Canada isn’t seen as a major player in the animation world like Japan or the US, but America’s neighbor to the north has produced some classic shows, and the best Canadian cartoons reflect that. However, the country has produced some cartoon classics. Canada seems to place a premium on early childhood programming, as stations like CBC Kids, TVOKids, and YTV offer a bevy of educational, entertaining cartoons.
But Canadian kids aren’t the only ones who get to enjoy the country’s excellent animated shows. In fact, there are many popular cartoons that American audiences likely didn’t even realize are Canadian, like the hit preschool seriesPAW Patroland the belovedArthur, one of thelongest-running animated series of all time. Not every cartoon from Canada is as sweet as maple syrup, either, as the Great White North is also responsible for adult animated series likeClone High, proving there’s a Canadian cartoon for everyone.
Max & Ruby
Cast
Max & Ruby follows the adventures of two bunny siblings, the mischievous Max and the responsible Ruby, as they learn to navigate their differences. Through playful interactions and supportive problem-solving, the series imparts empowering messages about sibling relationships and conflict resolution.
Max & Rubyfollows the titular brother and sister bunnies who share everything from friendship to playtime. The Nick Jr. show was produced in Canada and based on the book series by Rosemary Wells. Ruby is the older sibling who often finds herself trying to get her little brother, Max, out of trouble. Although the concept is simple, the show perfectly appeals to not only toddlers but anyone who wants the simple pleasures depicted in the show.
Its sweetness can border on syrupy at times, but its target demographic likely won’t care.
It’sthe perfect show for little kids trying to get along with their siblings or learn about the outside world. Some of the best moments inMax & Rubyare the wholesome interactions between the titular brother and sister. It’s not a series for older kids, as its sweetness can border on syrupy at times, but its target demographic likely won’t care.
Franklin
Franklin is an animated children’s television series that aired in 1997, featuring the titular character, a young turtle who navigates various life lessons and adventures. The show focuses on themes of friendship, family, and problem-solving, with Franklin often tackling everyday issues with the help of his animal friends. Based on the Franklin the Turtle books by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, the series emphasizes moral values and educational content for young audiences.
Franklin and his woodland pals are always learning, which is great because this show isn’t just entertaining, but educational. The series is based on books by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark, and aired on the Canadian Broadcast Company.Franklinsees the titular turtle and his best friend Bear attempt to learn more about themselves and their town, Woodland. Interestingly, the young actor voicing Franklin Turtle is none other than Noah Reid, who was then a child actor and would grow up to play Patrick Brewer in another heartwarming Canadian series,Schitt’s Creek.
Franklinran for seven seasons andtaught kids all over the world how to discover the beauty of the world around them.From the dulcet tones of its theme song to its lovable protagonist and his just-as-adorable friends,Franklinfeels like an animated woodland retreat.
Ruby Gloom
This animated children’s series centers on Ruby Gloom, a young girl who finds joy in the peculiar and embraces the dark. Set in a whimsical world, Ruby and her unique friends—including Doom Kitty, Skull Boy, and Misery—embark on adventures, celebrating friendship and individuality.
Ruby Gloomhad an unconventional start. The character began as a sketch by artist Martin Hsu, then became a clothing and stationary line before becoming an animated series. The show was produced in Canada and ran for two seasons. It centers around the titular little rag-doll girl and her gothic friends.
The gothic aesthetic is evident inRuby Gloom’sanimation style, which calls back to dark animation that came before it, likeInvader ZimandThe Nightmare Before Christmas. Ruby herself is a rag-doll who looks like a child version ofSally from the Tim Burton classic.Black and red dominate the show’s color palette, which is unique for a kid’s show, and adds to its artsy vibe, making a great alternative for children who don’t enjoy the bright color palettes of the Disney Channel. AlthoughRuby Gloomis nothing groundbreaking, it’s still worth a watch for fans of gothic animation.
PAW Patrol
PAW Patrol is an animated series that follows a group of rescue dogs led by a tech-savvy 10-year-old named Ryder. Each dog, equipped with specialized gear, helps protect their town and assists those in need, demonstrating teamwork and bravery in various rescue missions.
Not sinceDora the Explorerhas there been a more popular Nick Jr. show thanPAW Patrol.The show, aimed at preschoolers, follows a group of dogs who are also first responders. Created by Keith Chapman, the man behindBob the Builder,PAW Patrolshows kids that everyday heroes exist. What many don’t know is thatPAW Patrolhas been produced in Canada since its beginning, with TVOKids running previews before the show hit Nick Jr.
PAW Patrol’s bright and colorful animation immerses toddlers in a world of make-believe but also teaches its young audience about possible careers and community impact, all while moving at a pace that’s perfect for toddlers. There’s a reason why the show has lasted for over 10 years and spawned two feature films — withPAW Patrol 3releasing in 2026—it’s adorable and educational.
The Magic School Bus
The Magic School Bus is an educational animated series that follows Ms. Frizzle and her class on adventurous field trips aboard a magical bus. Each episode focuses on a different scientific topic, combining entertainment and education to make learning fun for children. The series aims to inspire curiosity about science and the natural world among its young audience.
The Magic School Buscreated the perfect world for the curious student. The show is one of Canada’s best-known cartoons, and is based on a popular series of children’s books by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. It centers around the eponymous big yellow bus capable of transporting a class of eight students anywhere relevant to the lesson. Led by the delightfully quirky Miss Frizzle, the magic bus would set off on adventures everywhere from the dinosaur age to inside the human body.
Miss Frizzle is voiced by Lily Tomlin, who is best known to modern audiences as Frankie in Netflix’sGrace and Frankie.
EachMagic School Busepisodecovers a new topic, enticing viewers to a multitude of different worlds.Nearly every episode had educational value, as viewers learned right alongside studentsonboard the fantastical bus. Despite the show airing in the mid-1990s,The Magic School Buscontinues to delight viewers through a Netflix revival series,The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is an animated television series inspired by Tim Burton’s 1988 film. The show follows the misadventures of Lydia Deetz, a gothic teenage girl, and her mischievous ghost friend, Beetlejuice, in the Neitherworld and on Earth. Voiced by Stephen Ouimette, Beetlejuice’s chaotic antics and Lydia’s resourcefulness create a unique blend of comedy and fantasy. The series aired from 1989 to 1991, garnering critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling and distinctive animation style.
Beetlejuice, the animated series, is just as whimsical as its namesake film. The series continued the film’s story as Lydia Deets and Beetlejuice embark on adventures between the mortal world and the Neitherworld seen in the film. Many of the creative forces behind the film, such as Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, also worked on the animated show.
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Beetlejuicecaptures the magic of the film while remaining distinct and more aimed at children. The concept ofBeetlejuicetranslates because it is based on fantasy. Arguably, bringing the Neitherworld to life through animation works better than live action. Animators can create any kind of monster or background they want without worrying about the limitations of technology at the time. Even if the show isn’t seen as a classic like the film,its creativity and stunning visuals deserve to be remembered.
Inspector Gadget
Inspector Gadget (1983) follows the clumsy yet well-meaning detective equipped with an array of gadgets embedded in his body. Supported by his intelligent niece Penny and her dog Brain, Inspector Gadget combats the evil schemes of the nefarious Dr. Claw and his organization M.A.D., often unwittingly stumbling upon the solutions to complex mysteries.
Inspector Gadgetis arguably Canada’s best-known animated creation. The Canadian-produced show originally ran from 1983 to 1985, but left a huge impact for having only spent two years on the air. Inspector Gadget is a cyborg detective equipped with multiple high-tech gadgets to fight crime. He uses his weapons and the help of a little girl named Penny to defeat Dr. Claw.The premise is simple, but arguably, it makes the show more fun as the focus remains on the cool equipment Inspector Gadget uses.And the theme song is one of the catchiest of all time.
It might be safe to callInspector GadgetCanada’s most revered cartoon.
DespiteInspector Gadget’shumble beginnings, the show eventually became a media franchise. The series has spawned multiple animated series, comic books, and two live-action feature films. So, it might be safe to callInspector GadgetCanada’s most revered cartoon.
Little Bear
Little Bear, a curious and imaginative cub, embarks on gentle adventures in the forest with friends like Duck, Cat, and Owl. Guided by his nurturing Mother Bear and often-absent fisherman Father Bear, he explores themes of friendship, family, and discovery in a whimsical, nature-filled world.
Little Bearis one of themost tragically forgotten animated showsin Nick Jr’s history. It centers around a bear cub and his friends as they learn about the surrounding forest. The show premiered on the CBC, with American audiences catching it on Nickelodeon. The animation matchesLittle Bear’s tone perfectly.The character designs and backgrounds look like they’re straight from a picture book, which makes sense because the show was based on books by Else Holmelund and illustrated byWhere the Wild Things Are’s Maurice Sendak.
Little Bearalways offered kids comfort, which is essential in a turmoil-filled world.
ButLittle Bear’semotional core is the relationship between the titular cub and his family. Little Bear’s parents always met his needs with kindness and care. These tender interactions make watching Little Bear feel like a warm hug. Although not the best-known show on Nick Jr.,Little Bearalways offered kids comfort, which is essential in a turmoil-filled world.
ReBoot
ReBoot is a pioneering animated series set inside a computer world known as Mainframe. The show follows Guardian Bob and his allies as they defend the system from various threats, including viruses and malevolent entities. Originally airing from 1994 to 2001, ReBoot is recognized for its early use of CGI and its exploration of themes related to technology and digital landscapes.
ReBootis known for being one of the first television series to be computer-animated. The show is a cyberpunk adventure following a computer system world called Mainframe. Bob, Enzo, and Dot Matrix must work together to protect their digital world from computer viruses and other threats.ReBootwas also a unique product of America’s neighbor to the north, as the show is beloved in Canada. It launched a video game, a webcomic, and even a reimagined live-action series calledReBoot: The Guardian Code, which aired in 2018.
Much likeToy Story,ReBootused the constraints of early computer animation to its advantage. The computer-based world depicted inReBootallowed for blocky designs and mechanical movements that fit the concept. However,computer animation isn’t the only aspect ofReBootthat shines; the imaginative characters and clever world-building are remembered to this day.
Total Drama
Twenty-two teenagers from diverse backgrounds are brought to an isolated island where they must compete in outrageous challenges inspired by reality TV shows. Under the supervision of the sadistic host, Chef Hatchet, alliances are formed and backstabbed, as contestants face elimination each week until one winner remains, securing fame and a cash prize.
Despite being produced in Canada,Total Dramawas a massively popular show in the US. Essentially, the series is an animated parody ofSurvivorand other reality shows,but for kids. However, while it aired on Cartoon Network and was aimed at children, it understandably found an adult audience and continues to find new viewers through spin-offsThe Ridonculous RaceandTotal DramaRama.
The adult following makes sense, considering that the show cashes in on typical reality television drama. There’s romance, scandal, betrayal, and everything viewers have come to expect from reality television. There’s even a character with a malicious twin sister who is always trying to sabotage her efforts to win the contest.Total Dramaalso boasts a unique animation style that uses thick black lines and minimal detail.The show is a joy to watch, whether you’re a fan of reality television or animation. Even thoughTotal Dramaisn’t on Cartoon Network anymore, Max continues to stream new episodes.
