Top 10 Favorite Chuck Jones Cartoons

Chuck Jones is a legend in the history of animation. As a kid I loved to watch cartoons, especially the Looney Tunes. And I always had my favorite ones, but it wasn't until years later that I found out the majority of favorites were all directed by the same guy. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Roadrunner and Coyote, Rikki Tikki Tavi, What's Opera Doc? etc., all done by Chuck Jones. His work has great humor, brilliant expressions, and spot-on timing, and I love his constant breaking of the fourth wall. His work has been a great inspiration for me, and here are ten examples of why he's known as the master of the extremes and the in-betweens.

#10

"Long-Haired Hare" 1949

A great example of why you don't mess with Bugs Bunny. The humor conveyed by just the waving of Bugs' hand is hilarious in it's subtly. The way Bugs can control a room is made perfect by Chuck Jones at the helm of this boat.

#9

"One Froggy Evening" 1955

A classic one off by Chuck Jones. This is the only cartoon made of Michigan J. Frog until 1995. But this cartoon has left a lasting impression on cartoon fans the world over. How many characters have ever made it in one seven minute cartoon, and have gone on to be the mascot for a mediocre television channel. To me it is because this short is directed perfectly. This cartoon doesn't even have dialogue in it, except for the singing. It just goes to show how Chuck Jones' expressions and timing have been tattooed on the brains of Looney Tunes fans everywhere. 

#8

"Feed the Kitty" 1952

Chuck Jones can even be a master of the adorable. If you don't find this cartoon to be the cutest thing you've ever seen, then you have no soul. I always wondered how this cartoon was ever made. how do you sell, "hey, I have a new cartoon to make." "alright, what do you got?" "It's about a dog that finds a kitten, and tries to take care of it." ".... is that it?" "pretty much yeah." "um, how is that going to be funny?" "trust me, I'm Chuck Jones, I'm awesome." And it is.

#7

"Duck Amuck" 1953

Now this isn't an original concept. Just look at "Out of the Inkwell" by Max Fleischer. But of course Chuck Jones twists this concept in such a brilliant way that it is a one of a kind cartoon, that stands alone with it's own merit. With such a hilarious line of gags,and a great ending. This  cartoon is a Chuck Jones signature.

#6

"A Bear for Punishment" 1951

There was many fantastic Looney Tunes directors, Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Fritz Freleng, etc. They all made their mark with their work with Bugs, Porky, Daffy, Elmer, ect. But Chuck Jones had a way of creating such brilliant one of kind characters that could only be directed by himself. Wile E. Coyote, Roadrunner, Fog Horn Leghorn, Pete Puma, Sam the Dog, and the three bears were  some of his best conceptions. 

#5

"Rabbit Season" 1952

Part of the Hunting trilogy, including "Rabbit Fire", and "Duck! Rabbit, Duck!" This one is my favorite of the three. A great example of the back and fourth from Bugs and Daffy. And how Bugs is always in control in any situation. 

#4

"The Dot and the Line" 1965

Chuck Jones continued to make brilliant shorts after he left Warner Brothers. Including the Dr. Seuss shorts, "The White Seal", and "The Bear that Wasn't." But this one is my favorite. Such a great story about how their is a hidden talent in everyone. A great source of inspiration for any hopeless romantic inspiring artist.

#3

"The Abominable Snow-Rabbit" 1961

Another hilarious one-off character. I love how dopey this abominable snowman character is. And his unexplained love for bunny rabbits. He loves to hug them, and squeeze them, but doesn't necessarily know what a bunny is. This cartoon shows how Mel Blanc is the greatest voice over artist that has ever lived. Doing the voices of every character in this short, and 90% percent of all the Warner Bros. characters.

#2

"Robin Hood Daffy" 1958

Daffy Duck is a giant in his own right. This is my favorite Daffy Duck cartoon. I always loose it during the "yoinks and away!" bit. I never get tired of this short. No Disney short can hold a candle to the humor in this fantastic cartoon.

#1

"The Dover Boys at Pimento University" 1942
If I ever met someone who has never seen a Chuck Jones cartoon. Or to prove that Chuck Jones is the master. This is my number one example. This short is a platinum record. The perfection of humor, timing, animation, and story. To get that legendary Chuck Jones timing, their wasn't enough frames for him to work with. So he created what's known as "smear" animation. This cartoon breaks all the rules in the best ways possible.