10 Groundbreaking Animated Series: Animation has evolved far beyond its early reputation as lighthearted fare for children. Today, animated shows are exploring deeper, often darker, themes, proving that the medium is ideal for tackling complex, emotional narratives. While the Saturday morning cartoons of the 80s were typically cheerful and simplistic, modern animation has expanded to cover sensitive and mature topics. Shows like BoJack Horseman and Rick and Morty use vibrant, chaotic exteriors to mask intense stories about mental health, loss, and existential struggles.
Even children’s animation is increasingly incorporating adult themes. Shows such as Bluey, aimed at young viewers, often include episodes that resonate with adults, addressing family dynamics and emotional growth. The limitless potential of animation allows creators to portray profound issues in ways that live-action may struggle to achieve, offering a unique, accessible lens to discuss challenging subjects.
10. Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal is a masterful exploration of survival and emotional resilience, set in a brutal, prehistoric fantasy world. Known for his work on Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Lab, Tartakovsky fully embraces mature storytelling in Primal, leaving behind the lighthearted humor of his previous works. The series follows Spear, a caveman, and Fang, a ferocious dinosaur, as they forge an unlikely bond through shared tragedy.
What sets Primal apart is its unique approach to storytelling. With no dialogue, the show relies entirely on striking visuals, powerful sound design, and the raw emotions of its characters to convey its narrative. This absence of words deepens the connection between the protagonists, highlighting the primal instincts that bind them in their harsh environment. Whether battling predators or confronting nature’s unforgiving elements, Spear and Fang’s relationship transcends survival, touching on themes of grief, friendship, and sacrifice.
At its core, Primal reflects the universal struggle to survive against overwhelming odds, while also delving into philosophical questions of existence. Its poignant depiction of man versus nature, intertwined with moments of emotional vulnerability, makes it one of the most compelling and uniquely crafted animated series in recent years.
9. Bojack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is a groundbreaking animated series that delves into the darker aspects of human existence, tackling issues rarely explored in animation. Voiced by Will Arnett, BoJack, a horse-headed former sitcom star, lives in a surreal world populated by both animal and human characters. Once the beloved patriarch of a family sitcom reminiscent of Full House, BoJack is now a washed-up, narcissistic, drug-addicted celebrity, grappling with the emptiness of his fame.
At first glance, the series appears lighthearted with its rapid-fire jokes, animal puns, and colorful characters. However, beneath the humor, BoJack Horseman confronts harrowing themes like depression, addiction, loneliness, and self-destruction. The show skillfully critiques the Hollywood entertainment industry, portraying its toxic culture and the hollow nature of fame. As BoJack attempts to relive his glory days and write his memoir, he faces his deep-seated insecurities and regrets, often making choices that deepen his misery.
The brilliance of BoJack Horseman lies in its ability to blend satire and pathos, crafting a protagonist who, despite being deeply flawed and often unlikable, elicits sympathy from viewers. The series challenges the idea of redemption, showing that sometimes, people are trapped in cycles of their own making, unable to break free.
8. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping anime that introduced Studio Trigger’s signature style to a global audience on Netflix. Set in the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077, the series follows David Martinez, a street-smart kid from the slums of Night City, who turns to crime after his mother’s tragic death. In a world driven by unchecked capitalism and technological obsession, David becomes an “edgerunner,” a mercenary operating outside the law to survive in this brutal, cyber-augmented city.
What sets Cyberpunk: Edgerunners apart is its heartbreaking narrative. David’s journey is a tragic descent into madness, fueled by desperation and the violent, unforgiving nature of Night City. As he strives to escape his dire circumstances, he faces not only the oppressive forces of the law but also other heavily cyber-augmented humans who threaten his life at every turn. The emotional core of the series lies in David’s preventable downfall, as he gradually loses himself to the corrupt, high-tech world around him.
With only one season, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners manages to deliver a powerful, bittersweet story that resonates deeply with its audience. Paired with breathtaking visuals and a haunting score, the show demonstrates the full potential of animation as a serious medium for storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what anime can achieve.
7. Moral Orel
Moral Orel is a darkly comedic stop-motion series that gained a cult following after its original run on Adult Swim. Set in a devout Protestant town in the American Bible Belt, the show follows Orel, a young boy eager to live by Christian values, only to discover that the adults he looks up to are deeply flawed. With animation reminiscent of Rankin/Bass holiday specials, Moral Orel contrasts its bright, cheerful aesthetic with bleak, often uncomfortable humor.
The series starts off with crude jokes that rival South Park in shock value, but as it progresses, Moral Orel delves into more serious themes like religious hypocrisy, the rejection of LGBTQ+ identities in conservative communities, and the trauma of sexual abuse. The show’s willingness to tackle such taboo subjects with a mix of satire and emotional depth ultimately led to its premature cancellation. However, its bold storytelling has earned it newfound appreciation in recent years, as viewers recognize its unflinching critique of moral absolutism.
6. Tuca & Bertie
Tuca & Bertie is a vibrant, adult-oriented animated series created by Lisa Hanawalt, known for its offbeat humor and nuanced exploration of real-world issues. While often compared to BoJack Horseman due to its anthropomorphic animal characters and adult themes, Tuca & Bertie carves its own path with a zanier, more colorful world and a focus on female friendship. The series follows Tuca, an outspoken and carefree toucan voiced by Tiffany Haddish, and Bertie, a timid, sweet-natured songbird voiced by Ali Wong, as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood.
At its core, the show explores themes of friendship, personal growth, and the complexities of modern womanhood. While it leans heavily into its absurd humor, Tuca & Bertie is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects like sexism, sexual harassment, and the emotional scars of childhood trauma. These heavier moments are handled with sensitivity, offering a refreshing balance between playful hijinks and meaningful storytelling.
The series skillfully uses its whimsical animation to tell relatable stories, proving that even the wackiest cartoons can address serious issues. Tuca & Bertie is a bold, refreshing take on adult animation, blending humor and heart to highlight the challenges of life, love, and friendship in an unpredictable world.
5. Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is a wildly popular animated series known for its blend of absurd humor and deep, sometimes dark, themes. Created by Dan Harmon, the show follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty on bizarre, reality-bending adventures across the multiverse. While the series is filled with nonsensical gags and wild science-fiction escapades, it also explores emotional and philosophical depths.
Rick’s troubled past, coupled with the dysfunction of the Smith family, allows the show to tackle serious issues like grief, addiction, and nihilism. These moments provide a stark contrast to the chaotic humor, making the emotional beats hit harder. Throughout their adventures, the characters encounter alien beings who reflect on life’s futility and the consequences of unchecked intelligence.
Despite its chaotic nature, Rick and Morty strikes a balance between comedy and existential reflection, which has earned it a massive following and multiple season renewals.
4. Young Justice
Young Justice is a standout animated series that showcases the DC Universe’s ability to tell compelling stories for both young audiences and adults. Created by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman, the show follows a group of young superheroes, including Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy, who operate in the shadows of their Justice League mentors. Initially, the series presents itself as a typical superhero action show, but it gradually delves into more complex and mature themes.
As the series progresses, the characters face darker challenges, reflecting their growth and evolving emotional struggles. Topics like betrayal, heartbreak, PTSD, and depression become central, showing that Young Justice isn’t afraid to explore the psychological toll of being a hero. Superboy’s struggle with his origin as a clone, for example, adds layers of emotional depth, moving beyond the usual action tropes.
With a cast featuring voices like Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, and Jason Spisak, Young Justice ages alongside its characters, tackling adult themes with sensitivity and nuance, proving that animated superhero shows can be just as emotionally rich as their live-action counterparts.
3. Scavenger’s Reign
Scavenger’s Reign is a visually stunning animated series that brilliantly marries science fiction with deeply human emotions. Set on a breathtaking yet perilous alien planet, the show follows the crew of a deep-space freighter stranded after a crash landing. As they search for survivors and attempt to navigate their hostile surroundings, their individual journeys unfold, weaving together tales of survival, loss, and connection.
Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner for MAX, Scavenger’s Reign expands on the concept introduced in the short film Scavengers, showcasing an exoplanet that feels both mesmerizing and terrifying. The alien environment serves as a metaphor for the human condition, highlighting the futility of endurance against the vastness of the universe while emphasizing the bonds that connect all living beings.
The series doesn’t shy away from portraying poignant moments, including the heartbreaking losses of key characters, which resonate with viewers on an emotional level. By balancing its grand, otherworldly scope with intimate storytelling, Scavenger’s Reign demonstrates animation’s unique power to explore complex themes. The result is a bleak yet hopeful narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their place within the universe and the interconnectedness of all life.
2. The Midnight Gospel
The Midnight Gospel is an animated series unlike any other, blending stunning visuals with deep, philosophical conversations. Created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell, the show follows Clancy Gilroy, a “spacecaster” who travels through different dimensions in a surreal, colorful universe known as the Chromatic Ribbon. Each episode of The Midnight Gospel pairs mind-bending animation with real-world audio from interviews conducted by Trussell on his podcast.
What sets The Midnight Gospel apart is its unique combination of hallucinogenic art and heartfelt discussions on topics like grief, death, and the human condition. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the show dives into introspective, often emotional conversations, drawing from the real-life experiences of its guests. These authentic discussions, combined with the show’s striking animation, create a deeply moving experience.
Despite its unconventional format, The Midnight Gospel delivers some of the most powerful moments in modern animation, offering viewers a meditative exploration of life’s biggest questions. It’s a series that challenges both the mind and the heart, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a more profound viewing experience.
1. Arcane
Arcane is a groundbreaking animated series set in the League of Legends universe, delivering an emotional depth that far surpasses its video game origins. The story takes place in the divided city of Piltover, where the affluent enjoy a life of technological marvels, while the impoverished citizens of Zaun, the undercity, struggle to survive. The heart of the series lies in the tragic relationship between two orphaned sisters, Vi and Powder, whose paths diverge as they become entangled in the growing conflict between Piltover’s elites and Zaun’s oppressed residents.
Vi, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, is a fierce protector, while Powder, who later becomes the unstable criminal Jinx, struggles with abandonment and mental instability. Their relationship is one of Arcane’s most poignant aspects, exploring how trauma and social inequality can tear even the strongest bonds apart. Alongside their story is that of Jayce, a brilliant inventor caught between ambition and moral responsibility.
The series masterfully addresses themes of poverty, mental health, and the societal impact of power imbalances, making the fantastical world of Arcane strikingly relatable. Its stunning animation, paired with nuanced storytelling, creates one of the most empathetic and emotionally charged fantasy experiences in modern animation. As fans await season 2, Arcane stands as a testament to the storytelling potential of video game adaptations.
Article Analysis
This article highlights the evolution of animation from lighthearted children’s fare to a medium capable of exploring complex, mature themes. It showcases various series, such as Primal, BoJack Horseman, and Arcane, which tackle issues like mental health, existential struggles, and social inequality through rich narratives and distinctive visual styles. By blending humor with emotional depth, these shows demonstrate animation’s potential for profound storytelling, appealing to both adult audiences and children alike.