20 Best Adult Animated Series of All-Time (Updated 2025)
Who says animation can’t be made for adults? Often wacky and absurd, it can be tempting for most people to dismiss animation as childish entertainment. With their steady rise in popularity, adult animation has proven to be more than just that.
While adults may not be their sole demographic, adult animation is known for its mature themes and sometimes crass undertones. With recent shows like Riot Games’ Arcane and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners hitting mainstream success, major streaming platforms are also heavily investing in animation and motion graphics studios.
Even Disney, known for their animated movies, are trying to capture a slice of the pie by launching an adult animation unit.
With so many adult animated series out there, which one should you start with? Well, nothing but the best!
The following collection showcases some of the best adult animated series in recent years. From rotoscoped reality-bending journeys to gothic horror adventures, these shows demonstrate animation’s vast potential to explore complex themes and captivate viewers of all ages. Here’re 20 of the best adult animated series of all-time in no particular order:
1. Rick and Morty (2013-2023)
Ahh, Rick and Morty. The show’s notorious fanbase and crude humour may have fueled its hype but its meteoric rise to mainstream success is undeniable. With a compelling premise and a mad scientist travelling different universes with his grandson, the duo makes for an extremely entertaining watch.
But it’s not just empty, mindless entertainment! Despite its absurdity, Rick and Morty is filled with excellent writing. Complex characters? Check. Iconic plotlines? Check. Well-developed character arcs? Check. The writing team nailed all the basics of good show writing and it’s a trait shared by all the shows in this list.
Some of their episodes may be ridiculous comedy bits (which are pretty damn funny) but Rick and Morty also makes you think. Their best episodes are sometimes infused with profound philosophical inquiries and thought-provoking perspectives. The show is a perfect blend of sci-fi, adventure and philosophy, making it a must-watch!
2. Futurama (1999 – 2024)
Futurama basically fathered Rick and Morty. While it never reached the heights of Rick and Morty’s success, it made its distinct mark on adult animation. Rick and Morty creators, Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, were heavily inspired by Futurama, making several references to it and even directly name-dropping Futurama in an episode.
Also featuring an old scientist and his young sidekick that just so happens to be his 3000-year-old ancestor (you’ll see why), Futurama is like a more optimistic version of Rick and Morty. If Rick and Morty is the edgy teen, Futurama is its happy-go-lucky counterpart.
Accidentally freezing himself in a cryogenic chamber for 1000 years, Philip J. Fry awakens in the year 3000. Despite being hopelessly dumb, Fry finds his crew and his great-great-great grandson who’s an aging scientist. The show follows their wacky misadventures in the far future and eventually builds up to a heart-warming and extremely satisfying ending.
Often toeing the line between incredibly smart and hilariously stupid, Futurama is both hilarious and touching. At its heart, the show’s love for its characters shine through, and audiences are bound to feel it too.
3. Bojack Horseman (2014 – 2020)
One of the darker shows in this collection, Bojack Horseman is centered on an anthropomorphic horse, who was once the star of a famous 90s TV show. He tries to hold on to his past but he doesn’t think he’s going to last. Yup, suicidal ideation is a strong theme for Bojack, along with a litany of darker themes like abuse and addiction.
As a dark comedy, Bojack Horseman also employs humour to soften the blow in their exploration of these issues. However, it doesn’t mean that they shy away from them. In fact, the show is highly praised for its stellar portrayal of mental illness and it never flinches from showing the deep-seated flaws in their characters.
Despite having an extremely unlikeable (if darkly relatable) protagonist, Bojack Horseman is full of relatable characters that will leave a lasting impression.
4. Love, Death and Robots (2019-2022)
As an anthology series, the episodes in Love, Death and Robots can feel worlds apart in terms of animation and plot. From heavy plotlines that cover existential crises to light-hearted ones about killer cleaning robots, this show has it all!
The show’s experimental nature is clearly shown in its diverse range of animation types. Hyper-realistic 3D animated visual effects exist alongside 2D animation, which makes these animated shorts truly stunning.
As a visual effects company, the level of work and craftsmanship that goes into creating good VFX does not go unnoticed by us. Love, Death and Robots is a work of art that deserves to be noticed more!
5. Invincible (2021-2025)
Fans of the comic would definitely know about the show. Thanks to countless memes about the show, you might have also seen it trending on your social media feed. So, what’s the deal with Invincible?
Its subversive premise is something that audiences haven’t seen in a long time. The show flips the superhero script to show “heroes” in their darkest light. It’s a similar concept to The Boys, a live action show about morally corrupt superheroes so if you’re a fan of The Boys, give Invincible a shot!
Other than its subversive plot, Invincible also tackles morally complex themes. The show gets dark and gritty in moments of extreme violence and gore.
Its star-studded cast of voice actors including J.K Simmons, Steven Yeun and Sandra Oh also make the show feel even more immersive and it certainly lives up to the hype!
6. Gravity Falls (2015 – 2016)
At first glance, Gravity Falls seems like another Twin Peaks-esque show about small town mysteries. But that’s what makes it fun! The show follows twins, Dipper and Mabel as they live with their cranky great-uncle for the summer. What was supposed to be a boring stay turns into a curious one as the twins keep uncovering strange mysteries and abnormalities in Gravity Falls.
From the saturated colours and cosy setting, it’s clear that Gravity Falls was made for kids. However, that’s not to say that adults can’t enjoy it too! The mysteries don’t just stop when an episode ends. Every episode has hidden ciphers and puzzles for keen-eyed viewers to solve, which only add on to the show’s intrigue. Even the show’s opening is embedded with its own puzzles!
Gravity Fall’s self-aware humour also pokes fun at both the characters and audience alike, while the jokes may fly over the heads of children, they’ll definitely land with older audiences.
7. Inside Job (2021-2022)
Yup, we’re back with the Sci-Fi! Inside Job is a workplace comedy set in Cognito, Inc., a company that hides conspiracies and controls world governments – a.k.a the deep state. The show features a genius robotics engineer, who’s paired up with her new frat-boy partner – and he couldn’t be more different from her! Before you think this is a rom-com, the two stay strictly platonic (for now?) but their friendship becomes one that’s adorable and fun to watch!
Despite its dramatic setting, Inside Job’s characters couldn’t be more relatable. Just like us, they’re just trying to live their lives amidst its absurdities. Audiences will also relate to themes of workplace drama, adult friendships and strained familial relationships.
8. Arcane (2021-2024)
Based on the lore in League of Legends (LoL), Netflix’s Arcane: LoL is set in the rich city of Piltover and its seedy underbelly, Zaun. The plot revolves around different characters whose arcs converge in the final season.
The intricate world-building also adds depth to the characters, as we see how the circumstances shape them. Both heroes and villains are treated with complexity and had their own motivations. Whether they were justified or not is something to think about – a testament to how nuanced the show’s writing is!
Arcane’s distinct steampunk aesthetic and incredible production also makes it stand in a league of its own (sorry)! Whether you’re a fan of the video game or a newcomer, Arcane is definitely worth a watch!
9. Big Mouth (2017-2023)
Big Mouth tackles the messy reality of adolescence. While it serves as an educational tool for pre-teens, the show also transports adult viewers back to their own puberty-stricken days, complete with raging hormones and cringe-worthy moments.
The show’s teenage protagonists navigate their coming-of-age journey alongside fantastical creatures that embody their inner turmoil: wise-cracking “hormone monsters,” an intimidating “shame wizard,” and a cuddly yet consuming “depression kitty.” This unconventional cast creates the perfect storm for both chaos and comedy.
Big Mouth goes beyond just growing pains, boldly addressing topics like masturbation and sexuality that often make people squirm. Whether you embrace or reject its raw approach, there’s no denying the show’s commitment to starting important conversations about puberty and self-discovery.
10. Castlevania (2017-2021)
One of the most well-known characters in horror, Dracula is found in countless adaptations, so much so that he’s become boring. Yet somehow, Castlevania managed to revive (OK, not exactly, but you get what we mean) and bring new life to the character.
It’s brutal, violent and heartbreaking. After his wife is killed by an angry mob, Dracula vows to destroy all of humanity. His grief numbs him to the pleas of his son, Alucard, who starts a rebellion to stand up to his father’s destruction. Meanwhile, within the ranks of Dracula’s own army, his men are starting to doubt him and political lines are drawn as different factions vie for power.
Based on one of the most beloved video games, Castlevania lets you relive your nostalgia while immersing you in a new world entirely.
11. Castlevania Nocturne (2023-2024)
After the success of Castlevania, Castlevania Nocturne was released as a follow up to its popular predecessor. Set 300 years after the events of Castlevania, the show retains its gothic horror visuals and packed action sequences.
The series follows Richter Belmont, a vampire hunter, as he battles against vampires and night creatures. Against the backdrop of the French revolution, the show blends its historical setting with supernatural elements, creating a compelling premise for new storylines and characters. Expanding on the Castlevania universe, the series’ rich world building and well-developed character arcs are hallmarks of a good video game adaptation.
12. Cyberpunk Edgerunner (2022)
In the neon-drenched world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the human cost of progress takes center stage. Based on the acclaimed video game Cyberpunk 2077, this heart-wrenching anime explores class inequality and corporate greed in Night City—a gleaming metropolis where technological advancement has outpaced human welfare.
The story follows David Martinez, a gifted street kid whose life changes forever after his mother’s tragic death. Thrust into the dangerous world of “edgerunners”—high-tech mercenaries who live on society’s edge—David finds both purpose and love among a crew of misfit outlaws. But, in a city addicted to cybernetic implants (technological bodily modifications) and violence, his new life comes at a devastating price.
Edgerunners masterfully blends retro anime aesthetics with cyberpunk visuals, creating dynamic action sequences. Yet, it’s the show’s emotional depth that truly resonates, earning praise from critics and fans alike with its complex characters and mature themes.
13. Secret Level (2024)
Crafted by the same creator as Love, Death and Robots, Secret Level is another anthology series exploring stories inspired by various video game franchises like Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer 40,000, and The Outer Worlds.
Like its predecessor, Secret Level showcases a stunning range of animation styles, each carefully chosen to honour its source material. From hyper-realistic CGI to stylised 2D visuals, the series adapts its aesthetic approach to perfectly capture the essence of each of its unique gaming worlds.
14. Legend Of Vox Machina (2022-2024)
Based on the first campaign in the Dungeon & Dragons web series, Critical Role, the show follows Vox Machina, a group of misfit adventurers, as they take on dangerous missions in the fantasy world of Exandria. The main characters include Grog, Keyleth, Percy, Vex, Vax, Scanlan, and Pike. Shenanigans ensue as they battle forces of evil and go on epic quests, resulting in a heartwarming camaraderie.
The show’s distinctive visual style marries Western animation with anime influences, creating a look that’s uniquely its own. Characters move with fluid grace while maintaining realistic proportions, as their simplified designs allow for expressive performances. Each frame is enriched by a masterful use of colour, and complementary hues in light and shadow that shift with the story’s tone, aptly distinguishing playful adventure to darker moments of heroism.
15. Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
In the isolationist world of Edo-period Japan, Blue Eye Samurai tells the tale of Mizu, a mixed-race samurai whose quest for vengeance targets four white men – one of whom is her father. Concealing her blue eyes and mixed heritage beneath a male disguise, Mizu navigates a society closed to women and outsiders. Her path intertwines with Ringo, a spirited noodle maker who becomes an unlikely ally, and Taigen, a rival samurai with a shared history.
The series melds traditional Japanese artistry with cutting-edge animation techniques, creating a stunning hybrid of 2D and 3D visuals that evoke bold brushstrokes on a moving canvas. While unflinching in its portrayal of violence, each frame is crafted with cinematic beauty, transforming even its darkest moments into visual poetry. Through this distinctive style, the show weaves its powerful meditation on identity, revenge, and female strength in a society bound by rigid traditions.
16. Aggretsuko (2018-2023)
At first glance, Aggretsuko seems an unlikely candidate for adult entertainment, evidenced by its use of Sanrio’s cute, signature 2D animation style. Yet, beneath its adorable exterior lies a show that speaks directly to grown-up audiences. The series centers on Retsuko, a 25-year-old red panda who channels her office frustrations into passionate death metal performances at karaoke. Her karaoke sessions start alone, but gradually she shares this release with her newfound friends.
Working as an accountant, Retsuko grapples with corporate politics, societal expectations, and the complexities of adult relationships. The show’s genius lies in its visual contrast: the sweet, chibi art style deliberately clashes with Retsuko’s intense metal outbursts, creating a perfect metaphor for keeping up with societal expectations. Through this playful contradiction, Aggretsuko delivers a surprisingly profound commentary on workplace culture and the search for fulfillment in modern society.
17. Harley Quinn (2019–2025)
Harley Quinn picks up after the titular anti-heroine’s breakup with the Joker, and follows her journey of self-discovery. Determined to make a name for herself in Gotham’s underworld, she assembles a crew and falls in love with Poison Ivy along the way.
The show’s vibrant 2D animation, inspired by classic comic book aesthetics, complements its sharp humor, strong character arcs, and dynamic storytelling. Fans love its fresh spin on DC characters, its blend of action and comedy, and the heartfelt LGBTQ+ representation.
18. The Midnight Gospel (2020)
The Midnight Gospel follows Clancy Gilroy, an intergalactic podcaster or “spacecaster” who journeys through vibrant simulated universes using his multiverse simulator. In each episode, he interviews fascinating beings amid apocalyptic scenarios for his spacecast, creating a uniquely layered viewing experience. The show innovatively weaves actual podcast conversations into surreal animated adventures, exploring profound themes of spirituality, existentialism, and the nature of reality.
What sets The Midnight Gospel apart is its bold fusion of psychedelic animation with philosophical discourse. The show’s visually stunning and often mind-bending aesthetic serves as a captivating backdrop for deep, meaningful conversations. This distinctive blend of trippy visuals and thought-provoking dialogue has earned the series a devoted cult following, with viewers particularly drawn to its fearless exploration of life’s biggest questions through both visual storytelling and intimate discussions.
19. Undone (2019 – 2022)
Undone, from the creative minds behind Bojack Horseman, takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the fluid boundaries of reality. At its heart is Alma, whose near-fatal car accident awakens an extraordinary ability to manipulate time and space. Guided by mysterious visions of her deceased father Jacob, she embarks on a quest to unravel the circumstances of his death while discovering profound truths about herself.
The series masterfully weaves together themes of mental illness, buried family secrets, and the malleable nature of reality. Through Alma’s relationships with her sister Becca, mother Camila, and boyfriend Sam, the show creates an intimate portrait of a family grappling with truth, memory, and identity.
What truly sets Undone apart is its groundbreaking use of rotoscope animation, a technique that transforms live-action performances into fluid, hand-drawn artistry. This unique visual approach creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the show’s exploration of consciousness and reality. As Alma’s perceptions shift between the ordinary and extraordinary, the animation seamlessly bridges these worlds.
20. Over The Garden Wall (2014)
Over the Garden Wall is a miniseries that chronicles the journey of half-brothers Wirt and Greg through the mysterious realm of “The Unknown.” As they navigate this otherworldly forest, they encounter an array of peculiar characters, including their companion Beatrice, a cursed bluebird, and the enigmatic Woodsman. At the heart of their adventure lies The Beast, a sinister entity who embodies death itself, challenging the brothers as they grapple with themes of familial bonds, growing up, and facing one’s fears.
The show’s visual identity is a masterful blend of old and new. It pays homage to the golden age of animation by drawing inspiration from early 20th-century illustrations, while simultaneously forging its own path. It creates a rich tapestry of autumnal colors – warm browns, golden yellows, and burnt oranges. This thoughtful aesthetic choice infuses each frame with a sense of nostalgia while establishing a timeless quality that sets the series apart in modern animation.
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