20 of the Best Cartoon Theme Songs (Instrumentals)

First off.  Huge apologies to the would be directors of Solo: A Star Wars Story.  Their amazing show, Clone High, deserves better than me forgetting to give the theme song to that show it's spot on last week's list of amazing cartoon theme songs.  Here it is in it's full glory!

Now back to the program!  This post is all about theme songs that have no lyrics but are catchy all the same.

Show:
C.O.P.S. (1988)

Reason Why:
I don't count all the narration over the top of this theme song.  And no I don't count the "cops" aspect.  In a world of producer tags, I need more than that to feel like there are lyrics to a theme song.  Plus I remember Ryan loving this show and having more than a little bit of actions figures from this show!

Show:
The Simpsons (1989)

Reason Why:
Not only did this show inform most of my sense of humour, but, it had a dope Danny Elfman theme song to kick things off!  There is no mistaking this song for anything else.  Is this the most recognizable theme song even without the tag at the beginning?

Show:
Bobby's World (1990)

Reason Why:
My mother loved the mother on this show.  It also took me far too long to realize Howie Mandel was voicing Bobby.  What did you want from a 4 year old YG though?  For my mom's endorsement and my amazement at Howie's vocal range, I guess I really liked this show and associate the theme song with great times.  It's pretty good without those memories though, right?  The theme has a fun house party vibe to it, doesn't it?

Show:
Peter Pan and the Pirates (1990)

Reason Why:
I don't know why I like Peter Pan so much, but I do.  This theme song though!  It's on another level.  The horns sound so triumphant in the beginning.  You do have to go through that weak middle part, but I can't hate on the horn section of this song.  It's too exciting!

Show:
Rugrats (1990)

Reason Why:
This has a similar vibe to the Bobby's World theme song.  Plus I didn't know many people who weren't talking about this show during snack time or recess.  It also made for a great sample when Ma$e and Blinky Blink actually rapped about the Rugrat characters while Mya and Blackstreet sang for the amazing movie soundtrack cut!

Show:
Doug (1991)

Reason Why:
There's something to be said for how well this theme song fits the main character of the show.   There is nothing threatening or off putting about this theme song.  It's just pleasant, like Doug.  Good on you, maestro!

Show:
X-Men (1992)

Reason Why:
There is no doubt that the X-Men where a big part of my childhood.  Even though, when I rewatch it, it's clear the show demands way more focus on my part than I'm sure I was giving shows at that time.  Nonetheless, I tuned in every week for that energetic theme song and to watch Wolverine and maybe Magneto do their thing!

Show:
The Adventures of Batman & Robin (1993)

Reason Why:
I originally had the original theme song on here, but that was just the repurpossed Danny Elfman theme.  It's awesome, but technically doesn't count based on the rules I arbitrarily imposed in the previous post about theme songs.  This was an original creation and in some ways, I dig it a bit more.  Maybe not overall, but it feels just as important and atmospheric, as the Danny Elfman.  Plus I know it was created just for this show.

Show:
Gargoyles (1994)

Reason Why:
Like C.O.P.S., I don't care about the narration going on over the music.  This is Batman levels epic and those triumphant horns get me every time.  Just a side note.  I really dig that the cast has multiple black people in it and features a gang of Star Trek: The Next Generation alumni!  The show also took it's time and doesn't really feel like a kid's show.  Am I saying I was wise beyond my years?  I guess so.

Show:
The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest (1996)

Reason Why:
I had a lot of the action figures from this show and I used to think it was the coolest show ever.  A lot of that has to do with the theme song and look.  Later the Venture Bros would skewer all that I held dear about Johnny Quest, but, at least there's still this show.  If you hadn't caught on by now, the horn section of any given theme song will draw me in.  But those drums and strings ain't too shabby either!

Show:
King of the Hill (1997)

Reason Why:
This is all about the guitar on this theme song.  I also detect a bit of cowbell, which is a welcome addition.  While I didn't ever love this show, there were a bunch of running gags I loved, and I never could front on how well done the theme song was.

Show:
Men in Black: The Series (1997)

Reason Why:
If I ever get the LDF Podcast back up and running, Jo and I will give you our true feelings about Men in Black.  This show was fine, but there was something about the way the theme song leaned into Hip Hop that I always liked even if the show didn't really do it for me.  Plus they didn't do a cop out and try to re do the Will Smith theme song.  So good on them.

Show:
Batman Beyond (1999)

Reason Why:
I like the energy of this theme song.  The show was nice.  But, I'm a Bruce Wayne or bust type of guy when it comes to Batman.  That's neither here nor there, though.  The important thing is they switched up the kind of music they wanted to use to make sure there was a difference in tone, and I appreciate that.

Show:
Futurama (1999)

Reason Why:
I ended up really liking Futurama even though I started off thinking it was just a distraction from The Simpsons.  Paul and I agree that it's a great show that no one ever has to talk about outside of the time you're watching it. The theme song, however, was always something I appreciated.  I can't quite put my finger on which song it reminds me of but I like it and I'm all in.

Show:
Justice League (2001)

Reason Why:
This is dope and yes you guessed it!  The horns, strings, and drums make this theme song amazing.  While I didn't feel as enthusiastic about the film version of Justice League, I still get excited about the show when I hear this music!

Show:
Young Justice (2010)

Reason Why:
Like Batman Beyond, I enjoy the way they switched up the style, and even instrumentation for this show about the younger heroes taking the spotlight.  My love for this show, notwithstanding, I think the theme song does a great job of getting you excited for the rest of the show.
 

Show:
Bob's Burgers (2011)

Reason Why:
What a fun show and song this is!  I love that Gene's keyboard sounds get used throughout and the ukulele makes everything sound fun!  This theme song is another great example of getting across some of the show's elements during the intro.

Show:
Rick and Morty (2013)

Reason Why:
Despite what you might think becasue of the Fare Trade episode of Spoiled Rotten Podcast, I'm a huge fan of Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland, and of course Rick and Morty.  I will say, I think it's the mix of the theme song with the visuals that really gets me.

Show:
BoJack Horseman (2014)

Reason Why:
This theme song, and even the end credits, which have lyrics, have always been the reason I was interested in BoJack.  That is until I had the time to actually power through all the seasons and realize that I didn't just like the Patrick Carney (of The Black Keys fame) theme and Grouplove end credits.  I think BoJack is a top ten Netflix series and possibly top ten animated series.  But that's beside the point.  The point is the swanky rhythms of the opening credits are expertly done.

Show:
Major Lazer (2014)

Reason Why:
I started watching this show because future Movies vs. Matrimony, movie, Attack The Block, stars John Boyega, and John's in this show.  I would expect a show about Major Lazer would have pretty dope music throughout, and the theme song does not disappoint!

-YG