Samurai Jack

Original Air Date: 2001-2004

Network: Cartoon Network

Created by Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Laboratory), Samurai Jack is a fun, action-heavy animated series that appeals to kids and adults alike. The show's simple and colorful art style lends itself well to the cinematic scope and frenetic action sequences that fill each episode. Influenced by spaghetti westerns, Star Wars,Conan, and Seven Samurai, Samurai Jack tells the story of a boy who was sent to train with the best fighters in the world in an attempt to defeat the evil Aku. When Jack finally faces Aku, he's thrown far into a bizarre future, and must fight his way back to take on Aku, battling others and having adventures along the way.

The show's unique style and humor make the most out of the animation format, producing elaborate action sequences and bizarre situations that would be impossible to do in a live action film. Over its four-season run, Samurai Jack won four Emmys and was nominated for two more.