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Ah, the 2010s! It was an interesting decade for cartoons. There was lots more innovation to say the least. While many view the 2010s as a dark age for cartoons, I feel that it was one of the strongest decades. Sure, we got more duds than the 2000s, but we also had more hits. And the hits really hit. Plus, it was a more innovative decade. We got cartoons tackling more darker subject matter, cartoons with more tight storylines and cartoons that were plain goofy. But without any further adieu, here’s my top 10 cartoons of the 2010s!
10. Star Vs The Forces Of Evil
The 2010s was Disney’s decade! So many gems being dropped, and Star Vs The Forces Of Evil was one of many of them. Spanning a total of 4 seasons and 77 episodes, Star Vs The Forces Of Evil ran for a good portion of the second half of the decade. The series revolves around Star Butterfly, a magical princess from the dimension of Mewni. After accidentally setting the family castle on fire, Star is sent to Earth in hopes that she will mature. On Earth, she moves in with a boy named Marco along with his family. She often takes Marco with her to battle monsters, and this brings us some pretty awesome and high stakes adventures. As the series goes on, it gets more intense and gets more tightly focused on the story. Some highlights of the series are the character designs, the plot which I think gets evidently better as the series goes on (though there are some massive flaws closer to the end) and the well written characters (all of the main cast is likable to me). Despite so much greatness this show offers, it ranks at the tenth spot for two reasons: the ending which was not the greatest resolution to me, and the fan service (watch the show and you’ll see what I mean). Overall though, this is a great series which I recommend.
9. Ducktales (2017)
Ducktales is a classic to many, and with all the reboots going on, one may be afraid that it does not live up to the hype the original had. However, I can assure you all that it does. Ducktales ran for a total of 3 seasons and 69 episodes, and it was truly a masterpiece. The story revolves around Donald Duck, along with his nephews, Huey, Louie and Dewey and his uncle Scrouge. The gang go on many treasure hunting adventures while facing many villains. The story has multiple arcs to keep the viewer engaged. My favorite things about this series are the humor, the characters and the comedy. Ducktales is truly a successful reboot.
8. The Legend of Korra
If you have read my last blog, you must know that I am a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender! Therefore, this was probably expected. With a total of 4 seasons and 52 episodes, The Legend of Korra follows the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender 70 years later where there is a new avatar by the name of Korra. Like the former series, Katara wishes to learn to master all four elements. At the start, she already knows earthbending, metalbending and firebending. However, she travels to Republic City to learn airbending with Aang’s son, Tenzin. However, she finds out that Republic City is not all that she thought it was - here, there are a group called Equalists who oppose bending. As the series goes on, we are introduced to more intense plot lines. I personally loved the darker tone they added to the Avatar franchise along with the character dynamics and the intensity. While it is not as great as the original, it is indeed a great series.
7. Hilda
How can one hate a series with magic and trolls? Comprising 2 seasons and 26 episodes, Netflix’s Hilda is a truly magical show. It centers around an eleven year old girl Hilda who along with her friends David and Frida and her pet deerfox Twig go on multiple adventures and often run into mysterious creatures. It is definitely a fun series. The magic is great, the characters are all fun and the art style is unique. While the magic theme has been done so much in other shows, Hilda executes it in a unique way.
6. Adventure Time
Ah yes, the series that carried Cartoon Network on its back in the early 2010s. Running with a total of 10 seasons and 283 episodes, Adventure Time quickly became one of the most iconic cartoons of the 2010s. The series is about a human named Finn and his friend Jake who live in the Land of Ooo, a place which was unfortunately destroyed by a war. Through the series, they go through many adventures whether that be stopping the Ice King from kidnapping Princess Bubblegum, throwing a sick party or chilling at a haunted house during Halloween The duo is always up to something exciting! As the series goes on, it also gets much more serious and delves into some darker themes. I loved the progression, the colorful atmosphere and the very vibrant characters. Adventure Time is truly a masterpiece.
5. Steven Universe
Another one of the few cartoons that carried Cartoon Network in the early 2010s - Steven Universe. Running a total of 5 seasons and 160 episodes, Steven Universe was another series that became a heavy hitter for Cartoon Network. The series was about The Gems - alien warriors that protect the world from threats. The Gems consist of Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and Steven. Steven is a bit different as he is half-human as well. He inherited the gem from his mom. Like Adventure Time, this is a series that gets more intense progressively. It definitely gets better as it goes on. Off the top of my head, I need to say that the designs and color choice are beautiful, the characters are very well written and the emotional spark the series leaves is amazing.
4. Rick and Morty
Adult animation can often be lazy, but Rick and Morty is an exception to this stereotype. With five seasons and fifty one episodes (and it is still running), Rick and Morty has proven to be one of the most critically acclaimed shows globally. Rick and Morty revolves around the Smiths - Jerry and Beth along with their kids, Morty and Summer and Beth’s grandfather, Rick. As the title implies, Rick and Morty take the center of attention in the show though. The two go on many adventures (led by Rick) through different planets and dimensions, and they always keep us entertained! It is truly an amazing series. I love the lore, the comedy and the characters the most (especially Rick). Rick and Morty is truly one of a kind.
3. Detentionaire
You’ve probably heard of every cartoon on this list until now! I think it’s about time I go to Canada and talk about one of Canada’s best shows, Detentionaire! Running for a total of 53 episodes and 4 seasons, Detentionaire was one of Teletoons hit shows in the early 2010s. The series revolves around a high schooler named Lee who gets framed for the biggest prank in high school history, and gets a year of detention. He tries to figure out who the true culprit is so that he can clear his name, but as he goes deeper into the mystery, he starts to discover more and more secrets hidden deep beneath the school that could change the entire world as he knows it. As we get closer and closer to finding out what is truly going on, Lee realizes he has a huge role to play in all of this. This series is truly amazing, and it is criminally underrated. My favorite thing about this series has to be the lore and how it gets increasingly more intense with each episode. Alongside that, I love the characters as they each feel like someone you would encounter in a regular high school, and I love the overall mystery. Detentionaire is truly one of the best cartoons of the 2010s, and definitely the most underrated.
2. Gravity Falls
Let’s be honest - who did not expect this? I’m sure most of you would expect to see Gravity Falls on a top 10 cartoons of the 2010s list. A series that had 2 seasons and 40 episodes, Gravity Falls was centered around two twins - Dipper and Mabel. The two visit their strange Grunkle, Stan, at a strange town called Gravity Falls. Stan owns a tourist trap known as the Mystery Shack. Now, the town of Gravity Falls isn’t all it appears to be, which is something that Dipper learns shortly - with the help of Mabel, along with Mystery Shack employees, Wendy and Soos, Dipper slowly unravels the town’s greatest mysteries. Now, what isn’t there to like about this show? My favorite things are the mystery (which was really well done), the characters who all keep the series entertaining in some way, and the pacing which never left an episode boring. Gravity Falls is an iconic hit, and there is certainly no denying why it is so awesome!
1. Amphibia
My profile picture probably gave this one away - Amphibia is truly a masterpiece. Running in the late 2010s with 3 seasons of 49 episodes so far, Amphibia is a series revolving around Anne Boonchuy who steals a magical box that transports her and her friends Sasha and Marcy into the world of Amphibia, a world full of frogs. Now separated from her friends, Anne must find them and return home. Though, along the way, she faces many threats and obstacles. A truly magnificent show. I personally love the very new and intriguing concept, the characters which are all very loveable and the humor. Amphibia is a masterpiece, and I can see why it’s the talk right now!
And these were the best cartoons of the 2010s to me! I hope I introduced you to some new cartoons! Which of these cartoons do you agree with? Which do you disagree with? What are some I missed? Are you going to watch any of the cartoons on this list? Have you already watched some? What are the best cartoons of the 2010s to you? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Description

Ah, the 2010s! It was an interesting decade for cartoons. There was lots more innovation to say the least. While many view the 2010s as a dark age for cartoons, I feel that it was one of the strongest decades. Sure, we got more duds than the 2000s, but we also had more hits. And the hits really hit. Plus, it was a more innovative decade. We got cartoons tackling more darker subject matter, cartoons with more tight storylines and cartoons that were plain goofy. But without any further adieu, here’s my top 10 cartoons of the 2010s!
10. Star Vs The Forces Of Evil
The 2010s was Disney’s decade! So many gems being dropped, and Star Vs The Forces Of Evil was one of many of them. Spanning a total of 4 seasons and 77 episodes, Star Vs The Forces Of Evil ran for a good portion of the second half of the decade. The series revolves around Star Butterfly, a magical princess from the dimension of Mewni. After accidentally setting the family castle on fire, Star is sent to Earth in hopes that she will mature. On Earth, she moves in with a boy named Marco along with his family. She often takes Marco with her to battle monsters, and this brings us some pretty awesome and high stakes adventures. As the series goes on, it gets more intense and gets more tightly focused on the story. Some highlights of the series are the character designs, the plot which I think gets evidently better as the series goes on (though there are some massive flaws closer to the end) and the well written characters (all of the main cast is likable to me). Despite so much greatness this show offers, it ranks at the tenth spot for two reasons: the ending which was not the greatest resolution to me, and the fan service (watch the show and you’ll see what I mean). Overall though, this is a great series which I recommend.
9. Ducktales (2017)
Ducktales is a classic to many, and with all the reboots going on, one may be afraid that it does not live up to the hype the original had. However, I can assure you all that it does. Ducktales ran for a total of 3 seasons and 69 episodes, and it was truly a masterpiece. The story revolves around Donald Duck, along with his nephews, Huey, Louie and Dewey and his uncle Scrouge. The gang go on many treasure hunting adventures while facing many villains. The story has multiple arcs to keep the viewer engaged. My favorite things about this series are the humor, the characters and the comedy. Ducktales is truly a successful reboot.
8. The Legend of Korra
If you have read my last blog, you must know that I am a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender! Therefore, this was probably expected. With a total of 4 seasons and 52 episodes, The Legend of Korra follows the events of Avatar: The Last Airbender 70 years later where there is a new avatar by the name of Korra. Like the former series, Katara wishes to learn to master all four elements. At the start, she already knows earthbending, metalbending and firebending. However, she travels to Republic City to learn airbending with Aang’s son, Tenzin. However, she finds out that Republic City is not all that she thought it was - here, there are a group called Equalists who oppose bending. As the series goes on, we are introduced to more intense plot lines. I personally loved the darker tone they added to the Avatar franchise along with the character dynamics and the intensity. While it is not as great as the original, it is indeed a great series.
7. Hilda
How can one hate a series with magic and trolls? Comprising 2 seasons and 26 episodes, Netflix’s Hilda is a truly magical show. It centers around an eleven year old girl Hilda who along with her friends David and Frida and her pet deerfox Twig go on multiple adventures and often run into mysterious creatures. It is definitely a fun series. The magic is great, the characters are all fun and the art style is unique. While the magic theme has been done so much in other shows, Hilda executes it in a unique way.
6. Adventure Time
Ah yes, the series that carried Cartoon Network on its back in the early 2010s. Running with a total of 10 seasons and 283 episodes, Adventure Time quickly became one of the most iconic cartoons of the 2010s. The series is about a human named Finn and his friend Jake who live in the Land of Ooo, a place which was unfortunately destroyed by a war. Through the series, they go through many adventures whether that be stopping the Ice King from kidnapping Princess Bubblegum, throwing a sick party or chilling at a haunted house during Halloween The duo is always up to something exciting! As the series goes on, it also gets much more serious and delves into some darker themes. I loved the progression, the colorful atmosphere and the very vibrant characters. Adventure Time is truly a masterpiece.
5. Steven Universe
Another one of the few cartoons that carried Cartoon Network in the early 2010s - Steven Universe. Running a total of 5 seasons and 160 episodes, Steven Universe was another series that became a heavy hitter for Cartoon Network. The series was about The Gems - alien warriors that protect the world from threats. The Gems consist of Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and Steven. Steven is a bit different as he is half-human as well. He inherited the gem from his mom. Like Adventure Time, this is a series that gets more intense progressively. It definitely gets better as it goes on. Off the top of my head, I need to say that the designs and color choice are beautiful, the characters are very well written and the emotional spark the series leaves is amazing.
4. Rick and Morty
Adult animation can often be lazy, but Rick and Morty is an exception to this stereotype. With five seasons and fifty one episodes (and it is still running), Rick and Morty has proven to be one of the most critically acclaimed shows globally. Rick and Morty revolves around the Smiths - Jerry and Beth along with their kids, Morty and Summer and Beth’s grandfather, Rick. As the title implies, Rick and Morty take the center of attention in the show though. The two go on many adventures (led by Rick) through different planets and dimensions, and they always keep us entertained! It is truly an amazing series. I love the lore, the comedy and the characters the most (especially Rick). Rick and Morty is truly one of a kind.
3. Detentionaire
You’ve probably heard of every cartoon on this list until now! I think it’s about time I go to Canada and talk about one of Canada’s best shows, Detentionaire! Running for a total of 53 episodes and 4 seasons, Detentionaire was one of Teletoons hit shows in the early 2010s. The series revolves around a high schooler named Lee who gets framed for the biggest prank in high school history, and gets a year of detention. He tries to figure out who the true culprit is so that he can clear his name, but as he goes deeper into the mystery, he starts to discover more and more secrets hidden deep beneath the school that could change the entire world as he knows it. As we get closer and closer to finding out what is truly going on, Lee realizes he has a huge role to play in all of this. This series is truly amazing, and it is criminally underrated. My favorite thing about this series has to be the lore and how it gets increasingly more intense with each episode. Alongside that, I love the characters as they each feel like someone you would encounter in a regular high school, and I love the overall mystery. Detentionaire is truly one of the best cartoons of the 2010s, and definitely the most underrated.
2. Gravity Falls
Let’s be honest - who did not expect this? I’m sure most of you would expect to see Gravity Falls on a top 10 cartoons of the 2010s list. A series that had 2 seasons and 40 episodes, Gravity Falls was centered around two twins - Dipper and Mabel. The two visit their strange Grunkle, Stan, at a strange town called Gravity Falls. Stan owns a tourist trap known as the Mystery Shack. Now, the town of Gravity Falls isn’t all it appears to be, which is something that Dipper learns shortly - with the help of Mabel, along with Mystery Shack employees, Wendy and Soos, Dipper slowly unravels the town’s greatest mysteries. Now, what isn’t there to like about this show? My favorite things are the mystery (which was really well done), the characters who all keep the series entertaining in some way, and the pacing which never left an episode boring. Gravity Falls is an iconic hit, and there is certainly no denying why it is so awesome!
1. Amphibia
My profile picture probably gave this one away - Amphibia is truly a masterpiece. Running in the late 2010s with 3 seasons of 49 episodes so far, Amphibia is a series revolving around Anne Boonchuy who steals a magical box that transports her and her friends Sasha and Marcy into the world of Amphibia, a world full of frogs. Now separated from her friends, Anne must find them and return home. Though, along the way, she faces many threats and obstacles. A truly magnificent show. I personally love the very new and intriguing concept, the characters which are all very loveable and the humor. Amphibia is a masterpiece, and I can see why it’s the talk right now!
And these were the best cartoons of the 2010s to me! I hope I introduced you to some new cartoons! Which of these cartoons do you agree with? Which do you disagree with? What are some I missed? Are you going to watch any of the cartoons on this list? Have you already watched some? What are the best cartoons of the 2010s to you? Let’s discuss in the comments!