Most Influential Cartoons Ever

by Scott Harris

Throughout the course of human history, whenever mankind has been faced with choice, debate and argument has followed. Catholicism or Reconstruction? Communism or Democracy? Tastes Great or Less Filling? Here at the UGO think tank, our scientists and doctors have been debating the great question of our age: South Park or The Simpsons?

Of course, the answer to that depends on just what the question is. When you're evaluating two legendary shows like these, you have to factor in not just ratings or popularity, but also cultural relevance and industry legacy. In other words, like the headline for this entire feature kind of says, what's the most influential cartoon of all time?

We'd explain to you how we came to our conclusions, but let's face it: methodology is boring. That's why you surf porn during the part of the Oscars where the guys from the tabulating firm talk about themselves. So we'll skip that and cut right to the chase. Is He-Man more influential than Speed Racer? Does The Herculoids hold a higher place in the American imagination than Family Guy?

We're sure you have your own ideas on these issues, but if we wanted your opinion we'd have asked for it. Instead, let us do the thinking for you and enjoy our list of the Top Eleven Most Influential Cartoons in Television History.