In the mid to late 80s and very early 90s “junior” versions of classic cartoons were all the rage. While the idea, on the surface, seems really uncreative and potentially stupid, this concept managed to produce some absolutely fantastic cartoons.

Here’s our list of the top 5 ‘Kids’ cartoons of all time…

Tom and Jerry Kids

One of the last entries into the ‘Kids’ cartoon sub-genre, Tom and Jerry Kids was a great modernization of the ‘Tom and Jerry’ formula for the 90s. The show aired on FOX from 1990 to 1993, and featured short segments staring Tom, Jerry, Slowpoke Antonio, Kyle the Cat, and Wildmouse.

The Flintstone Kids

From 1986 to 1988, The Flintstone Kids aired as an hour long show that featured the most popular characters from The Flintstones in junior sized versions. Most character personalities remained the same, but the show also introduced new characters like Captain Caveman to the Flintstones mythos. The show actually caused controversy among hard core Flintstones fans because it contradicted prior established continuity with the Flintstone’s history. Still, it was a great series, and one of the top ‘Kids’ series from the era.

A Pup Named Scooby Doo

How good was A Pup Named Scooby Doo? So good that it still airs daily on Cartoon Network (and it has been on the network since 1993!). This was the 8th incarnation of Scooby Doo as a saturday morning cartoon, and it ran from 1988 to 1991 on ABC. It follows the same formula as the original series, but with a much more sarcastic tone. Of every show on the list, this is the easiest to find. It still airs on television, and is available on DVD as well.

Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies

Muppet Babies started this ‘Kids’ trend, and ran the longest of all the series on this list - from 1984-1992 (new episodes ended in 1990). The series is an animated classic that featured the famous Muppet characters as children, going on imaginative adventures (often parodying popular culture and current films) - all from the safety of their nursery. The series has not, and probably will not, come to DVD. One reason sighted is that the series featured a great deal of footage from other sources (including Indiana Jones and Star Wars in the series opening) and rights may be difficult to iron out.

Tiny Toon Adventures

With a high production budget, fantastic writing, and the backing of Stephen Speilberg, Tiny Toons put Warner Bros. animation back on the map in the 1990s. This series took a slightly different route to the ‘Kids’ concept, with the Tiny Toons being unrelated animated kids who were taught by the previous Loony Tunes generation. The show ran for almost 100 episodes, including several specials and a direct to video movie, and often lampooned pop culture and current events.

The series is finally coming to DVD on July 29, 2008.