Summary
Each country has its own homegrown hits alongside dubbed favorites. In the U.S., enduring franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants and Looney Tunes remain dominant. China’s children flock to Boonie Bears and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf. Japan’s lineup is led by classics such as Doraemon and Naruto. India celebrates Chhota Bheem and Motu Patlu, while Indonesia tunes into both local hits—Adit Sopo Jarwo—and dubbed smashes like Naruto. Thailand’s market features Doraemon alongside Thai originals like PangPond, and Singapore produces global successes such as Oddbods. Regionally, North America champions SpongeBob SquarePants and Rick and Morty, Latin America enjoys Condorito: The Movie and El Chavo Animado, Europe loves Peppa Pig and Masha and the Bear, Africa is rallying around educational series like Ubongo Kids and newcomers like Iyanu, the Middle East increasingly hosts dubbed Disney and Cartoon Network content, and Oceania’s big break is Bluey from Australia.
Country-by-Country Breakdown
United States
- SpongeBob SquarePants has been ranked the #1 animated kids’ show in recent polls, remaining a pop-culture icon since its 1999 debut.
- Looney Tunes Cartoons (Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck) continues to reach new audiences through HBO Max shorts and merchandise.
China
- Boonie Bears follows two bear brothers defending their forest home; it’s one of the most-watched Chinese cartoons of the last decade.
- Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf launched in 2005 and still tops children’s viewership charts, pitting goats against a hapless wolf.
Japan
- Doraemon (ドラえもん) — the time-traveling robotic cat — has aired continuously since 1979 and is a cultural fixture.
- Naruto (ナルト) defined a generation of shōnen anime and remains ubiquitous on streaming services.
- Crayon Shin-chan (しんちゃん), debuting in 1992, continues its long-running comedic adventures of a mischievous five-year-old.
- Detective Conan (名探偵コナン), airing since 1996, is among the top five most-watched series in Japan.
India
- Chhota Bheem (2008–present) is India’s original superhero-style cartoon on Pogo TV, inspiring movies and schoolyard play. Wikipedia
- Motu Patlu (2012–present) follows two buddies on slapstick adventures; it’s a Nickelodeon India staple. Wikipedia
- Roll No.21 (2010–present) reimagines mythological tales in a school setting and leads Cartoon Network India’s lineup. Wikipedia
- Little Singham (2018–present) — based on the Bollywood franchise — is a Discovery Kids hit. Wikipedia
- Shiva (2015–present) features a young martial-arts hero and enjoys high TRP ratings on Nickelodeon India. Wikipedia
Indonesia
- Adit Sopo Jarwo (2014–present) is the top original Indonesian series, nominated for Favorite Cartoon at Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids’ Choice Awards. WikipediaWikipedia
- Naruto continues to top dubbing charts; it won Favorite Cartoon in 2015. Wikipedia
- Doraemon is perennially among the top five most-watched anime dubbed in Indonesian. Wikipedia
- SpongeBob SquarePants airs on GTV/Nickelodeon Indonesia and ranks in kids’ top-ten lists. Wikipedia
- Upin & Ipin (Malaysia) enjoys high viewership in Indonesia despite non-Indonesian origin. Wikipedia
Thailand
- Doraemon is the only anime to consistently win all-ages popularity in Thailand since the 1980s. nationthailand
- PangPond The Series (2002–present) was Thailand’s first 3D TV animation and remains a domestic favorite. Wikipedia
- Paddle Pop Adventures (2005–present) by The Monk Studios has aired in over 33 countries. Wikipedia
- Ramakien Mini Animation retells the Thai epic in 2D and spawned products across media. Wikipedia
- Shelldon (2008–present) reached 150+ countries, showcasing Thailand’s export potential in CG animation. Wikipedia
Singapore
- Oddbods (2013–present) is a dialogue-free comedy series exported to 90+ countries. Wikipedia
- The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky — a flash-animated show — aired on ABC Kids and beyond. Wikipedia
- Berry Bees (2019–present) is a multi-national co-production now streaming globally. Wikipedia
- Clang Invasion (2009–present) — a teen-pilot action-comedy — aired on Cartoon Network Asia. Wikipedia
- Master Raindrop (2008–2010) blends anime-style visuals with Singaporean creative input. Wikipedia
Popular Cartoons by Region
North America
- SpongeBob SquarePants — Ranked #1 among U.S. kids’ shows.
- Rick and Morty — Adult Swim’s flagship for adult animation, lauded for smart, dark humor.
- Adventure Time — Cartoon Network’s genre-bending hit reshaping modern Western animation.
- Looney Tunes — Classic shorts revitalized for new platforms like HBO Max.
Latin America
- Condorito: The Movie — Chilean box-office hit adapted from the iconic comic character. IMDb
- El Chavo Animado — Mexican animated spin-off of El Chavo del Ocho, beloved across Spanish-speaking markets. Lingoda
- Minimalitos — Argentina’s preschool series using music to teach colors and routines.
- Metegol (The Unbeatables) — Argentine feature released on Netflix, combining football lore with heart.
- Los Lunnis de Leyenda — Spanish-origin musical series teaching history to kids.
Europe
- Peppa Pig — British preschooler phenomenon broadcast in 180+ countries. Wikipedia
- Masha and the Bear — Russian series with the YouTube episode “Recipe for Disaster” at ~4.6 billion views. Wikipedia
- Hey Duggee — BAFTA-winning CBeebies show that resonates across European pre-school channels. Wikipedia
- The Amazing World of Gumball — UK/US co-production acclaimed for its meta-humor and mixed-media style. Wikipedia
Africa
- Ubongo Kids & Akili and Me — Tanzanian edutainment series reaching 11 million weekly viewers across nine countries. Wikipedia
- Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire — Disney+ African anthology celebrating Afrofuturism.
- Supa Team 4 — Netflix’s pan-African superhero series, widely praised for representation.
- Iyanu: Child of Wonder — Cartoon Network’s first Nigerian-focused show spotlighting Yoruba mythology (2025).
Middle East
- The region predominantly consumes dubbed American and Japanese series on Cartoon Network and Disney Channel, with Avengers Assemble, Doraemon, and locally produced shorts appearing on local satellite channels.
Oceania
- Bluey — Australian hit on ABC Kids and Disney+, praised for realistic family storytelling and now exported to 60+ territories. (widely reported, e.g. Variety)
Each nation and region has a unique mix of homegrown creativity and imported favorites, reflecting local culture and global trends in animation.
