Can we also take a moment to realize that they actually made a female character even more attractive and empowering (without going into man-hating feminist territory) than Lola Bunny?
As strong, independent female characters go, Queen Tyr’ahnee is definitely on top of the list!
Can we also pretend that season three never happened?
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this was one of those shows that didn’t need to get another season.
Everything in season 2 was resolved and everyone got their happily ever after, especially Marvin and Tyr’ahnee!
So why the hell did the writers think it was a good idea to derail everything and destroy one of the best pairings in Looney Tunes history?
Season 3 being a piece of sh*t aside, this show was everything for fans of Daffy.
He got to be the starring character. His friendship with Porky was explored beyond just slapstick humor. Not to mention his petty rivalry with Marvin went from enemies to frenemies. And a crossover with Green Lantern.
With Space Jam finally getting its long-awaited sequel, I hope that means a future of more Duck Dodgers with a possible reboot.
2. Final Space
Gary has been stuck in space for a few years as punishment for an incident he caused on Earth. And he’s lonely as hell. Trying to make friends with the lifeless maintenance robots is hopeless. And there’s no way in hell that KVN, the only robot with any actual personality, is even remotely considered a friend. But a chance encounter with a wanted outlaw might finally give Gary the friendship he’s been yearning. And the space adventure he had dreamed of since he was a child.
At first, I thought this show was just a cheap attempt at making money off of the sucker audiences who kiss Rick and Morty’s ass.
It is nothing like Rick and Morty. Which is the best thing.
Gary starts off as every introvert ever. Desperate for companionship, but lacks the skills (and sanity) to do so.
But like all of us, he has dreams.
Okay, so his dreams often are about finally eating cookies after being under house arrest for years. But then again, everyone dreams of food.
He just wants to help people in the far reaches of space and make friends along the way. Did you not see the way he, without question, offered to help Avocato fight to get his son back? True friendship goals.
And Gary very well might be a Disney princess because he’s got the cutest (and most reliable) creature sidekick ever! Mooncake is just a little guy you want to squeeze with all your heart!
Heed that this series starts off funny and lighthearted...but like almost every cartoon, it slowly goes into angst-filled territory (Steven Universe and Amphibia fans would know what that’s like).
1. Futurama
A down-on-his-luck pizza delivery man did not expect his New Year’s Eve to come out this way: humiliated for his job, getting dumped by his girlfriend, and then cryogenically freezing himself and waking up in the future. With his past gone, he finds himself with new friends who fill in the void he suffered in his old life. Bender, his best friend who is a beer-guzzling, wallet-snatching robot. Space captain Leela who longs to know her own past. Even Fry’s great-great-great-etc-etc-grand nephew Dr. Farnsworth, among many other humans and creatures.
Matt Groening’s best show ever.
The characters felt like people in your life: they make it both joyful and a living Hell. Exactly like family!
Even though Fry is supposed to be like the main-MAIN character, I think it’s Bender that stole the show. He was like that one friend that enjoyed bars a little too much, and wasn’t afraid to cuss out the majority. But still had your back!
While Marge and Homer seem to be regarded as America’s “power couple”, Fry and Leela’s relationship was more realistic.
It took them a few seasons to see the other as more than just friends-that-have-something-to-hate-about-each-other, to becoming one of the most entertaining cartoon couples since perhaps April and Casey from TMNT.
This is just a personal opinion, but I really didn’t like how most of the cast treated Dr. Zoidberg. He did not deserve the abuse from most of his peers. If that’s supposed to be “comic relief”, then Groening is one sadistic bastard. (Then again, there is Mr. Burns from The Simpsons).
That’s probably why my favorite episodes were always the Zoidberg-centric ones.
Two episodes that are my absolute favorite:
A Taste of Freedom
Dr. Zoidberg gets the upper hand and makes humanity feel the pain his own kind have felt, especially himself. He doesn’t stay power hungry for long, showing that he does possess empathy. And that being part of a community/family doesn’t have to be the same species as him.
The ending was just SO sweet.
Stench and Stenchibility
After years of Dr. Zoidberg being dumped and rejected, he finds the love of his life in Marianne, a woman who gives him nothing but kindness. She also has no sense of smell, which keeps her from sniffing the constant odor Dr. Zoidberg has.
If you’ve watched Top Tearjerker videos of Futurama, this episode was on that list. Zoidberg, being a doctor, decides to sacrifice his own happiness and perform an operation that will give his beloved the ability to smell. You sit there watching him go through with it, and your heart breaks just as much as his, believing this beautiful relationship has pretty much ended.
However, it doesn’t.
Because when Marianne smells for the first time. It’s the scent of flowers that turns her off, not Zoidberg. In fact, she LOVES his stench!
“I never learned a good smell from a bad smell. But I like the way you smell. Because I like you.” - Marianne 2013
Now this is a true power couple.
And to me, this was the true series finale (this was actually the second to the final episode).
