Animated series have long been associated with children’s entertainment, often dismissed as childish and immature. However, in recent years, the rise of adult-oriented animated series has challenged this stereotype and gained a loyal following of adults. These shows tackle complex themes, use sophisticated humor, and push the boundaries of animation. As a result, they offer a unique and refreshing viewing experience for adults.
In this blog post, we will explore the world of adult-oriented animated series and discuss the best ones currently available. We will also delve into their importance and why they deserve recognition as a legitimate form of entertainment for adults.
Importance of Animated Series for Adults
The popularity of adult-oriented animated series is not a recent phenomenon. Shows like “The Simpsons” and “South Park” have been entertaining adults for decades. However, in recent years, the market for these types of shows has exploded, thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. This shift has allowed creators more creative freedom and has resulted in a boom of high-quality animated series for adults.
One of the main reasons for the rise in popularity of adult-oriented animated series is the sheer diversity of content they offer. While live-action shows are often limited by budget and technological constraints, animated series have unlimited potential. They can create entire worlds, creatures, and characters without any limitations, making them perfect for exploring complex and imaginative storylines.
Moreover, animation allows for a unique blend of comedy and drama, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. Adult-oriented animated series are not bound by the same restrictions as traditional sitcoms or dramas, allowing them to showcase mature themes and clever humor in a way that live-action shows cannot.
Another crucial aspect of the importance of adult-oriented animated series is their ability to break down societal norms and challenge stereotypes. By using animation, creators can tackle sensitive topics such as mental illness, sexuality, and politics in a more approachable and palatable manner. These shows provide a safe space for viewers to explore these issues without feeling overwhelmed or judged, making them an essential tool for societal progress.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Animated Series
With so many adult-oriented animated series available, it can be challenging to determine which ones are worth your time. To help you navigate through the vast sea of options, here are some criteria we used to select the best animated series for adults:
- Storyline and Character Development: A great animated series must have a compelling storyline that keeps viewers engaged from episode to episode. It should also have well-developed and relatable characters that grow and evolve throughout the series.
- Animation Quality: While animation allows for limitless creativity, it also requires skilled artists and animators to bring the vision to life. The best-animated series for adults will have high-quality animation, with attention to detail and fluidity in movement.
- Humor and Satire: Many adult-oriented animated series use humor and satire to explore complex themes and make social commentary. The best ones will have a perfect balance of clever jokes and biting wit that resonates with the audience.
- Mature Themes: As the target audience for these shows is adults, they often delve into mature and sometimes controversial themes. However, the best-animated series handle these themes with maturity and sensitivity, rather than exploiting them for shock value.
Now that we have established our criteria let’s dive into the top 5 best-animated series for adults.
Top 5 Best Animated Series for Adults
1) BoJack Horseman
“BoJack Horseman” is a dark comedy-drama series created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, the show follows the washed-up former sitcom star, BoJack Horseman, as he navigates life and tries to regain his fame. The series tackles topics such as addiction, depression, and the dark side of Hollywood while maintaining a perfect balance of humor and emotion.
The animation in “BoJack Horseman” is simple but effective. The characters are drawn in a way that complements their personalities and adds to the comedy. The show also uses clever visual gags and wordplay to make jokes, adding another layer to the comedy.
With a talented voice cast, including Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, and Alison Brie, “BoJack Horseman” delivers strong performances that bring the characters to life. The show also features impressive guest stars such as Angela Bassett, J.K. Simmons, and Lisa Kudrow, showcasing the prestige of the series.
Aside from its excellent storytelling and animation, “BoJack Horseman” also stands out for its handling of mature themes. The show addresses issues such as mental health, toxic relationships, and the pursuit of happiness, without shying away from the harsh realities. This makes it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and relatable.
2) Rick and Morty
Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, “Rick and Morty” is a science fiction animated series that follows the misadventures of an eccentric scientist, Rick Sanchez, and his grandson, Morty Smith. The show explores various dimensions, planets, and alternate versions of reality, making it a sci-fi fan’s dream come true.
The animation in “Rick and Morty” is visually stunning, with detailed backgrounds and creative character designs. The show’s comedic style often uses grotesque and absurd imagery, adding to the dark humor.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its ability to mix humor with complex and thought-provoking storylines. While the show’s premise may seem silly at first glance, it tackles existential and philosophical questions, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. The series also uses satire and parody to comment on pop culture and society, adding a layer of depth to the humor.
The voice acting in “Rick and Morty” is also top-notch, with Justin Roiland voicing both the titular characters, showcasing his range as an actor. Other notable voice talents include Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, and Spencer Grammer, who bring their characters to life with impeccable timing and delivery.
3) Archer
Created by Adam Reed, “Archer” is an animated spy-comedy series that follows the adventures of the world’s greatest secret agent, Sterling Archer, and his colleagues at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS). The show parodies the spy genre while also exploring the dynamics between its dysfunctional characters.
The animation in “Archer” is distinct and visually appealing, with a retro aesthetic that adds to the show’s charm. The series also uses creative editing and transitions to add humor and keep the pace of the show dynamic.
One of the standout features of “Archer” is its well-written and witty dialogue. The show’s talented voice cast, including H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, and Jessica Walter, delivers the dialogues with impeccable comedic timing, making the jokes land every time.
In addition to its comedy, “Archer” also explores mature themes such as family dynamics, relationships, and identity. As the series progresses, the characters evolve and navigate complex personal issues, making it more than just a spy spoof.
4) Big Mouth
“Big Mouth” is a coming-of-age adult animated sitcom created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett. The series revolves around a group of middle-school friends navigating puberty and all the awkwardness that comes with it. The show’s crass humor and relatable storylines make it a hit with audiences.
The animation in “Big Mouth” is simple but effective, with exaggerated character designs that add to the comedy. The show also uses creative and colorful visuals to represent the characters’ changing hormones and emotions.
Aside from its humor, “Big Mouth” stands out for its honest and unfiltered portrayal of adolescence. The series tackles issues such as body image, sexuality, and mental health in a way that is both humorous and sensitive. It also features a diverse cast of characters, representing different races, genders, and sexual orientations, making it a relatable and inclusive show.
In addition to its talented voice cast, including Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, and Jenny Slate, “Big Mouth” also features guest stars such as Maya Rudolph, Zach Galifianakis, and Kristen Wiig, adding to the star power of the series.
5) Tuca & Bertie
From the creator of “BoJack Horseman,” Lisa Hanawalt, comes “Tuca & Bertie,” an animated comedy series about two bird-women living in the same apartment building. The show explores themes of friendship, career, and mental health through the lens of these quirky and lovable characters.
The animation in “Tuca & Bertie” is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and unique character designs. The show also uses clever visual gags and surreal imagery to add to the comedy.
One of the defining features of “Tuca & Bertie” is its focus on female friendships and the challenges women face in today’s society. The show addresses topics such as sexism, workplace harassment, and trauma, while maintaining a light-hearted and comedic tone. This balance makes it a refreshing and empowering show for women.
The voice acting in “Tuca & Bertie” is also top-notch, with Tiffany Haddish voicing the energetic Tuca and Ali Wong as the introverted Bertie. The chemistry between the two characters is evident, and their performances make the show a delightful watch.
Honorable Mentions
While these are our top 5 picks for the best-animated series for adults, there are many more worth mentioning. Here are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut but are still worth your time:
- “F is for Family”: Created by comedian Bill Burr, this animated sitcom follows a dysfunctional family in the 1970s and tackles themes such as masculinity, family dynamics, and the American Dream.
- “Final Space”: This sci-fi comedy-drama series follows an astronaut named Gary and his alien companion, Mooncake, as they embark on an intergalactic mission. The show features a talented voice cast, including Olan Rogers, David Tennant, and Conan O’Brien.
- “Undone”: This rotoscope-animated series follows a young woman named Alma as she grapples with reality and time-travel after a near-death experience. The show’s unique animation style adds to its surreal and thought-provoking storyline.
- “South Park”: No list of adult-oriented animated series is complete without mentioning the show that started it all. This satirical comedy has been pushing boundaries and making social commentary for over two decades.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adult-oriented animated series have come a long way from being dismissed as childish entertainment. These shows offer a unique and refreshing viewing experience, tackling complex themes and pushing the boundaries of animation. With their high-quality storytelling, animation, and humor, they deserve recognition as a legitimate form of entertainment for adults.
Whether you’re in the mood for a dark comedy, sci-fi adventure, or a heartfelt coming-of-age story, there is an adult-oriented animated series out there for you. So next time you’re looking for something new to watch, give one of these shows a chance, and you won’t be disappointed.
