5 Underrated Cartoons From The 2000s You Might Have Forgotten About!

Millennials love their nostalgia. They like looking back on the late-'90s and early-2000s as a golden era for animation. In some ways, it was. From series like "Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends" to "Avatar: The Last Airbender", many deserve the love and attention, but others get left by the wayside so often, it is honestly sad. Here are some of the best animated series we often forget about!

1. "W.I.T.C.H" (2004-2006, ToonDisney)
A series that constantly seems to be forgotten about in favor of "Winx" is the girl-powered show "W.I.T.C.H". The series followed 5 teen girls as they discovered that they guard the vial between universes. Their powers followed the 4 elements: water, fire, earth, and air, but with their leader wielding the Heart that transforms the girls. They must keep the universe safe, all while juggling school, family, and, of course, boys.

The main characters are diverse, with wildly differing personalities, and so there is a Guardian for everyone to relate to. Unfortunately, this series is not streaming, even for rent or buy. But, at one point it, was shown on TV by ToonDisney, so maybe with enough push, Disney+ will finally stream this gem!

2. "Xiaolin Showdown" (2003-2006, The WB)

For some reason, in the 2000s we were obsessed with shows revolving around the 4 elements. Between "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "W.I.T.C.H.", this is at least the third animated show with that as its basis. However, "Xiaolin Showdown" has an interesting twist. A group of four children must collect magical items known as Shen Gong Wu to protect the world from villains and 1,000 years of darkness.

The show is fun and campy all while teaching valuable life lessons. Even one of the main villains in the series could be argued as one of the best-written in animated history -- Chase Young turned from the side of good to live forever. The last season really went hard into ‘"Will he be good again or will he stay evil forever?" Available on VOD/Digital.
 

3. "Martin Mystery" (2003-2006, YTV)

"Martin Mystery" is a Canadian series about a teenage boy and his sister living double lives. By day, they are ordinary high school students, but by night, they fight monsters, aliens, and whatever they can find that goes bump in the night. It’s sort of like if "The X-Files" and "Totally Spies" had a baby, with a dash of "Scooby-Doo". Stream on YouTube.

4. "My Life as a Teenage Robot" (2002-2009, Nickelodeon/NickToons)

This zany and entertaining series follows Jenny, a teenager who just happens to be a robot designed to protect the world from monsters. Her mother wants her to live her life as just that, but Jenny wants to be a normal human girl. The series had its share of comedy with a dash of body horror that seemed so popular in animation back in the day. For example, Jenny wanted to have human skin instead of the cold, robotic exoskeleton she lived in.

Her creator, or mother, creates the skin only for it to gain a mind of its own. The series is a sci-fi fairytale that takes the idea of Pinocchio and gives it a modern spin -- at least "modern" for the time. Stream on Paramount+.

5. "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi" (2004-2006, Cartoon Network)

This series ties into a few other popular Cartoon Network shows from the time. The show is based on the real band Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, who sang the theme songs for not just their show but also "The Powerpuff Girls" and "Teen Titans". "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi" follows 2 teenage rockstars as they navigate their differences and the music industry. Peppy and nostalgic, they take on their world with their music and often differing opinions on how to approach their combined lives.

Unfortunately, this is another series that does not stream currently. Perhaps one day it will appear on Max. We will all wait with bated breath.

The early-2000s were filled with well-made animated shows, which often leave some of the best out of the conversation. There are hours of great series from the time and it is hard to pick just a few. The next time you need something to watch, this list might just give you some great memories!