Over 70 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Underrated 2000s Cartoons We Thought We Made Up
Voting Rules
Vote up the cartoon shows that feel like they only existed in your memory.
While some consider the 1990s the glory years for cartoons, the 2000s delivered a treasure trove of gems, such as Samurai Jack, Kim Possible, and Teen Titans. Yet, hidden in the great era of Saturday morning cartoons are also an abundance of underrated kids' shows that most people don't even remember aired. In fact, if video proof didn't show their existence, most people would believe these to be mixed-up memories or fantasies of their own imagination.
From an animated series all about action movie legend Jackie Chan to a lesser-known but still supremely cool DC superhero, let's roll back the clock and explore the forgotten yet awesome 2000s cartoons. Take a trip down memory lane with these lesser-known cartoons that you may have believed you completely made up.
Considering Jackie Chan is practically a real-life superhero, it makes all the sense in the world to make an animated series about him. Jackie Chan Adventures introduces a fictionalized version of the action legend who is both a highly skilled martial artist and archaeologist in the series. When he discovers an artifact that possesses supernatural powers, he and his family - including his magically knowledgeable Uncle and his feisty niece Jade - must fight the forces of evil who want the power for themselves. James Sie provides the voice of action superstar in the cartoon, but Chan himself also appears in live-action “Hey, Jackie” segments at the end of each episode to answer fan questions.
Jackie Chan Adventures ran for five successful seasons between 2000 and 2005 - and even received two video games. It proved to be extremely popular among fans by nailing the same formula found in Chan's films, which is combining lighthearted fun with exhilarating action sequences. Fans will definitely maintain charming memories of Jackie using magical talismans to gain powers inspired by the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
From 2002 to 2008, Codename: Kids Next Door told the story of a group of five children who take on codenames designating them by a “Numbuh” and operate out of their high-tech treehouse. On the surface, it might seem like a bunch of kids having fun and living out their imagination, but they are actually a part of a top-secret spy organization known as Kids Next Door where they keep other kids safe from nefarious teens and adults.
With its combination of smooth animation, delightful characters, wide array of gadgets, and the ability to poke fun at the spy genre in its episodes, Codename: Kids Next Door is a show that still holds up to this day. It also crossed over with other Cartoon Network series of the time, such as The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy and OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes. Any kid who saw this show certainly developed a desire to adopt their own code name - or at least to have a treehouse half as cool as the KND hideout.
Combining martial arts and magic, Xiaolin Showdown follows four Xiaolin Dragons-in-training - Omi, Raimundo, Kimiko, and Clay - who train to master the elements of Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth, respectively. Under the teachings of Master Fun and their dragon pal Dojo, they protect ancient magical artifacts known as Shen Gong Wu from the ghost-witch Wuya, who employs “evil boy genius” Jack Spicer to seek out the artifacts on her behalf. Expectedly, there's a lot of magic and fighting in each episodes as the characters compete to lay claim to freshly revealed Shen Gong Wu.
From 2003 to 2006, Xiaolin Showdown aired for three seasons. While it didn't catch on as a major franchise in the manner of similar cartoons like Avatar: The Last Airbender, it still possesses eye-catching action, visual humor, and memorable characters. Anyone who saw the show back in the day will unlock memories upon hearing the characters cry out the name of a Shen Gong Wu, like the Mantis Flip Coin or Fist of Tebigong, to use its power in battle.
Created by Rugrats masterminds Arlene Klasky and Gábor Csupó, Rocket Power is an animated series centered on a group of four friends - Otto, Reggie, Twister, and Squid - who partake in a variety of extreme sports and get up to mischief together. Throughout the episodes, the characters walk on the wild side of life, as they practice skateboarding, hockey, surfing, and more.
Much like Rugrats, Rocket Power possesses a distinctive Nickelodeon animation style and easy-to-follow episodic structure. The show ran for four seasons from 1999 to 2004 and instilled an ambition of learning to skateboard in countless kids at the time, remaining a fond memory even for those who had no talent at the actual sport.
American Dragon: Jake Long centers the action around Chinese-American 13-year-old teen Jake Long who holds a special ability: He can turn into a dragon. This form also allows him to utilize his claws and tail, fly, and even breathe fire. When he finally unleashes his full potential, he transforms into the American Dragon and uses his power to protect Manhattan, while trying to handle the hassles of being a regular teenager in high school.
American Dragon aired for two seasons from 2005 to 2007. In this time, it built up a cult following among fans who appreciated the show's fast-paced action, mixing of mythology with original storytelling, and its compelling cast of characters. The show was popular enough at one point to cross over with Lilo & Stitch, too. Despite its inventive concept, the show remains less popular than many other Disney properties and has seldom been revisited with new content.
Lucha libre is one of the most exciting pro wrestling styles in the world, and ¡Mucha Lucha! captures the beauty and legend in this animated tribute. The show centers on three mascaritas - Rikochet, Buena Girl, and the Flea - who train to be luchadors and adhere to the strict code of never removing their masks. Episodes follow their quest to improve their skills, square off against rivals, and nail the signature move that will make turn them into superstars.
Wrestling fans - especially those who love the styles of WWE's Rey Mysterio and AEW's Lucho Brothers - will adore this comedy series that's a heartfelt homage to Mexican pro wrestling. It isn't too difficult to spot all the thought and passion that went into this show, which ran for three seasons from 2002 to 2005. Nowadays, the Lucha glory of this cartoon is largely forgotten, except in the minds of those who grew up around this time.
