Animation isn’t just for kids, and today’s best animated shows prove that the medium is for mature audiences too. Adult animated series can push the boundaries of the small screen with adult humor, brilliant social commentary, and complex storylines and characters. And while the unique niche has evolved over the years, there are some adult shows that stand out from the rest.
From satirical creations to long-time favorites and dark dystopian dramas, there’s no shortage of incredible adult animated TV shows to choose from. Whether viewers are longtime fans of the medium or complete beginners, these fan-favorite and critically acclaimed series are a great place to start.
Love, Death and Robots (2019-)
love, death and robots is Netflix’s hit adult animated anthology series that offers incredibly diverse and surprising visuals and interesting stories with each new episode. Often revolving around the sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and sometimes comedy genres, the show is basically a collection of short films made for mature audiences.
Some fan-favorite episodes like winter blue, WitnessAnd good hunting, are not only gorgeous from start to finish, but they also contain scary and thought-provoking narratives. Many of these complex stories are surprisingly adapted from already acclaimed short stories. Each season is only pushing the limits of artistry and storytelling on the small screen, only time will tell what creators David Fincher and Tim Miller will come up with next.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000-)
it’s easy to forget aqua teen hunger force There is a spinoff of another Adult Swim series, space ghost coast to coast, It is now considered one of Adult Swim’s best shows, aqua teen It has a loyal fan base that always looks forward to the hilarious and often unrealistic antics of its three main characters – the anthropomorphic fast food trio, Master Shake, Frylock and Meatwad.
In their shabby suburban neighborhood, the three roommates encounter strange and absurd situations, sometimes involving their middle-aged neighbor Carl Brutanandilevsky. Other times, it’s two destructive and villainous aliens who descend from the Moon, aptly known as The Moonnights. Whatever the situation, it will involve the fast-paced and riotous humor that has earned the cult classic series a reputation for being unapologetically unconventional.
Beavis and Butt-Head (1993-)
Favorite of 90s kids, Beavis and Butthead The slacker culture is portrayed perfectly and it is beloved for its low humor that relies on the title pair. With low intelligence and little interest in anything other than heavy metal and causing trouble, the stories of the two main characters reflect and satirize the teenage experience at the time.
Beavis and ButtheadThe rebellious comedy preceded the inevitable wave of shows that would take a similarly subversive approach to comedy. This unique brand of comedy attracted fans who could see the intelligence behind the initially low-effort show. Its recent revival on Paramount+ proves that people have an enduring interest in the sharp animated series. It is especially popular among people looking for nostalgic 90s TV shows.
Darya (1997 – 2002)
Lala Lala. That’s all it takes for fans to remember the clever, sarcastic, and oddly sweet teenager, Daria Morgendorffer. Highly intelligent and mostly sarcastic, Daria Brought to life a unique character on the small screen who became relatable to other eccentric high school students.
Daria Dealing with the absurdity and superficiality of suburban American life through the lens of a non-conforming student who wants to go his own way. Its lead character was the epitome of rebellion and individuality, and the utterly brilliant animated TV series is remembered for its sharp wit and entertaining delivery of social commentary that remains relevant today.
Family Guy (1999-)
family Guy One of the longest-running animated sitcoms of all time from creator Seth MacFarlane. The satirical show about American family life introduced the world to the hilarious Griffin family, composed of bumbling Peter Griffin, his under-appreciated wife Lois, their quirky children Meg, Chris and Stewie, and their talking dog Brian. Was.
Known for his unique humor with social commentary, family Guy has always been one of those series that isn’t afraid to air controversial episodes. It’s a cultural touchstone and a beloved staple of adult animation that remains relevant while taking heart-wrenching jabs at everything from pop culture to politics. With its 22nd season currently airing, it’s a great time to revisit the strangest stories of the Griffin family.
Futurama (1999- )
It all starts in the present when modern-day slacker and pizza delivery worker Philip J. Fry is accidentally cryogenically frozen and awakens in the far future. futurama, The show follows his experiences with a lovable crew futurama Characters that include his one-eyed girlfriend Leela and foul-mouthed robot Bender.
futurama Fry and the gang have faced many misadventures over the years that both adult and young audiences can enjoy. One aspect of the series that more mature viewers will appreciate are its surprisingly emotional moments, especially when relationships change between characters over time – not to mention everyone’s nice guy, Seymour.
BoJack Horseman (2014 – 2020)
Netflix’s original animated series, bojack horseman, is still one of the platform’s best offerings, as it showed a surprisingly deep, nuanced, and thoughtful approach to mental health that fans and critics alike loved. The show focuses on a washed-up actor in the 90s and a human horse who suffers from alcoholism and depression.
The award-winning series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the various mental health conditions that affect BoJack’s self-destructive tendencies as well as other characters in the series. Each season only becomes more emotional as viewers grow attached to the flawed characters, whose transformational arcs turn them into completely different individuals by the end of the show.
Rick and Morty (2013-)
rick and morty is a sci-fi sitcom that has become a global phenomenon due to its wonderfully weird humor and completely original characters. The wildly popular Adult Swim series tells the story of mad scientist Rick Sanchez, who leads his impressionable grandson, Morty Smith, on dangerous, surreal, and wild adventures through the show’s own wacky multiverse. These “quick in and out” trips take an unexpected toll on Morty’s well-being, not to mention his relationships with the rest of his family.
In addition to being a satirical commentary on science fiction and pop culture, the show also subverts traditional science-fiction conventions to tell its hilarious stories. rick and morty It also draws on existential themes, blending philosophy and science to create smart stories that are full of humor.
The Simpsons (1989-)
Created by Matt Groening, simpsons is a long-running animated sitcom that needs no introduction. Since its debut in 1989, it has produced many iconic episodes, parodied pop culture in witty ways, poked fun at current events, and much more. Featuring the titular family living in the fictional town of Springfield, simpsons It stars dim-witted but lovable Homer Simpson, his extremely patient wife Marge, his mischievous son Bart, his intelligent daughter Lisa, and his sweet but quiet daughter Maggie.
,simpsons “It did” has become a popular saying among fans as the enduring series has satirized pretty much every aspect of modern life. The show has won numerous Primetime Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and more, with its “Golden Age” in particular praised as the series’ best. More importantly, countless aspects of it have become part of the cultural lexicon simpsons Undoubtedly cementing its place in pop culture for decades to come.
South Park (1997-)
Anyone who goes to South Park knows they’re in for a good time; One that is not kid friendly at all. The long-running animated series created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone has achieved legendary status for its trademark irreverent humor and countless controversies. It features the antics of a group of friends – Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman and Kenny McCormick – who become trapped in strange circumstances in the titular town.
From mocking celebrities and politicians to portraying figures like Saddam Hussein in a derogatory manner, South Park It has always been known for its sharp social commentary and fearless satirical comedy. No major political and cultural event is immune to the quick comic insight of an animated series made for the eyes of adults only.