how old is too old to watch cartoons?

@birdie816 (1276)
United States
February 5, 2011 9:00pm CST
i am nineteena nd i still love watching my favorite cartoons from when i was alot younger like spongebob (that is actually the main one i watch now because alot of the newer cartoons are some garbage). anyway, my husband (whose opinion i take very seriously on account of the fact that he is my best friend) recently said that i quote cartoons (specifically spongebob) way too much and he sees it as kind of childish. that kind of hurt my feelings but i am starting to think that maybe he is right.
5 people like this
33 responses
• United States
6 Feb 11
Eh, I still watch cartoons too. I mean...I guess they are more "adult themed" cartoons anymore, though. Once in awhile I'll still watch Spongebob, or any 90's cartoons if they happen to be on for once. Even if I do enjoy watching cartoons...I don't see it hindering me any. I would understand if I were watching cartoons intent ended for preschoolers...but I'm definitely not watching that sort. Sometimes, there is just nothing else to watch...so why not watch cartoons? I think it's childish if you only watch those and refuse to open yourself up to watching anything else...but I mean, if you're hurting anybody, I don't see the problem.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Feb 11
Sorry, I meant "NOT hurting anybody".
• United States
7 Feb 11
Yeah, I honestly don't see the problem with it...but it's probably because I'm the same age, and I do still watch cartoons on occassion, haha. Everyone has their preferences...like I said, it's not hurting anyone, and I doubt it hinders your relationship. People automatically make the connection with cartoons as being childish, because they are typically geared towards children...it doesn't mean adults can't enjoy them too. In fact, sometimes my dad watches Spongebob, or Tom and Jerry...although I have a strained relationship with him, I wouldn't exactly call him child-like for it.
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
I still watch cartoons, and I don't see anything wrong with it. My boyfriend also loves spongebob. I do watch it sometimes, though I must say, that show is for adults and not for kids, sometimes I think they teach kids the wrong things. (But they are funny. ). I say cartoons is for everybody, and you are never to old to watch one.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
wow i cant say i hear that point of view alot (that cartoons are for adults lol)...and who doesn't love spongebob??? lol jk
1 person likes this
• Philippines
9 Feb 11
Hahahaha!! Haven't you heard of the Japanese Adult cartoons?! Now that one is definitely not for kids. LOL.
@beamer88 (4259)
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
I guess there are really cartoons which for me are rubbish. I don't even allow my son to watch those types of cartoons. But there are lots of cartoons that even adults enjoy watching. Disney produces a lot of these animated movies. As a matter of fact, my son and I both love watching Disney's "Cars." "Mulan" is another one that we love watching. Aside from the fight scenes, it also shows us a glimpse of China's culture. Nickelodeon also has lots of entertaining as well as educational cartoons. (Spongebob is one of the exceptions :) Sometimes I miss some of them like Thomas and Friends and the Little Red Tractor that were shown on Cartoon Network. There are really lots of cartoons that are viewed by children and adults alike. You get entertained and at times it makes you feel that life isn't always about serious things. Besides, we adults should always be kids at heart. It makes life easier and bearable when we do.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
yeah i wouldn't let my kids watch half of the crap on television these days if i had any...i'm kind of glad i dont because of that stuff. and you are on the right track trying to watch quality animated shows or movies by sticking to the older ones. the lion king (along with many others made by disney) is still one of my very favorite movies (even though i first saw it at like age five lol). i feel a little better now knowing that other adults watch cartoons aside from like family guy maybe..
1 person likes this
@beamer88 (4259)
• Philippines
7 Feb 11
Family guy like the Simpsons are the types of cartoons I really don't watch. Probably I don't go for those satirical stuff. But my son loves watching it and we always have quite a discussion whenever I tell him not to watch it.
@Kirinx (1688)
• United States
25 Apr 11
Watching cartoons is like having icecream you can never be too old for icecream no matter how many times you eat it and thats how i feel about cartoons. I look at cartoons and anime they just will never get old to me.
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
25 Apr 11
cool :) i'm glad i'm not alone with this
1 person likes this
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
No age limit as long as you want to watch. Im a cartoon fanatic, I watch spongebob, mickeymouse, tom and jerry, disney cartoon movies, x-men, fantastic 4, the avengers and many other more....Im 32 but still I watch them, my wife is like your husband but i dont care I love watching cartoons. sometimes I would go to a movie store to action film and cartoon. Most of the times I watch cartoons with my daughters we laugh together when we watch tom and jerry. I think your husband dont realize that cartoons are also educational....right? Have you ever watch dora the explorer, its a good one....
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
lol i never really got into dora the explorer (although i did learn how to say "computer" in spanish from that show lol) but it is educational. it is also more for early childhood, so i steer clear of those that are for like 6 year olds and stuff. i feel like anything an 11 year old watches is still at least somewhat suitable for a 19 year old. but if i had access to more variety in cartoons (that don't suck) then i would probably still watch tom and jerry and some others too. that used to be one of my favorites too. it was hilarious :)
1 person likes this
@Kirinx (1688)
• United States
25 Apr 11
@money I was never into the fantastic 4 it reminds me so much of Xmen.
• Philippines
14 Jul 11
I think it depedns on what kind of cartoons. I think Spongebob is just really for kids. Sometimes watching it just bores me because there are elements that are just really for kids. I think because it's just chill. Some cartoons are actually not for kids and those contain violence, gore, nuidity, etc.
1 person likes this
• Brazil
14 Jul 11
I agree with you. Sponge Bob is really childish, I really can't stand to watch it for much time. Specially, because I can't stand that Sponge Bob friend name Patrick. He's just too stupid.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157691)
• United States
6 Feb 11
No, I do not care for Sponge Bob and I really do not remember any that I would like to watch except maybe Bugs Bunny. If your quoting of Sponge Bob is making it into your everyday life in too frequent a manner it may have a bad result, as in turning off prospective employers and potential friends. I have heard others say that they find good life lessons in Sponge Bob, and little kids love him, I just do not care for him.
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
i agree that bugs bunny was really good, but i haven't seen any of his cartoons in quite a while. i kind of wish they still came on cartoon network. i used to always watch him and other looney toons on there back in the day (when i was like ten or something). and i agree that too much of anything is a bad thing, but i tend not to use lines from spongebob out in public. i just use them in the privacy of my home or with my very best friends, not just anybody. i would never use the lines from that show at work (or when trying to get a job, because i don't actually have a job, nor have i ever had one).
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
7 Feb 11
Well, I'm pushing 60 and still like some cartoons, tho I have to say I think Sponge Bob is garbage... but that's all a matter of likes and what you grew up with. I actually think Courage the Dog (tho the animation style is horrid) is actually pretty funny.
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
(gasp)...this is actually pretty funny because i just commented on the previous comment and said "who doesn't love spongebob?" but i guess i just found somebody lol. but i actually really like courage the cowardly dog too. i haven't seen it in a while though but i would probably watch that too if i found out where i could watch it
1 person likes this
• Southend-On-Sea, England
16 Jul 11
I don't think there should be any upper or lower age limit on people watching cartoons, as if it's something they enjoy, then go for it. However, I'm wondering if your husband's remark may be geared towards wondering if you have become too caught up in the lives of the cartoon characters? Of course I could be completely wrong.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
I know some people who has has interests still with watching cartoons though they are adults and no longer kids. My school mate loves to watch her favorite cartoons way back in college. My cousins also watch cartoons until high school and perhaps until now. I myself, watch cartoons with my niece and nephews since i have no choice. But, i enjoy watching it since it relaxes and made me laugh. It releases stress and tensions at times and some cartoons would have a moral lesson to give its' audience. Therefore, i would say that age does not matter as to when to stop watching cartoons. As long as you enjoy viewing and you think it gives a sense of happiness then, it would be just fine. It is not a sign of regression where one would be back to earlier life. It is completely normal thing and ageless activity.
@katie0 (5203)
• Japan
6 Feb 11
i think there's no age to stop that if we grow up listening or watching to something, it's clear that we'll love that forever, exactly how i know a twin brother and sister that can't nothing but vegetables cause their mother would give them healthy food as babies and they only met fast food like with 8 years old, so they don't like it! my father can't help to buy all charlie chaplin movies as he can because he grow up watching him, and in our generation there were many cartoons so it's hard to let go, i still love dungeons and dragons
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
well i guess i am not that weird to kinda be "stuck" so to speak in the past because i am definately not the only one..i still play video games with my favorite characters, listen to music my mother raised me on, and eat weird things that my mother got me hooked on all from when i was much younger
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
Guess I must be childish then and I am more than twice your age...exponential in fact. Cartoon nowadays are far different from the cartoons of ages ago. Animated movies are watched by both children and adults and they could be both entertaining. I love Disney's and Pixar's animated movies and have watched a few again and again at home. Individuals have their own preferences and you don't have to be influenced by another if it is really what you want and does not harm anybody else. Cheers.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
haha... i feel like a baby now. anyway i love the computer generated cartoon movies too, like shrek and toy story. in fact, i just finished watching cloudy with a chance of meatballs last night :) it was suprisingly hilarious...anyway you are right. me and my husband are just more different than i realized in entertainment choices
• Philippines
6 Feb 11
Nah... I think no one should dictate with what you as you also should not dictate what he llkes...but for compromise sake maybe just limit the hours of your cartoon watching...And besides there is nothing wrong with watching cartoons..hell i love cartoons.. and i'm already twenty plus but i still watch.
1 person likes this
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
haha... i am starting to think that my husband should just get over himself and watch cartoons with me (if you can't beat em, join em lol). everybody on mylot seems to be taking my side so far :)
@moneywinner (1864)
• Brazil
14 Jul 11
I don't think that is a limit age for you watch cartoons. I'm older than you (I have 23 years) and, sometimes, I still watch cartoons. Specially those ones of my childhood time, like Flinstones, Jetsons, Doug, Hey Arnold..I still have a lot of fun watching them! Of course that now I prefer some more "adult" cartoons like Family Guy and American Guy.
1 person likes this
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
6 Feb 11
Don't get me started haha. Seriously though there's no age limit on watching cartoons or other animated films. adults make cartoons because they love animation and the whole art-form I'm also a lover of animated films animation, and its ridiculous that adults think that there's an age limit on watching cartoons I believe that cartoons are made for everyone at every age. I'm saying sure cartoons are generally centered on children because adults tend to lose there since of fun, and youthfulness, because they think being an adult means not staying in touch with there child side or having fun, I haven't lost that side of myself. I'm an artist who still enjoys and respects the work that goes into making animation and I will be enjoying animation well into my 80's or longer if I live that long lol.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
i agree with you. i am an artsy and observative type person, so i enjoy looking at the work put into cartoons and computer generated movies. i also agree that it doesn't make sense to call people who watch cartoons as adults childish because they are the very ones who produce all television and movies, even the ones made for five year olds..just sayin
1 person likes this
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
7 Feb 11
High five totally agree.
• United States
6 Feb 11
I am 46 and I still watch cartoons some times with my cat!!L.O.L. But not all the time I say you are never too old for cartoons!!! Don't let him bring you down if you like watching them watch them I am sure he watches some things you don't like? Have a good day!!
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
wow i have never heard of people watching television (of any kind) with their cat...lol. i did used to have a pet newt that watched tv though, so i guess that isnt really that unusual when u think about it lol. anywho, there is plenty of stuff that he watches that i hate, but lets not go there lol...
• United States
9 Feb 11
L.O.L.
@sender621 (14894)
• United States
6 Feb 11
I don't think that you can ever be too old to watch your favorite cartoons. this enjoyment should not have an age limit thrust upon it. As long as a cartoon can make us happy and make us laugh, then we should continue our enjoyment.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
i agree completely
@06MLam (620)
6 Feb 11
I do not think it is wrong for adult to watch cartoons because those cartoons have been accompaning us while we were growing up. They have quite an important role in our lives as a result. Just do not think guilty about watching cartoons when you are already an adult becauce a lot of adults do this. I remeber in both Hong Kong and Japan, a lot of people used to be the fans of a series of robots appeared in a popular cartoon. They still buy models for those robots even when they reach their thirties. Therefore, I think it is absolutely alright for us to watch cartoon at whatever age we are as long as we are not to obsess into it.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
wow i never knew that (about the japanese people and people from hong kong). but i think that is a little extreme though. i dont have any spongebob merchandise...i ust watch the show (along with a few other cartoons). but i agree that adults can watch some cartoons as long as they are not obsessive.
@elena1969 (153)
6 Feb 11
It depends on the cartoons,there are some cartoons that will never get old and it doesn't matter whether you are five years old or thirty you can still watch them and it is practically normal.For example tom and jerry will never get old,and will always be a classic cartoon which will be watched by a lot of people.
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
7 Feb 11
yeah i agree. i would still watch tom and jerry if i knew what channel they showed it on. and i feel like spongebob is also one of those classic cartoons that will never get old on account of the fact that they are still showing episodes from 2001...that's already ten years and i'm sure it will be on much longer :)
• Bulgaria
6 Feb 11
No,it is not childish.There is nothing bad to watch cartoons because everybody want to feel like a child-no worries,no school,no family problems.But I think it is not normal to watch cartoons 24/7 6 or 7 hours per day.It is unnormal.But If you want to watch cartoons with your child this is more than good.We all know that child need support in that,what they are doing and probably they need more spent time with their parents.What do you think?
@birdie816 (1276)
• United States
6 Feb 11
i think you are right. i am not exactly a fanatic. i dont even watch cartoons everyday most times. maybe two or three days a week. but i do watch only my very favorite episodes because i never get tired of the jokes. and the days i watch cartoons i might watch a couple of full episodes. also i agree it is definately normal to watch cartoons with kids, but i dont have any yet. i will definately do that though when i have some :)