Animated shows are not limited to children only. Most of the shows today are created for the adult audience, and the ones tackle humor, actions and other issues are the ones that make us stop. These animated TV shows offer even more than you can see on live action: they bring you new stories funny characters, and great adventures. With many options, finding the best animated TV shows can be challenging.
This list has something for everyone, from long-running classics to new animated TV shows. If you love animated shows, these top picks are sure to entertain you!
What Are the Best Animated TV Shows To Watch?
The following are the best animated TV shows to watch. From classic animations to modern ones, you will never get bored while watching them.
1. The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
- Release Date: December 17, 1989
- Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
- Seasons: 36
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
The Simpsons show the fictional family of Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie in Springfield. They focus on lighter issues in life, jokes, and humor, as well as the problems of everyday living. Overall, people appreciate jokes and comedies focusing on humorous and happy family life moments.
They said it has been caught on TV for a long time and has been their favorite childhood cartoon for adult viewers who want some moral values in the animated series.
Over its long run, it has won numerous awards, including 34 Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and has even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2. South Park (1997 – Present)
- Release Date: August 13, 1997
- Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
- Seasons: 27
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
South Park is a story of four boys, Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny, living in a small town known as South Park. I get them through various whims, jokes and even severe scenarios. As most people know, this show addresses current real-life issues but in a manner that will make you laugh. The target audience is young adults and lovers of good jokes.
South Park has grown to be an exceptional animated television series that provides the public with a more to-the-point plot, and deeper meaning in their episodes. This show is well known for quickly created episodes. Its creators made an episode about the Oscars within hours of attending the award show.
3. BoJack Horseman (2014 – 2020)
- Release Date: August 22, 2014
- Cast: Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Alison Brie
- Seasons: 6
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
BoJack Horseman is an animated show where the main character is a horse named BoJack, a one-time TV show star living through his issues. The show is the best, it has hilarious comedy, yet it discusses profound things such as sadness, family, and friends.
BoJack’s journey shows different events in life. That’s why Lassie is called an eagerly-watched show: adults appreciate Big Bird’s portrayal and deep meaning, which makes them think about life even though they enjoy the show laughing.
4. Family Guy (1999 – Present)
- Release Date: January 31, 1999
- Cast: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis
- Seasons: 23
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Family Guy overshadows the life of the Griffin family, mainly Peter, Lois, and their children. Famous for its silly gags and comedians, the show addresses virtually every issue facing families and society.
We will never be able to forget Peter’s outrageous suggestion and Stewie’s pranks. Hilarious and original adult comics, love the show since it provides funny scenes and hilarious episodes that make viewers return to the show from season to season.
5. Futurama (1999 – Present)
- Release Date: March 28, 1999
- Cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio
- Seasons: 12
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Futurama is an animated science-fiction comedy series based on the idea of a pizza deliveryman, Fry, who wakes up 1000 years in the future.
He gathers a new family of a one-eyed captain, Leela and a robot, Bender. They travel in space, and they come across different aliens. The themes include funny sci-fi, which any adult who enjoys space opera, would enjoy the show. It’s funny and chock-full of the good stuff.
6. Arcane (2021 – Present)
- Release Date: November 6, 2021
- Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Kevin Alejandro
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
League of the Legends-related show, Arcane is the story of two sisters, Viaertainer and Jinx, on different sides of the divided city. It has good animation and cool action with vivid characters, and you feel like they are alive.
This show is popular with adults for its intense story and battles, making it one of the best new animated TV shows. It is an action drama that gets the viewers into its different environment.
Arcane has the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating on the list, with an impressive 100% rating from critics.
7. Blue Eye Samurai (2023 – Present)
- Release Date: November 3, 2023
- Cast: Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Blue Eye Samurai is a story of a young samurai who dreams of getting revenge. She challenges anyone with an issue with her and will fight anybody with courage and might. This show is bright, and the plot contains more actions to keep viewers interested.
It’s for adults who like adventure and strong characters. This series will amuse them. The new animated TV show is good because it is possible to see a hero fighting for respect and a good life.
8. Samurai Jack (2001 – 2017)
- Release Date: August 10, 2001
- Cast: Phil LaMarr, Tara Strong
- Seasons: 5
- Genre: Adventure, Action
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
I loved the animted show Samurai Jack, which revolves around a prince fighting an evil demon, Aku. Aku takes him far into the future, making Jack a warrior against many opponents to find his way to his home.
It also has excellent action sequences and animation reconstructing many main event settings. Adult fans will love this anime, his giant version for their fights, and the main character, Jack’s kind heart. As with all serials, each episode feels like an adventure that Jack goes through.
9. Invincible (2021 – Present)
- Release Date: March 25, 2021
- Cast: Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Superhero
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Invincible revolves around Mark Grayson, a teenager, and his dad, who is the globe’s best superhero ever. Mark trains his powers, but it’s not what people expect.
There is much action and many more unexpected moments that reveal the conveniences and difficulties of being a superhero. People watch this show for the plot and its characters because it raises a question about what it means to be strong and what is good or bad in a grey area.
10. Beavis and Butt-Head (1993 – Present)
- Release Date: September 22, 1992
- Cast: Mike Judge
- Seasons: 9
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Beavis and Butt-Head is an animation about two teenage boys who do nothing but listen to music and play dumb pranks. In school, they are always daydreaming and have no focus, yet they are always on the lookout for some silly ways to entertain themselves. There is nothing overly complicated; silly jokes make people laugh, and nobody dies on the show.
For one, this is a hilarious cartoon that adults enjoy because it’s full of humorous moments that encourage people to chill and stop worrying so much all the time.
11. Rick and Morty (2013 – Present)
- Release Date: December 2, 2013
- Cast: Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke
- Seasons: 6
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
This animated series for adults is about a mad scientist named Rick and his less-than-thrilled grandson Morty. Its pain, humor and storyline make it an exceptional animated Television show for grown-ups with a love for Sci-Fi concepts.
The episode “Pickle Rick” became very popular. This is where Rick turns into a pickle to skip family therapy. Moreover, this episode won an Emmy Award and became an internet hit.
12. Cowboy Bebop (1998 – 1999)
- Release Date: September 2, 2001
- Cast: Koichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka
- Seasons: 1
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Cowboy Bebop revolves around space-cowboy characters and their amazing adventures, catching space criminals and their struggles. This anime mixes Western, noir, and sci-fi elements, making it a popular pick among animated shows for adults.
13. Primal (2019 – Present)
- Release Date: October 8, 2019
- Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
- Cast: Aaron LaPlante
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Adventure
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Primal is an animated series about a caveman and a sympathetic dinosaur trying to survive together in the prehistoric world. No one speaks in this show; the actors communicate using their bodies, facial gestures, emotions, and spectacular moments. Together, they have to fight animals and deadly traps.
The show has a lot of action, and you keep watching it; that is why adults like watching action animated series. Primal is thrilling and shows the strength in unity, and against all odds, individuals will survive.
14. Smiling Friends (2020 – Present)
- Release Date: April 1, 2020
- Cast: Michael Cusack, Zach Hadel
- Seasons: 2
- Genre: Comedy
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Smiling Friends is about a team of people who aim to help people get happy. All types of jobs are accepted to bring out smiles in a world they see as silly things.
The show is different; it has strange humor and characters, which we like. It is enjoyable for adults who want to watch the show and full of nonserious, absurd humor. It might be called Smiling Friends, but watching and laughing at it is pretty simple.
15. Archer (2009 – 2023)
- Release Date: September 17, 2009
- Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter
- Seasons: 14
- Genre: Comedy, Spy
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Archer is an animated show which focus on a spy named Sterling Archer and his hilarious, dysfunctional relationship with his colleagues. They work in spy agencies and moreover, most of the time they find themselves in ridiculous, action heroes-like positions. It is a funny show featuring humorous actors who manage to be in various types of mischief.
Archer is loved by adults who enjoy watching TV shows about spies with a fun twist. It’s both an action and a comedy show, so we find every episode fun and thrilling in some way.
Conclusion
These 15 animated TV shows prove that animation is not limited to children. Animation can be entertaining, thrilling, and even profound for grown-ups. Each show differs in superhero, action, humor, ideas and serious plots.
Watching animated TV shows for adults can be a fun way to relax, laugh, or learn something new about life and relationships. So, whether you’re into adventure, comedy, or sci-fi, these best animated TV shows offer hours of great entertainment.
Read More: 10 All Time Best Animated Movies to Watch
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