So far, 2025 has been wild for animation. Cartoons are no longer just background noise for Saturday mornings — they’re front and center on major streaming platforms, pulling in audiences of all ages. From anime thrillers to preschool hits, these shows are being watched — a lot.
We’ve dug through real streaming data from Netflix and other platforms to find the top contenders this year. Here are the five cartoons that viewers can’t seem to get enough of.
1. Paw Patrol – Season 8
Streaming on: Netflix, Nickelodeon
Who’s watching: Mainly kids… but let’s be honest, parents know the theme song by heart too.
It’s impossible to scroll through a kid’s profile without seeing these rescue pups. Somehow, Paw Patrol keeps leveling up — new characters, bigger missions, and enough colorful chaos to keep the little ones glued to the screen. In early 2025 alone, it clocked over 120 million watch hours. It’s a phenomenon at this point. Whether you love it or are just trying to survive it, the pups are here to stay.
2. Sakamoto Days – Season 1
Streaming on: Netflix
Who’s watching: Anime fans, action lovers, teens and 20-somethings
This one snuck up on people. A former assassin turned quiet shopkeeper? Sounds chill… until it absolutely isn’t. Sakamoto Days has this bizarrely perfect balance of ridiculous comedy and crisp, fast-paced action — and fans have been binging it hard. It’s stylish, sharp, and way more heartfelt than you’d expect. If you haven’t jumped in yet, just know: once you start, it’s hard to stop.
3. Peppa Pig – Season 6
Streaming on: Netflix, TV everywhere
Who’s watching: Toddlers, preschoolers, and the parents who’ve surrendered to it
Peppa’s still oinking her way through our screens — now with better animation and even sassier punchlines. There’s something about the simplicity of Peppa’s world that just… works. Whether it’s tea parties, muddy puddles, or exaggerated British accents, Peppa Pig remains an unstoppable force in children’s TV. The numbers? Over 47 million hours streamed this year. Enough said.
4. SpongeBob SquarePants – Season 9
Streaming on: Netflix & syndication
Who’s watching: Everyone who’s ever had a childhood
SpongeBob might’ve started in 1999, but it refuses to fade. The latest seasons are pulling in impressive numbers — over 60 million hours watched already in 2025 — thanks to streaming platforms and an endless supply of memes. There’s a reason Bikini Bottom still feels relevant: it’s silly, surreal, and somehow still fresh. A show that refuses to grow up — in the best possible way.
5. Sonic Prime – Season 1
Streaming on: Netflix
Who’s watching: Gamers, Gen Z, 90s nostalgia crew
Yep, Sonic’s back — and this time, it actually hits. Sonic Prime didn’t just ride the nostalgia wave, it added multiverse madness, polished animation, and better-than-expected writing. It’s fast (obviously), fun, and has enough depth to keep older fans invested. With nearly 39 million hours watched, it’s become a surprise favorite — especially for anyone who grew up with the Sega classic.
️ Honorable Mentions
A few other titles didn’t crack the top five, but they’ve definitely made noise:
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Solo Leveling – Stylish, dark, and pure adrenaline. Anime fans are loving this one.
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Iyanu: Child of Wonder – A superhero story rooted in African mythology. Unique and refreshing.
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One Piece (Netflix) – Still going strong. The new arcs keep longtime fans locked in.
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The Apothecary Diaries – A slow burn, but quietly brilliant. Perfect for mystery lovers.
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Bluey – Season 4 – Honestly, one of the best shows about parenting (even if you don’t have kids).
Final Thoughts
Cartoons in 2025 are doing more than just entertaining — they’re leading the charge in viewership. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, raising a toddler, or just in it for the storylines, this year’s lineup proves that animation is a space for everyone. And hey — if you’ve somehow missed all of these… what are you even watching?