12 Classic Cartoon Theme Songs

There is something very satisfying about singing all of the words to a silly cartoon theme song. To commemorate some of our favorites, we put together a list of 12 Classic Cartoon Theme Songs. How many lyrics can you remember?

Spongebob Squarepants

At some point or another we’ve all heard the distant sound of “Are you ready kids?” and screamed “SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS” at the top of our lungs. The Spongebob Squarepants Theme Song is one of the most recognizable theme songs there is when it comes to animated shows, but we also have to thank this show for the other musical gems, like “The Best Day Ever” and “The Campfire Song Song.”

The Pink Panther

If you play in a band or orchestra, you’ve probably played the Pink Panther Theme Song at some point in your life. And if you haven’t, you will. It’s pretty rare to find a jazzy cartoon theme song, but when it comes to The Pink Panther, composer Henry Mancini hit the nail on the head!

Adventure Time

Short and sweet, the Adventure Time Theme Song is just as fun and playful as this quirky Cartoon Network classic. It has a nice indy-folk feel that is encouraging to young musicians who would like to play along. Just about anyone can pick up their ukulele (or any other instrument) and join in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=113yv-Kdy7I

The Jetsons

The Jetsons Theme Song is the futuristic big-band tune we never knew we needed. The way it plays with whole-tone intervals gives such an upbeat modern vibe you are immediately pulled into the world of the cartoon. We can’t imagine how fun it must have been to score this iconic cartoon in the 1960s!

The Simpsons

For the music theory nerds out there, the Simpsons Theme Song is a fun piece of music to dissect. Look closely, and you’ll see that the familiar tune is written in Lydian Mode, meaning that it’s written in a major key with a sharped 4th scale degree (in this case, an F# in the key of C Major).

The Flintstones

The Flintstones ran from 1960 – 1966, and its Theme Song undoubtedly reflects it. The close-knit harmonies and big band feel are true to the 60s style, and to be honest, we miss it!

Scooby-Doo

Is it just us or does the Scooby-Doo Theme Song sound a Beach Boys tune? The surf-rock style of this classic theme is true to the shows release year–1969! It definitely wins the prize for the catchiest hook of all time. Is there anyone who hasn’t sung, “Scooby, dooby doo?”

Animaniacs

It’s time for Animaniacs! Not only are we thankful for this goofy Theme Song, but the knowledge this show dropped on us with other tunes like “Wakko’s America” and “Yakko’s World.” Despite this being a modern cartoon, the theme song hearkens back to the classic tunes from Warner Brothers golden age of animation in the 1930s and 40s. We are here for it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWnWwN1z_UM

DuckTales

Don’t pretend like you don’t know the words to the Duck Tales Theme Song. But don’t feel bad if you don’t–Panic! At the Disco‘s Brendon Urie has you covered. It’s a fun sing-along tune with great lyrics to match.

Gravity Falls

A unique cartoon demands a unique theme song, and the Gravity Falls Theme Song truly delivers. With its driving rhythms, hypnotic arpeggiations, and unsettling chord progressions, it sets viewers up perfectly for what they are about to watch.

Popeye The Sailor Man

We’re kicking it all the way back to 1929 for this legendary Theme Song! Grab a can of spinach and sing along with Popeye–there are even words to follow along with on this one! Back in the day, singing along with theme songs from cartoons was part of the fun, especially during the Saturday matinee. Following the bouncing ball was something to look forward to.

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty has become a cartoon favorite for adults since its beginnings in 2013. Its quirky Theme Song opens with high drama in the drums and string section that builds to an appropriately sci-fi-inspired tune. We can’t go without mentioning our love for Evil Morty’s Theme, “For the Damaged Coda.”

We hope these classic cartoon theme songs rang some bells in your memory! For a different perspective on theme songs, check out our article: 10 Iconic Orchestral Television Themes.

Cartoon Theme Songs FAQ

1. What is the most recognized TV theme song? This is a tough question to answer because different generations will have different answers. However, there is one TV show that has a theme song so iconic, so pervasive, that all generations seem to recognize it. It is the theme from the game show Jeopardy! Other TV themes that rank highly include Friends, Seinfeld, MASH, Law and Order, Mission Impossible, Star Trek, and Hawaii Five-0.
2. What is the most recognized TV cartoon theme song? Baby Boomers put Popeye and Merrie Melodies at the top of their list. Gen Xers will tell you it’s Pink Panther and Bugs Bunny. Millennials prefer Animaniacs and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For GenZ the top theme song is undoubtedly SpongeBob SquarePants. But for everyone, all generations, there is one cartoon theme song that rises to the top and is universally recognized. It is the Spider-Man theme from the cartoon that ran from 1967 to 1970. It’s so well-known Marvel Studios even borrows it for their blockbuster movies.
3. Did Some Cartoons Use Classical Music? Yes! There are some classic cartoons, such as Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry, that used classical music to great effect. Both Tom and Bugs perform hilarious versions of “Hungarian Rhapsody No.2” by Franz Liszt. Sylvester the Cat sings “Largo al Factotum” by Rossini. “Frühlingslied (Spring Song)” by Mendelssohn has been used for decades to depict sleep, rest, or a woozy knock on the head. Perhaps the two most famous uses are found in Bugs Bunny cartoons. In the first, The Bunny of Seville, there is no dialogue. The entire cartoon is a comedic interpretation of the “Overture to the Barber of Seville” by Rossini. In the second, “What’s Opera, Doc?” composer Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas are brilliantly spoofed.