Metal-free fuel cell cathodes having a catalytic layer of vertically-aligned, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (VA-NCNTs) are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprise a cathode body, a binder layer attached to an outer surface of the cathode body, and the catalytic layer, which is supported by the binder layer. The binder layer may comprise a composite of a conductive polymer and doped or undoped nonaligned carbon nanotubes. In a method for forming the fuel cell cathodes, the VA-NCNTs may be formed by pyrolysis of a metalorganic compound and integration of the nanotubes with nitrogen. The binder layer is applied, and the resulting supported nanotube array may be attached to the cathode body. Fuel cells comprising the fuel cell cathodes are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprising VA-NCNTs demonstrate superior oxygen-reduction reaction performance, including for electrocatalytic activity, operational stability, tolerance to crossover effects, and resistance to CO poisoning.