From extreme sports to talking to animals and glowing girls who kick butt, these are the shows that shaped my childhood and helped me become the person I am today. Or I like to think so.

This is a list of my personal favorite cartoons growing up. Ones I remember watching consistently and still do. At first I wanted to make this “television shows” growing up but including live-action with the cartoons became too hard to number it down.

1.) Hey Arnold

I binged every episode of Hey Arnold not too long ago and was pleasantly surprised how well the episodes hold up. It’s line up is diverse and tackles every issue from self-esteem, standing up for what you believe in, and losing ones parents. It’s popular enough to get a movie continuing on from the last episode of the show dealing with Arnold’s lost parents.

And it comes out on the 23 of November! I for one have been waiting for this for years, saying they need to continue the show to answer the question whether Arnold’s parents are still alive (and I like to think they are.)

2.) Rocket Power

Fun fact: I have a big interest in “extreme” sports. Skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, etc. Although I only roller skated and biked at a young age I still liked watching others. I like to think Rocket Power started that. A show centered around sports but with themes stretching towards friendship, fair play, family, and to keep trying even when you continuously fail.

Reggie is a great role model for young girls to look up to. She didn’t allow the boys to put her down or make her feel out-of-place. As much as I love the show as a whole, now that I’m older, I truly appreciate this character more.

3.) The Wild Thornberrys

Arguably with some of the best diversity amongst this list, The Wild Thornberrys introduced its audience to other cultures/parts of the world as the Thornberrys documented their travels and Eliza spoke to animals. By doing this she allowed us to see them in a different light rather than being scared.

If it weren’t for my inability to see animals get hurt I’d probably have a job working with them, and I can thank The Wild Thornberrys for opening my mind and teaching me to care about them.

4.) Recess

I remember watching Recess early in the morning before school. All the characters are likable and despite having a “niche” have their own episodes from time-to-time diving more into their home lives/own issues when it comes to being in the fourth grade.

This isn’t the first time I mentioned Recess (in my Halloween post) and it won’t be the last (look forward to a Christmas post coming soon.)

5.) Powerpuff Girls

For some reason I wanted to be Blossom when I was little. I had my own plush Blossom and ignored everyone who called me Buttercup. And now I realize I always have been, and probably always will be, a Buttercup.

Do I even have to say how awesome the Powerpuff Girls are? Kicking butt, slashing stereotypes, and helping young girls gain confidence while fighting some pretty memorable villains.

6.) Scooby Doo

Most of us either watched Scooby Doo growing up, or saw at least one of the movies whether they be cartoon or live action. Something about it makes it stand out and allows it to continue to thrive even to this day. Some of my favorites are movies like “Zombie Island” or the “Witch’s Ghost.” Maybe it’s just waiting to see if the monsters they go up against could be real.

Honorable Mentions

1. The Fairly Odd Parents
2. Danny Phantom
3. Arthur
4. The Weekenders
5. As Told by Ginger
6. Kim Possible

What are your favorite cartoons growing up?

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