For nearly nine decades, the relentless pursuit of a cunning cat by a clever mouse has served as a foundational pillar of animated comedy. Tom and Jerry, created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, is more than just a cartoon; it is a cultural phenomenon. From the golden age of Hollywood animation to the digital streaming era, the slapstick duels between the house cat Tom and the house mouse Jerry have transcended language, culture, and generations.
If you are a collector, a nostalgic adult, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to true cartoon artistry, you have likely searched for the holy grail: the Tom and Jerry Complete Collection all 161 episodes.
But what exactly is included in this collection? Why 161 episodes? And which version of the "complete" set should you buy? This article dives deep into the history, the episode breakdown, the DVD/Blu-ray releases, and the cultural significance of owning every single Hanna-Barbera theatrical short.
The final segment of the 161-episode count consists of 34 shorts directed by the legendary Chuck Jones, known for his work on Looney Tunes. tom and jerry complete collection all 161 episodes
You might think, "I can just watch these on HBO Max or YouTube." And you’re right—you can watch some of them.
But streaming services rotate libraries. More importantly, streaming often uses the restored but censored versions. In the complete 161-episode collection, you get the original theatrical lengths. You get the classic intro with the MGM lion roaring three times. You get the original title cards.
Furthermore, many modern edits cut out scenes of cultural stereotypes (rightfully so in many cases), but they also sometimes cut the joke structure. The physical or full digital set allows you to view the historical context without network interference. The Ultimate Guide to the Tom and Jerry
Warner Bros. also released a series of "Golden Collection" volumes (Vol. 1-6). If you buy all six volumes, you will have all 161 episodes. However, these are harder to find individually now.
Pro Tip: Avoid bootlegs. If the price seems too good to be true (e.g., $15 for "161 episodes"), it is a burned DVD-R with poor video compression.
Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the original 161 shorts were cinematic masterpieces. Unlike the watered-down direct-to-video sequels of the 2000s, these original episodes were designed for the big screen. They won seven Academy Awards (tying with Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse), and watching them back-to-back reveals why. The Visuals: Jones brought his signature style to
The collection includes the tactical genius of Jerry’s Diary, the symphonic perfection of The Cat Concerto, and the absolute madness of Tom and Jerry in the Hollywood Bowl. You get the full evolution: from the rough, aggressive prototypes of 1940 to the sleek, colorful, suburban warfare of the mid-50s.
Be careful when shopping on Amazon or eBay. Many sellers advertise "Complete Collection" but only include 40 or 50 episodes. As of 2025, these are the legitimate releases you should look for: