Are your kids tired of the same old cartoon shows? Looking for something exciting to spice up their weekend viewing? Look no further! We’ve compiled a thrilling list of the best spy cartoons and secret agent movies that are perfect for young viewers. These action-packed adventures will satisfy your family’s craving for espionage while keeping things age-appropriate.
Our team at Digital Conqueror has scoured TV channels, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms to bring you this hand-picked masterpiece of kid-friendly spy cartoon shows. We understand the importance of protecting your children, so all of our recommendations come with either a G (General Audience) or PG (Parental Guidance) rating.
Spy Cartoon TV Show or Movie Ratings – G or PG
In this guide, we’ll start with the PG-rated best spy cartoons for slightly older kids or more mature viewers, then move on to the G-rated selections suitable for all ages. Get ready to embark on a world of secret missions, cool gadgets, and clever young spies that will captivate your children’s imagination!
OTT Guidelines:
Some of these mentioned cartoon shows may require you to be a subscriber to OTT streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Dinsey+, or more. If you do not own the subscription and still want to watch, you may consider renting or buying these from the same platforms.
If you enjoyed this list, check out our collection of best educational movies for kids on Netflix. Like that guide, this compilation of top spy cartoon shows provides in-depth summaries, insights, and ratings for each thrilling espionage movie or TV series.
10 Best Spy Cartoons / Secret Agent Cartoon Shows
Following are our top recommended spy shows for kids, and to spice things up espionage-style we’re calling the summary of each show Intelligence Brief and our take on the show Agent’s Report 😉
1. Super Secret Squirrel Show
Intelligence Brief
What was once an intermission segment on “2 Stupid Dogs,” Super Secret Squirrel is now a clever and charming secret agent who undertakes urgent missions given to him by The Chief. His sidekick is called Morocco Mole, and coupled with a trench coat full of gadgets and a strong bond with his partner, Secret Squirrel always saves the day in style, mixing skill with humor.
Agent’s Report
This is one of those classics from the 1990s. But what is in this show is brilliant: a genius reimagining of Hanna-Barbera’s original from the 1960s. With cleverness and characters that everyone will love, this is a great cartoon for kids and for adults. Its impact is something that they can see for themselves in later spy-themed cartoons.
Rating: G (General Audiences)
2. Codename: Kids Next Door
Intelligence Brief
This show chronicles the story of 10-year-old agents, led by Numbuh 1, who are part of a global kids-only organization. Their mission: to combat adult tyranny in all its forms-from boring school lessons to disgruntled ice cream vendors. Their main adversaries are the Delightful Children From Down the Lane and their sinister guardian, Father.
Agent’s Report
“Kids Next Door” is one of the staples of the golden age of Cartoon Network. Simultaneously, its caricature of the adult world speaks to children’s perspectives but has just enough smart humor to bring older viewers in. Its strongest aspect is that it has managed to take rather mundane “adult stuff” and morph it into epic missions. The fact that this series will continue to be popular enough to bring a “Galactic Kids Next Door” spin-off to the table speaks to its staying power.
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
3. The Secret Show
Intelligence Brief
“The Secret Show” centers around U.Z.Z. agents Anita Knight and Victor Volt as they save the world from all kinds of threats, but a special focus on the nefarious T.H.E.M. organization. With a commander whose name “changes daily,” the whole show is framed as a poach on “The Fluffy Bunny Show.”
Agent’s Report
This underrated gem shines out for its wacky humor and astute running jokes, such as the title change of the mission head every morning. Female spy lead Anita Knight breathes new life into the oft-recurring female lead, while Victor Volt’s current status as a comic-con recruitment makes this the most endearing element of the show to fans. The absurdist comedy and action of espionage this show balances in its veins makes it quite the isolated gem in its field.
Rating: G (General Audience)
4. Inspector Gadget
Intelligence Brief
Inspector Gadget, a cybernetic police detective, is always ready for action when The Chief calls. With his niece Penny and dog Brain by his side, Gadget protects the world from the nefarious Doctor Claw. Despite his clumsiness and lack of common sense, Gadget somehow manages to save the day, often unknowingly aided by Penny and Brain’s behind-the-scenes efforts.
Agent’s Report
This lovable, bumbling detective captured our hearts in the 1980s and 1990s. The show’s charm lies in its perfect balance of humor, action, and the recurring theme of teamwork. While Gadget fumbles through his missions, it’s the ingenuity of Penny and Brain that truly saves the day. The 2015 remake may not have lived up to the original’s legacy, but the classic version remains a beloved icon in the world of animated espionage.
Rating: G (General Audience)
5. Danger Mouse
Intelligence Brief
Danger Mouse is the “World’s Greatest Secret Agent.” This and the superb version featured sidekick Penfold saving the world with unlikely rescues from danger and global catastrophes. The main character is guided by Colonel K and aided by genius scientist Professor Squawkencluck in his hilarious missions, where all bets are against him.
Agent’s Report
Being an old-school fan of the 1980s version or just a fan of the updated one, Danger Mouse is undeniable with its charm. Brittanian wit along with the anthropomorphic cast makes it an entertaining spy parody. Penfold character will remain consistent during the years for fans, so there will be that small familiarity for long-time watchers. It is a spy experience through the eyes of Danger Mouse with both a taste of British humor and secret agent action with lovable animal characters, achieving that sophisticated and silly balance.
Rating: G (General Audience)
6. Fresh Beat Band of Spies
Intelligence Brief
This animated take on the show sends the main cast of the prime-time Nick Jr. live-action show undercover as a team of spies. Twist, Shout, Kiki, Marina, and their pet monkey Bo take on several missions: catching trophy thieves, stopping a hairdresser from turning the population into werewolves. Each problem gets solved with teamwork and music!
Agent’s Report
Fresh Beat Band of Spies is one of those wonderful shows from Nick Jr. with a mix of spies and preschoolers. Its style of animation, which is 2D, makes it a cut above the rest of the offerings by its peers. It is not too creative with the storyline but fun and attractive plots together with thumping songs have become a booster for young audiences. It is pretty fun to watch when the show incorporates musical elements into spy scenarios.
Rating: G (General Audience)
7. The X’s
Intelligence Brief
The X’s meet a family of spies trying to live a normal facade while saving the world in secret. Most of their dinner conversations happen as a result of their recent exploits in saving the world, all punctuated with explosions and high-tech gadgetry. The show will focus on the family and how they strike a balance between their extraordinary profession and trying to face the myriad problems of any ordinary family.
Agent’s Report
Tragically cut short after just 20 episodes, The X’s is a gem that deserved more than its title’s screening time. It was the closest we ever got to an “Incredibles” TV series, merging family dynamics with spy action so effortlessly. The show makes the extraordinary seem ordinary and vice versa. It’s Tuesday X, often compared to Kim Possible, who brings something fresh to the teen spy bit. The omission of X is the open wound that will leave its scar on the viewers who see it as a sure bet in spy cartoon rendition.
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
8. Phineas and Ferb
Intelligence Brief
Not necessarily a show about spying, Phineas and Ferb does contain significant spy plots. While main protagonists Phineas and Ferb take on some fabulous summer projects, their platypus Perry doubles as “Agent P,” saving the day from evil genius Dr. Doofenshmirtz, who is constantly thwarted by his own ineptitude. The show does an excellent job in weaving together the boys’ summer adventures with the secret missions of Agent P.
Agent’s Report
Phineas and Ferb is genius precisely because it can successfully appeal to all ages through their clever humor and intricate plot structures. And the spy subplot with Agent P and Dr. Doofenshmirtz is such an interesting case, perfect for parodying the whole spy genre-it has witty banter, over-the-top gadgets that always take the cake because those often steal the show. So, through the series, a spy narrative can coexist with other genres and create a very unique and loved-to-death cartoon experience.
Rating: G (General Audience)
9. Totally Spies!
Intelligence Brief
Alex, Sam, and Clover appear to be like any other Beverly Hills high school student who loves boys and fashion. In reality, however, they secretly save the world from all sorts of evil or miserable threats. Teen drama is connected with high-stakes espionage action, resulting in an odd mix of coming-of-age stories with action and humor.
Agent’s Report
Totally Spies! captured the imagination of a generation, offering a glamorous take on teen life mixed with exciting spy adventures. The balance between terribly relatable high school drama and seriously over-the-top spy scenarios makes this show appealing. Each of them offers something different that will make viewers relate to them-to Sam’s leadership, Clover’s fashion sense, and even the one that makes viewers like Alex because she is like any girl in school. The lasting impact of the series would best be seen in its continued popularity and influence on girl-powered action shows that followed.
Rating: G (General Audience)
10. Kim Possible
Intelligence Brief
Kim Possible is the story of an extremely intelligent, sassy high school student who somehow leads a double life as a secret agent saving the world. Her best friend Ron Stoppable and his naked mole rat Rufus join her on missions against villains such as Dr. Drakken and Shego, while trying to balance a portion of life that typical teens have to deal with-school, part-time jobs, and crushes.
Agent’s Report
Kim Possible stands as one of Disney’s greatest contributions to the spy cartoon genre. The show’s strength lies in its perfect balance of action, humor, and character development. Kim’s growth from confident teen hero to a more nuanced character dealing with insecurities and relationships adds depth to the series. The show’s ability to tackle both world-threatening villains and everyday teen problems with equal importance resonated with viewers of all ages. Kim Possible set a high bar for animated spy series, influencing many that came after it.
Rating: G (General Audience)
FAQs – Best Spy Cartoon
1. What are some best spy cartoon shows for kids?
Some highly recommended spy cartoons for kids include “Super Secret Squirrel,” “Codename: Kids Next Door,” “The Secret Show,” and “Inspector Gadget.” These shows are entertaining and suitable for younger audiences, providing a mix of action, humor, and adventure.
2. Are these spy cartoons available on streaming platforms?
Yes, many of these spy shows are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+. For example, “Danger Mouse” and “Spys Totally!” It can be found on Netflix, while “Phineas and Ferb” is available on Disney+.
3. Are the above listed spy cartoons appropriate for all ages?
The above listed spy cartoons are generally suitable for children, with most of them carrying G or PG ratings. This ensures that the content is appropriate for a younger audience while still being enjoyable for older viewers.
I hope your kids enjoyed these best spy cartoons TV show and movies, but do help us expand this list by recommending more spy secret agent cartoons in the comments below.