The Top 5: Most Patriotic Cartoons of All Time

Grab your smores, strap on your Captain America underoos and join us this Fourth of July as we count down the Top 5 cartoons that raised the bar in adolescent patriotism.

While patriotic U.S. citizens everywhere are preparing to celebrate their independence in this fine country by blowing small chunks of it up, we thought we’d throw a little celebration of our own — counting down the Top 5 sentimental cartoon shows that made us proud to be an American. These are the shows that taught us about our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of heavy artillery… or happiness, whatever floats your boat.

5) Popeye

While the majority of his time was spent fighting for the affection of Olive Oyl, Popeye could really be seen as the prototype for all patriotic cartoon heroes that followed. A sailor in the U.S. Navy, he represented the unwavering moral standards and justifiable show of force that the US stood for during the 30s. Unfortunately, that’s where this nautical hotshot seems to be stuck, with his racial stereotyping and incoherent ramblings making him seem more like a America’s angry grand-uncle.

4) American Dad

As Seth MacFarlane’s answer to the bumbling Maxwell Smart (aka Agent 86 for CONTROL), Stan Smith’s personality lies somewhere between Popeye and Homer Simpson. He’s proud as heck to be an American and is ready to defend his country any way he can… it’s just that most of them aren’t as legal or morally responsible enough for Uncle Sam to approve. He’s got the heart of a patriot, but the brains of a goldfish gerbil.

3) Rambo: The Force of Freedom

Any man who packs a flamethrower for lunch with a side of liberty salad is okay by me. Rambo: Force of Freedom took the intensity of Rambo and channeled into bite-sized portions for young minds to devour. Rambo used an assortment of weaponry to defend his country from terrorism on a global scale, though unlike his big screen counterpart relied more on his wits than ultra-violence. Disappointing as the neutered machismo may be, when you consider that he does everything from riding live sharks to flying spaceships in the name of freedom – that’s pretty impressive!

2) Captain America

Aside from perhaps Rocky, no man epitomizes the American Dream better than Captain America – he’s got it in his name for pete’s sake! A man out of time, much like Popeye, Captain America has managed to age a little more gracefully, maintaining his ideals while continuously adapting to the ever-changing American spirit. Since the 60s this guy has been defending our country from invaders, from Earth and beyond, with nothing but his Army training and a shield (albeit a damn cool one).

1) G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

The only thing that could possibly top Captain America as the most patriotic cartoon? How about an entire team of soliders with the courage of the Captain, the artillery of Rambo and the PSA-perfect moral standards perfect for the youth of America. Fearless in their battle against the terrorist forces of COBRA, the Joes delivered a positive message while remaining wildly entertaining. Overlooking their underlying motive to shill out toys, G.I. Joe was and remains to be one the best examples of patriotism in animated television. Ever.