Humans have always felt a kinship with monkeys. Since the dawn of animation, the best cartoons have featured primate stars. Monkeys and apes have become favorites in animated series - and for good reason. They're funny, educational, cute, crude, sarcastic, or smart. The animated monkeys of our favorite childhood TV shows - and adulthood favorites - hold a special place in our hearts. These series, starring monkeys, apes, or other primates, kept us company on Saturday mornings and during after-school homework sessions. Now, let's rank the top monkey and ape cartoons from best to worst.
About this list
- 1

Curious George explores and learns new things. His curiosity and mischief teach kids life lessons. George travels with his human friend, The Man in the Yellow Hat, facing challenges that build kids' problem-solving skills.
32 - 2

Join Donkey Kong and his primate pals on Kongo Bongo Island. They fight King K. Rool and his Kremling minions to defend their home. This action-packed adaptation uses cutting-edge computer animation.This popular video game franchise has thrilling storylines full of adventure and humor.Memorable characters and the iconic soundtrack make this franchise great.Marvel's Hit-Monkey fights in Marvel's underworld. This gritty animated series centers on an anti-hero. A vengeful Japanese snow monkey uses lethal skills. A slain American assassin's ghost guides him. Hit-Monkey moves through Tokyo's underbelly to get revenge on his enemies. Audiences see action, drama, and dark humor that pushes superhero stories.Donkey Kong Country is a beloved classic for gamers and cartoon fans.
13 - 3

Eliza Thornberry, a girl who talks to animals, has thrilling adventures. Set in exotic places, Eliza uses her power to solve nature's mysteries with her family, including the chimpanzee Darwin. The show mixes environmental lessons and family warmth.
11 - 4

Step into the darkHit-Monkey enters Marvel's underworld. This gritty series centers on an anti-hero: a vengeful Japanese snow monkey armed with deadly skills, guided by a dead American assassin's ghost. Hit-Monkey moves through Tokyo's slums seeking revenge. Audiences get action, drama, and dark humor that pushes superhero stories.Camp Lazlo
7 - 5

Lazlo, a bean-scout, leads campers on silly adventures at Camp Kidney. This offbeat show features colorful characters and quirky humor.Camp LazloCamp Lazlo offers a funny take on summer camp rules. The show bursts with energy and creativity, giving kids and adults endless entertainment.
7 - 6

Captain Simian, a NASA-trained chimpanzee, battles forces in outer space with his primate astronauts. This 1990s cosmic comedy adventure features space escapades, witty talk, and themes of teamwork and perseverance. It is a gem from the golden age of animation.
7 - 7

Travel to 1964 with this classic Hanna-Barbera show. Magilla Gorilla seeks adoption at Peebles' Pet Shop. The show features characters like Mr. Peebles and cat Ogee. This show mixes slapstick humor, heart, and catchy music. It still charms fans fifty years later.
7 - 8

Five cybernetically-enhanced simian warriors join leader Chiro. They fight evil to save the universe. This action series shows great animation, strong plots, and memorable characters. Humor, heart, and high-stakes action mix well.Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!Fans of all ages should watch this show.
6 - 9

Root for WordGirl. She has great strength and a huge vocabulary. She fights villains while teaching young viewers about language in this Emmy Award-winning show. Her sidekick is Captain Huggy Face, a simian companion with special powers.WordGirlWordGirl uses her language skills to win. This show entertains and teaches viewers new words and their meanings through fun situations.
6 - 10

Inspired by African folktales and art, this animated series uses colorful characters and stories to teach young viewers life lessons. Set in the Tinga Tinga area, each episode shows the origin story of an African animal, like clever monkeys or curious chameleons. Captivating visuals and unforgettable stories present this.Tinga Tinga TalesTinga Tinga Tales gives a cultural experience that connects with many generations.
6 - 11

Explore the fun beginnings of your favoriteJungle Book charactersThis prequel series brings Baloo, Bagheera, Kaa, and others to life as young animals. They explore their wild surroundings in an Indian jungle. This trip down memory lane shows early adventures of these animal friends. Humor, heart, and tunes fill this show.Jungle CubsJungle Cubs is a fun show for all ages.
6 - 12

Prepare for a rainforest expedition with Diego Marquez, an eight-year-old animal rescuer. Diego seeks to save endangered species alongside his sidekick, Baby Jaguar. Diego faces difficult terrain and meets creatures while protecting Mother Nature's gifts. This action-packed series educates young viewers about ecology and wildlife conservation.
6 - 13

Witness King Kong return to Skull Island in this action-packed animated series. The show picks up right where the 1933 film ended. Jason Jenkins and Lua join Kong. Kong fights villains like Harpy Queen Chiros while defending his island home from threats. The series offers pulse-pounding adventure and top-notch animation.Kong: The Animated SeriesThis show gives new life to a classic.
5 - 14

Explore the wild African jungle with this thrilling animated series. It reimagines the classic Tarzan story, featuring the ape-man with unmatched strength and agility. Tarzan joins his wife Jane and animal friends. Tarzan fights villains and dangerous creatures to protect his home. The lush animation and high-stakes adventure move the story forward.The Legend of TarzanThis is a captivating update to an old story.
5 - 15

See the legendary King Kong take fantastic adventures across unknown lands with his human friends, Bobby Bond and Professor Bond! This is a classic animated series.classic animated seriesFrom 1966, our heroic ape fights villains like Doctor Who (not related to the British sci-fi icon) and Mechani-Kong. Kong tackles tough challenges, showing off his great strength and smarts. The show features its famous theme song and an unforgettable cast.The King Kong ShowThis show stays a favorite for many fans.
5 - 16

Towering 40 feet tall, the lovable purple Grape Ape starts wacky adventures with his small dog, Beegle Beagle. This 1970s Hanna-Barbera show lets the duo cause fun and chaos driving their yellow van across the country. The show bursts with humor and heart.The Great Grape Ape ShowThis remains a treasure for animation fans.
5 - 17

Step into the strange world ofJulius Jr.Julius Jr. is a clever young monkey. He and his pals turn everyday things into amazing inventions. This fun animated series builds creativity and friendship through its engaging stories and charming characters. Young viewers see how Julius Jr.'s smarts make even simple items magical.
5 - 18

Shipwrecked explorers meet scary creatures, including a giant ape.
5 - 19

Immerse yourself in this 2050 story of King Kong. The hero fights forces aiming for world domination. Kong makes teams with human friends Lukas Remy and Amy Quon. This action show mixes thrilling adventures with sharp animation, giving new life to a legendary character. The storylines and cast are compelling.Kong: King of the ApesKong: King of the Apes is an exhilarating addition to theKing Kong is listed among the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.This marks King Kong's legacy.
4 - 20

Enter the Monchhichis, adorable monkey-like creatures inhabiting a magical land filled with whimsy and wonder. This 1980s animated series shows young viewers joining lovable characters in fun adventures, learning life lessons. Overflowing with charm, humor, and nostalgia,Monchhichis appears in the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.Monchhichis remains a cherished classic for fans.
4 - 21

Revisit Hanna-Barbera characters like Magilla Gorilla, Grape Ape, Yogi Bear, and more in this modern take set in Jellystone. This animated series gives new life to classic characters and adds fresh stories and comedy that will delight all ages. Overflowing with nostalgia, humor, and heart,Jellystone! is in the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.Jellystone! is a charming tribute to the iconic cartoons that shaped generations of viewers.
4 - 22

Swing back into action with this modern version of the 1967 cartoon featuring George, a bumbling yet lovable ape-man hero. This update keeps the charm of the original while adding new stories and characters that will capture audiences again. Its mix of slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and an unforgettable theme song make this iteration of George of the Jungle sure to win over fans old and new.George of the Jungle is in the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.George of the Jungle is sure to win over fans both old and new.
3 - 23

Get ready for nonstop hilarity as we follow Specter, an intelligent ape who escapes his cage and uses mind-control helmets to take over other primates. This animated series, based on the popular video game, tracks Specter's wacky plans and introduces viewers to an unforgettable cast of characters that make people laugh. Its clever setup and engaging stories,Ape Escape is in the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.Ape Escape is a must-watch for fans of comedic animation.
1 - 24

In this reboot of the classic 1960s series, our lovable George finds himself in tough spots in the jungle with his sidekick, the smarter ape Ape. Lee Tockar and Paul Dobson voice them, showing great comedic chemistry. This show mixes slapstick humor and heartwarming moments, swinging into action and making young and old viewers grin.
1 - 25

Delight in the antics of mischievous chimpanzee siblings, Bangers and Mash, as they handle everyday life in this classic 1980s British cartoon. Filled with funny mischief and slapstick humor,Bangers and Mash is in the Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons.Bangers and Mash shows the duo's adventures exploring their suburbs and learning life lessons. This nostalgic gem leaves audiences grinning.
Also ranks #47 on 70+ Best CITV Kids Shows, Ranked
1 - 26

Team Awesome, four kids and their talking monkey mascot, join forces. They use clever inventions to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. This high-energy cartoon pushes creativity and teamwork as the heroes face challenges showing their big imaginations. The show bursts with humor and heart.Rated A for Awesome.This series gives viewers an unforgettable viewing. It inspires young minds to dream big.
0 - 27

Zigby offers fun adventures. An imaginative zebra, along with his monkey and bird friends, turns their tropical island home into a playground. This heartwarming cartoon encourages creativity and problem-solving as the heroes face challenges needing teamwork and smarts. Its charming animation and engaging stories work well.Zigby.Zigby captures young viewers' hearts.
0 - 28

Journey to the fantastical world ofAnimalia.Animalia puts talking animals together in a unique world. This world mirrors Graeme Base's favorite picture book. Young viewers watch human friends Alex and Zoe join exciting adventures with many animal characters. They explore friendship, teamwork, and solving problems. The lush animation and engaging stories help.Animalia.Animalia is a must-watch for young audiences who love imagination.
0 - 29

Charles Darwin Middle School lets animals rule. This offbeat cartoon follows student Adam Lyon as he handles interspecies school life with his monkey friend Jake Spidermonkey. The show features loud comedy and friendships that defy what you expect.My Gym Partner's a Monkey.This show gives a funny look at middle school life's struggles.
-1 - 30

Step into this stop-motion cartoon's twisted world. Seven misfit animals, including a greedy chimpanzee named Jake, compete in aLife's a Zoo is a reality TV show.The show uses dark comedy and sharp satire to let contestants win a mansion. It offers a dark comedy and biting satire.Life's a Zoo.Life's a Zoo takes an offbeat angle. It explores ambition, friendship, and loyalty. Its unique animation and mature humor make this show a bold break from normal kids' shows.
-2 - 31

Four heroic kids wear powerful animal-themed mekbot suits to rescue animals globally.
-2 - 32

Strap in for a wild ride with brothers Gus and Wally. These bumbling primate astronauts embark on hilarious misadventures across the galaxy in this zany animated series. Their robot companion, YAY-OK, stays with them. These simian siblings face chaotic situations, showing their endless optimism and love for trouble. The show overflows with slapstick humor and madcap antics.Rocket Monkeys appear in the 'Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons' list.Rocket Monkeys is a side-splitting cosmic romp out of this world.
-3 - 33

Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt dives into action. An ingenious monkey wears a tool belt that solves any problem. This animated series targets preschoolers. Chico and his Fix-It Force pals have thrilling adventures. They teach young viewers teamwork, perseverance, and creative thinking. The show packs humor, heart, and learning.Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt is in the 'Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons' list.Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt delights all ages.
-3 - 34

Join Poko and his plush toy pals, including the curious monkey Minus. They have imaginative adventures teaching friendship, empathy, and creative thinking. This gentle show mixes live-action puppetry and traditional animation. This creates a unique look that captures young viewers and builds emotional growth.
-5 - 35

Waybuloo takes you to Nara's whimsical world. Magical Piplings have playful adventures. These teach young viewers friendship, problem-solving, and mindfulness. The show blends great stories with live-action footage of kids doing yoga-inspired "Waybuloo moves." It offers entertainment and education.Waybuloo is in the 'Best Monkey & Ape Cartoons' list.Waybuloo gives kids a unique viewing experience that boosts emotional well-being.
-7
More like this

420+ Best Kids Cartoons
Over 40,000 TV viewers voted on the 420+ Best Kids Cartoons Of All Time, with Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, and The Road Runner Show currently topping the list.

200+ Best Cartoon Theme Songs
Over 15,000 TV viewers voted on 200+ best cartoon themes. Top 3: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, DuckTales, The Flintstones

Most Annoying Kids Shows
Over 9,000 TV viewers voted on 140+ shows for Most Annoying Kids Shows of All Time. The current top 3 are The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange, Caillou, and Fred: The Show.

Best Animated Shows 2021, Ranked
Over 600 TV viewers voted on the top animated shows of 2021. The current top 3 are Invincible, Amphibia, and Arcane.

Comments (0)
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your take and reply to others.
First take? Share what stood out to you.