“Tom & Jerry” might be the most iconic rivalry in cartoon history, but the real magic happens during those rare, golden moments when the cat and mouse set aside their endless chase and actually team up. Whether it’s to face a bigger threat, survive a misadventure, or just because they’re in a weirdly good mood, these episodes where Tom and Jerry are (almost) best friends give us some of the funniest, most heartwarming, and surprising moments in the series. Their temporary truces are packed with slapstick, unexpected teamwork, and that classic chaos only they can deliver—just with a twist of friendship. Let’s count down the top 10 funniest episodes where Tom and Jerry were actually friends, and it somehow worked… kind of.
#10: Professor Tom
“Professor Tom” (1948) is a gem in the Tom and Jerry legacy because it flips the script in a way that’s both hilarious and unexpectedly wholesome. In this short, Tom finds himself playing the role of a mentor—yes, a mentor—to a young, sprightly gray kitten who’s eager to learn the art of mouse-catching. Naturally, Jerry is the target. But instead of being the usual relentless predator, Tom becomes something we rarely see: a reluctant protector of Jerry, trying to keep his cool while looking good in front of his student. This setup creates a brilliant dynamic filled with irony, clever gags, and a surprising level of depth.
From the moment the kitten shows up, it’s clear he’s more intense than Tom ever was. The little guy means business—he’s aggressive, fast, and has none of the bumbling charm Tom is known for. When Jerry enters the scene, the kitten doesn’t hesitate to go full Looney Tunes on him. But here’s where it gets interesting: Tom starts subtly sabotaging the kitten’s efforts. Whether it’s “accidentally” knocking the kitten over with a broom, or stepping in at the last second to “help” while actually letting Jerry escape, Tom becomes the anti-mentor. His expressions—conflicted, flustered, sometimes even guilty—say more than words ever could. The comedy lands not just because of the physical slapstick, but because we’re watching Tom do mental gymnastics trying to balance his pride, his job as a teacher, and his weird, semi-friendly bond with Jerry.
One of the funniest scenes comes when the kitten nearly catches Jerry in a clever trap. Jerry, clearly panicking, runs straight into Tom—who quickly hides him behind his back and makes a loud, dramatic display of scolding the kitten for being too rough. It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it moment of alliance, but it tells you everything about the growing (if unspoken) camaraderie between Tom and Jerry. They’re not exactly besties here, but there’s mutual understanding, even respect. Jerry knows Tom is low-key helping, and Tom knows Jerry isn’t going to make his life harder—at least not in that moment.
This episode is also a fantastic example of how layered Tom’s character can be. Sure, he’s usually the chaser, the one who gets flattened, electrocuted, or exploded for our amusement. But here, he’s more complex. There’s ego involved, yes—he wants the kitten to think he’s the top cat—but there’s also a kind of pride in protecting Jerry from the overly eager mini-predator. You almost get the sense that Tom sees Jerry as his mouse. Like, “I can chase him, but no one else can.” And that twisted logic somehow feels sweet.
The animation in “Professor Tom” is also worth appreciating. The kitten’s movements are wild and energetic, contrasting sharply with Tom’s slower, more calculated actions. Jerry, for once, is less the instigator and more of a reactive character, spending most of the episode dodging attacks and quietly realizing he’s got a strange ally in his old rival.
As the cartoon ends, the kitten winds up bruised and humiliated while Tom “consoles” him, and Jerry gives Tom a little nod of thanks before slipping away. It’s not a happy ending for everyone, but it’s satisfying, funny, and surprisingly warm. “Professor Tom” gives us a rare chance to see Tom and Jerry form a team—an awkward, fleeting team—but a team nonetheless. It reminds us that even the fiercest enemies can find common ground… especially when a pint-sized maniac is on the loose.
#9: The Night Before Christmas
“The Night Before Christmas” (1941) is more than just a holiday-themed special—it’s a surprisingly tender and side-splittingly funny cartoon that reveals the softest, most unexpected sides of Tom and Jerry. Set on Christmas Eve, this episode ditches the usual formula of nonstop chaos and brings us a story filled with warmth, generosity, and yes, still a good amount of slapstick hilarity. What makes this episode especially stand out is how it manages to deliver a genuine message of compassion—without ever losing its classic Tom and Jerry edge. It’s one of those rare moments where their friendship peeks through the rivalry, and the result is cartoon gold.
It all begins like a typical day in the Tom and Jerry universe. Jerry is sneaking around, eyeing candy canes and ornaments, while Tom is on patrol, ready to pounce. But when Jerry gets caught and ends up locked outside in the freezing cold snow, something surprising happens: Tom hesitates. He watches Jerry struggle to stay warm, sees his tiny mouse body shivering under a bush, and you can almost feel the cartoon shift in tone. Instead of laughing or walking away, Tom has a full-on change of heart. In a move that stunned audiences back in the day—and still pulls at heartstrings—he rushes to the door and lets Jerry back inside.
From there, the episode takes on a completely different energy. Tom doesn’t just stop being aggressive—he actively becomes Jerry’s caretaker. He brings him in, warms him up, gives him a tiny blanket, and even offers him a candy cane. The entire sequence is done with minimal dialogue (as always), but the animation and music do all the heavy lifting. The expressions, the body language, the little actions—they’re all so perfectly tuned to show the audience that something special is happening. It’s not just a break in the chase; it’s a moment of true kindness.
That said, don’t think this episode goes soft. The comedy is still sharp and quick, with plenty of fun visual gags. Jerry gets his own mischievous moments, decorating Tom like a Christmas tree, slipping on ice, and getting into wrapping paper chaos. Tom, of course, tries to keep up his cool-cat persona while clearly being out of his depth as a reluctant host. There’s a particularly hilarious bit where Tom tries to sit back and relax, only for Jerry to cause a mini avalanche of ornaments and garland. It’s the kind of chaos only a Christmas setting could provide—and yet, it all feels like it’s happening between friends rather than foes.
Another fun fact: this short earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Cartoons), and it’s easy to see why. The artistry is impeccable, from the snowy backgrounds to the warm, golden glow of the Christmas lights. Every frame feels like a classic holiday postcard, with our two favorite frenemies smack in the middle of it. And even decades later, it holds up as one of the most emotionally resonant and visually stunning Tom and Jerry episodes ever made.
By the end, Tom and Jerry don’t hug or declare any sort of official truce, but they don’t have to. The final image—of them sitting quietly by the fire, Tom sipping milk and Jerry nibbling cheese—is all the closure we need. It’s subtle, sweet, and just silly enough to still feel true to the show. “The Night Before Christmas” is proof that under all the pranks, pummeling, and pandemonium, Tom and Jerry are capable of real moments of friendship. And honestly? That’s what makes it so funny—and unforgettable.
#8: Safety Second
Released in 1950, “Safety Second” throws Tom and Jerry into a patriotic powder keg of fireworks, mischief, and pure cartoon mayhem—all while somehow making them look like responsible adults. Set on the Fourth of July, this episode turns the tables by adding a chaotic third character into the mix: Jerry’s reckless little nephew, Nibbles (also known as Tuffy), whose obsession with fireworks puts everyone at risk. The real kicker? Instead of fighting each other, Tom and Jerry find themselves forced to co-parent this sparkler-happy gremlin. And that’s where the comedy goes from great to genius.
At the beginning, Jerry is clearly trying to keep his wild nephew under control, but Nibbles has all the subtlety of a firecracker in a blender. He’s lighting fuses, tossing Roman candles into drawers, and turning the house into a war zone. Tom, usually the aggressor, quickly realizes that Nibbles is even more dangerous than Jerry ever was. What follows is one of the most unusual and hilarious team-ups in the series. Tom and Jerry lock eyes with a shared understanding—stop the kid, or everything’s going up in flames.
What makes this short so funny is the way Tom and Jerry operate like reluctant, overworked babysitters. Jerry distracts Nibbles while Tom hides the matches. When that doesn’t work, they double-team him, scooping up fireworks, extinguishing flames, and even wrestling him out of a rocket-propelled bathtub. Their cooperation is totally unspoken—no high-fives, no planning, just pure instinct. And it’s weirdly natural, which makes it even funnier. The more they try to bring order to the madness, the worse things get. At one point, Nibbles blasts a firework under Tom’s tail, sending him flying through the ceiling while Jerry facepalms like a worn-out parent.
Visually, the episode is packed with explosive gags and pitch-perfect timing. The animators lean into the fireworks theme, using bright flashes, comic booms, and rapid-fire slapstick to keep the energy sky-high. But beneath the chaos is a subtle message: sometimes, your worst enemy becomes your best ally when you’re both stuck in the same disaster. There’s a fantastic moment where Tom and Jerry, both soot-covered and singed, collapse side by side on the couch while Nibbles bounces off the walls. They glance at each other with exhausted, shell-shocked expressions that say, “What just happened?”
And here’s the twist: Jerry’s the one who lights the final fuse—not out of spite, but to give Nibbles his big fireworks moment (safely, of course). Tom, though clearly terrified, plays along. The episode ends with the trio watching fireworks together, all bruised and battered but oddly content. It’s not a happy ending in the traditional sense—it’s more like survival with a side of mutual respect.
“Safety Second” is brilliant because it showcases how funny Tom and Jerry can be when they’re not at each other’s throats. Their desperate attempts to keep a lid on Nibbles’ explosive energy create a new kind of tension, one where the audience roots for them to succeed together. It’s chaotic, clever, and oddly heartwarming—a reminder that sometimes, fighting side-by-side can be funnier than fighting each other.
#7: Cruise Cat
“Cruise Cat” (1952) sets sail on a wave of tropical sunshine and high-seas hilarity, but it also gives us one of the most underrated friendships between Tom and Jerry. In this cartoon, Tom has a respectable job—yes, you read that right—as the official cat on a luxury cruise liner. His mission? Keep the ship mouse-free. Of course, this becomes impossible the moment Jerry sneaks aboard. But instead of the usual all-out brawl, what unfolds is a sneaky, hilarious dance of cooperation and mutual cover-ups as both characters try to survive without getting tossed overboard.
At first, Tom is all business. He patrols the kitchen, tail swishing with confidence, determined to make his job last longer than his past nine lives. But when Jerry is discovered stowing away among the fancy hors d’oeuvres, the expected chase doesn’t kick off. Why? Because the ship’s captain is even more terrifying than any cartoon cat. One slip-up, and Tom’s overboard. So rather than catching Jerry, Tom ends up forming an uneasy alliance with him—not because he wants to, but because Jerry is way too clever to be caught, and working together is the only way they both avoid disaster.
The comedy here is slick and strategic. Jerry hides under silver platters and inside pineapples, while Tom desperately tries to make it look like there’s no mouse problem at all. One hilarious scene has Tom smiling at a guest while Jerry scurries behind his back, fixing a cheese platter he just raided. Tom’s exaggerated attempts to block the captain’s view are pure gold, made even better by Jerry giving him little “thank you” nods mid-chaos. Their cooperation reaches its peak when they have to fake a completely clean galley inspection. They move like a synchronized duo—silent, swift, and just one mistake away from being busted.
One of the funniest and most telling moments is when Jerry actually saves Tom. The captain is about to fire Tom after suspecting a mouse has been spotted. But Jerry, understanding what’s at stake, plays along and pretends to be a wind-up toy mouse during the inspection. It’s a small, subtle gesture, but it reveals a surprising level of empathy from Jerry. He doesn’t have to help Tom—but he does.
The whole cartoon plays like a buddy comedy in disguise. Sure, they still pull a few pranks on each other, but it’s the sneaky, wink-wink kind of rivalry you’d expect between two coworkers who’ve known each other too long. The tropical setting, the cruise ship drama, the silent teamwork—it all makes for a cartoon that’s equal parts relaxing and riotous. And in the final shot, when Jerry parachutes off the ship with a drink in hand and leaves Tom a farewell note, you can’t help but smile. It’s one of the rare moments where Tom waves goodbye instead of chasing after him with a mallet.
“Cruise Cat” is Tom and Jerry at their most cunning—and cooperative. Their alliance might be born out of survival, but it’s packed with so much humor and charm that it feels like a vacation from their usual antics. And just like any good cruise, it leaves you wishing it lasted a little longer.
#6: The Invisible Mouse
“The Invisible Mouse” (1947) is one of those gloriously ridiculous Tom and Jerry shorts that bends reality just enough to give us something wildly creative—and, of course, hilarious. The premise is simple but brilliant: Jerry accidentally knocks over a beaker of invisible ink and ends up turning completely invisible. What follows is a masterclass in physical comedy, absurdity, and, surprisingly, a unique kind of camaraderie between Tom and Jerry. Without ever saying a word, the two begin to communicate like a comedy duo—one invisible, one overly expressive—and the result is some of the most side-splittingly funny teamwork in the entire series.
Right from the start, the setup is genius. Once Jerry realizes he’s invisible, he doesn’t go on a terror spree—he gets creative. He messes with Tom just enough to confuse him, but not so much that it feels mean. Tom, for his part, quickly shifts from aggressive to terrified to intrigued. He starts playing along, reacting to Jerry’s pranks with wide-eyed panic, then with performance-level dramatics that feel more like slapstick improv than a genuine chase. One second, he’s getting his tail yanked by an unseen force, the next he’s pouring milk onto thin air while Jerry slurps it loudly. It’s comedy gold, with timing so tight that it practically dances across the screen.
What makes this episode especially stand out is how it morphs into a kind of unspoken comedy partnership. Jerry sets up invisible bits—like tipping a chair, playing a piano solo, or stealing a sandwich—and Tom becomes the exaggerated audience, delivering double-takes and pratfalls worthy of Buster Keaton. The best part? Tom never really tries to hurt Jerry in this one. He’s confused, frustrated, but he seems more intrigued by the mystery than enraged. It’s almost like Jerry becomes a ghost and Tom is the only one who can see the “haunting.” At one point, Tom even starts reacting in theatrical anticipation—he flinches before anything even happens. It’s both smart and ridiculously funny.
There’s a particularly great sequence where Tom tries to trap the invisible Jerry using flour. He sprinkles it across the floor, thinking he’ll catch footprints. Instead, Jerry just walks on the ceiling. It’s a quiet gag, but Tom’s stunned reaction—eyeballs bulging, jaw dropping—is pure cartoon perfection. Their whole dynamic feels less like a chase and more like a surreal stage show. And Jerry? He’s having the time of his invisible life.
What’s really charming is how little hostility there is in this episode. There’s mischief, sure, but it’s all so playful. You get the sense that they’re enjoying themselves. It’s rare to see a Tom and Jerry episode where the tension isn’t “who’s gonna win,” but “how far will this gag go?” It’s comedic cooperation masquerading as conflict. By the end of the episode, when the invisible ink wears off and Jerry is finally visible again, Tom doesn’t even pounce. He just looks relieved. There’s no finale explosion, no last-minute chase—just a shared moment of exhaustion after all the hijinks.
One fun behind-the-scenes fact: “The Invisible Mouse” was a clever play on another MGM success, “The Invisible Man,” and it showcases just how inventive the animators could be. Playing with an invisible character in a visual medium is no small feat, and they nailed it with sound effects, shadow work, and perfect pacing.
In the world of Tom and Jerry, invisibility might just be the most effective way to turn enemies into reluctant partners. “The Invisible Mouse” is a goofy, ghostly masterpiece that proves sometimes, the funniest battles are the ones where no one actually gets hurt—and everyone ends up laughing.
#5: Tot Watchers
In “Tot Watchers” (1958), Tom and Jerry aren’t just frenemies—they’re full-on babysitters. And the baby in question? A wandering, diaper-wearing toddler who treats danger like it’s a playground. This cartoon is one of the rare entries where the duo’s main focus isn’t each other at all—it’s trying to keep a baby from accidentally yeeting himself into every fatal situation imaginable. The result? Some of the most frantic, fast-paced, and genuinely hilarious teamwork in the series, with Tom and Jerry as the world’s most dysfunctional but determined babysitting team.
It all begins with a young woman leaving the baby in Tom’s care while she heads off on a date. Classic mistake. Jerry, naturally, is lurking nearby and ready to stir up trouble, but everything changes once the baby climbs out of his crib and toddles off into danger. From this point on, the cartoon becomes a madcap race between Tom, Jerry, and the baby—all through busy streets, high-rise scaffolding, construction sites, and even a live traffic intersection. What’s so unexpectedly delightful is that Tom and Jerry immediately realize the baby is a priority. They stop fighting. They drop the gags. And suddenly, they’re both chasing the same goal: keep this kid alive.
There’s a sort of Looney Tunes-meets-Simpsons vibe to this one, where the baby is hilariously nonchalant while Tom and Jerry are losing their minds trying to protect him. The humor doesn’t come from their rivalry—it comes from their shared suffering. They rescue the baby from speeding cars, falling steel beams, and even a collapsing building, all while throwing each other panicked looks like, “Are you in charge, or am I?!”
One of the best gags is when the baby wanders onto a skyscraper construction site. Tom tries to build a makeshift bridge to catch him, while Jerry runs ahead to redirect him. When the baby nearly steps into thin air, both of them leap to grab him—only to collide midair and crash into a cement mixer. Covered in dust and still panicking, they scramble to their feet and keep running. It’s high-stakes slapstick at its finest.
Despite all the chaos, there’s something weirdly heartwarming about it all. Tom and Jerry never once try to sabotage each other. In fact, they help each other multiple times. Jerry gives Tom a boost onto a ledge. Tom catches Jerry when he nearly falls. The mutual trust is brief but very real, and the audience gets to see a version of them that isn’t just about pain and pranks, but about saving the day—sort of.
“Tot Watchers” is also notable because it was the final short directed by series creators William Hanna and Joseph Barbera during their original MGM run. It feels fitting that their last hurrah focused on cooperation rather than conflict, chaos rather than cruelty. There’s still plenty of physical comedy, of course—it is Tom and Jerry—but the heart of the episode lies in their shared mission. When the baby is finally safe at the end (unaware of how close he came to becoming a cartoon statistic), Tom and Jerry collapse side by side in exhaustion. They don’t smile; they don’t gloat—they just survive.
This episode is a beautiful mess. It’s wild, funny, chaotic, and surprisingly sweet, proving once again that when Tom and Jerry join forces, magic—and disaster—happens.
#4: The Two Mouseketeers
Set in a hilariously exaggerated version of 17th-century France, “The Two Mouseketeers” (1952) isn’t just one of the most stylish Tom and Jerry episodes—it’s also one of the funniest buddy adventures in their entire catalog. While technically part of a series of “Mouseketeer” shorts, this first one stands out for its elegant animation, clever writing, and the way it forces Tom into an awkward, reluctant alliance with Jerry and his tiny sword-wielding sidekick, Tuffy (aka Nibbles). Here, enemies become accidental co-conspirators, and the result is one long, laugh-filled romp through royal kitchens, feasts, and sword fights.
The premise? Jerry and Tuffy are brave little “Mouseketeers,” sneaking into the royal banquet hall for a nighttime cheese heist. Tom, in full musketeer garb himself, is assigned to guard the food. And here’s where things get hilarious: instead of the usual solo hijinks, Jerry is part of a swashbuckling team, and Tom suddenly has to deal with not one mouse, but a two-mouse army. The best part? Somewhere along the way, Tom stops trying so hard to catch them and starts getting sucked into the adventure—whether he likes it or not.
Tuffy is an absolute scene-stealer. He’s tiny, French-accented, and adorable—but also chaotic. He swigs wine, sings little tunes, and gleefully joins Jerry in outwitting Tom with slapstick swordplay. One iconic moment has the two mice fencing Tom off a dinner table, using toothpicks as rapiers, all while shouting “En garde!” It’s not just funny—it’s cinematic. The choreography of the action feels like a parody of classic Errol Flynn movies, with Tom actually engaging in sword fights like he’s in The Three Musketeers. It’s theatrical, over-the-top, and insanely fun to watch.
But what really makes this short special is the dynamic that emerges. Tom, while technically trying to stop the mice, ends up becoming part of their comedy routine. He’s less of a villain and more of a fall guy for their antics. And unlike more brutal entries in the series, this one plays almost like a stage show—less about pain, more about performance. By the halfway point, Tom’s facial expressions are doing all the work. He knows he’s doomed, and yet he keeps up the act, tumbling through banquets, tripping over roast chickens, and getting tangled in tablecloths.
The ending is especially memorable and contains one of the darkest (yet funniest) punchlines in Tom and Jerry history. After failing to stop Jerry and Tuffy from stealing the feast, a cannon fires offscreen—implying that Tom has been “executed” for dereliction of duty. And Tuffy, still chewing on a chicken leg, turns to the audience and says in his squeaky voice, “Pardon me, monsieur, but it’s a living.” It’s absurd, twisted, and hilarious in a way that only classic cartoons could get away with.
This episode even won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Subject, and for good reason. It’s gorgeously animated, packed with memorable gags, and brings out a more cooperative (albeit chaotic) dynamic between Tom and Jerry. “The Two Mouseketeers” proves that when you mix historical flair with slapstick teamwork, you get one of the most unexpectedly hilarious—and stylish—team-up episodes in the entire series.
#3: Johann Mouse
“Johann Mouse” (1953) is unlike any other Tom and Jerry episode—and not just because it won an Oscar. It’s essentially a musical, a love letter to classical music, and a surprisingly moving portrait of what happens when rivalry takes a backseat to artistry. In this short, Tom and Jerry aren’t just living in the same house—they’re living in Vienna, in the home of the real-life composer Johann Strauss. Jerry, it turns out, is no ordinary mouse. He only comes out to dance when Strauss plays piano. But when the composer leaves for a trip, Tom learns to play piano himself, just to lure Jerry out. What unfolds is a strange, beautiful friendship masked in music, timing, and mutual admiration.
Right away, this episode feels different. It’s narrated, which is rare for Tom and Jerry, and the story is told like a fairy tale. Jerry prances out of his hole, waltzing to Strauss’s melodies, and Tom watches with wide eyes—not as a predator, but as an audience member. You can see the shift in his expression. He’s mesmerized. And instead of pouncing, he sits quietly, taking it all in. When the music stops, Jerry disappears. So, Tom, with surprising determination, learns to play the piano himself—badly at first, but eventually with skill. And when Jerry returns to dance, Tom doesn’t chase him. He plays for him.
What makes this short so funny isn’t wild gags or big stunts—it’s the contrast between the high-brow setting and the silly physical comedy. Tom in a powdered wig, practicing scales while Jerry critiques his tempo, is absurd in the best way. When they finally perform together, it’s like a duet. Tom on keys, Jerry twirling across sheet music. It’s elegant, theatrical, and hysterical all at once. The animation is stunning, with richly drawn rooms, candlelight flickering, and perfectly timed steps that sync with the music.
The episode plays with rhythm and silence in clever ways. One of the funniest moments comes when Tom hits a wrong note, and Jerry stops mid-dance to throw him a look of pure judgment. It’s such a simple gag, but it lands perfectly. There’s also a brief section where Tom has to sneak around the piano stool while still playing, trying not to alert Jerry, and its physical comedy genius.
But what really sets “Johann Mouse” apart is the emotion. There’s a respect that grows between the two—a sense that Tom isn’t just trying to catch Jerry but genuinely wants to be part of something beautiful. It’s one of the few times we see ambition in Tom beyond his usual schemes. He works, he struggles, and when he finally earns Jerry’s approval, it’s kind of… sweet?
When Strauss returns, both Tom and Jerry bow and disappear back into their roles. But you can tell something changed. “Johann Mouse” is one of the rare Tom and Jerry episodes that isn’t just about comedy—it’s about connection, expression, and the joy of creating something together. That they don’t speak only makes the message stronger. It’s a masterpiece of animation, music, and silent storytelling.
#2: The Zoot Cat
“The Zoot Cat” (1944) might seem like your standard Tom-tries-to-impress-a-girl story at first glance, but underneath the romantic rivalry and zany antics lies one of the most entertaining and unexpectedly cooperative Tom and Jerry team-ups. This episode is oozing with 1940s flair—zoot suits, slicked-back hair, smooth jazz, and all the era’s slang rolled into one snappy, stylized short. But what really sells it is how Jerry, despite being the supposed obstacle in Tom’s plan to woo a girl cat, ends up becoming something closer to an unintentional wingman. Yes, a chaotic one—but a wingman, nonetheless.
The story kicks off with Tom desperately trying to impress the sophisticated Toots, who wants a “hep cat” with some style. So, after being laughed off the porch, Tom rushes back inside and, with a little help from the fireplace and a whole lot of improvised fashion, creates his outrageous zoot suit. The visual transformation is hilarious: he struts out in a long, exaggerated coat, giant hat, and oversized chain, snapping his fingers and speaking in smooth-talking jive. It’s a parody of the time, and it’s absolute gold.
Enter Jerry, who at first is just trying to avoid being part of Tom’s romantic comedy. But quickly, he becomes a kind of uninvited co-star in Tom’s performance. Jerry becomes the classic slapstick foil, showing up in the punch bowl, sabotaging Tom’s roses, and generally throwing off his groove—but in a way that actually helps Tom sell his cool-cat persona. When Jerry sets off an explosive in Tom’s pocket, Tom plays it off like he meant to blow up his own hand just to be dramatic. The girl swoons. Somehow, it works.
This weird synergy turns into a hilarious chain of events where Jerry makes Tom look even more outrageous, and Toots buys into it every time. Every failed attempt to sabotage him just elevates Tom’s “bad boy” mystique. Jerry knocks over the record player, and Tom starts breakdancing like he meant to. Jerry yanks Tom’s suspenders, and he does a smooth spin into a tango dip. It’s unintentional teamwork at its finest, and both characters ride the wave until it crashes, of course, in the most over-the-top fashion possible.
One of the funniest and most bizarre parts of this short is Tom’s dialogue—he actually speaks in this one, throwing out lines like, “You set my soul on fire, baby!” in a voice dripping with 1940s slang. It’s rare to hear Tom talk, and it adds to the hilarity of the whole scene, especially as Jerry reacts with pure confusion and disbelief. It’s as if Jerry has no idea what alternate universe he’s wandered into, but he rolls with it because the payoff is just too funny.
The animation is gorgeous and stylized, with shadows, bright colors, and jazzy movement that captures the era perfectly. It’s one of the most visually unique Tom and Jerry episodes ever produced. And through all the chaos, Tom and Jerry seem less like enemies and more like two performers putting on a wild show, even if they don’t realize they’re doing it together.
By the end, everything predictably blows up—literally—and Tom is back to being rejected and bandaged, while Jerry tips his hat with smug satisfaction. But in that glorious middle stretch, when Tom’s trying to impress a girl and Jerry’s sabotage accidentally makes him look cooler, we get one of the most stylish, funniest episodes in the entire franchise. “The Zoot Cat” isn’t just about fashion and flirtation—it’s about how even total chaos can feel like cooperation when the rhythm is just right.
#1: The Yankee Doodle Mouse
Topping this list is none other than the wartime classic “The Yankee Doodle Mouse” (1943), and for good reason. This isn’t just one of the most famous Tom and Jerry shorts—it’s also the one where their epic rivalry turns into a full-blown military campaign, complete with makeshift weapons, propaganda music, and surprisingly strong undertones of unity. Yes, they’re technically at odds in this one, but the energy of the episode turns their conflict into something more collaborative than combative. It feels like both are in on the same theatrical game—and the audience is all the better for it.
Set in a bombed-out basement that’s been transformed into a full-scale battlefield, Jerry plays the role of a tiny soldier, launching eggs like grenades and using firecrackers as missiles. Tom, always one step behind, retaliates with equally cartoonish military tech, including a toaster cannon and a barrage of fireworks. The setting, the stakes, and the patriotic score (complete with “Yankee Doodle” blaring triumphantly) give the entire short the feel of a World War II propaganda reel—only much funnier and more absurd.
So where’s the friendship in all this? It’s in the tone. Unlike other violent chase episodes, “The Yankee Doodle Mouse” treats their antics more like a joint performance. They aren’t out to hurt each other—they’re out to outwit, outplay, and entertain. Each gag is bigger than the last, and both characters lean into the theatricality. Jerry fires bottle rockets from a soda crate submarine. Tom launches into the air with fireworks and crash-lands into a flour sack, emerging like a ghost. The physical comedy is fast, wild, and executed like a comedic ballet. And both characters are clearly having fun.
There’s also a strange sense of respect woven into their fight. Jerry isn’t just dodging—he’s strategizing. Tom isn’t just chasing—he’s counter-attacking. It’s like they’ve both accepted the rules of their ridiculous war game, and neither wants to truly win. They just want to keep the game going. And it’s in that unspoken agreement that their friendship shines. They’re partners in the art of slapstick, comrades in cartoon combat.
This episode also holds a unique place in Tom and Jerry history because it won the pair their very first Academy Award. It marked a turning point in the series, showcasing just how clever and cinematic these shorts could be. The attention to detail, the military parody, the bombastic timing—it’s all top-notch. And hidden within the chaos is a message of resilience and creativity, delivered with a wink and a cartoon mallet.
The final gag, where Jerry pulls out a tiny “VICTORY” flag and proudly waves it while Tom crashes into a pile of debris, feels more like the end of a joint mission than a rivalry. It’s less “I beat you” and more “we nailed that scene.” And we, the audience, are the real winners.
In “The Yankee Doodle Mouse,” Tom and Jerry aren’t just cat and mouse—they’re co-stars in a brilliantly staged wartime comedy. Their friendship might be hidden under firecrackers and flour bombs, but it’s there in every synchronized pratfall and every perfectly timed explosion. That’s what makes this the funniest, most iconic Tom and Jerry episode where they were actually friends—even if they’d never admit it.
At the heart of Tom and Jerry lies a rivalry so classic it’s become iconic—but it’s in the rare moments of truce, teamwork, and accidental friendship where the show finds some of its funniest and most unexpectedly touching episodes. Whether they’re dodging fireworks, faking a kitchen inspection, or performing a musical duet, Tom and Jerry’s chemistry as chaotic collaborators is pure animated magic. These episodes remind us that behind all the chasing and the clobbering, there’s something oddly sweet—and endlessly hilarious—about two eternal enemies who just get each other. Even if it’s only for five minutes.
