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Why did animated cartoon shorts become a regular part of movie theatre programs?

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Animated scene from The Wild Robot showing a round-eyed robot with a fox perched on its shoulder in a forest clearing. — Animation Scene from the 2024 science fiction animated film *The Wild Robot*, directed by Chris Sanders.

Animated cartoon shorts became a regular fixture of movie theatre programs because they served as a popular form of entertainment that complemented the commercial cinema experience. Early in the history of film, animators such as Émile Cohl, Winsor McCay, and Wladyslaw Starewicz established animation within a commercial context, demonstrating its appeal to audiences.1

The medium's popularity grew significantly as studios developed iconic characters—such as Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Popeye—that became legendary figures in popular culture. These shorts resonated with viewers by offering fantasy, humor, and relatable personality traits, often providing a sense of comfort or escapism, particularly during challenging times like the Great Depression.21

While animation was also a tool for experimental filmmakers, its technical techniques were more widely integrated into mainstream commercial cinema than other avant-garde practices. This integration continued until the 1960s, when the migration of cartoons to television and shifts in theatrical programming led to the decline of the animated short as a standard part of the moviegoing experience.1