iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you’re looking for another superhero cartoon after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and X-Men, start with Batman: The Animated Series for a Gotham crime drama or Superman: The Animated Series for a broader action-adventure. For more team dynamics, try Fantastic Four; for another solo hero, choose Spider-Man. The recommendations below focus on 1990s shows: the available authoritative sources establish these candidates more clearly than specific 1980s picks.
Which superhero cartoon should you watch first?
Use the kind of story you want as your guide. The order here is a recommendation, not an objective ranking.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
CARTOON SUPERHEROES AND MORE (DVD MOVIE) | $90.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Cats (2019) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZDBFddVUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Cats (2019) [DVD] | $7.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Mask | $14.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Biker Mice from Mars #1 Marvel | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Want a darker, Gotham-centered story? Begin with Batman: The Animated Series.
- Want a public-facing hero and a wider action-adventure? Try Superman: The Animated Series.
- Want a team after X-Men? Pick Fantastic Four.
- Want one hero balancing crime-fighting with everyday life? Watch Spider-Man.
- Want another Marvel lead? Add Iron Man, with the caveat that the available official source does not establish its precise series dates.
Best superhero cartoons to try
Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
This is the strongest first stop if you want a darker, Gotham-centered superhero series. DC lists it as a 1992–1995 TV series and classifies it as action, adventure, drama, and science fiction. Its official page credits Alan Burnett, Eric Radomski, and Bruce Timm as producers, and Jean MacCurdy and Tom Ruegger as executive producers. DC’s series page
At the time of the catalog check on October 4, 2026, Hulu listed the series. Catalogs can vary by country and change, so confirm availability in your region before planning a watch. Hulu’s listing
#1 Best Overall
Superman: The Animated Series (1996–2000)
Choose this for a contrast with Batman’s crime-focused setting: Superman’s stories center on a public-facing hero battling villains. DC dates the series to 1996–2000. Its official page credits Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm as producers, with Jean MacCurdy as executive producer. DC’s series page
DC’s 2021 anniversary article says the show debuted in 1996 and ended in 2000, and documents a Blu-ray box set at that time. That article does not establish present-day retail inventory, price, or the exact edition currently offered. DC’s anniversary article
Rank #2
Hulu listed the series at the October 4, 2026 catalog check; check local listings because availability is not guaranteed in every region. Hulu’s listing
Fantastic Four (1994)
For a team-focused Marvel story, Fantastic Four is the closest fit here. Disney+ identifies it as a 1994 series and describes Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gaining powers after cosmic radiation strikes their shuttle flight. That group premise makes it a natural follow-up if you most enjoyed the ensemble aspect of X-Men. Disney+’s listing
Rank #3
Disney+ listed the series on October 4, 2026; its availability may differ by country and can change.
Spider-Man (1994–1997)
If you want to move from a superhero team to one lead character, Disney+ lists Spider-Man as a 1994–1997 series. Its synopsis follows Peter Parker as he fights crime while trying to maintain an ordinary personal life. Disney+’s listing
Rank #4
Disney+ listed the series on October 4, 2026. Check the catalog for your region before relying on that availability.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteIron Man
Add Iron Man if you want another Marvel hero. Marvel places the series within the 1990s animation renaissance and its Marvel Action Hour, which also featured Fantastic Four. The source establishes that 1990s context, but not an official date range or current streaming availability for the series. Marvel’s retrospective
Best Value
- Written by Rick Ungar, Bob Forward
- Illustrated by Rurik Tyler
How to choose—and where to check
These shows offer distinct starting points rather than one universal “best” pick: Batman is the Gotham crime drama, Superman the broader solo-hero adventure, Fantastic Four the team choice, and Spider-Man the character-centered alternative. The verified catalog listings cited above were checked on October 4, 2026; streaming rights are territory-specific and volatile, so check the service’s current listing in your country. The available sources do not establish a comparably well-supported set of specific 1980s recommendations, so this list stays with the documented 1990s options.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
