Animation has to be one of the most underappreciated media in the entertainment industry, especially for works aimed at adult audiences. Even the ones that do get popular are few and far between. For every The Simpsons, BoJack Horseman, and Arcane, tons of adult animated shows are forgotten or never talked about.
While many adult animated shows made today are high quality and getting attention, many are still not nearly as widely known or discussed.
With that said, here are some of the best adult animated shows that are not nearly as popular but deserve attention.
9. Long Story Short
From the same creators as the previously mentioned BoJack Horseman, this show follows a Jewish family as they navigate their lives, with each episode taking place at a different point in time.
As the creators of BoJack Horseman made the show, expect a similar style of zany humor and strong drama. Unlike BoJack, however, the characters, while heavily flawed, are not outright villains or even anti-heroes. They’re just people. They make mistakes, they have their differences, and they care. The show also goes very deep into Jewish culture and how
If you’re in the mood for a dramedy with sharp humor, gut-wrenching drama, and three-dimensional, multi-layered characters, this is worth a watch.
Where to Watch: Netflix
8. Scavenger’s Reign
This science fiction series follows the surviving crew members of a spaceship stranded on an alien planet as they try to survive and find a way back home.
This series has one of the most stunning environments you could ever want in a sci-fi show. Each character goes through incredible story arcs that will leave you stunned. It also does not try to hold your hand while trying to understand everything that is going on. The show is not afraid to let its visuals speak for themselves rather than explain everything.
If you enjoy mind-blowing alien worlds in sci-fi stories, Scavenger’s Reign is for you.
7. Tear Along Dotted Lines
From the Italian cartoonist Zerocalcare comes a limited animated series loosely based on his personal experiences as a young adult (along with his anthropomorphic armadillo imaginary friend). Each episode covers multiple events from his young adult life in an almost documentary style.
The show feels like multiple tangents on those aspects of life. That may sound like an insult, but it really gives a show a unique identity. Tear Along Dotted Lines perfectly captures what it feels like to be a young adult. Struggling to figure out what you want to be, what you should be, and complaining about every minor inconvenience life throws at you.
There is no other show quite like it. If you’re in the mood for a comedy that may come a little too close to home, please give this a watch.
If you enjoy this, the creator has another limited series titled This World Can’t Tear Me Down (also on Netflix) and an upcoming series for May 27 called My 2 Cents.
Where to Watch: Netflix
6. Todd McFarlane’s Spawn
An adaptation of the Iconic comic book character, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn follows the titular character, formerly known as Al Simmons, a government assassin who becomes a servant of hell after dying.
While the animation is a bit dated by today’s standards, it still looks interesting visually intresting. The series does a great job of portraying the. At times, it felt like a grimmer, more mature version of Batman: The Animated Series. Do keep in mind that Spawn is not for the faint of heart. There are tons of blood and gore in practically every episode.
If you love gritty superhero media, anti-hero protagonists, horror, or are a fan of the original graphic novels, Todd McFarlane’s Spawn is the show for you.
Where to Watch: HBO
5. Love, Death, and Robots
Unlike the other entries on this list, Love, Death & Robots is a science fiction anthology series. Each episode is its own standalone narrative, with each varying in tone, atmosphere, and even animation style. These episodes may involve anything, such as three robots exploring a post-apocalyptic city, a ship’s crew trying to survive a crab monster, or even a group of cats trying to defeat the Devil.
As you may tell, by far the best aspect of the show is the inventive creativity it shows in both storylines and animation. Each episode brings you to a whole new level of wonder and creativity. The animation in many episodes is among the greatest in all of animation.
While not every episode will be your cup of tea, there is bound to be at least one episode that you will think about for years.
If you love science fiction, as well as an anthology series like Black Mirror, Love, Death and Robots is the show for you.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. Haunted Hotel
Similar to the show Ghost, Haunted Hotel follows a family as they try to keep their hotel business running despite the infestation of ghosts. It is a simple premise with a well-done execution.
While it admittedly is not as enticing as some of the other adult animated entries on the list, it still has its own charm. It tries to be a fun sitcom and does its job fairly well. All the family members bounce off each other in hilarious ways. The way that they handle the ghosts is generally very creative and leads to some hilarious moments.
If you enjoyed either the UK or US version of Ghost, or want a simple, well-executed animated sitcom, Haunted Hotel is worth a watch.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Moral Orel
Moral Orel is a claymation show that follows Orel, a young Christian boy, as he tries to understand what it means to be a good Christian, only to misunderstand it at every turn.
Despite the seemingly innocent appearance, this series is not for the faint of heart. Moral Orel is a dark comedy with very explicit content. It is not just dark for the sake of it, however. Moral Orel uses its dark humor as a form of clever social commentary, especially regarding Christianity and some of its followers. However, while it does point out the flaws, it does not necessarily try to villainize it either.
Keep in mind, however, despite the comedy, this series can get extremely bleak at times, especially in its third season. So much so that the third season was the exact reason the show got canceled in the first place.
If you are in the mood for some dark humor, uncomfortable drama, and social commentary similar to BoJack Horseman, even more so than Long Story Short at times, this is worth a watch.
Where to Watch: HBO
2. Pantheon
Pantheon follows teenager Maddie as she gets digital messages from her supposedly dead father. From there, an intricate web of conspiracies unfolds regarding artificial intelligence and the digital cyberspace. Adapted from The Hidden Girl and Other Stories, a collection of short stories by author Ken Liu.
Each episode leaves you wanting more. The characters all feel like three-dimensional human beings with their own story and goals. The story does a good job of exploring its sci-fi connections, which feel more relevant than ever with the increased use of AI. They also use those themes in a meaningful narrative about what it truly means to be human.
If you love sci-fi narratives with tons of mysteries, as well as sharp, well-written dialogue, you need to watch Pantheon.
Where to Watch: Netflix
1. Blue Eyed Samurai
Despite what the image and title may have you believe, this is not an anime.
The story takes place in Edo-Period Japan, following Mizu, a half-Japanese swordswoman seeking vengeance against the four white men responsible for her mother’s death. While the premise seems simple, the expectation is amazing.
As you may expect, Blue Eyed Samurai takes themes such as sexism, xenophobia, and revenge. Yet it takes themes that have been done many times, and the show manages to present them in a way that doesn’t feel like it’s just taking from old tropes for the sake of it. Mizu herself is one of the most compelling, well-realized female protagonists in any adult animated show. The series also features some of the most fluid, well-choreographed fight scenes one could ask for.
If you love heavy action, complex characters, and Japanese history, you need to check this out.
Where to Watch: Netflix
