Cartoons have entertained audiences since the early 1900s, but with each passing decade, the age-old art of animation has seen significant evolution. Fast forward to the 2020s and the medium has truly come into its own, delivering some of the most imaginative, heartwarming, emotional, and thought-provoking animated series to ever grace the small screens.
Gone are the days when animated TV shows were solely for children. The past couple of years, and the last four years in particular, have seen a renaissance of adult-focused animated series that rivals even the best live-action dramas. Whether it’s the wry social commentary or the delightfully dark humor, the 2020s have turned animation into a powerful tool for storytelling.
Of course, the superhero genre continues to hang out with the new generation of animated auteurs, and shows like Invincible remain as popular as Arcane, a breathtaking reimagining of the League of Legends universe. But the audiences don’t seem to complain as long as each story is equal parts complex and beautiful, and successfully reels them in with its stunning narrative. The 10 animated TV shows on the list are the best the 2020s have had to offer, so far.
10
‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022 – Present)
The Legend of Vox Machina
- Release Date
-
January 28, 2022
- Network
-
Amazon Prime Video
- Seasons
-
3
Based on the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role, The Legend of Vox Machina follows the adventures of a group of misfit heroes known as Vox Machina in the fantasy world of Exandria. The story begins with them going on a quest to save the kingdom of Tal’Dorei from a formidable dragon and steers into the treacherous politics of the village, ending with the heroes forging unbreakable bonds.
Epic Fantasy with a Humorous Twist
The series took the fantasy genre by storm with its irreverent and utterly captivating animation. It masterfully balances the epic narrative and laugh-out-loud moments and makes the rich world of Exandria accessible to mainstream audiences. The characters have incredible chemistry and the fights are exhilarating, and with each season tackling a new and engaging arc, the show has quickly established itself as a must-watch.
9
‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse’ (2020)
- Release Date
-
November 18, 2020
- Seasons
-
1
In the animated world, few characters manage to transport viewers to the realms of nostalgia and childhood, and Mickey Mouse is Disney’s beloved mascot that tops the list. Acting as a continuation and revival of the Mickey Mouse shorts by animator Paul Rudish that won an Emmy Award and millions of hearts back in 2013, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse is an animated series that features Mickey Mouse and his friends, including Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and others, as they take on wild and hilarious situations.
Testament to Mickey Mouse’s Timeless Appeal
Each episode of The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse is a self-contained story that showcases the classic charm and humor of the iconic Disney characters while also introducing modern and contemporary twists. The original shorts were so flawless and creative, that it was relatively easy for this new series to benefit from their success and craft equally timeless stories filled with nostalgic references and positive messages.
8
‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ (2023)
- Release Date
-
November 17, 2023
- Seasons
-
1
A spin-off to both the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and the 2010 film adaptation, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is an animated adventure that opens a new chapter for the beloved slacker-turned-bassist in an indie band, who falls in love with the Ramona Flowers, a delivery girl with an interesting past. The twist in the story is, in the beginning of the series itself, Scott Pilgrim seemingly dies, which prompts Ramona to investigate the mystery of his disappearance.
A Winning Transition to Animation
While the movie is a faithful adaptation of the comics, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off translates the kinetic energy and the offbeat charm of the characters in a fun and unique way. The series features the original cast from the 2010 film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, with Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Satya Bhabha, Chris Evans, and the others bringing their characters to life with iconic voice roles. The animation is fantastic and there’s plenty of meta-humor to keep viewers entertained throughout.
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7
‘X-Men ’97’ (2024 – Present)
- Release Date
-
March 20, 2024
- Cast
-
Jennifer Hale
, Chris Potter
, Alison Sealy-Smith
, Lenore Zann
, Cal Dodd
, Catherine Disher
, Adrian Hough
, Ray Chase
, Chris Britton
, George Buza - Seasons
-
1
The X-Men have a storied history when it comes to their escapades being translated to the screen. From being one of Marvel’s most popular bands of heroes to fading into obscurity for years, they’ve successfully remained a highlight in the superhero realm. X-Men ‘97 is a revival of the beloved X-Men: The Animated Series from the 1990s and it continues the story of the X-Men as they protect both humans and humans, face unexpected twists, and thwart various threats.
A Nostalgic Return to the Iconic ’90s
Picking up where the original animated series left off, X-Men ‘97 is infused with several nostalgic callbacks. It not only brings the excitement back but also delves deeper into the mutant life and their ongoing struggle for acceptance and justice to resonate with modern audiences. The animation by Studio Mir and Tiger Animation is a modernized version of the classic style, while the exhilarating fights and the political undertones are elements that make it worth the praise.
6
‘Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake’ (2023)
Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake
- Release Date
-
August 31, 2023
- Seasons
-
1
Across its eight-season-long run, Adventure Time was a steady success on Cartoon Network, even winning eight Primetime Emmy Awards. Bringing back the same magic, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is a spin-off that focuses on the gender-swapped versions of Finn and Jake, known as Fionna and Cake. Set in an alternate universe without magic, we witness Fionna and her cat Cake going about their daily lives dreaming of a magical world.
A Delightful Spin on a Beloved Classic
A proper adult animated series that puts a fresh and empowered spin on the original, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake expands the Adventure Time universe in a vibrant, captivating, and impressive way. The series hasn’t been around for long, but it has quickly gained popularity for its clever writing and heartwarming core story. It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is hailed by critics as one of the “most emotionally mature entries” in the franchise.
5
‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)
Scavengers Reign
- Release Date
-
October 19, 2023
- Rating
-
TV-MA
- Genres
-
Drama, Sci-Fi, Adventure
- Cast
-
Ted Travelstead, Wunmi Mosaku, Sunita Mani, Bob Stephenson, Alia Shawkat
- Seasons
-
1
Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner for Max, Scavengers Reign seems to have flown under our collective radar, but it holds a well-deserved spot on the list. The series begins with an interstellar cargo ship Demeter 227 crash-landing on the alien planet Vesta, leaving a bunch of survivors stranded. Divided into groups, these survivors explore the planet’s mysteries before eventually finding their way back to each other.
Brutal but Beautiful Sci-Fi Saga
Scavengers Reign tackles themes of survival, human greed, and the bond that forms between people stuck in the same situation. It is known for the intense storyline and atmospheric animation, as well as the compelling voice performances from Sunita Mani and Alia Shawkat. Even though it was canceled after just one season, its 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, the sci-fi premise, and thought-provoking narrative make it the most original piece of science fiction of the year.
4
‘Invincible’ (2021 – Present)
- Release Date
-
March 26, 2021
- Cast
-
Mark Hamill
, Gillian Jacobs
, Jon Hamm
, Mae Whitman
, Steven Yeun
, Walton Goggins
, Ezra Miller
, Jonathan Groff
, Sandra Oh
, Djimon Hounsou
, Khary Payton
, Seth Rogen
, Jeffrey Donovan
, Sonequa Martin-Green
, Mahershala Ali
, Malese Jow
, J. K. Simmons
, Clancy Brown
, Zazie Beetz
, Zachary Quinto
, Jason Mantzoukas
, Nicole Byer - Seasons
-
2
Developed by Robert Kirkman and based on the comic book series of the same name he co-created with Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, Invincible is set in a world where superheroes have become an integral part of everyday life. It follows Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits superpowers from his father, Omni-Man, the world’s strongest superhero. As Mark learns to use his abilities, he discovers that his father has a dark nature and questionable ethics.
Subverts the Very Tropes That Define the Genre
As Mark grapples with his newfound powers and the weighty responsibility that comes with being a part of the most extraordinary family, Invincible takes audiences on a thrilling ride, delivering action of epic proportions and a coming-of-age story that hits too close to home. The series has received widespread acclaim for its mature storytelling, stellar voice cast (including Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh and J. K. Simmons), and dramatic plot twists.
3
‘The Owl House’ (2020 – 2023)
The Owl House
- Release Date
-
January 10, 2020
- Cast
-
Sarah-Nicole Robles
, Wendie Malick
, Alex Hirsch
, Tati Gabrielle
, Issac Ryan Brown
, Mae Whitman
, Cissy Jones
, Zeno Robinson
, Matthew Rhys
, Michaela Dietz
, Elizabeth Grullon
, Fryda Wolff - Seasons
-
3
Aesthetically similar to Gravity Falls (courtesy of creator and showrunner Dana Terrace, who previously was a storyboard artist for the show), The Owl House follows Luz Noceda, a teenage girl who accidentally uses a demon portal and gets transported to a magical realm called the Boiling Isles. She befriends the rebellious witch Eda Clawthorne and her adorable demon companion King and tries to pursue her own dream of becoming a witch by working as Eda’s apprentice.
Visually Stunning and Imaginative Fantasy
Terrace has created a fantastic show that captures the hearts of both kids and adults. Filled with boundless imagination, compelling characters, hilariously dark script, and a willingness to tackle weighty themes with a delicate touch, the series also pretty proudly handles LGBTQ+ representation and is one of the first Disney properties to feature a same-sex animated couple. The Owl House is a critical darling and boasts a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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2
‘What If…?’ (2021 – Present)
3.5
/5
What If…?
- Release Date
-
August 11, 2021
- Cast
-
Samuel L. Jackson
, Stanley Tucci
, Michael Douglas
, Sean Gunn
, Mark Ruffalo
, Karen Gillan
, Tom Hiddleston
, Jeffrey Wright
, Michael B. Jordan
, Toby Jones
, Sebastian Stan
, Paul Rudd
, David Dastmalchian
, Natalie Portman
, Josh Brolin
, Dominic Cooper
, Jeff Goldblum
, Hayley Atwell
, Djimon Hounsou
, Chadwick Boseman
, Taika Waititi
, Chris Hemsworth
, Neil McDonaugh
, Jeremy Renner
, Michael Rooker - Seasons
-
3
Back in 2021, when the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe was in full throttle, a new frontier emerged in the form of an animated series where the absolute unthinkable became reality. What If…? explores alternate realities within the MCU. Each episode reimagines key events from the past and puts a twist on familiar stories, like Peggy Carter becoming the First Avenger, Star Lord turning against the Avengers, Ultron winning, and more.
Reframes the Very Foundations of the MCU
Diving deep into the Marvel mythos and makes audiences question what would happen had things turned out differently, What If…? features scenarios that are more tantalizing and thought-provoking than ever. It weaves together familiar events only to alter them in surprising ways. The series is narrated by The Watcher (voiced by Jeffrey Wright), a cosmic being who only observes these alternate realities and never intervenes.
1
‘Arcane’ (2021 – Present)
- Release Date
-
November 6, 2021
Set in the popular video game world of Riot’s League of Legends, Arcane is an animated series that focuses on the origin stories of two iconic champions, Vi and Jinx, who find themselves on opposite sides of a rapidly escalating conflict between the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun. As tension rises between the utopia and the oppressed, Vi and Jinx’s relationship is put to the test.
An Emotionally Gripping Animated Masterpiece
The fact that Arcane is adapted from a wildly popular video game franchise weighs over a lot of expectations. And the show delivers in every way possible. It became a cultural phenomenon with its unique steampunk art style and combines traditional animation with cutting-edge technology. Critics also praised the character arcs, voice cast (featuring Hailee Steinfeld as Vi and Ella Purnell as Jinx), emotional depth, and the intricate world-building. Despite only running for two seasons, Arcane has established itself as one of the best animated TV shows of the 2020s.
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