Animation is a limitless medium, one that has provided audiences with several of the greatest TV shows ever made. Its visual potential is practically infinite, and as such, many creatives throughout history have let their imaginations take flight through some truly exceptional animated shows. But while those shows do sometimes get the recognition they deserve, a few notorious others have spent the years being remembered by not nearly as many people as they deserve.
Of course, saying that "nobody" remembers these shows is a bit of an exaggeration for dramatic effect, but the fact of the matter is that these near-perfect animated gems don't typically get as much love as they should. They truly are among the best that the medium has ever had to offer, and they deserve followings a hundred times larger.
Skyland (2005–2007)
The French-Canadian-Luxembourgish co-production Skyland is set after Earth's shattering. This new world is inhabited by an evolved race of humans with superpowers, two of whom join rebels fighting the dictatorial Sphere after their mother is captured. The result of this premise is one of those forgotten animated shows that are still worth rediscovering.
The show's animation, which relies on CGI and motion capture, has aged remarkably well considering its age and how much the technology has evolved since then. There's some incredible world-building and some really interesting characters here, and though the dialogue and pacing aren't always the best, everything else works perfectly.
Cybersix (1999)
Based on an Argentine comic strip series by Carlos Trillo and Carlos Meglia, which is arguably even more obscure than the show itself, Cybersix is a Japanese-Canadian-Argentinian co-production that all fans of animation should check out at least once. It's about the titular character, an android battling her evil creator's forces as a superhero.
It's one of those obscure animated shows that became cult classics, both in Latin America and the rest of the world. It's a neo-noir hidden gem unlike any other, a genre-bending delight with surprisingly mature and progressive themes for a cartoon of its time. Stunningly animated and sharply complex, it's a must-see for fans of the medium.
The Tick (1994–1997)
In this modern media landscape filled to the brim with superhero content, and with The Boys at its end, we need more satirical superhero stories. Enter The Tick. This multimedia franchise, spawned by New England Comics, is definitely not forgotten, but the 1994 cartoon based on the superhero? Now that's one that deserves a lot more recognition than it usually gets nowadays.
It's a classic '90s cartoon that, almost 30 years later, is still perfect for kids. But what really makes The Tick stand out is that adults who love superheroes are bound to have a blast with it, too, regardless of whether they hold any kind of nostalgia for the character. Balancing smart and satirical humor with a genuine love for the superhero genre, it's a clever and self-aware parody that has aged like fine wine.
Slugterra (2012–2016)
Canada has produced some great cartoons over the years, and as far as the last couple of decades go, Slugterra is about as good as it gets. It's the story of Eli, who aims to become the greatest Slugslinging hero by collecting slugs to defeat the evil Dr. Blakk, who's trying to turn slugs into mindless weapons. What ensues is a sci-fi adventure that was clearly inspired by Pokémon, but stands out as entirely its own thing.
Blending high-speed action, unexpectedly profound world-building, an endearing team played by an exceptional voice cast, and a tone that isn't scared to get dark and mature, Slugterra is still worth discovering today. The concept of guns that shoot slugs may sound quite silly and bizarre, but the extremes to which this creative team manages to take that premise never cease to delight.
Megas XLR (2004–2005)
Even networks as big and popular as Cartoon Network have underrated gems buried deep within their vast catalog. Case in point: Megas XLR. It's an alien invasion story where two teenage slackers find a mecha from the future, and decide to make modifications—much to the dismay of the robot's creator. Proof that it's not just anime that can pull off the mecha genre perfectly, Megas XLR is one of those classic 2000s cartoons that are ready for a reboot.
But even if that reboot never comes, this will still be one of the best genre cartoons of the 2000s. The show never had particularly high ratings, which is why it was canceled after two seasons, but fans' pleas to at least revive the series have never stopped. It's simultaneously a parody of the mecha genre (a kind of anti-Evangelion, if you will) and functions perfectly as a mecha story itself, packed with intense action and fun pop culture references.
Æon Flux (1991–1995)
Æon Flux was never a show meant to appeal to the mainstream, making the fact that it's been tragically forgotten in the years since its conclusion a little less surprising—though no less disappointing. This MTV series pushed boundaries with its surreal, dystopian world and complex, morally ambiguous characters. Its influence can still be felt in many modern animated series, yet it remains a hidden gem for those who seek out the truly unique.
For fans of animation looking to explore more forgotten treasures, check out our list of Forgotten Fantasy Films That Only Got Better With Time or dive into Near-Perfect Soft Sci-Fi Masterpieces That Only Get Better With Age. And if you're in the mood for more hidden gems, don't miss 8 Near-Perfect Netflix Shows You've Never Heard Of (But Should Binge Now).
