Animation has shaped television history in ways few other mediums can match. From Saturday morning cartoons to binge-worthy adult series, animated shows have given us unforgettable characters and stories. At Split Arts Technologies, we’re constantly inspired by these legendary animation achievements. Let’s explore the greatest animated TV shows that have defined generations.
What Makes an Animated Show Truly Great?
Before diving into the list of the best animated shows, we should consider what elevates a series to legendary status. It’s not just the storytelling that resonates across age groups, but also the innovative animation techniques that break boundaries.
The best animated shows share common traits. They feature memorable characters, innovative animation, and themes that transcend their original airdate. These iconic animated series remain relevant decades after their premiere.
Key Traits of Legendary Animated Shows:
- Memorable Characters: Engaging personalities that resonate with viewers of all ages.
- Innovative Animation: Pushing technical boundaries in visual storytelling.
- Cultural Impact: Shows that leave lasting impressions on popular culture and inspire future content creators.
Classic Animated Series That Started It All
- The Flintstones (1960s) – The first primetime animated series for adults, pioneering a new genre of family-based sitcoms in the animation industry.
- Looney Tunes (1930s) – Iconic characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig created comedic timing and visual gags still referenced today.
- Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969) – The original mystery-solving crew featuring Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred, a formula that spanned decades.
- Tom and Jerry (1940s) – The perfect slapstick animation featuring the epic rivalry between Tom, the cat, and Jerry, the clever mouse.
- The Jetsons (1960s) – A futuristic family that inspired a new wave of animated TV with its space-age setting.
- Felix the Cat (1919) – One of the earliest examples of animated television and a cornerstone in animation history.
- Popeye the Sailor (1929) – The adventurous and strong sailor continues to hold a special place in animation.
Best Animated Shows for Adults
- The Simpsons (1989) – With over 30 years of episodes, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie remain at the heart of American animated television. Their satirical edge and cultural commentary make it one of the longest-running and most influential animated shows.
- South Park (1997) – The controversial Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny bring crude humor with sharp political satire, breaking boundaries in animation and humor.
- BoJack Horseman (2014) – A deep dive into the psyche of BoJack, the washed-up horse actor, tackling real-life issues like depression and addiction.
- Rick and Morty (2013) – The adventures of Rick, the alcoholic scientist, and his grandson Morty mix dark comedy and complex science fiction.
- F Is for Family (2015) – A 1970s-based series with Bill Burr at the helm, exploring family dynamics with dark humor.
- Big Mouth (2017) – Follows the chaotic journey of adolescence through Nick, Andrew, and their hormone monsters, capturing the awkwardness of growing up.
- Archer (2009) – Sterling Archer leads a dysfunctional spy agency in this animated action-comedy full of irreverence and wit.
- Final Space (2016) – This animated series blends deep emotional arcs with Gary, the goofy yet lovable character, and his alien companion Mooncake.
Best Animated Shows for Kids That Adults Love Too
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) – Aang’s quest to master all four elements resonates with kids and adults alike, blending martial arts, philosophy, and epic world-building.
- SpongeBob SquarePants (1999) – The hilarious adventures of SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward continue to make waves in popular culture.
- Adventure Time (2010) – Finn and Jake’s whimsical adventures provide deep existential themes beneath the surface.
- Gravity Falls (2012) – A perfect blend of mystery, humor, and emotional storytelling with characters like Dipper and Mabel.
- The Owl House (2020) – A magical series with Luz, a young girl who embarks on an adventure into a world of fantasy, fantasy lore, and LGBTQ+ representation.
- Rick and Morty (2013) – Though geared for older audiences, Rick and Morty’s absurd interdimensional adventures appeal to older teens and adults.
- Pokémon (1997) – The enduring legacy of Ash Ketchum and his Pokémon companions has sparked a global phenomenon that appeals to all ages.
- The Magic School Bus (1994) – The classic educational animated series that blends adventure and science education.
Groundbreaking Animation Techniques
- Batman: The Animated Series (1990s) – Known for its film noir aesthetic, Bruce Timm’s art style, and cinematic storytelling, this series reshaped animated superhero content.
- Samurai Jack (2001) – Genndy Tartakovsky’s visual storytelling prowess shines through in each frame, creating a masterpiece that relies heavily on minimal dialogue.
- Arcane (2021) – Based on the League of Legends universe, this show takes animation to the next level with groundbreaking visual effects, hand-painted textures, and an unprecedented cinematic style.
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) – An animated film that broke the mold with comic-inspired animation techniques, offering a visual spectacle with an aesthetic that looks like a living comic book.
- Primal (2019) – Genndy Tartakovsky’s hand-drawn epic focuses on a prehistoric world, using minimalist dialogue and stunning animation techniques.
International Animated Classics
- Cowboy Bebop (2001) – A fusion of space western and jazz, Spike Spiegel’s journey is universally influential, influencing both Western and Eastern animation.
- Dragon Ball Z (1989) – Goku’s quest for power, and his battles with formidable foes, helped Akira Toriyama create a global phenomenon that continues to influence pop culture.
- One Punch Man (2015) – A satirical look at the superhero genre, blending epic action with humor.
- Attack on Titan (2013) – With its breathtaking animation, deep lore, and intense battles, this show took anime to a new level, captivating global audiences.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1997) – An anime that combines mecha, psychological drama, and philosophy, with Shinji Ikari questioning humanity’s survival.
Best Animated Shows Across Decades
1990s
- Animaniacs (1993) – A fun-filled ride through pop culture and zany humor, featuring Yakko, Wakko, and Dot.
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992) – Introduced darker, more mature themes into the world of animated superheroes.
2000s
- Family Guy (1999) – A groundbreaking animated sitcom featuring Peter, Lois, Stewie, and Brian, using cutaway gags and pop-culture references.
- Futurama (1999) – Philip J. Fry’s adventures in the 31st century remain a cult favorite for its witty, sharp writing.
2021 Years
- Arcane (2021) – Known for its vibrant animation and complex storytelling, it’s one of the top animated shows for adults in recent years.
- Invincible (2021) – Mark Grayson’s coming-of-age story is set against a brutal superhero backdrop, combining humor with dark, intense action.
New & Recent Animated Shows (2024–2026)
These recent animated series are gaining buzz for their unique storytelling, animation styles, and fan appeal — perfect for expanding your “Best Animated Shows” list with the latest content:
Recently Released & Popular New Shows
- X‑Men ’97 – A modern continuation of the classic X‑Men franchise with updated themes and vibrant animation.
- The Amazing Digital Circus – A surreal animated series where characters are trapped inside a bizarre digital world, praised for its imaginative concept and unique art style.
- Dino Pops – A colorful and playful series blending dinosaurs with modern adventure, great for younger viewers.
- Everybody Still Hates Chris – The animated take on the beloved live‑action comedy, bringing fresh humor to classic nostalgia.
- Exploding Kittens – Adapted from the hit card game, this quirky Flash‑animated show delivers comedic chaos and fun.
New Shows Debuting in 2025
Here are confirmed animated series that premiered or are launching in 2025 perfect for highlighting what’s next in animation:
- The Bad Guys: Breaking – A TV adaptation of the popular film franchise full of high‑energy CG action.
- Bearbrick – A new CGI series featuring toy‑inspired adventures and stylish visual storytelling.
- Eyes of Wakanda – A spin‑off expanding the world of Black Panther, blending superhero action and African mythology.
- Goldie – A fresh animated series combining comedy and adventure for kids and families.
- Dog Days Out – A heartwarming CGI show about canine friends and their big adventures.
- Belfort & Lupin – A French animated series adding cultural diversity to your list.
- Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight – A Netflix adaptation of the classic comic heroes, bringing Asterix’s world to modern TV viewers.
Bonus: Recently Buzzed About Upcoming Series
These shows are high‑anticipation animated projects announced for 2025 and beyond — excellent for forward‑looking SEO content:
- Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake – A new Adventure Time spin‑off with fresh storylines.
- Hazbin Hotel (Series) – A TV adaptation based on the popular musical animation universe.
- Twisted‑Wonderland – Fantasy action content inspired by game lore.
Why Adding These Recent Shows Matters
Including the newest animated series in your blog:
✔ Signals Freshness to search engines and readers (great for SERP rankings).
✔ Broadens the appeal to fans looking for what to watch now.
✔ Enhances content relevance to current streaming trends.
✔ Taps into multiple audience segments — from family‑friendly to adult animation enthusiasts.
Table of Best Animated Shows
| Show Name | Year Started | Target Audience | Notable Characteristics | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Simpsons | 1989 | Adults | Satirical commentary, longest-running sitcom | Comedy, Satire |
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | 2005 | Kids/Adults | Martial arts-inspired animation, Eastern philosophy | Action, Adventure |
| Rick and Morty | 2013 | Adults | Science fiction, dark humor, complex storytelling | Sci-Fi, Comedy |
| Arcane | 2021 | Teens/Adults | Stunning animation quality, based on League of Legends | Action, Fantasy |
| Cowboy Bebop | 1998 | Adults | Genre-blending, jazz soundtrack, space western | Sci-Fi, Drama |
| SpongeBob SquarePants | 1999 | Kids/Adults | Absurd humor, cross-generational appeal | Comedy, Adventure |
| The Owl House | 2020 | Kids/Teens | Fantasy, LGBTQ+ representation, character-driven story | Fantasy, Comedy |
| Gravity Falls | 2012 | Kids/Adults | Quirky characters, supernatural mystery, emotional depth | Mystery, Comedy |
| Big Mouth | 2017 | Adults | Raunchy humor, tackling puberty and adolescence | Comedy, Adult |
| Primal | 2019 | Adults | Minimal dialogue, hand-drawn animation, raw storytelling | Action, Drama |
What Animation Teaches Us
These legendary animated shows demonstrate animation’s versatility, able to handle comedy, drama, action, and philosophy equally well. The medium removes live-action constraints, allowing creators to visualize anything imaginable.
At Split Arts Technologies, we see how these animated TV shows influence current projects. Clients often reference these classics when explaining their vision. The techniques pioneered by these series become building blocks for new work.
The Evolution Continues
Today’s streaming platforms invest heavily in animation, opening doors for diverse voices and experimental styles. Technology advances allow smaller studios to produce broadcast-quality animation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the most influential animated show of all time?
The Simpsons remains a cultural landmark in television history and is often considered the most influential animated series of all time.
2. Which animated show has the best animation quality?
Arcane (based on League of Legends) has set new animation standards with stunning visuals and character designs.
3. Can animated shows be for adults?
Yes, shows like BoJack Horseman, South Park, and Rick and Morty blend adult humor and mature themes, making them perfect for an adult audience.
4. What animated show is the best for kids and adults alike?
Avatar: The Last Airbender appeals to all ages, combining action, adventure, and deep philosophical themes.