Learn English with Cartoons: 12 Fun Cartoons You Should Watch

“Fun” and “learning” are possible to achieve together in studying English. If you want a light and entertaining English exercise, learning with cartoons is another way to go. 

For a lot of people, there is one best way to learn English and excel quickly. But for fun-seeking learners, not all learning experiences should be stiff and result-centered. There should also be a way to learn while stimulating creativity and facilitate fun experiences. With the proper utilization of available materials, you can have fun and education at the same time. It is possible to learn English with cartoons and make your study entertaining. 

The idea of learning a language by watching cartoons is not as odd as it seems. What makes it even more appealing is that you can also use this method in other languages. For example, before diving into real-life conversations, watching a cartoon for Spanish learning is feasible too. 

Learning English via watching cartoons can have varied results for different kinds of learners. But at the end of the day, It will all boil down to your show preferences and the level of English you already know. For this reason, cartoon shows are excellent learning materials for learners with basic English knowledge. The learner doesn’t have to learn advanced English to appreciate cartoon shows. 

Here are some of the most entertaining English cartoons to help you or your kids enjoy learning even more. 

Cartoons For Learning English - Is It A Good Idea? 

Education can come from different sources, a rule that also applies to learning a new language. Even if you’re just watching content with subtitles, you will start picking up new words after a while. This can work even if you’re watching only basic stuff, like animated videos and cartoons. In fact, some studies suggest that animated videos can help in explaining some grammar rules. 

According to a study from the University of Jordan, animated videos makes students more engaged in learning English grammar rules. This applies whether the video is an exercise or just a learning material. Besides, this method works even more efficiently when used on younger audiences. 

Films and moving motion (animated or not) creates a more motivating and more enjoyable learning experience. It also helps in showing authentic and varied language usage, according to the British Council. So if you’re new to English or want your kids to learn the language at a very young age, studying via cartoons is worth your consideration. 

12 Cartoons You Can Use As English Learning Materials

1. Adventure Time

Adventure Time is one of the most famous cartoon series at the moment. It is created by Pendleton Ward and tells the story of Jake and his magical dog, Finn, as they go on with their lives in the Land of Ooo. The series is actually inspired by the role-playing game called “Dungeons & Dragons.” 

In hindsight, the series tackles a lot of exciting storylines with loveable and relatable characters. This approach makes the conversations and speeches more varied yet straightforward and easy to understand. Learners will not only enjoy great storylines but also near-authentic, daily English discussions as well. 

2. WordGirl

For building your vocabulary, the series called WordGirl might be interesting. This series is quite old, with its first episode premiering way back in 2007. However, for its purpose of teaching new words, WordGirl gets the job well done. It lasted for 130 episodes with a total of eight seasons. 

The story of WordGirl is about Becky Botsford, a typical student living on Planet Earth. Student by day, superhero when needed. Becky has a double life, serving as a hero called WordGirl. Originally from Planet Lexicon, Becky was accidentally sent to Earth when she sneaked into a spaceship and overslept inside. 

3. Phineas And Ferb

For adventurous and imaginative learners, the Phineas and Ferb cartoon are worth a try. Just like Adventure Time, Phineas and Ferb use words and sentences that are easy to understand. And there is no doubt that the characters and storylines are well-made and thought of. Shenanigans afoot, even the “villains” are fun and helps the show have a light-hearted approach. 

The story is about brothers, Phineas and Ferb, and how they spend their summer vacations. This includes doing spectacular things, such as creating a whole beach and amusement park in their backyards. Meanwhile, their sister Candice is trying to report their shenanigans to their mother. 

4. Peppa Pig

If you want to learn how to speak with a British accent, you might want to check out Peppa Pig. This animated television series premiered in 2004 but became an online hit when Nick Jr. started airing reruns in recent years. As of now, it is still an on-going series and consists of 303 episodes that span eight seasons. 

Dialogues are easy to follow, and the words used are pronounced clearly. It follows the story of a four-year-old cartoon pig and her family as they go on their daily lives. You can watch the 303 episodes on Netflix and Nick Jr.

5. Martha Speaks

Martha Speaks is another old television series first released on TV last 2008. It has a long stint of six years before airing its final episode in 2014. The show focused on getting children to learn about vocabulary, specifically synonyms. New words are often for informal conversations aimed at those who are in basic English level. 

Even though it officially ended in 2014, reruns are still aired on PBS. The story is about a dog called Martha and her owner, Helen Lorraine. Whenever Helen gifts an alphabet soup to Martha, the dog will be able to speak words. 

6. Blue’s Clues

Blue’s Clues is probably among the most nostalgic childhood series in the world. This educational television series was released way back in 1996 and achieved six full seasons. In addition to its narrative, Blue’s Clues also clever at merging animation and live-action. In fact, 

In its first iteration, Steve Burns played the main character and Blue’s owner. When Steve went to college, he was replaced by his younger brother, Joe, as the main lead. In 2019, a new installation of the franchise called Blue’s Clues & You had started airing. The new show features Josh, which is Steve and Joe’s cousin. 

7. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

For fans of the Mickey Mouse franchise, the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a fun and light-hearted cartoon series.  It was created by Disney Television Animation and used CGI imagery. The series managed to rake up about 125 episodes within four seasons. Disney Junior aired the final episode on its channel in 2016. 

This series can be described as a Disney version of Dora The Explorer with Mickey Mouse characters. It features Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald going on with their daily lives. Characters should interact with the viewers to solve fun problems and to learn simple concepts in different topics. 

8. Inspector Gadget

Another popular cartoon for people learning English is DIC Entertainment’s Inspector Gadget franchise. Since its release, it received a steady fanbase, many spin-offs, and over 86 episodes. This series is quite old; it started its first episode back in the 1980s. DHX Media launched a sequel back in 2015, which uses CGI and only lasted for 26 episodes. 

In this series, you follow a police inspector called Inspector Gadget, who fights criminal schemes. He uses several tools and weapons to fight his enemies, including the organizations called the M.A.D. However, Penny (his niece) is the actual person who conducts the investigations. 

9. Regular Show

Regular Show is one of Cartoon Network’s recent successful series. With a final episode count of  261, the series had endured eight seasons from 2009 to 2017. On its last season, it was renamed “Regular Show in Space.” Although light-hearted, the character lines are more suitable for people who are in low to intermediate English levels. 

The series is centered around two best friends: the 23-year-old blue jay called Mordecai and the raccoon called Rigby. It follows their daily lives as groundskeepers for a park and how they try to have some fun. Meanwhile, we get to see their manager, Benson, deal with the troublesome duo. 

10. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Another entry from Nickelodeon, Avatar: The Last Airbender, is a delightful show for adults and children alike. Airing from 2005 to 2008, Avatar finished three strong seasons with a total of 61 episodes. And just like Regular Show, learners of low to intermediate English might have a more engaging experience. 

The synopsis of the whole show is explained concisely in the intro: there are four nations that lived together in harmony. That was the case until the Fire Nation attacked and conquered the three nations. Only the avatar, who can control all four elements, can stop the Fire Nation from destroying everything. But he vanished and reappeared 100 years later to stop Fire Nation and save the world. 

11. SpongeBob SquarePants

Almost everyone knows who SpongeBob SquarePants is. Who wouldn’t? He lives in a pineapple under the sea. The series had two major runs from 1999-2004 and 2005-2015 due to changes in creative directors. As of now, the series has 265 episodes and 13 seasons. 

The story takes place at an underwater city called the Bikini Bottom. It follows the life of SpongeBob SquarePants and the events from his daily life. This includes all the shenanigans that happen in his work at the Krusty Krab, where he works as a burger cook. 

12. Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? 

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You is a cartoon series from CBS released in 1969. This series can be considered as the oldest yet most recurring show on the list. With 41 episodes that span three seasons, this show has been enjoyed by numerous generations. The series was created by Joe Ruby and first appeared on CBS. 

Scooby-Doo and his friends are traveling with a bright green van to solve mysteries worldwide. Equipped with wits, friendship, and Scooby-Snacks, the team works hard to stop evil-doers from succeeded in their silly plans. 

Final Thoughts

In practice, learning a new language should not be dull and uninspiring. There are a lot of fun ways to learn English without sacrificing the effectiveness of new learning experiences. I hope you will have a great experience by watching and learning the series on the list above, 

For intermediate and advanced learners, stepping up the game should be your next priority. Advanced lessons will not be as easy. If you feel like you’re getting stuck in a topic, getting a tutor is worth considering. Online learning platforms like JustLearn enable students to meet the best tutor for their needs and budget. Apply for a one on one trial for free and learn English with a verified tutor today.