Man, remember coming home after school and flipping through channels looking for something cool to watch? Animation isn't just cartoons for kids anymore. The best animated TV shows out there can make you laugh, cry, and think harder than most live-action stuff. But how do you even pick what to watch with so many options?
What Actually Makes an Animated Show Great?
Let's get real – not all animated series are created equal. From where I'm sitting, the absolute best animated TV shows usually nail these things:
- Characters you care about: Like that time in BoJack Horseman when Diane stares at the mirror – you just know that feeling.
- Storytelling that sticks: Anyone who watched the "Leaves from the Vine" episode in Avatar: The Last Airbender knows this gut punch.
- Rewatch value: Shows like Gravity Falls hide clues everywhere – you'll spot new details on your third binge.
- Unique visual style: Think of Arcane's painterly explosions or Spider-Verse's comic book chaos.
Funny thing – my nephew dismissed Adventure Time as "weird candy people" until I made him watch the Simon Petrikov backstory episodes. Changed his whole perspective. Sometimes the best animated series sneak up on you.
Top Animated TV Shows Broken Down By Category
Nobody watches everything the same way. Maybe you want nostalgia, maybe you need something for family night, or maybe you're craving dark comedy. Let's break this down:
All-Time Classics That Shaped Everything
| Show | Years Active | Why It's Essential | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batman: The Animated Series | 1992-1995 | Redefined superhero animation with film-noir style and mature themes | Max, Amazon Prime |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | 2005-2008 | Perfect hero's journey with martial arts-inspired magic system | Netflix, Paramount+ |
| SpongeBob SquarePants | 1999-present | Absurdist humor that works for kids AND exhausted adults | Paramount+, Amazon Prime |
Personal take: Batman TAS holds up shockingly well. That Mr. Freeze origin episode? Still heartbreaking. But skip season 4 – the shift to CGI was rough.
Grown-Up Animation That Isn't Just Shock Humor
Look, we've all seen edgy cartoons trying too hard. These actually have substance:
| Show | Best For | Seasons | Content Heads-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| BoJack Horseman | Existential dread disguised as animal jokes | 6 | Heavy substance abuse themes |
| Arcane | Stunning visuals + sibling drama | 1 (more coming) | Violence, trauma depiction |
| Invincible | Superhero deconstruction with ultraviolence | 2 | Extreme gore (seriously) |
I tried rewatching Family Guy recently. Man, those cutaway gags feel ancient now. Meanwhile, BoJack's "Free Churro" episode? That single monologue tops entire seasons of other shows.
Hidden Gems You Probably Missed
Beyond the big names, these shows deserve way more attention:
- Over the Garden Wall (2014): Only 10 episodes. Perfect autumn vibe. Feels like a haunted storybook.
- Infinity Train (2019-2021): Anthology series where each season destroys you emotionally. Canceled too soon.
- Hilda (2018-present): Cozy adventure with Scandinavian folklore. Like a warm blanket.
Seriously, Over the Garden Wall is only 2 hours total. If you haven't seen it, fix that this weekend. Bring tea.
Animation Styles Explained: More Than Just "Cartoons"
People say "animation" like it's one thing. Nah. The medium's exploded:
Traditional Hand-Drawn (2D)
Examples: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe
Feels like: Classic comfort food
Watch if: You love expressive character acting
CGI Animation
Examples: Arcane, Love, Death & Robots
Feels like: Blockbuster movie quality
Warning: Can feel "soulless" if poorly done
Stop-Motion
Examples: Chicken Run, Kubo and the Two Strings
Feels like: Tangible magic
Downside: Takes YEARS to produce
Remember when everyone mocked 3D animation? Now look at Arcane – that show has more painterly texture than most "flat" cartoons. Wild how things change.
Where to Stream the Best Animated Series Right Now
Nothing worse than hunting through six apps to find where stuff lives. Here's the 2024 cheat sheet:
| Streaming Service | Best Original Shows | Best Library Titles | Subscription Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Arcane, BoJack Horseman, Blue Eye Samurai | Avatar: The Last Airbender, Batman TAS | $6.99-$22.99/month |
| Hulu | Solar Opposites, Bob's Burgers (exclusive streaming) | Futurama, American Dad | $7.99-$17.99/month |
| Crunchyroll | Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen | Naruto, One Piece | $7.99-$14.99/month |
Prices change constantly – check for student/family plans!
Pro tip: If you only care about anime, Crunchyroll beats Netflix nine times out of ten. But Netflix dubs more shows if you hate subtitles.
Animation Isn't Just For Kids: Debunking Myths
"Aren't cartoons for children?" Ugh. Let's unpack this:
Myth 1: Animation = Less Emotion
Ever cried watching a Pixar film? Yeah. Shows like Vinland Saga deal with trauma and redemption through war better than most live-action dramas.
Myth 2: Limited Artistic Range
Compare the psychedelic chaos of Adventure Time to the stark realism of Invincible. Same medium? Technically. Same experience? Not even close.
Myth 3: Only Comedy Works
Attack on Titan is basically horror. Monster is a psychological thriller. Grave of the Fireflies will emotionally wreck adults for weeks.
My college roommate refused to watch "cartoons" until I made him sit through Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He texted me at 2AM saying "ok fine you were right". Told ya.
Best Animated TV Shows FAQs
What's the best animated series for adults new to animation?
Start with Arcane – movie-quality visuals hook live-action fans. Then try BoJack for character depth or Invincible for superhero action.
Are there animated shows appropriate for 5-year-olds AND parents?
Bluey (Disney+) is the gold standard. 7-minute episodes, wholesome humor, and legit parenting lessons. Hilda (Netflix) works too for older kids.
Which streaming service has the best anime selection?
Crunchyroll dominates for breadth and simulcasts. Netflix invests heavily in originals (Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen) but has licensing gaps.
What shows prove animation can handle mature themes?
Watch these back-to-back: BoJack Horseman (mental health), Arcane (class warfare), Neon Genesis Evangelion (existential crisis). All heavy hitters.
Is Western or Japanese animation better?
Apples and oranges. Western animation often excels at comedy (Rick and Morty) and serialized storytelling (Avatar). Japanese anime dominates action (Attack on Titan) and fantasy worldbuilding (Fullmetal Alchemist).
Finding Your Next Favorite Animated Show
Overwhelmed? Try this:
- Want to feel inspired? → Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Need cathartic tears? → BoJack Horseman Season 4
- Craving visual innovation? → Arcane or Spider-Verse spinoffs
- Family movie night? → Bluey shorts or Hilda feature-length
- Love dark twists? → Invincible Season 1 finale (trust me)
Animation's come a long way from Saturday mornings. Whether you're rewatching classics or discovering new favorites, the best animated TV shows offer something truly unique. Still think cartoons are "just for kids"? Give Arcane's third episode a shot. I'll wait.
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