Here’s the list of the 10 best animated shows for adults, many of which you’ve probably seen. I hope that you discover another one you consider worth watching!
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Futurama
- 1999 TV Show
- 4.3/5
Since Futurama was made from the same creator as that of The Simpsons, many expected the two to look alike, and were disappointed they didn’t. But that’s the point - this is a unique show, with its own well-developed plot, maybe less satirical, but with incredibly good dialogues. The only thing that is fairly similar to the Simpsons is its animation. A broke pizza-delivery guy wanders into a cryogenics lab only to accidentally travel 1000 years through time - from 1999 to 2999 - but does the core of the society change? Futurama answers the question from different angles, following the main character, Fry, and those he meets along the way. Spoiler alert: “those” includes a robot who indulges in (robotic) vices, a mad scientist, a mutant girl, and many more.
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Family Guy
- 1999 TV Show
- 3.5/5
Family Guy has vaulted its way past the competition of many other animated shows for adults with its pure gold comedy. The Griffin Family invites you to reexamine issues of a dysfunctional family through their everyday lives, packed with satire, crude humor, and, above all, lots of laughs. While it can be argued that the show has gone a bit downhill after season 5, it still isn’t bad. The thing is that the focus changed from the characters and the plot to relevant political affairs and cultural issues, which might be just what the show needed in this day and time. Credits to Seth MacFarlane for making this classic when it comes to sitcom comedy animated shows. By the way, did you know that MacFarlane himself performs the voices of three protagonists: Peter, Brian, and Stewie Griffin? Pure magic.
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The Simpsons
- 1989 TV Show
- 4.2/5
One of the arguably most famous families in the history of adult animated shows does not necessitate any special introduction. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie’s beginnings in a humorous depiction of the dysfunctional working-class family (and, some might say, predicting our future) take roots as deep as 1987. It seems as if it will never run of pop-culture references or novel ways to express Homer’s laziness, kids’ mischief, and Marge’s moralistic force. Springfield awaits with Kwik-E-Mart, Krusty Burger, Springfield Mall, Moe’s Tavern, and many, many more places most of us have surely wanted to visit. It’s always the time to rewatch an episode because you’ll notice a detail or two that you may have previously missed. Why not do it, do’h?
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Archer
- 2009 TV Show
- 4/5
Sterling Archer, the protagonist of Archer, might be one of the most narcissistic characters in the history of animated shows, but it’s hilarious. I mean, what can you expect when his code name is “Duchess”? He works for a fictional spy agency, and the show depicts unusual happenings in the espionage circles, involving his boss also being his mother, and the presence of his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. It would be an understatement to say that this crew is rather quirky. But that’s where the brilliance lies. The animation is great, as well, and special credits go to voice actors, especially H. Jon Benjamin, who did an outstanding job. The jokes are rapid and sharp, and many of them will pass and go unnoticed. Before you even catch one, there will be another, tightly packed in 20-something-minute episodes.
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Beavis And Butt-Head
- 1993 TV Show
- 2.9/5
While most of the best animated shows for adults are still being made, this MTV series has 8 seasons (1993-2011), but to this day, they still have an army of fans that vouch for the quality. Another difference in comparison to the on-going shows is that, when Beavis and Butt-Head finished, it seemed like a whole cultural era faded away. So, if you are nostalgic and want to remind yourself of the early ‘90s fads, grunge, and the overall attitude of people who were teenagers back then, this TV show is a great way to go. The B&B duo is immature, and they laugh all the time. Their humor and silly lines aren’t for everyone. But the issues that epitomize the time when it was popular remain relevant - even more so from today’s perspective.
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Daria
- 1997 TV Show
- 4.4/5
Daria Morgenforgger, the heroine of the show, is not your average protagonist of an animated adult show. She is ironic, highly intelligent, and as unconventional as a teenage girl can get. Her life does not revolve around boys, make-up, and shallow, materialistic values. Quite the contrary - she loathes them. But she also despises most of the things around her - high-school prototypical characters, corrupted society, and false moral values, often depicted even in her family. Alongside Daria, there’s her friend, Jane, who is pretty similar, and they share a set of matching values and perceptions. At first, their cynical personalities and lack of motivation might annoy you, but you’ll soon enough appreciate how they do not fail to observe what most of the scholars do and embrace the well-developed plot.
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Big Mouth
- 2017 TV Show
- 3.1/5
The horror of puberty - it’s something that we all know; we’ve all been there. We’ve all been inhabited by the Hormone Monster, the protagonist of Big Mouth. The thing is, once you’re past it, it’s incredibly funny to remember it. This animated adult show really brings back all those adolescent frustrating memories and escapades, in a ridiculously true way. It doesn’t avoid addressing sex-related issues in the most straightforward way, because of which some may deem it inappropriate. But the thing is it’s just not a family show. Will there be cringe as you realize you acted just like these characters? Sure, but it’s well worth it. The humor and the dialogues are brilliant, and Big Mouth is one of those feel-good shows that one wants to watch after the hard day of work.
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South Park
- 1997 TV Show
- 4/5
If you haven’t watched South Park, it may be because of the stigma that surrounds it. It is often considered to be “too rude,” and it tackles issues that are not often touched upon - at least not so blatantly. Admittedly, it is full of offensive jokes and puns. But that’s the whole point of satire, isn’t it? Before you know it, you’ll realize that the graphic language only serves to openly discuss problems in the society as we know it, and - best of all - it always follows current trends, although the show originated in 1997. For instance, in one of the recent seasons, an episode deals with the growing mania about Game of Thrones and how it can be perceived from two perspectives. All in, be prepared for anything, and let these four boys guide you through the city of South Park, Colorado, and the entirety of the Western civilization brought before trial.
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Rick And Morty
- 2013 TV Show
- 4.3/5
Rick and Morty will have you hooked on a whole-day binge before you know it. You’ll just want to find out what is the next adventure that this scientist and his grandson will pursue. And you’ll feel like you’re the third companion (even though you might not want it each time, or, well, most of the time). Their adventures often take the wrong turn, but somehow always end up with a lesson. The main reason why Rick and Morty is a shiny gem in the animated shows is the excellent job that Dan Harmon did writing and directing the show. And the animation does not fall behind, either. It may not be as relatable as animated shows usually strive to be, but the clever mixture of comedy, drama, and sci-fi is not going to leave anyone indifferent.
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Bojack Horseman
- 2014 TV Show
- 3.6/5
Are you in for a complete spectrum of emotions, from despair to overwhelming laughter? Yeah, it is a full-on rollercoaster, but it will leave you contemplating life - and in a good way. The best part is, albeit the protagonist is an anthropomorphic horse alongside his assistant, a cat, and the jokes are sometimes too plain, it feels real. Everybody can relate to it. Apart from the introspection that this TV show will inevitably trigger, you will find yourself thinking about celebrity culture that is brutally portrayed, as well. Even though it can get too nihilistic at times, it is, above all, a comedy, with witty remarks, and heartwarming underlying messages. It is precisely in the dark-comedy anxiety, loneliness, and ups and downs of this washed-up actor that you will find inspiration.
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