No one is too “grown up” to enjoy animated shows. Next time your kids sit down to watch an animated movie, sit with them for 10 minutes and you won’t notice the time pass. As you’re reading this, you know it’s true. Animation has gone to new heights, with movies that appear to be almost life-like with their bright colors and powerful stories. We make it a point to watch all new animated shows because it can almost feel therapeutic. And we want to share this with you, so we dove in to find the best-animated TV shows, be it cartoon shows or animation masterpieces. So, scroll and discover what you enjoy.
Futurama (1999)
Futurama is a science fiction animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, the mastermind behind The Simpsons. Set in the 31st century, the series follows the adventures of a delivery boy, Philip J. Fry, who is cryogenically frozen and wakes up a thousand years into a future filled with aliens, robots, and advanced technology. The show is known for its satirical take on classic sci-fi tropes, its witty humor, and its surprisingly emotional depth.
The series is characterized by its unique blend of comedy and drama, often tackling serious themes with a light-hearted touch. The diverse cast of characters, including the one-eyed spaceship captain Leela, the narcissistic robot Bender, and the senile Professor Farnsworth, each bring their own quirks to the show, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
My Dad the Bounty Hunter (2023)
My Dad the Bounty Hunter is a thrilling animated series that debuted on Netflix in 2023. The show revolves around the lives of two kids who discover that their seemingly ordinary dad is actually a bounty hunter in a cosmic underworld. This revelation leads them on a wild ride filled with alien encounters, space battles, and the challenges of balancing their everyday lives with the extraordinary secrets they've uncovered.
The series is lauded for its imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and unique blend of humor and action. The dynamic between the family members, especially the children's relationship with their father, adds a heartfelt dimension to the show. My Dad the Bounty Hunter is a must-watch for those who enjoy action-packed animated series with a touch of family drama and comedy.
Monsters at Work (2021)
Monsters at Work is a delightful continuation of the beloved Monsters, Inc. franchise. Premiering on Disney+ in 2021, the series takes place immediately after the events of the original film. It follows the story of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer, only to find out that the company has switched to laughter as a power source.
The show is praised for its humor, heart, and the way it expands the Monsters, Inc. universe. It successfully captures the charm of the original while introducing new characters and exploring fresh storylines. The series also delves deeper into the inner workings of Monsters, Inc., providing viewers with a closer look at the company's transition from scares to laughs.
My Adventures with Superman (2023)
My Adventures with Superman is a fresh take on the iconic Superman story, released in 2023. The animated series follows the young Clark Kent as he navigates his dual identity as a reporter and a superhero. The show also focuses on his relationships with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, his colleagues at The Daily Planet.
The series is praised for its modern interpretation of the classic Superman narrative, offering a blend of action, comedy, and romance. It explores the early days of Clark Kent's career and his journey to becoming Superman, providing a new perspective on the well-known character. My Adventures with Superman is a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre, offering a unique and engaging viewing experience.
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The Last Kids on Earth (2019)
The Last Kids on Earth, which takes inspiration from the book series of the same name, has 13-year-old Jack Sullivan racking his brain trying to think of ways to survive. But what happened? Zombies and aliens have crashed into the slow-paced life in his hometown, and he is the only one who is still human – until he discovers that his friends are all in the same boat as he is.
Together, they must find a way to rewind the clock and save the world, before all hope is lost. The name may sound like a turn-off, but the show is ridiculously good.
Inside Job (2021)
No one can deny that Reagan Ridley is a genius – her innovative ideas keep the conspiracy theories that the world is so engrossed about remain like that. Handling the world’s secrets and keeping them away from the public’s view is problematic.
Her only problem – she is anti-social, and her seniors are not very receptive to this. When her well-deserved promotion appears at risk because of a new colleague’s likable nature, she must remove all chances of not bagging the promotion while saving the world daily.
American Dad! (2005)
American Dad! Follows the life of Stan Smith, a true patriot and a CIA agent who makes it a personal matter to ensure he gives his best to homeland security. While he is a badass, during the day, his evenings are spent with his dysfunctional family consisting of his lightheaded but loving wife Francine, a rebellious teenage daughter Hayley and introverted son Steve.
But that’s not all, because he also secretly acts as host to a goldfish and an alien who escaped from Area 51. A wacky show that provides an entertaining twist, American Dad! is really fun to watch.
Harley Quinn (2019)
Set at a time when she is single and ready to take over Gotham City, Harley Quinn is gory, explosive and violent – making this the perfect tribute to the gorgeous yet wacky anti-heroine. After her breakup with the Joker, she sets out to build her team and take a seat at the Legion of Doom, the biggest villain group in the city.
But little does she know that the Joker, disgruntled by the breakup, will do everything he can to stop her, even if hurting her friends and family to get what he wants.
Solar Opposites (2020)
Escaping from their dying planet and landing on Earth, the alien family who plays the central role in Solar Opposites find it tough to blend in with the people of Earth. As they find their way around everyday life, their job is to ensure that their neighbors see who they are underneath their skin and alien technology – beings with feelings.
Using the same wacky ideas as Rick and Morty, we found Solar Opposites to be just as good as that iconic show, and once you start watching it, we’re sure you’ll agree with us.
The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)
If there is a story about the underdogs that rise to the top that could win our hearts with one episode, The Legend of Vox Machina is what you need to watch. An unruly bunch of eight heroes, Vox Machina finds themselves responsible for saving Exandria, their home realm from dark forces that threaten to destroy it with magic.
There are a few shows out there that can get you excited for the next episode. With a fantastic script told using excellent animation skills, this show has it all – comedy, drama, action, you name it.
Smiling Friends (2020)
The representatives of Smiling Friends Inc. are tasked with one job only – to make people smile and stay happy throughout their days. The team behind the world’s happiness is quite the bunch – with Charlie being the lazy narcissist and Pin being the cheerful kind.
But they love their job, which might seem easy to those of us watching the show. But the simple requests on their hotline show how complex being happy can get. With a brilliant concept and hilarious creativity, this is a show you will not want to stop watching.
Supernatural Academy (2022)
Supernatural Academy – the place for supernatural beings to study as imagined by Jaymin Eve, the author of the best-selling series. Following the lives of two twin werewolf sisters who were separated at birth, we find that they discover each other’s existence by the time they're about to join the Academy. Coming from entirely different backgrounds, Jessa and Mischa aren’t happy about what they’re landing.
But as fate would have it, there’s more to their story – the sisters were dragon-marked by birth, making them an even rarer occurrence in the magic world. With a prophecy to fulfill, how will the two sisters combat the dark forces present every step of the way?
Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022)
Join Barney, Norma and his dog Pugsley (who now has a demon inside him due to an exorcism gone wrong) journey through the haunted Paranormal Park to demolish demons and save the world from an unnatural demise. Dead End: Paranormal Park as a show finds the right balance between the horror factor and humor in untimely situations.
The show is also culturally updated with the times with its representation of the diverse youth of our times. Without shows like this one, we would even forge that comedy can be derived even from the spookiest of situations.
Undone (2019)
Coming from the producers of Bojack Horseman, Undone is a masterful animation show starring Rosa Salazar and Bob Odenkirk. Alma is 28 years old and bored with the monotony of her life. But when she faces a life-threatening accident and survives, she unlocks the ability to travel in time, taught to her by her dead father.
But when her father reveals that he didn’t die in an accident but was murdered, Alma is determined to use her new powers to get to the bottom of her father’s murder, and if possible, save him from it. What happens in this mysterious adventure?
Baymax! (2022)
Baymax! is back – our favorite personal healthcare companion who is also a serious butt-kicking hero when the time calls for it. Programmed to help others achieve their fullest health, Baymax is set for a task he hasn’t been programmed for – help manage the Lucky Cat Café while Cass rests her leg.
As in the sequel, there is a certain charm in Baymax’s overall character, even though he can be slow about his duties. You will not notice the time pass from start to finish, making it something to enjoy during family time at night.
The Cuphead Show (2022)
Cuphead and Mugman are back on their antics throughout the Inkwell Isles in search of adventure. The Cuphead Show is a warm, sweet show that keeps us fuzzy in the heart and brings back nostalgic memories of the video game that was the creative inspiration for this series.
Here’s what the show achieved perfectly – bringing back a ’90s animation style and combining it with a hilarious script to make the characters lovable again. The Cuphead Show is one of those comfort shows – you watch when you want to feel comfortable in your pajamas and popcorn.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022)
Based on "The Proud Family" series which saw massive popularity when it premiered, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder brings us back to the world of the Proud Family, portrayed through the eyes of Penny Proud as she experiences a wacky life surrounding by her family and crew.
The show is a nuanced retelling of our current times - especially when it discusses social media, queerness and the challenges today's children face in their hyperconnected world. We think this show was done correctly to bring the Proud family back to mainstream culture, and we couldn't be happier.
The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022)
While the Boys is a show that will go down in history as one of the greatest shows of all time, The Boys Presents: Diabolical appears to stay toe to toe. It's rendering of the unseen stories of the Boy's universe comes with the right touch of social commentary that is not for kids.
While we say it is not for kids, most adults will immediately admit how well this show relates to modern times. With episodes that hit the right note every time, this is the perfect evening binge for when you want to have some laughs at the expense of devilish fun.
Rick and Morty (2013)
One of the most iconic animated shows of all time, Rick and Morty is the ideal example of what happens when sarcasm explores further territory- even expands across the universe. The show features the relationship between Rick, a scientist who has been missing for the last 20 years and his relationship with his grandson Morty.
Rick is a mad scientist who takes Morty on journeys across different galaxies and timelines, even when the parents don't entirely agree. It is rare for shows to maintain their intensity across all seasons, but this show manages to do it.
Family Guy (1999)
The Griffin family are the stars of Family Guy, probably the crudest form of comedy that can stick to your mind after days of watching it. Peter Griffin lives with his normal wife and three children - Meg the social outcast, Chris the awkward teenager and Stewie, a genius baby bent on destroying the world.
They also have a dog, Brian, who talks and sips martinis. As the show follows the daily happenings in their lives across 21 seasons, you will not be able to stop laughing at Stewie's evil plans, Brian dealing with his issues, or Peter running the household. In some sense, the show says things we all want to say but do not. That is the success of the show.
Love, Death & Robots (2019)
A collection of stories from different genres, ranging from sci-fi to horror to comedy, Love, Death & Robots is the work of the best animation artists coming together to bring stories to life. With their creativity taps unlocked, these artists produce works that captivate and leave you binging through the seasons.
The stories are short, sweet, and satirically nasty, further adding to the entertainment factor. Fair warning - do not watch this at work, because you will not be able to stop. We speak from experience here.
South Park (1997)
The adventures of Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman are not for children. The show's entire premise seems to offend those who watch it but make them come back for more. South Park brings many mainstream topics into their scripts, without losing the art of entertainment.
Even two decades since the first season aired on TV, the number of people who actively time in for every season has only grown. The storytelling capabilities of each character in the town seem to have found the right buttons to press in our brains to keep us tuned in.
Bob's Burgers (2011)
The story of a small family running their family restaurant, which was once the best place for burgers, Bob's Burgers is a story that is heartwarming first, and comedy second. Maybe it is something about us as the audience – we all love a good underdog story.
While Bob is confident about how the business looks, his wife Linda isn’t so sure, adding an element of family drama to the mix. But despite the restaurant being under constant threat of a shutdown, the family pulls together and manages to see it through to the next day, while fixing a spot in our hearts throughout 13 seasons.
The Simpsons (1989)
The Simpsons show has an almost messiah status in American pop culture because many of its predictions across seasons were true. The story of the family of five, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie, and their interactions with their neighbors and jobs is part of the American upbringing.
Spanning 34 seasons, some episodes will form a cornerstone in the normal American’s life. The hilarious adventures in each episode find the right dash of social commentary to make this an endearing show for the ages.
