Top 10 Best Animated Television Series

When it comes to animated television series, there's something special about the way these shows blend storytelling, creativity, and artistic expression.

From thrilling adventures in fantastical worlds to hilarious antics in everyday life, animated shows have a way of entertaining fans of all ages. Whether you're drawn to clever humor, heartwarming moments, or jaw-dropping visuals, animated series offer something for everyone.

The Top Ten

The Simpsons

The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. It originally aired as shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show starting April 19, 1987, and debuted as a standalone series on December 17, 1989.
As of 2026, it remains the longest-running animated sitcom. The show follows Homer Simpson... read more

The best TV show ever! Well, for the first nine seasons, which were flawless. From the tenth season onward, however, the quality declined. I recommend this show to everyone from the age of 5, though ages 3 or 4 would be better, to "God only knows."

Simpsons is enjoyable. I think this show should be down a little lower, but all in all, it's a great show. Not so much a family show all the time. It is on FOX, so there is some adult content on it, but the swearing is kept to a minimum. I started watching it two years ago, and it is pretty enjoyable to watch.
SpongeBob SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is an American animated television series created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg for Nickelodeon. It has become one of Nickelodeon's most popular and longest-running shows, attracting both children and adults.... read more

This should be much higher. I can understand why other age groups might not have grown up with it, but it has funnier plots than The Simpsons, more structure than Family Guy, less obnoxious crude humor than South Park, and much funnier dialogue. All in all, it's one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. Everyone should love it.
I love reminiscing about my childhood - though I'm the first to admit the recent ones are terrible - and everything I mention in conversation about it makes me laugh hard. I can't think of a single bad joke or unfunny plot from when it was actually good. It's the perfect comedy show and can be enjoyed by everyone, not just kids.
South Park

South Park is an American adult animated sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone for the Comedy Central television network. The show centers on four boys: Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Eric Cartman, and Kenny McCormick, and their adventures in the fictional town of South Park, Colorado. It's known... read more

This is by far one of the best things I have ever seen on television. You either laugh your ass off or you are strongly offended. My appreciation for this show knows no limits. Not only do you get humor with your main characters, but you also get humor from the pop culture it makes fun of. This show delivers a message that has already been said in the show: "Either it's all okay, or none of it is."

This show is one of the best shows I've ever watched, and probably the funniest. Sorry, Family Guy, you're second now. But here are my favorite things in it.
Characters:
5. Butters
4. Kenny
3. Stan
2. Eric
1. Kyle
I just like Kyle. I can relate to him.
Episodes:
5. Butt Out!
4. ManBearPig (No one takes me seriously!)
3. I forgot the name, but it was when the girls made a private list of the boys from cutest to ugliest, and Kyle was voted the ugliest.
2. The episode where Sarah Jessica Parker got shot, and the Kardashians got killed because of Butters.
1. I forgot the name again, but it was when all the kids in the town called the police on the adults and said they 'molested' them, until two adults get stuck in the town run by the kids. And yes, Kenny dies in it.
Favorite Quote:
"I hate all of you, especially you, Kyle." ~ Cartman
Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls is an American animated television series produced by Disney Television Animation. It first aired on Disney Channel before moving to Disney XD, running from June 15, 2012, to February 15, 2016. The series follows the adventures of Dipper Pines and his twin sister Mabel in the fictional... read more

I love Family Guy, Spongebob, and many other cartoons, but Gravity Falls is something entirely new and original. I mean, for a kid's show, it can get really dark and has some really funny jokes without relying on cursing or highly inappropriate subjects (unlike Family Guy and South Park). It's also one of the few shows with continuity. Once you get further into the show, things from past episodes start to add up and make more sense.
The amount of detail in the setting, the hidden Easter eggs, and the "clues" are what make this show so amazing. I forgot to mention how amazing the characters are. I don't think there's a single character I truly despise in the series. In contrast, with other cartoons like Family Guy, there are a lot of characters I don't like. At the very least, I believe Gravity Falls should be ranked higher than South Park.
Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is an American animated television series that aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons from 2005 to 2008. It is set in an Asiatic-inspired world where some people can manipulate the classical elements using psychokinetic techniques based on Chinese martial arts, known as "bending."... read more

This is truly one of the best animated TV series I have ever seen. This show has everything you could ask for. It manages to have comedy, action, adventure, and drama at the same time! There's always something you will like about it.
The plot is amazing, and the development of the characters is so well done and real. I've learned a lot about life from this TV series, and it has actually helped me live my life to the fullest. I also love the romance in the show because it feels so real and alive.
The music is incredible. Every time I listen to it, I feel the emotion the music conveys. I love the way the creators managed to create a whole universe, where each nation has its own culture and traditions, a spiritual world, and even animals that are different from ours.
I really like this show because it's not dumb like others. Many shows only have good jokes but no real plot or purpose. However, this show has everything plotted out from the beginning. It gives you life lessons you will never forget. It feels real. You won't regret watching the whole series.
Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes is an American animated series of comedy short films produced by Warner Bros. from 1930 to 1969. It was released during what is often referred to as the Golden Age of American animation. The series was created alongside its sister series, Merrie Melodies, and introduced iconic characters... read more

The Looney Tunes are classics! I prefer the shorts to the new show, though. I loved how they were so unexpected. You never knew what the characters would do next! Plus, I love how they're appealing to everyone, not just kids. They're also timeless cartoons. Anyone of any generation would enjoy these cartoons.

I love Gravity Falls, but Looney Tunes should be above that. I find SpongeBob to be overrated as well.

This is a show from the theaters just before it was on TV.
Batman: The Animated Series

Batman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It originally aired on Fox Kids from 1992 to 1995 and was developed by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski. The show is praised for its darker tone, film noir aesthetics, and introduction of original... read more

Okay, I am a little biased due to my love of Batman, but this is truly an amazing show. It has an impossibly great score, wondrous voice acting, and the most beautiful animation possible. Each episode is truly a work of art. What's more, it somehow manages to capture the characters, settings, and themes of Batman's world better than any movie ever has (don't get me wrong, The Dark Knight was great, but this does a better job of what I'm describing). I won't belittle any other show on this list, but in terms of a product that can be appreciated at any age and stands alone as an art form, Batman: The Animated Series is simply the best.

Deserves to sit at the top of this list. Inception (reality vs. dream), The Matrix (virtual reality), Terminator (artificial intelligence and cyborgs), and other such movies have their essence captured in this '90s show. It's one of the darkest cartoons ever and definitely not just a kid's show. It's so much more.
You also get to see all of Batman's greatest villains. The men who first voiced Batman and the Joker are still doing a stupendous job in the Batman: Arkham video game series.
Family Guy

Family Guy is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series centers on the Griffins, a family consisting of Peter, Lois, their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie, and their anthropomorphic dog, Brian. The show is set in the fictional city of Quahog... read more

Haha! I never get tired of Family Guy. Their way of delivering jokes through cutaways is repetitive, but the jokes themselves never lose their touch. It has been my favorite animated show since I was very young.

What is this? Seventh place? It should be first, with South Park second. What?! SpongeBob at 2? The Simpsons at 1? This is hilarious. Oh, I forgot, this site is for little kids who like SpongeBob? What the living hell?

I'm not a fan of this show anymore, but I used to love it during the old seasons. Better plots, hilarious jokes, and most of all, the characters are awesome. Credit to Seth MacFarlane from Season 1 to Season 7.
Futurama

Futurama is an American animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The show follows Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy who's cryogenically frozen and wakes up 1,000 years in the future. It blends satire, science fiction, and social commentary.

While The Simpsons kept getting dumber to try and be more like Family Guy, Matt Groening stayed true to the original premise of the show. The series was so well-liked by true fans that when Fox got rid of it for other worthless animated shows, fans petitioned hard enough to bring the show back. It was done in the form of three movies and then picked back up by Comedy Central.
The series also had critical acclaim, being nominated for 17 Annie Awards and 12 Emmys. Not bad for a show that lasted seven seasons. Not many shows in general (let alone animated) can garner that kind of fan base or praise.

Brilliant and genius plots, hilarious jokes, funny and lovable characters, and don't forget... the FUTURE! Just a fantastic show. A lot better than the sometimes boring Family Guy and far better than the unbearable Simpsons.
My favorite characters are Bender, Zoidberg, and Zapp. My favorite episodes are "Roswell That Ends Well", "Murder on the Planet Express", and "The Late Philip J. Fry."
If you don't like the show, then bite my fat human butt.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is an animated children's television series based on the fourth incarnation of Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise. The show follows a studious unicorn, later transformed into an alicorn, named Twilight Sparkle (voiced by Tara Strong) and her friends Applejack (Ashleigh... read more

Honestly, if there's one show I'd recommend people to watch, it's MLP:FiM. Not because it crosses gender or age boundaries or something like that. I like it because it's genuinely a good show. The plots, while at times simple, are engaging in a way that brings you well into a comfort zone. The characters are written in such a way that, even though they might seem bland on the outside, as the episodes go on, they develop their own complex personalities and relationships.
It may not be something as adult as South Park, but I personally think MLP:FiM is one of the best animated shows out there and deserves a place at the very top of this chart.

The Newcomers

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ChalkZone

ChalkZone is an American animated television series created by Bill Burnett and Larry Huber for Nickelodeon. The show originally aired from 2002 to 2008. It follows the adventures of Rudy Tabootie, a boy who discovers a magical world behind the chalkboard where everything he draws comes to life.
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xxxHOLiC

The Contenders

Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation. It follows the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors as they protect Earth from various villains. The series emphasizes themes of good versus evil and teaches values such as teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance.

I grew up on DBZ! Sure, some of the jokes are kind of cheesy, but I absolutely love it. I can tell you the name of every character and everything that happened in all the episodes until the Buu Saga. I don't know about all of you, but Buu annoyed me, and I lost interest in watching after that. Anyway, DBZ is what inspired me to start writing my own adventures, and when my novel finally gets published, everyone that reads this post will know. P.S. I don't like Goku. Vegeta is the best character!

Thank God they brought back this show, but I have two things to ask you:
1. Are Super and GT different timelines?
2. Why is Super after GT? You had your chance after Dragon Ball Z, but no, let's think 18 years later about it.
To the people who read this, there is a really good fan-made Dragon Ball show called Absalon. I'm not going to ruin it for you, but all you need to know is that it's set 12 years after GT.
I have one more thing to ask: stop making Goku kill all the bad guys. OK, we get it - he's the hero. And when he's not there, Gohan steals the spotlight. Also, stop making Goten do this for Trunks or the others.
Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry is an American animated series of comedy short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It is best known for its 161 theatrical shorts produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which feature the comedic rivalry between Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse.... read more

This show has always had a special place in my heart as I remember my father recording episodes on Cartoon Network when I was little. After all these years, this is still my number one animated TV show of all time.

Looney Tunes is a classic and slightly more iconic, but Tom and Jerry still makes us laugh today, so it gets my vote. Also, where's the 2011-2014's The Looney Tunes Show? If anyone replies, say +EadlumKirke.

This cartoon show makes me laugh a lot. It's one of the best cartoon shows in the world. I watched this cartoon show for the first time on a black and white TV screen.
Regular Show

Regular Show is an American animated television series created by J. G. Quintel for Cartoon Network that premiered on September 6, 2010. The series follows the lives of two friends, Mordecai, a blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon. They work as groundskeepers at a local park and often find themselves in surreal... read more

Good show. Jolly good show indeed.
I love how the characters are in real-life situations but always wind up in trouble. If I had a job, it would be at the park.
Great for all ages.

It is so funny for little kids and they're trying to get the young youth. It has a quality that no other show has, just like Adventure Time.

Number 12? Are you serious, people? This show is great and makes you care about its characters and their stories. It's original and unique!
Adventure Time

Adventure Time is an American animated television series created by Pendleton Ward for Cartoon Network. The series follows the adventures of a boy named Finn, voiced by Jeremy Shada, and his best friend and adoptive brother Jake, voiced by John DiMaggio. Jake is a dog with the magical power to change... read more

One of my all-time favourite shows - definitely deserves to be higher up on this chart. This show is the perfect blend of stupid humour and creepy/dark themes. It's just plain weird, yet it has so much charm. In a world so wacky, the characters are somehow easy to make connections with and relate to.
Amongst the spontaneous nature of the episode structures, the underlying themes and backstories are fascinating and at times heartbreaking. Adventure Time did everything from twisting my emotions and bringing me to tears, to throwing out crazy plot twists to blow my mind, to making me uncontrollably laugh at the most ridiculous things (sometimes simultaneously). I don't think I've ever cried more over a finale than I did to the ending of what was this absolute masterpiece. I'll always miss the adventures!
Archer

Archer is an American adult animated spy sitcom created by Adam Reed. The series premiered in 2009 on FX and later moved to FXX. It follows the misadventures of Sterling Archer and his dysfunctional coworkers at a fictional intelligence agency.

I totally agree! From the animation itself to the unique and hilarious humor, Archer is always underrated and forgotten, not just by award shows but in different aspects!

Once I watched this show, I had a hard time finding another show to take its place.

Definitely one of those shows that's pretty unique. For well, a lot of things...
American Dad!

American Dad! is an American adult animated sitcom created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman for the Fox Broadcasting Company and currently airs on TBS. It was the first television series to premiere on the network's Animation Domination block. The series premiered on February 6, 2005... read more

What's with all these Asian shows being in the top 10?
I believe American Dad is a lot better than people think. People don't realize that Seth MacFarlane left the production crew when Fox renewed Family Guy, which eventually led to an increase in quality.

This proves Seth MacFarlane is a talented guy. This is like a much more polished Family Guy, with better, tasteful humor, good characters, and much better stories.

Roger is the best character in history. He and Stan breaking rocks in the hot sun. Stop, Stan, I love that song. Or, Screw it, I fought the law and the law won.
Pokémon

Pokémon, abbreviated from the Japanese title Pocket Monsters and currently marketed in English as Pokémon: The Series, is a Japanese anime television series adapted for international audiences. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 8, 1998.... read more

Before Black and White, I would watch like 20 episodes a day. Then, when the trash began... yuck. Iris gives me a bad taste in my mouth. All I hear is, "Ash, you're such a little kid." Then having moments like she likes him? Really? Then that's when they came back with new ideas. Ash is not a complete idiot anymore, and he finally gets a girl with a huge crush on him.

Pokemon is the greatest thing ever created! I also believe that Best Wishes is the best thing that could possibly have happened to Pokemon. It is amazing! Can't wait for Pokemon X and Y! Pokemon was, is, and always will be the best thing that ever happened to kids, adolescents, and adults as well! Pokemon forever!
Phineas and Ferb

Phineas and Ferb is an American animated comedy-musical television series. It was initially previewed on August 17 and September 28, 2007, before officially premiering on February 1, 2008. The series ended on June 12, 2015, after a successful run on Disney Channel.... read more

For me, it has both the wacky humor of Roald Dahl and the imagination of "Pinky and the Brain." I love shows that create their own set of laws, allowing each episode to be realistic according to the show's rules but unrealistic according to our own.

An absolute classic for when I was born (2006. It came out when I was 1). There is no doubt that this deserves a special place in my heart.

You two deserve better. Like around 15 to 20. Not that great, but watching this was a blast.
Beavis and Butt-Head

Beavis and Butt-Head is an American adult animated television series created by Mike Judge. The show originally aired from 1993 to 1997 and was revived in 2011 and again in 2022. It follows two teenage slackers who comment on music videos and engage in absurd and often crude adventures.

Wow. Number 50? I would honestly rather watch this than any show from Seth MacFarlane. Beavis and Butt-Head is often labeled and demonized as immature, but it actually has quite genius and intellectual humor. I love a show where metal rules and pop sucks! I REALLY love season 4 also because they bash garbage shows like Jersey Shore. I love the originality, and I adore shows and movies from Mike Judge.
I hate how overrated Family Guy is, though. The first season is a huge ripoff of The Simpsons. Original? Not really. Clever puns? Not at all. Just random nonsense. Original humor? I wish. Almost every joke is ripped from a movie. You would be surprised how many times someone tells me "a joke from Family Guy" that turns out to be something I have seen in a movie. The cutscenes are okay, but they do nothing for the plot.
Believe it or not, I actually kind of like Family Guy, but not enough for a top ten list of any kind. Beavis and Butt-Head, South Park, and King of the Hill are better than Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show.
Teen Titans

Teen Titans is an American animated television series created by Glen Murakami, based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name. It originally aired on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2006 and later on Kids' WB. The series follows a team of young superheroes as they battle villains and navigate growing... read more

One of my favorite shows behind Avatar.
Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty is an American adult animated science fiction sitcom created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Adult Swim. The series premiered in 2013 and follows the misadventures of an eccentric scientist, Rick Sanchez, and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson Morty. The show is known... read more

Although still early in its 11:30 time slot on Adult Swim, currently airing season two, I'd happily consider Rick and Morty as one of the best animated programs out there. Its ability to balance belly-aching, quick-witted humor and hit emotional beats resoundingly are a marvel to watch. The show adds an abundance of fresh ideas with its irregular main characters (an alcoholic genius grandfather and a not too bright, cowardly grandson) and satirical dark humor.
Each episode acts like a cinema spectacular, involving immense sci-fi adventures and actions, using classic science fiction tropes and adding their own unique spin to them, even adding layer upon layer of their own crazy, oddly fitting twists. The pacing of each act is spectacular, as it wastes no time on matters they don't need to delve into. The jokes are almost always great to see come out right, and even most of the side characters are creative and fun to watch. 10/10
Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese anime television series that premiered in 1998 and was produced by the animation studio Sunrise. The series was directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, written by Keiko Nobumoto, and featured character designs by Toshihiro Kawamoto and mechanical designs by Kimitoshi Yamane. The music... read more

Fun series at the surface, but it has some deep characterization going on under the surface.
There's more to this series than most writing for American television. I think a good show should tell me a story, not just distract me pointlessly.

Great characterization, great music, good animation, and intriguing plots to the episodes.
I have absolutely no problems with this show.
Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and based on the manga of the same name by Akira Toriyama. It helped popularize anime in the United States and was dubbed in English on Cartoon Network's Toonami block. The franchise has remained highly influential, spawning... read more

Ah, yes, Dragon Ball. I love this series. I can never get enough of it.
Ed, Edd n Eddy

Ed, Edd n Eddy is a Canadian-American animated comedy television series created by Danny Antonucci for Cartoon Network. It was the sixth original Cartoon Cartoon produced by the network. The show follows three preteen boys named Ed, Edd (also called "Double D"), and Eddy, who live in a suburban cul-de-sac... read more

Looking back on this show quite a few years after watching it end is really strange. When I was a kid, this was my favorite show without a doubt, but it changes with age.
When it was still on, I was simply entertained by the show. When I look back at it now, I'm more than just entertained - I'm amazed by the creativity in every episode. I'm amazed by the jazz background in every episode. I'm amazed by how each character fills an archetype but violates them all at the same time.
When I watched the final movie, I was innocently happy. I had seen the whole series end, and everything had ended happily. When I watch it now, it's so incredibly sad. An entire universe full of characters you loved simply ends, and it's tragic. I never really feel "nostalgia," but this show is an anomaly for me.
If you haven't watched this show, you might want to, and you might want to very soon. (Sorry this was so cheesy.)
Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a gifted high school student with a strong sense of justice who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. His actions as... read more

Death Note, without a doubt, is the greatest show ever. It's also the most underrated show. All those guys watching Prison Break should start watching this and make a judgment themselves.

No other series is like this. If anyone is interested in any series, let it be this one. The best among all the animated shows I have ever seen in my life. Masterpiece in mind games.

Epic. Really, its depth and story have no words to describe them. Death Note deserves better than this. A must-watch. See it and you'll know it's great.