* Financial Success: Box office, merchandise sales, licensing deals, etc.
* Critical Acclaim: Awards, reviews, industry recognition, etc.
* Cultural Impact: Popularity, influence on other shows, lasting legacy, etc.
* Viewership: Ratings, streaming numbers, audience size, etc.
However, here are some contenders for the most successful action cartoons, considering different factors:
Based on Financial Success:
* Pokémon: This franchise is a global phenomenon with immense merchandise sales, video games, and a massive fanbase.
* Dragon Ball: The anime and manga have a long history of success, generating significant revenue through merchandising and licensing.
* The Simpsons: While not strictly an action cartoon, it's a major pop culture icon with lasting commercial success.
Based on Critical Acclaim:
* Avatar: The Last Airbender: Widely praised for its story, characters, and animation. Won numerous awards and is consistently ranked as one of the best animated series ever.
* Samurai Jack: Known for its unique style, action sequences, and mature themes. Won multiple awards and is considered a classic.
* Teen Titans: Earned critical acclaim for its darker tone, mature themes, and action sequences.
Based on Cultural Impact:
* Batman: The Animated Series: A landmark series that redefined the Batman character and influenced numerous other action cartoons.
* The Powerpuff Girls: Empowered young girls with its strong female characters and feminist themes.
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: A beloved franchise with a global following, inspiring numerous adaptations and media.
Based on Viewership:
* SpongeBob SquarePants: One of the most-watched animated series of all time, with a global fanbase and long-lasting popularity.
* Scooby-Doo: Another enduring franchise with numerous spin-offs and a dedicated fan base.
Ultimately, the "most successful" action cartoon is subjective and depends on what you consider most important. Each of these shows has achieved significant success in different areas, and they all contribute to the rich history of action cartoons.