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How Rotten Tomatoes chose the 140 shows
Rotten Tomatoes says its editors considered Tomatometer data drawn from critics’ reviews, consulted other reputable “best of” lists, and applied editorial judgment. The guide’s selection questions include which older shows still hold up, which influenced later artists, which had cultural impact, and which created lasting characters. The publisher’s own description is: “In compiling our ranking of the 140 essential animated TV shows you need to watch, we considered our Tomatometer data culled from critics’ reviews, consulted some reputable ‘best of’ lists, and exercised some editorial discretion, asking ourselves which classic animated shows still hold up (and which don’t), which have been the most influential on the work of those artists who came after them, which have had major cultural impact (i.e. who your nieces and nephews are dressing up as every Halloween), and which have created lasting and beloved characters.”
That method makes the guide a curated recommendation, not a ranking determined only by review scores or a universal consensus. Rotten Tomatoes also says it may adjust the list over time, so check the live page if the precise order matters. The “140” in the title is the number of entries in the guide, not a separate research statistic.
What kinds of animation the guide covers
The guide treats animation as a medium rather than a children’s-TV category. Its introduction contrasts The Flintstones with adult-oriented shows such as BoJack Horseman and South Park. Its wider scope includes children’s and family series, adult comedy, anime, science fiction and superhero shows. For individual entries and their current placement, consult page 2 of the guide as well as the main page.
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- Featurette pilot: Sealed With a Kick
- Music video: Mystik Spiral music video "Freakin' Friends"
- Featurette: Daria Day Intros
- Featurette: Top Ten Video Countdown Hosted by Daria & Jane
- Interview: Cast & crew interviews
How to use the list to choose what to watch
Because the entries span different audiences, eras and storytelling styles, “essential” does not mean every show will suit every viewer. Use the list as a starting point, then narrow your choices by what you want from a series:
- Audience and age suitability: Check whether the show is aimed at children, families or adults; animation alone does not indicate that a series is appropriate for younger viewers.
- Genre and tone: Decide whether you want comedy, science fiction, superheroes, anime or another style, and whether you prefer light, adventurous or more adult material.
- Era and animation approach: The guide spans older and newer work. Consider whether you want to explore a classic or start with a more recent style.
- Influence and cultural reach: Some selections are recognized for their impact on later artists, lasting characters or broader cultural presence, rather than for fitting one genre.
- Viewing style: Before committing, check whether a series is episodic or built around a continuing story; the guide’s selection criteria are not a formal viewing-format rubric.
What the guide does—and does not—establish
The displayed update date is November 10, 2021, but the guide’s body carries a June 24, 2019 date. Rotten Tomatoes says the list may change, so those dates identify the published guide’s timeline rather than guaranteeing that every entry or position remains unchanged today. The guide also does not establish where a series is currently available to stream in a particular country; availability needs to be checked with the relevant service.
Rank #2
The page includes franchise-connected titles: The Transformers appears in the guide, and Rotten Tomatoes’ description of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic refers to the toy-line audience. Those connections may interest fans, but merchandise is not required to watch the shows. See the guide’s entries.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Fullscreen
- Region 1 DVD
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