From unforgettable theme songs to clever visual storytelling, these intros captured our attention — and stayed stuck in our heads for years.
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About This Gallery:
This ranking focuses solely on cartoon intro tunes — not the shows themselves. This list is based on how memorable it is, visuals, cultural impact, and pure rewatch value. Nostalgia played a role, but we also considered how well the intros stand on their own. Let’s roll. | © Disney
25. All Grown Up! (2003)
The intro perfectly captures the transition from childhood chaos to teenage drama, using bright, flashy colors and early-2000s motion graphics. The intro brings a fun twist, at least visually, that makes you feel nostalgic. Combined with the music you get an intro that you can listen to as a kid with glee – but also if you're "all grown up". | ©Paramount
24. Arthur (1996)
We listened to our heart, and it said this is one of the best intros. Few intros promote kindness, learning, and friendship as effectively as Arthur. The reggae-inspired theme song, performed by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, is both musically rich and emotionally uplifting. This reggae-inspired reminds you of the joys of childhood. | ©PBS
23. Samurai Jack (2001)
Although the intro narration is a bit long, having the villain Aku narrate the intro with such an iconic voice was a genius move. The intro feels like the opening to a movie — and that’s exactly the point. It perfectly sets the stage for an epic tale of time-traveling heroism. | ©Cartoon Network
22. The Amazing World Of Gumball (2011)
Like gum, this intro sticks in your brain. If chaos were a genre, Gumball would define it. The intro is a kaleidoscope of mixed media into a 30-second blast of energy. The music — a synthy, cartoonish track — is as unpredictable as the visuals, and together they create an intro that’s hard to explain but even harder to forget. | © Cartoon Network
21. CatDog (1998)
One of the oddest cartoons ever made deserved an equally bizarre theme — and CatDog delivers. The twangy, country-style song leans into the absurdity of the show and characters origins in a fun way that will bring a smile to your face. | ©Paramount
20. Total Drama Island (2007)
While the intro sings about the characters wanting to be famous, the song definetly achieved that goal in the real world. The intro is a parody — and it’s really good at it. Styled like a teen reality show from the mid-2000s, the visuals and vocals nail the era’s look and sound. | ©YouTube
19. The Simpsons (1989)
Even after 30+ years, The Simpsons intro remains iconic. With no lyrics, it tells you everything you need to know through visuals and music alone. The sequence itself evolves over time — especially the chalkboard and couch gags — but the core formula is so strong it hasn’t had to change much. | ©Fox Television Network
18. The Magic School Bus (1994)
Few shows made learning as fun as The Magic School Bus, and the intro sets the tone from the first note. Little Richard’s energetic vocals bring a special flair to the theme. It's a ride that promises learning and fun in equal measure. | ©Netflix
17. Totally Spies! (2001)
We can't help it, but the 2000s just had banger music. This intro is all glitz, action, and fashion — combining spy gadgets, choreographed jumps, and upbeat synth-pop. The intro captures the campy tone of the show and delivers to girlies (and others of course!) who want their action with a side of Paris runway. | ©TF1
16. The Fairly OddParents (2001)
As annoying as the show could be, the intro never disappoints. It's whimsical and fast-paced, somehow managing to introduce a world where wishes come true with chaotic results all in 45 seconds. | ©Nickelodeon
15. Danny Phantom (2004)
This intro goes hard. The visuals tell you everything you need to know about Danny's life. What really sets it apart, though, is its attitude. The ghost theme isn’t just surface-level — it’s in the lyrics, the tone, the vibe. You don’t just watch the intro; it possesses you. | ©Nickelodeon
14. American Dragon
Mixing martial arts mythology with New York City attitude and groove, the intro to American Dragon strikes a balance between East and West. The visuals are fast-paced and colorful, perfectly matching the character’s high-energy personality. | ©Disney
13. Gravity Falls (2012)
A masterclass in mystery-building. The intro to Gravity Falls uses cryptic symbols, flashes of strange creatures, and a haunted-folk melody, that stays iconic. It’s short but packed with secrets — including hidden messages and a backward whisper that spawned dozens of fan theories. | ©Disney
12. Teen Titans (2003)
The J-pop-inspired theme song is as bold and dynamic as the Titans themselves. The song is high-octane, and the visuals are kinetic, perfectly capturing the essence of the show. | ©Cartoon Network
11. Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Haunting and elegant, this intro feels like a forgotten lullaby from another time. Its haunting melody and sepia-toned visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia, which makes it a must-have on any autumn playlist. | ©Cartoon Network
10. Ben 10 (2005)
For the irony of this title and its place on this list alone, we had to place it here. The intro is out of this world, literally. With its techno beats and visuals of alien transformations, it promises sci-fi and adventures alike. | ©Cartoon Network
9. Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2015)
This glitter-bomb of an intro theme song has hyperactive energy, matched by visuals that jump from magical battles to high school awkwardness. It's bubbly, unpredictable, and matches Star Butterfly's chaotic charm. | ©Disney
8. Phineas and Ferb (2007)
"Mooom, Phineas and Ferb made a banger title sequence!" This upbeat song was certainly one of their best works on summer vacation, making it impossible not to place it in the Top 10 of this list. Funny, fast, and packed with inventive visuals, this is easily one of the most rewatchable intros of the 2000s. | ©Disney
7. The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008)
This intro truly is spectacular. The rock-infused theme song, dynamic visuals, and quick cuts of Spider-Man in action make it compelling even for those indifferent to superheroes. It's exciting without being overdone. | ©Cartoon Network
6. Pokémon (1997)
One of the most iconic theme songs in television, hands down. Even people who never watched Pokémon know the words. This intro might not be "the very best," but certainly among the top picks of the list. | ©TV Tokyo
5. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969)
What's the mystery behind the popularity of this song, one might ask. There's a reason why so many memes exist of this song. The catchy tune, combined with the montage of spooky hijinks, encapsulates the show's blend of humor and mystery. | © CBS
4. Hey Arnold! (1996)
Cool jazz and trumpet solos take you on a slow tour of the city. This intro sets the mood – not with words, but with style. Arnold’s world feels lived-in and real – a formula that stood the test of time. | ©Nickelodeon
3. The Boondocks (2005)
You can't describe this intro as anything else than pure badass. The rap intro performed by Asheru sets the tone oozes confidence. You could also listen to this to get yourself hyped up while walking on the street. | ©Cartoon Network
2. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999)
Is this one of the best intros? Ay ay, captain! The pirate narrator, the call-and-response – it’s interactive, infectious, and a huge part of why SpongeBob got so famous. Silly as the entire show, it's a tune that you simply can't get out of your head. | ©Nickelodeon
1. Kim Possible (2002)
Singing about a basic average girl, but the intro is far from basic. "Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me" became an iconic statement for an entire generation. To top it off, the intro delivered the inspiration to create this list in the first place. | © Disney
From unforgettable theme songs to clever visual storytelling, these intros captured our attention — and stayed stuck in our heads for years.
