What exactly are underrated 60s cartoons? The 1960s were a foundational decade for TV animation. As networks scrambled to fill Saturday morning slots, studios like Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and Jay Ward churned out content that would influence generations of animators. While The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo became household names, plenty of other shows from the era faded into obscurity — despite being just as creative, quirky, or ahead of their time.
Here are 10 underrated 60s cartoons that deserve a second look. Whether they were overshadowed by bigger names or simply too weird for the mainstream, they helped define a decade of animated experimentation.
1. The Herculoids (1967–1969)
Why it’s underrated: Sci-fi meets sword and sorcery with creatures straight out of a toy box.
Created by Alex Toth, this Hanna-Barbera series followed a family of warriors and their bizarre beast companions (like a laser-blasting dragon and a shape-shifting blob duo) as they defended their planet from alien invaders. It was surprisingly action-heavy for its time, and the creature designs still feel iconic.
Where to stream: Currently available on DVD.
2. Roger Ramjet (1965–1969)
Why it’s underrated: Absurdist superhero satire that kids and adults could both enjoy.
This Jet Age parody featured patriotic but bumbling hero Roger Ramjet and his team of precocious kids fighting off Cold War-style villains. With fast-paced jokes, surreal humor, and cheap but charming animation, it was essentially the Robot Chicken of its day — decades before its time.
Where to stream: Currently available on DVD.
3. The Hillbilly Bears (1965)
Why it’s underrated: A backwoods bear family with southern drawls and slapstick feuds? It’s pure Hanna-Barbera chaos.
The Hillbilly Bears followed the grumbly-voiced Paw Rugg and his quirky family as they navigated rustic life and ran afoul of their feuding neighbors. A segment of *The Atom Ant/Secret Squirrel Show*, it mixed Looney Tunes-style physical comedy with exaggerated Appalachian stereotypes that — while dated — created a uniquely offbeat charm.
While often overshadowed by bigger Hanna-Barbera names like Yogi Bear or Huckleberry Hound, this show had its own weird rhythm and lovable nonsense. Paw’s barely-intelligible muttering, gun-toting mayhem, and family dynamics made it stand out in the mid-60s cartoon lineup — especially for kids who loved a little anarchy with their cereal.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
4. Space Angel (1962–1964)
Why it’s underrated: Stylized sci-fi with an eerie, unforgettable animation style.
This show stood out for its use of Synchro-Vox — superimposed human mouths on illustrated faces — which gave it a strange, almost haunting effect. Space Angel and his crew defended the galaxy in what was essentially a Cold War-era space opera with pulp comic vibes.
Where to stream: Currently available on Tubi, and available for purchase as digital downloads and on DVD.
5. Milton the Monster (1965–1966)
Why it’s underrated: Gothic horror meets goofy humor in classic 60s style.
Milton was a Frankenstein-style monster with a heart of gold — literally made kind by “too much tincture of tenderness” during his creation. The series was filled with spooky characters and offbeat gags that gave it a unique charm among typical slapstick fare of the time.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
6. The Atom Ant Show (1965–1968)
Why it’s underrated: Tiny hero, big adventures — and a surprisingly rich supporting cast.
Atom Ant was a superpowered insect with the strength of Superman and the speed of a bullet, but the real charm was in the show’s variety format. It also featured segments like *Precious Pupp* and *The Hillbilly Bears*, making it a sampler of Hanna-Barbera creativity that’s often overlooked.
Where to stream: Currently available for purchase as digital downloads and on DVD.
7. The Beany and Cecil Show (1962)
Why it’s underrated: Originally a puppet show, it evolved into a smart, satirical cartoon.
Created by Bob Clampett, this show starred a sea serpent and a boy navigating absurd adventures. It was packed with pop culture parodies and political jokes that soared over the heads of kids but landed with adults — a format that would later be perfected by shows like Animaniacs.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
8. Super President (1967–1968)
Why it’s underrated: One of the strangest concepts of the decade — and that’s saying something.
The President of the United States gains superpowers from cosmic radiation and secretly fights evil between speeches. This show is often mocked for its bizarre premise, but that’s what makes it so memorable. It’s weird, nationalistic, and unintentionally hilarious — a time capsule of Cold War-era American imagination.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
9. The New Three Stooges (1965–1966)
Why it’s underrated: A rare animated series to feature the original Stooges in both cartoon and live-action segments.
Each episode included animated shorts voiced by Moe, Larry, and Curly Joe, plus a short live-action skit. While not as sharp as their classic film work, the mix of media was inventive, and it gave 60s kids a new way to enjoy slapstick legends.
Where to stream: Currently available for purchase as digital downloads and on DVD.
10. Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles (1966–1968)
Why it’s underrated: A two-in-one superhero mash-up that was wildly creative.
This series split time between Frankenstein Jr., a giant robot controlled by a kid scientist, and the Impossibles (featured earlier). It was action-packed, full of comic book flair, and remains one of the best unsung efforts from Hanna-Barbera’s 60s catalog.
Where to stream: Currently available on DVD.
Final Thoughts
The 1960s weren’t just about laugh tracks and laughably simple animation — they were a breeding ground for experimentation and genre mash-ups. From sci-fi parodies to monster comedies, these forgotten shows helped define the DNA of modern animation, even if they didn’t all become household names.
If you’re a fan of retro cartoons or just want to explore the roots of Saturday morning TV, these 60s gems are well worth dusting off. Who knows — you might just find your next nostalgic obsession.
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