15 Iconic Cartoon Openings You Can Still Sing Word for Word

Some cartoon theme songs are so iconic that decades later, we can still sing every word, proving that nostalgia and catchy tunes are a powerful combination!

Alyana Aguja
March 12, 2025
5 min read

15 Iconic Cartoon Openings You Can Still Sing Word for Word — Diego González from Unsplash

Cartoon theme songs have an enchanting ability to stick with us, planting themselves in our memories long after the series are over. From the heroic anthems of Pokémon to the zany wordplay of Animaniacs, these openings weren’t merely catchy—they defined our childhoods and laid the groundwork for unforgettable escapades. Even years after, only a few notes can evoke a feeling of nostalgia, demonstrating that fantastic theme songs are not just music—they’re time machines to our greatest days!

1. Pokémon (1997-Present)

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“I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was." This theme is iconic and laid the foundation for Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokémon Master. Its energetic rock-ballad vibe and motivational lyrics gave every child the illusion that they could catch ’em all. Even now, singing “Pokémon! Gotta catch ’em all!” sends shivers down the spine.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987-1996)

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“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! Heroes in a half shell, turtle power!" This theme song is a quick, action-packed anthem that perfectly captures the radical essence of the Turtles. It provided important character traits in the lyrics—Leonardo is the leader, Donatello works machines, Raphael is cool but crude, and Michelangelo is a party dude. After you hear it, the chant gets stuck in your head for hours.

3. DuckTales (1987-1990, 2017-2021)

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“Life is like a hurricane, here in Duckburg!" The moment this song starts, you’re thrust into the sky-soaring, treasure-seeking escapades of Scrooge McDuck and his nephews. The “Woo-oo!” section is recognized everywhere and will have you singing along every time, everywhere. It’s a theme that embodies adventure, riches, and intrigue in just over a minute.

4. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970)

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“Scooby-Doo, where are you? We’ve got some work to do now!" This far-out 1969 original welcomes Scooby and the gang on another mystery-solving escapade. The lyrics are straightforward but extremely catchy, so it’s easy for children and adults alike to remember. It established the benchmark for every subsequent Scooby-Doo series to have an awesome opening song.

5. The Flintstones (1960-1966)

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“Flintstones, meet the Flintstones, they’re the modern Stone Age family!" One of the greatest cartoon openings of all time, this jingle introduced the audience to Bedrock’s most endearing prehistoric clan. The upbeat, big-band melody makes it sound like an old-fashioned TV variety show. Even if you haven’t seen the show in decades, you can still recite the lyrics from memory.

6. The Simpsons (1989-Present)

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There are no words, just an instantly familiar melody and classic “The Simpsons” choir. Danny Elfman’s theme welcomes the wackiest family from Springfield with equal parts orchestral majesty and humor. As there are no words to croon, the tune is embedded in the culture that devotees hum the tune subliminally.

7. SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-Present)

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“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants!" With its catchy pirate shanty beat and call-and-response structure, complete with audience participation, this theme song is a kid’s rite of passage. The call-and-response structure renders it impossible to sit idly by when the pirate bellows, “Are you ready, kids?” If you don’t instinctively respond with “Aye aye, Captain!"—are you even human?

8. Animaniacs (1993-1998, 2020-2023)

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“It’s time for Animaniacs! And we’re zany to the max!" This tune is a lesson in frenzied fun, capturing the haphazard shenanigans of Yakko, Wakko, and Dot. The words pack jokes, puns, and character portraits at warp speed. Try starting to sing it; you won’t be able to stop—it’s so addictive.

9. Darkwing Duck (1991-1992)

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“When there’s trouble, you call DW!" A jazzy, superhero-themed banger, this tune brought us the enigmatic masked crusader, Darkwing Duck. The heroic yet smooth tone distinguished it from the other Disney Afternoon themes. “Let’s get dangerous!” was a catchphrase you still use today.

10. The Fairly OddParents (2001-2017)

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“Oddparents, fairly oddparents! Wands and wings, floaty crowny things!" This is sheer pandemonium at its best, the complete sentiment of Timmy Turner’s zany, wish-making universe. The lyrics zip through the wild things Cosmo and Wanda can accomplish, from giant snakes to chocolate shakes. One cannot help screaming, “Obtuse, rubber goose, green moose, guava juice!” when it appears.

11. Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005, 2016-2019)

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“Sugar, spice, and everything nice…” This one’s not a strict sing-along, but the theme song and its pulsating theme music are so iconic that they’re immediately recognizable. The dramatic opening sets the stage just right for Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup’s superhero antics. As soon as you hear that opening, you know action is on its way.

12. Kim Possible (2002-2007)

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“Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me!" This poppy theme song transformed Kim Possible into a secret agent superstar. The smooth but dynamic vocals are so catchy they sound like a hit single, not just a cartoon opening. It’s got that teen spy, early 2000s vibe that still cools people out today.

13. Johnny Bravo (1997-2004)

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“Oh mama!" This opening is short, punchy, and full of 1950s Elvis-style flair. While the lyrics are minimal, the catchy rockabilly tune and Johnny’s signature “Huh! Hah!” make it unforgettable. It sets the perfect tone for the overconfident yet hilariously unlucky ladies’ man.

14. Dexter’s Laboratory (1996-2003)

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“In Dexter’s laboratory, lives the smartest boy you’ve ever seen!" This track is an equal measure quirky and scientific, similar to Dexter himself. It provides just enough information regarding his hidden lab before heading into the chaos Dee unleashes. The blend of French, techno beats, and cartoon-like vocals makes it one-of-a-kind.

15. Arthur (1996-2022)

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“And I say hey! (Hey!) What a wonderful kind of day!" Performed by Ziggy Marley, this reggae-flavored theme song is full of positivity and good vibes. It promotes children to cooperate, listen to one another, and be kind—a timeless message that never fades. Even now, listening to it brings instant childhood nostalgia.