Who says that animated movies are just for kids? Animation has always attempted to appeal to adults as much as kids. It was not until the 70s and 80s, however, that animated films for grown-ups finally entered mainstream success. Since then, studios have proven time and time again that animation is not just a medium for children.
One way studios have woven their way into the hearts and minds of the adult public is by leaning heavily into the more absurd elements of animation. This dissonance between reality and fiction allows for humor that’s down-to-earth, vulgar, and even sexually explicit at times. This raunchy style of animated storytelling gives the young at heart the best of both worlds — the nostalgia of watching a weird cartoon paired with the outrageous and downright dirty humor of adulthood.
This trend arguably picked up speed with the 1972 adult black comedy Fritz the Cat, one of the first and undeniably filthiest animated films of all time. Since Fritz the Cat’s debut over fifty years ago, studios have fully embraced adult animated farces, proving them to be just as profitable with grown-up audiences. Many beloved animated television shows, like The Simpsons, have also gone on to release big-screen adaptations. Those adaptations, however, only scratch the surface of the genre. These are the raunchiest animated movies for adults.
‘South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut’ (1999)
Comedy Central’s foul-mouthed animated hit series South Park made its way to the big screen with 1999’s South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut. The film follows Stan and the gang as they sneak into an R-rated movie and emerge with a penchant for swearing. This, of course, causes their parents to blame Canada for their children’s corruption.
Due to creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s dispute with the MPAA over the project’s profanity, the film satirizes the Motion Picture Association of America. The brazen comedy includes everything the show is famous for, such as crude sexual humor, vulgar jokes, and perverse social and political satire. The movie received solid reviews upon its release. It has been described as both outrageously profane and wildly funny, all in service to its pro-tolerance theme. It was also the highest-grossing R-rated animated film until 2016.
‘Heavy Traffic’ (1973)
Fritz the Cat director Ralph Bakshi served up an entertainingly filthy flick when he helmed the 1973 adult animated drama Heavy Traffic. The plot follows aspiring cartoonist Michael Corleone as he seeks inspiration through interactions with unsavory individuals he meets on the streets of New York City. Joseph Kaufmann stars as the 22-year-old pinball-loving virgin who crosses paths with an array of colorful characters that include a masochistic nymphomaniac named Snowflake and a violent Italian mafioso.
Despite its bawdy content and X-rating, Heavy Traffic became Bakshi’s greatest critical success and earned positive reviews from critics. The filmmaker became the first person in animation history since Walt Disney to release two profitable films back-to-back. The provocative and boundary-pushing picture remains an early example of adult animated content that would go on to inspire future projects.
‘America: The Motion Picture’ (2021)
2021’s Netflix original film America: The Motion Picture is an animated comedy that is loosely based on the Founding Fathers of the United States and the American Revolution. With an ensemble voice cast including Channing Tatum, Jason Mantzoukas, Will Forte, and Simon Pegg, the film is a tongue-in-cheek take on the American Revolution that’s jam-packed with outrageous characters and rude, crude humor.
America: The Motion Picture is self-aware of its own ridiculousness. For instance, it turns George Washington into a chainsaw-wielding hero alongside a beer-chugging Sam Adams. Though many critics condemned the film for its juvenile jokes and writing, the animated comedy earned appreciation for its cast, animation, and unique overall concept.
1981’s animated anthology flick Heavy Metal depicts an anthology of science fiction and fantasy stories tied together by a glowing green orb that is the embodiment of ultimate evil. Heavy Metal stars the voices of Rodger Bumpass, John Candy, Eugene Levy, and Joe Flaherty. The film was adapted from the Heavy Metal magazine and its original tales. Like the publication, it features an immense amount of sexuality, nudity, and graphic violence.
Unfortunately, the movie received a mixed response upon its release. Fans were impressed by its stunning graphics, killer soundtrack, and sharp wit, while others criticized the picture for its blatant sexism and romanticization of violence. Since then, the movie has gained cult status and is now considered a pioneering time capsule of the ’80s. Interestingly, David Fincher and Tim Miller were set to remake the film, but their reboot turned into the popular Love, Death & Robots instead.
‘Aachi & Ssipak’ (2006)
Aachi & Ssipak is a dystopian South Korean film about, well… poop. Lots and lots of poop. In this world, all potential energy resources have been depleted, leaving only this au naturale element to power humanity’s dwindling resources. Citizens are implanted with an anal chip at birth that rewards their defecation with highly addictive “Juicy Pops.” The plot of Aachi & Ssipak follows the exploits of the titular duo, street thugs who sell black market juicy pops to the masses.
While the fact that Aachi & Ssipak was marketed with ‘interactive’ merch is somewhere between vaguely intriguing and absolutely horrifying, it does speak to this film’s widespread appeal. Directed by Jo Beom-jin, the project was initially proposed in 1998. After showcasing some original episodes, the project lost steam until its theatrical release in 2006. It was later rewritten and dubbed by the creators of Dick Figures for English-speaking audiences, giving it a fresh new vibe.
‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters’ (2007)
It would be borderline criminal not to have at least one Cartoon Network spectacle on this list. Released in 2007, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters is an offshoot of the popular Aqua Teen Hunger Force animated series. In it, the trio of Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad find themselves in battle over an immortal piece of exercise equipment.
While fans of the series were beyond excited about this film’s release, newcomers to the series left theaters with more questions than answers. Indeed, Aqua Teen Hunger Force has built its own little universe of memeable moments and inside jokes that work best for those who have seen the series in its entirety before checking out the film; those in the know love the movie for what it is.
‘The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie!’ (2010)
Based on the cult classic Comedy Central series, The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! Reunited the animated eight former housemates in a quest to resurrect the glory of their former show (and tie up a few storylines in the process).
The original series was a riff on reality television that grew from satire to increasingly raunchy over its time on air. The show drew inspiration from internet memes, Disney princesses, animated comic book heroes, the iconic Hanna-Barbera creations, Betty Boop, Zelda, and Pokémon. Released in 2010, the film once again allowed audiences to experience these eight characters drawn together for themselves.
‘Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie!’ (2013)
Jay & Silent Bob’s Groovy Cartoon Movie! turns the comic of “Bluntman & Chronic” into a reality. The comedic storyline follows the two as they navigate their new lives and manage “The League of Shitters,” a hilarious group of villains formed against them.
It was almost inevitable that Kevin Smith would release a Jay & Silent Bob cartoon film, and the result is a hoot. ViewAskew fans are advised to tune in if they haven’t already, but general viewers might be disappointed in comparison to gems like Dogma. Essentially, Jay & Silent Bob’s Groovy Cartoon Movie! is pure fan service, but if that is what you are in the mood for, the raunchy animated film is perfect.
‘Eight Crazy Nights’ (2002)
Eight Crazy Nights is Adam Sandler’s first animated film role. This Hanukkah film’s take on the popular Ebenezer Scrooge trope is filled with several Easter eggs that only adults would notice. The story follows ne’er-do-well Davey Stone (Sandler), who is forced into community service as an assistant referee for a kids’ league.
The movie featured Sandler in several voice roles alongside former SNLers Kevin Nealon, Jon Lovitz, and Rob Schneider. In his time at SNL, Sandler was known for his Opera Man sketches, with songs like The Thanksgiving Song and, of course, The Chanukah Song. A film about the latter, an animated musical no less, seemed like a no-brainer at the time. Unfortunately, Sandler’s comedy isn’t for everyone, and the movie was panned by critics. Still, its hand-drawn animation is visually stunning, and it has become a holiday favorite of many.
‘Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie’ (2013)
Released 35 years after their first film in 1978, Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie has everything audiences have come to expect from its titular characters. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are arguably unsung cultural icons whose weed-fueled shenanigans have managed to stay relevant throughout their decades of movies.
While by no means an Oscar-nominated venture, Cheech & Chong’s Animated Movie proves that these two knuckleheads still have the groove all these years later. Importantly, the animated film did not try to reinvent the duo, sticking close to the humor and personas that made them an endearing cult favorite.
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