20 of the Best Cartoon Theme Songs
If I had my way, every TV show I watched and podcast I listened to would have a theme song. Not just a song that plays over the credits, but a piece of music that was made specifically for that show. For this list, I want to deal with cartoon theme songs that had lyrics. If those lyrics happen to detail exactly what I'll be getting into with the show, even better! At any rate, enjoy this trip down memory lane.
TV Show:
The Flintstones (1960)
Reason Why:
Because who doesn't want to immediately want to sing along when they hear this song start? Also it wasn't the original theme song. It was part of some compilation album and they retroactively threw it on at the beginning during syndication. You just read that sentence and I bet it made no difference in how high you rank this theme song. That's how good it is.
TV Show:
Spider-Man (1967)
Reason Why:
My third favourite comic book character got quite the theme song when he hit TV screens. That must have something to do with why I liked him from a very early age. That's not the point though. This is about the music and this is another song that forces you to sing along. And even made Will Smith want to dust off his mic and rap again.
TV Show:
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids (1972)
Reason Why:
Because of the bass line. Just don't think about the comedian who is attached to this show and enjoy the celebration of life that is this song for a show that I didn't watch a lot of but enjoyed nonetheless. It should also be noted that this bass line was sampled by Mr. Shark Tank, Daymond John, to promote FUBU.
TV Show:
Inspector Gadget (1983)
Reason Why:
I never liked this show because I didn't get that the humour came from the very thing that I was mad about. It's supposed to be funny that Penny does all the real sleuthing and problem solving while her uncle get's all the credit... I guess. Either way I still watched because the theme song is undeniably catchy and has just enough lyrics that I can sing along and never miss a word.
TV Show:
DuckTales (1987)
Reason Why:
Another theme song so good I put up with watching a show I didn't much care for. I liked the robo duck and launchpad who got to move to a much better show that shows up later. The theme song is in legendary status over just a sound "oooOOOooo!" Lie and say that part of the song doesn't excite you!
TV Show:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987)
Reason Why:
I don't know why but I feel like this was the first song I memorized. It might have been because the lyrics clearly state that Leonardo is the leader, and I couldn't have my school yard friends going around thinking Raph was the leader or should even have a chance to be the leader. The fact that this song breaks down all the characters for you and still has a pretty good pace is all I really need to justify this theme song's existence on the list.
TV Show:
Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers (1988)
Reason Why:
Before you go thinking this song isn't one of the illest. Remember that the guy who produced the theme songs for Spoiled Rotten & Movies vs. Matrimony and had the most placements on The Therapy LP placed this theme song above all others. He once sent me a voice note singing this song because he loved it so much. I dug the song before, but, this producer's love for this song truly elevates it for me.
TV Show:
Samurai Pizza Cats (1990)
Reason Why:
I probably shouldn't like it, but I really like the B-52 style theme song for this show. It's got all the ingredients I need: describing what I'm getting into, some good music, and there's a couple of great ad-libs throughout.
TV Show:
Talespin (1990)
Reason Why:
For my money, this is a top tier almost number one, theme song. I get excited to watch an episode of this show every time I hear this theme song. I don't know why, I just do. Plus it features the Jungle Book crew and a kid with a backwards hat surfing outside the plane. Everything a 4 year old YG would need to stay invested.
TV Show:
Tiny Toon Adventures (1990)
Reason Why:
There is some kind of alchemy happening with the way the instrumentation and the cadence of the singers work on this song. I can't help but get pulled in and look forward to a wacky adventure with Babs and Buster!
TV Show:
Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars (1991)
Reason Why:
I couldn't tell you a thing about this show. All I know is I liked it when it was on, and I forced my parents to buy me the toad smooshing spaceship. That toy was never assembeled but I had some of the action figures and I definitely liked how they sang Bucky's name during the theme song. I looked it up for this list and it still holds up, so here we are.
TV Show:
Darkwing Duck (1991)
Reason Why:
WHAT UP LAUNCHPAD!!! I still go back and forth with Pauline about whether or not she knows the lyrics to this song. I'm pretty sure Gililan gets them wrong too. Either way, I loved the lyrics and the bass is doing work and there is some dope guitar and horn section work to appreciate throughout.
TV Show:
Goof Troop (1992)
Reason Why:
If these aren't the most hip hop drums ever, I don't know what are. Seriously, the singing was nice but the drummer is going hard on this song. Or they're just loops, either way, the drums are what sell this song for me. Plus the "YEAH" in the middle and the end. Also I did like the show, but remember when Max's cousin came and I she was actually attractive even though she was a cartoon and not even a cartoon rendering of a human? Or was I the only one who liked her?
TV Show:
Animaniacs (1993)
Reason Why:
You know the deal. I know what I'm getting into with this show because of the theme song. Plus you get some history too as to why the siblings are in the tower depending on the version in front of the episode.
TV Show:
Bots Master (1993)
Reason Why:
Laugh at me all you want but it was a show that was trying to appeal to me by using Hip Hop in its theme song. 7 year old YG couldn't resist. Am I wrong or do some of these bots have bars in this cypher? I'm looking at you ninja robot!
TV Show:
Freakazoid! (1995)
Reason Why:
If you haven't caught on by now, Warner Bros. had my number in terms of churning out theme songs that appealed to my need for shows to explain what they were about during theme song. While this wasn't my favourite show, I definitely still enjoy singing along to this theme song!
TV Show:
Stickin' Around (1996)
Reason Why:
I'll always think of Nadia when I see this show. But what's more important than people's impressions of the characters on this show, is the theme song had a different feel to it. An almost improvised feel that worked for my song writing tastes at the time.
TV Show:
CatDog (1998)
Reason Why:
I think Gillian watched it, because I certainly couldn't tell you about any specific epiosde of this show, but, I know that I'd poke my head in the room if I heard this theme song. It's the words per bar ratio that intrigues me for this theme song. A lot is going on and I like the twang in the guy's voice.
TV Show:
Family Guy (1998)
Reason Why:
Unlike the actual show, which I loved from day one, the theme song had to grow on me. I then realized how much effort and fanfare was put into it and now it's just one of those theme songs I have to respect.
TV Show:
The Boondocks (2005)
Reason Why:
While this song doesn't overtly explain what's going to happen in the show, I love this theme song. Yes the bars are dope on this theme song. However, it's the horns that accent the theme song and the record scratching at the end that bring me in and get me hyped for another episode every time.
-YG