Once again, it’s time for my annual post on recommended streaming services for cartoons. 2026 continues to see changes in the streaming landscape for animation, including the usual price hikes and content purges, plus Tubi gaining much of the Cartoon Network library.
My criteria
Here’s my criteria for these recommendations:
- I’m looking at on demand streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.), not cable replacement streaming services like Hulu Live and YouTube TV. Also not covered are “TV Everywhere” apps that require a cable TV subscription to fully use.
- I’ve noted YouTube, but given its status, I won’t be listing it in my recommendations section—pretty much everyone uses YouTube.
- This post largely just applies to the United States, since that’s where I live.
- Information and prices below are as of this writing (early August 2026). The website JustWatch can help with finding current information about where to stream specific TV shows or movies.
- If you have a favorite movie or TV show, I recommend buying it on DVD/Blu-ray (or digital video if physical media’s absolutely not an option). Streaming’s in a constant state of flux (and price hikes), so owning your favorites is better than seeing them removed on a company’s whim.
Amazon Prime Video
Site: www.amazon.com
As of this writing, Prime Video’s most famous cartoons are adult-oriented ones, such as “Hazbin Hotel” and “Invincible.” Other streaming services can also be subscribed to through Prime Video as convenient add-ons.
Amazon’s also gained some new DC Comics animated programs, such as “Batman: Caped Crusader,” thanks to Warner Bros.’s treatment of HBO Max (more on that below).
Along with the paid tier content, there’s also a number of FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) channels available through Prime Video. Channels include: “Pokemon,” “Cartoon Retro” (older fare such as the “Beetlejuice” cartoon), “Sailor Moon,” and others. Prime Video also carries the PBS Kids streaming channel.
For myself, I’ve found Amazon Prime Video so-so, between its library and its confusing user interface. Their UI mixes Prime Video content with content that’s either from a third-party service (Paramount+, etc.) or only available to rent or buy.
Cartoons available on Prime Video include:
- Amazon originals, including “Hazbin Hotel” and “Invincible.”
- Some DC Comics based cartoons, including “Batman: The Animated Series.”
- Some Nickelodeon shows, including the first seven seasons of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
- The aforementioned FAST channel content, including “Pokemon” and “Sailor Moon.”
Cost: $15/month or $139/year (with ads); $20/month (without ads)
Apple TV
Site: www.apple.com/apple-tv
Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) doesn’t have as large a selection as other streaming services, but it does have some cartoons, including a few animated films and exclusive streaming rights to the “Peanuts” franchise. The service (for now) is also ad-free. However, unless you’re a big “Peanuts” fan, Apple TV won’t serve as your primary animation outlet.
Apple TV is now available as a bundle with Peacock; more on Peacock below.
Cartoons available on Apple TV include:
- The “Peanuts” specials catalog; along with the classic Halloween and Christmas specials, there’s also a few new specials, including one about Franklin. Apple TV also has original “Peanuts” series, such as “Camp Snoopy.”
- “Central Park,” an adult-oriented sitcom.
- “Frog and Toad,” based on the classic children’s books.
- “Harriet the Spy,” based on the classic children’s books.
Cost: $13/month (without ads)
Crunchyroll
Site: www.crunchyroll.com
Crunchyroll is the dominant anime streaming service, thanks to a large library of programming—as well as its owner Sony buying Crunchyroll’s old rival, Funimation. One of Crunchyroll’s biggest appeals is offering new episodes as simulcasts, or shortly after they air in Japan.
Sony ended the longtime free ad-supported tier of Crunchyroll at the end of 2025. In July, Sony announced it’s offering its first-ever Crunchyroll streaming bundle, with (of all services) Starz.
Programs available on Crunchyroll include:
- “My Hero Academia”
- “Dan Da Dan”
- “One Piece”
- “The Apothecary Diaries”
- “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”
Cost: Starting at $10/month or $100/year (ad-free)
Disney+
Site: www.disneyplus.com
Disney+ is the home of the Disney animation catalog, as well as other studios they’ve bought (such as Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Fox/Studios). This is one of the main services to get if you have kids; it’s also recommended if you’re a fan of Disney animation, Marvel, and/or “Star Wars.”
Disney+ and sister service Hulu make up the “Disney Bundle.” Disney’s also been working to increasingly integrate the two services. Given there’s only a slight price difference, the Bundle’s the better deal, as it’s not worth buying Disney+ as a standalone service (unless you really don’t like/want Hulu).
Cartoons on Disney+ include:
- Disney Channel programs (“Kim Possible,” “The Owl House,” “Big City Greens,” etc.).
- Disney and Pixar animated features.
- The Australian hit series “Bluey.”
- Past and current Marvel series, from “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends” to “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.”
- “The Simpsons,” up to the previous season; the current season is available on Hulu.
Cost: Disney+ alone: $12/month (with ads) or $19/month / $190/year (without ads); bundled with Hulu: $13/month (with ads) or $20/month (without ads)
HBO Max
Site: www.hbomax.com
Until a few years ago, HBO Max served as Warner Bros.’s animation home. Unfortunately, since the Discovery merger, HBO Max has infamously seen much of its animation catalog purged, with Warner Bros. Discovery having erased numerous animated programs in the name of saving money. They’ve also sent much of their catalog, including crown jewel the Looney Tunes, to other services like Tubi. And with the still-pending (as of this writing) plan to sell Warner Bros. to Paramount, Warner Bros.’s animation future is unclear.
At this point, HBO Max’s only animation strengths are: the DC Comics library; Studio Ghibli; and Adult Swim. And even those aren’t safe from Warner Bros.’s mercurial attitude toward animation; “Batman: Caped Crusader” is on rival service Amazon Prime Video instead of HBO Max for… reasons.
While HBO Max is now offered as a bundle with the Disney Bundle, it just draws attention to the lackluster state of its animation catalog, especially for a service that isn’t exactly cheap. Overall, unless you’re a HBO fan, a hardcore fan of one of Warner’s franchises, or get HBO Max at a steep discount, it’s hard for me to recommend HBO Max for animation at this point. You’re better off buying the Studio Ghibli films or “My Adventures With Superman” on DVD/Blu-ray.
Cartoons carried on HBO Max include:
- DC Comics shows, from “Batman: The Animated Series” to the adults-only “Harley Quinn.”
- Adult Swim shows, such as “Harvey Birdman” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”
- HBO Max originals, such as “Jellystone!” and “Looney Tunes Cartoons.”
- The Studio Ghibli library.
Cost: $11/month or $110/year (with ads); $18.49/month or $185/year (without ads, 1080p): $23/month or $230/year (without ads, 4K); as a bundle with Disney+/Hulu: $20/month (with ads), $33/month (without ads)
Hulu
Site: www.hulu.com
For years, Hulu served as a “catch-all” service for multiple studios. However, these days it’s pretty much Disney’s adult programming arm, with other companies yanking material for their own streaming services. A few years ago, Disney folded together Disney+ and Hulu for Disney Bundle subscribers; Disney+ now offers a Hulu tile, has made Hulu their non-US-versions-of-Disney+ adult programming category (replacing the old and generic “Star” tile name), and is working to increasingly integrate both services.
Anime and adult animation make up Hulu’s strongest cartoon categories. Thanks to Warner Bros.’s aforementioned decisions, Hulu also carries a good chunk of the 2010s-era Cartoon Network library.
While Hulu’s still available (for now) as a standalone service, it’s not worth buying as such at this point, outside of its heavily-discounted annual Black Friday sales. The Disney Bundle price difference is minimal, and both services together make up for each other’s weaknesses.
Cartoons on Hulu include:
- The Fox Sunday animated lineup, including “Bob’s Burgers,” “Family Guy,” and current season episodes of “The Simpsons.”
- Adult-oriented programming, including “Rick and Morty,” “King of the Hill,” and a “Futurama” revival.
- A strong selection of anime, in both dubbed and subtitled versions. Shows available include “Sailor Moon,” “Dan Da Dan,” and “Vampire Knight.”
- Hulu originals, including “Solar Opposites” and the 2020s revival of “Animaniacs.”
- Much of the 2010s-era Cartoon Network programming, including “Steven Universe,” “Teen Titans Go,” “We Bare Bears,” and “Craig of the Creek.” Other Warner Bros. content includes classic Hanna-Barbera cartoons “Josie and the Pussycats” and “The Jetsons.” No, I don’t know why these two cartoons are on Hulu and not with most of the classic Hanna-Barbera catalog on Tubi.
- Some Disney/Pixar movies, though Hulu doesn’t come close to Disney+’s catalog.
Cost: $12/month (with ads); $19/month (without ads); see above for bundle pricing with Disney+
Netflix
Site: www.netflix.com
Netflix is still the most famous and popular streaming service, despite the “streaming wars” taking a toll on some of its content. There’s also some of Netflix’s regressive changes and annoyances in recent years, such as price hikes and password crackdowns.
That said, Netflix’s been around for a long time, and still works as a “catch-all” service, including the benefit of its large animation catalog. “KPop Demon Hunters” was the most-watched program period on Netflix in 2025. Netflix is probably the default service for kids watching cartoons (if they aren’t turning to YouTube or Disney+), and the same likely goes for many adults.
Cartoons on Netflix include:
- DreamWorks. The home of “Shrek” is a major provider of Netflix’s cartoons, either directly as Netflix originals or through much of the DreamWorks library airing on Netflix. Such cartoons include “The Boss Baby” and an animated series based on “The Bad Guys.”
- A sizable anime catalog.
- Adult-oriented originals such as “BoJack Horseman” and “Devil May Cry.”
- “Nimona,” a movie based on the graphic novel of the same name.
- “KPop Demon Hunters” (animated by Sony).
- All animated Barbie half-hour TV shows and direct-to-video films produced since 2017, including “Dreamhouse Adventures” and “Big City Big Dreams” (the latter introducing Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts).
- Some Nickelodeon fare, including “The Loud House,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” and several “SpongeBob SquarePants” made-for-TV movies.
Cost: $9/month (with ads); $20/month (without ads, 1080p); $27/month (without ads, 4K)
Paramount+ / Pluto TV
Sites: www.paramountplus.com / pluto.tv
Paramount+ is the home of all things related to Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount. While its catalog isn’t as large as what’s on Disney+, there’s still plenty of animated content here, especially for Nickelodeon fans.
Meanwhile, Pluto TV is a FAST service that offers a cable-like grid of dozens of “channels” to watch, including Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon. As such, there’s some overlap between Paramount+ and Pluto TV (and why I didn’t make the two separate entries).
Unfortunately, the last few years haven’t been kind to the home of SpongeBob. The Ellisons’ takeover of Paramount isn’t doing the news division any favors, and they don’t have a clear vision for their production slate, including animation. Instead of focusing on their just-bought assets, they’ve been focused on their still-ongoing hostile takeover of Warner Bros. The thought of Scooby-Doo, the Looney Tunes, and the Justice League becoming “coworkers” of SpongeBob, the “South Park” cast, and the Ninja Turtles isn’t something anyone wants, unless they have money invested in this (or are MAGA types mad about DC’s “woke” superheroes). Those that don’t want their money directly going to Trump bootlickers like the Ellisons might want to consider getting SpongeBob and company from elsewhere (Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, etc.), via DVDs and Blu-rays from the library, or buying (used) DVDs/Blu-rays.
Cartoons available on Paramount+ include:
- Nickelodeon’s back catalog. One of the service’s strongest selling points, this includes the entire runs of major hits like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Rugrats,” and “The Loud House.”
- The various “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” TV shows and films.
- “Star Trek: The Animated Series” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks.”
- Classic MTV fare such as “Beavis and Butt-Head” and “Daria.”
- “South Park.”
Cost (Paramount+): $9/month or $90/year (with ads); $14/month or $140/year (without ads)
Cost (Pluto TV): free
PBS Kids
Site: pbskids.org
PBS Kids is famous for its educational commercial-free children’s programming. The PBS Kids streaming app offers a rotating selection of episodes of each of its shows. The app also offers a 24/7 live stream of the over-the-air PBS Kids digital subchannel. I consider PBS Kids a must-have for those with younger children.
Unfortunately, in 2025 PBS was defunded by the Trump administration. As such, it now needs viewer support more than ever. While PBS Passport (PBS’s streaming service) doesn’t include PBS Kids programming, subscribers are still supporting that aspect of PBS.
Cartoons available on PBS Kids include:
- “Cyberchase”
- “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”
- “Molly of Denali”
- “Weather Hunters”
Cost: Free
Peacock
Site: www.peacocktv.com
Peacock, Comcast’s streaming service, has some cartoons, mostly from the DreamWorks or Illumination libraries. (Both studios are owned by Comcast.) While there’s some worthwhile material, Peacock isn’t the main service I’d go to for cartoons. Also, while Comcast owns DreamWorks and Illumination, much of their catalogs are often available on Netflix.
On top of all that, Peacock is expensive for what I consider a second-tier streaming service. It now costs $11 a month with ads, or $17 a month without. You’re better off just buying Netflix (or “Minions” DVDs/Blu-rays).
Cartoons on Peacock include:
- “Curious George.”
- The “How to Train Your Dragon” movies and TV spin-offs.
- DreamWorks films, including “Shrek” and “The Croods.”
- Illumination films, including “Despicable Me,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Minions.”
Cost: $11/month or $110/year (with ads); $17/month or $170/year (without ads)
Tubi
Site: tubitv.com
Tubi is a FAST service owned by Fox (yes, I know), but has a large variety of material. Recently, it’s gained a large amount of content from Warner Bros. in particular.
Cartoons on Tubi include:
- Almost all of the major Warner Bros. animation library. Thanks to recent content additions (and HBO Max’s purges), Tubi is now basically the de facto home of Warner Bros.’s animation catalog. This includes:
- Looney Tunes.
- Tom and Jerry (plus other MGM shorts like Droopy).
- Hanna-Barbera, particularly “Scooby-Doo Where Are You,” “The Flintstones,” and “Yogi Bear.”
- Cartoon Network, including “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” and “Courage the Cowardly Dog.”
- DC Comics shows such as “Teen Titans,” “Static Shock,” and “Justice League.”
- “Animaniacs” and “Pinky and the Brain.” (The other major 90s Warner Bros. show, “Tiny Toon Adventures,” isn’t on streaming as of this writing.)
- “The Magic School Bus.”
- “The Real Ghostbusters.”
- “Clifford the Big Red Dog” (2000s series).
- Various “Pokemon” series.
- “Garfield and Friends.”
Cost: free
YouTube
Site: www.youtube.com
It feels odd including YouTube, as it’s the de facto video content platform (and more like basic online infrastructure), but YouTube has grown in popularity as something to stream on TV sets, versus computers or mobile devices. Animation-wise, it’s become a popular outlet for indie animation studios’ programming such as Glitch Productions’ “The Amazing Digital Circus.”
Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of slop on YouTube, and the AI craze isn’t helping this any. YouTube Kids helps filter most of it out for kids, but is still far from perfect.
Cartoons available on YouTube include:
- “The Amazing Digital Circus.”
- “Helluva Boss.” A few episodes of sister show “Hazbin Hotel” are also on YouTube.
- “Gracie’s Corner.”
Cost: free (with ads); YouTube Premium: $16/month or $160/year (ad-free)
My recommended streaming services
General viewing
- Netflix
- Disney+/Hulu (Disney Bundle)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Tubi
- PBS Kids (for those with young children)
- Total: $37/month (with ads), $60/month (without ads)
It sounds mundane that my recommended general viewing list consists of the traditional major streaming services (Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, and Prime Video). But looking at these, not only do they serve as “catch-all” services for live-action media (and why they’re popular), they do the same for animation as well. Combined with Tubi and PBS Kids, all of these cover every animation category available, from preschoolers to adults. “Mickey Mouse,” “Looney Tunes,” “SpongeBob?” They’re here. “Bluey,” “Paw Patrol,” “Wild Kratts?” Covered. “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Teen Titans,” “X-Men ‘97?” All here. “The Simpsons,” “My Hero Academia,” “Family Guy?” Ditto.
Hardcore fans of a specific show or genre might consider adding an extra service, or switching one of these out. If you’re looking for “Harley Quinn” or more stuff tied to Batman/Gotham City, you’ll want HBO Max. If you absolutely need “South Park,” there’s Paramount+ (or the DVDs). Still, for general purposes, these streaming services should work well for everyone, from children watching “KPop Demon Hunters” to adults watching “Rick and Morty.”
Adult animation
- Disney+/Hulu/HBO Max bundle
- Paramount+
- Total: $29 (with ads), $47 (without ads)
These services cover the most popular adult animated programs, including “South Park,” “Harley Quinn,” “Rick and Morty” (and other Adult Swim fare), “The Simpsons,” “Futurama,” and “Family Guy.” If it’s a cartoon where the characters are dropping expletives, these services will likely cover it.
Anime
- Crunchyroll
- Netflix
- Disney+/Hulu/HBO Max bundle
- Total: $39 (with ads), $63 (without ads)
The above services have strong anime libraries, and should cover the viewing interests of most anime fans. Material ranges from the Studio Ghibli films to “One Piece.”
For kids
- Netflix
- Disney+/Hulu
- PBS Kids
- Total: $22 (with ads), $40 (without ads)
If you’re just looking for cartoons for kids, these services should work well, and are ad-free or have ad-free options. At this point, they’re probably the non-YouTube streaming services most of Gen Alpha turn to for cartoons (versus, say, Peacock or HBO Max).
Ideologically pure/least problematic options (if boycotting Trump supporters, AI usage, etc.)
- PBS Kids
- Kanopy (via the public library)
- Hoopla (via the public library)
- DVDs/Blu-rays (via the public library or purchased)
- Indie creators
- Jellyfin media server (for techies)
- Total: free (via the library and other free options) or varies (cost of DVDs/Blu-rays, setting up Jellyfin, etc.)
I’ve written previously about the most ideologically pure streaming and home video options, given the current political state and corporations’ usual greed. If you’re looking to avoid supporting companies that’re bending the knee for Trump, trying to use AI, hiking prices, etc., these are probably your best options.
That said, while some smaller, noncommercial, or indie streaming outlets exist, many don’t offer cartoons. Some indie creators rely on YouTube, which might be a non-starter depending how far at boycotting you’ll go. Though ways to download YouTube videos exist, and ad blockers in a browser will also block YouTube ads.
On a budget
- Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video (ad-based versions)
- Tubi
- PBS Kids (for those with young children)
- The public library:
- DVDs/Blu-rays
- Hoopla
- Kanopy
- Optional:
- An antenna (for MeTV Toons)
- Buying DVDs and Blu-rays (plus a Blu-ray player)
- Total (excluding the optional options): $9 (Netflix) to $15 (Amazon Prime Video)
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll probably want to stick with just one paid streaming service/bundle, and use various free services instead. For the former, I suggest sticking with one of the “catch-all” services I listed; you’re more likely to get your money’s worth from Netflix versus Peacock.
The public library is an excellent free option. Most libraries still offer DVDs and Blu-rays for checkout. Some libraries also offer access to Kanopy and Hoopla, two streaming services that’re ad-free and offer some animated content.
And of course, you can just buy DVDs and Blu-rays to play on a Blu-ray player. Used discs can be found on eBay or at garage sales/secondhand stores for cheap. There’s also some places online that sell new DVDs/Blu-rays, such as Gruv, Amazon, and Walmart.
For techies
- A media server (running Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, etc.)
- Total: varies (depending on computer/NAS/Blu-ray drive/hard drive costs)
For techies with time/money, setting up a media server is a popular option. Software such as Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin offer a Netflix-like user interface for your own content, and you’ll be secure in knowing it won’t be deleted (unless you choose to do so).
That said, this is, well, the “geeky” option, plus there’s the need to obtain material for said server (ripping DVDs and Blu-rays is the best option, and doesn’t involve piracy). There’s also that the price of hard drives and electronics have skyrocketed thanks to the stupid AI craze, though used computers can work for a media server. (I use my old Mac Mini for my Jellyfin server.)
Conclusion
My current streaming services/home video setup probably falls between “on a budget” and “techie”: Peacock (free from my broadband provider); MLB.TV (free from my phone carrier); PBS; the library’s apps (Hoopla, Kanopy); and a Jellyfin media server. I also occasionally get Amazon Prime (for shipping, with the Prime Video side along for the ride).
What do you think of my recommendations? If you have any input, additions, corrections, etc., please let me know in the comments.
Image: Clockwise from top left: “The Flintstones” (Warner Bros.); “Robotech” (Harmony Gold); “The Amazing Digital Circus” (Glitch Productions); “Cyberchase” (PBS Kids)
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