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Donald Duck (from 1934)
Donald famously doesn't wear any trousers, but is that so unusual for a duck? This angry young waterfowl even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Droopy Dog (1943-1958)
This mournful Bassett hound was not only shrewd enough to outwit all his enemies, but he also picked up an Oscar in 1957.
Dumbo (1941)
The lovable elephant with a giant pair of lugs! The tear-jerking classic that sees Dumbo's only true friend, a mouse, help him realise his true potential. One of the few Disney heroes never to utter a word.
Dungeons & Dragons (1983)
Who would have believed that a role playing game for anoraks would become one of the most popular cartoon series of the 1980s? The adventures of six kids and a baby unicorn had us on the edge of our seats as they took on the evil Venger with the help of their friend, the short, bald Dungeon Master!
Family Guy (1999-2000)
The first television series ever to be cancelled, and then renewed years later as a direct result of astronomical DVD sales. This story of a dysfunctional family with a psychotic toddler and alcoholic dog is now the most watched show in Cartoon Network's history.
Fantasia (1940)
A Disney animation set to classical music, Fantasia created the mould for blending music and movie magic into a whole cinema going experience. It got poor box office returns on its release but was rediscovered by the psychedelic generation of the 1960s.
Felix the Cat (from 1919)
The first cartoon superstar! Felix's image was the very first to be broadcast over TV airwaves. He's a rarity too: a cartoon character so classic and so loved, that he's stayed in the public eye for more than 75 years.
Final Fantasy: The Spirit Within (2001)
Adapted from the Final Fantasy computer game, the CGI animation in this film was so advanced that many saw it as the death knell for live action actors. But poor box office figures had real actors breathing a sigh of relief.
Finding Nemo (2002)
In 2003 this was the highest grossing animation of all time and it had the almighty accolade of beating the Lion King to the title of most successful cartoon in history.
The Flintstones (1960-1966)
Way before The Simpsons we had The Flintstones. Fred and Wilma were the original prehistoric family and together with their neighbours Barney and Betty Rubble they've been having a 'gay old time' in Bedrock since 1960.
Fritz the Cat (1972)
Possibly one to watch without mother. The world's first ever X-rated cartoon follows the adventures of Robert Crumb's anti-establishment cat whose main priority is to get laid and take as many drugs as possible while staying one step ahead of the law.
Futurama (1999-2003)
Matt Groening, the creative genius behind The Simpsons, brought us this series about a pizza delivery boy cryogenically frozen by accident for 1,000 years.
Heavy Metal (1981)
As long as there's a need for adolescent male sexual fantasy, there will be an audience for Heavy Metal. Based on stories from the graphic magazine of the same name, this is a midnight movie favourite for the stoner crowd - a cartoon best enjoyed by randy adolescents in an altered state of consciousness.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983-86)
The first cartoon specifically produced to tie-in with a range of toys, He-Man's constant battles with Skeletor on the world of Eternia were loved by kids, but loathed by parents who had to fork out ?50 for a model Snake Mountain.
Hong Kong Phooey (1974-75)
The number one super guy who was quicker than the human eye! Hanna Barbera capitalised on the craze for Bruce Lee films with this unlikely super hero. By day he was Penry, the mild-mannered janitor of a police station, though quite why no one realised they had a talking dog for a cleaner is anyone's guess!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Dr Seuss' classic kid's book was given life by legendary animator Chuck Jones and the unlikely singing voice of Boris Karloff. Its debut on American TV was watched by a staggering 38 million people.
Huckleberry Hound (1958-62)
The slow laconic drawl and laid back attitude of this droopy-eyed bloodhound always gave the impression that Huck slept well into the afternoon after a heavy night out. Should do well with student votes.
The Incredibles (2004)
Super heroes, forced to hang up their figure-hugging pants, take to leading a non-heroic life despite their incredible powers. The latest animation from the leaders of computer animation, Pixar, is sure to be as big a hit as their other masterpieces.
Inspector Gadget (1983-86)
The bumbling detective always had a gadget to get himself out of a scrape; unfortunately he could never work out how to use them properly. But thanks to his more competent niece Penny, he always won in the end. Never let him anywhere near your i-Pod though, he'd break it...
The Iron Giant (1999)
Based on the Ted Hughes classic poem The Iron Man, a giant metal machine drops from the sky to terrorise a small village, but discovers his own humanity after befriending a nine-year-old local.
Ivor the Engine (1958-63, 1975-77)
Dutifully cared for by Jones the Steam, Ivor was more than just an engine. He had a personality of his own and even wanted to sing in the local choir! A community spirit that recently privatised rail engines should take note of!
The Jackson 5ive (1971-73)
Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and little Michael cavort and sing their way out of narrow scrapes like getting drafted and even invent a dancing robot The Groovatron, pre-empting the body popping craze by some ten years.
Jamie and the Magic Torch (1977-80)
Jamie was the envy of all children - he always stayed up late! Using his magical torch, Jamie could enter Cuckoo Land, a mixed-up world where the one-wheeled policeman eats truncheons and Jamie's faithful dog can talk back to him.
The Jungle Book (1967)
Kipling's tale is given the Disney treatment, with Mowgli, Baloo and the gang producing some of the most memorable moments in cartoon history and certainly some of the catchiest songs.
King of the Hill (from 1997)
From Mike Judge, creator of Beavis and Butthead, this show follows the life of Hank Hill, a troubled propane salesman, his family and neighbours. A well-observed comedy that stands proud alongside live action sitcoms.
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