Best Adult Animated Series on Netflix

Despite the social stigma that animated films are immature or just for kids, popular cartoons like Family Guy, The Simpsons, Rick and Morty, and even various anime series have dispelled this notion. Many animated works are much more intricate than they appear on the surface. Hidden in the visually artistic worlds featured in animation are complex themes, profound emotions, and messages that reflect our political, cultural and social problems — subjects that even live-action films may hesitate to explore. Well, the whole point of this compilation isn’t to persuade viewers who dislike cartoons to give them a chance, but rather to cater to those who absolutely love cartoons and are looking to find more of them on Netflix.

While some of the cartoons available on Netflix are definitely just for kids, there is a substantial collection that exclusively caters to mature audiences. From Big Mouth to BoJack Horseman, here are some of the finest animated series for suckers of these imaginative worlds.

Updated on March 13, 2024, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

20 The Guardians of Justice (2022-Present)

Created, written, and directed by Adi Shankar, The Guardians of Justice is a unique blend of live action and superhero animation. Its story follows a fearless leader named Marvelous Man, who has maintained peace on Earth for four decades now. But when he self-destructs, the world descends into pure chaos. Marvelous Man’s former lieutenant, Knight Hawk, and an idealistic hero named The Speed, take it upon themselves to stop a nuclear war.

A Piece of Adi Shankar’s Bootleg Universe

The Guardians of Justice belongs to Adi Shankar’s Bootleg Universe. It is both a satire of DC Comics and a zany and humorous adult animation series. The series reminds you of Saturday morning cartoons and classic superhero comics, but with a surprisingly fresh tone. While the mixed-media experience is like nothing you’ve seen before, the series’ fast-paced and geeky narrative acts as a palate cleanser between your regularly rotating shows.

19 Paradise PD (2018-2022)

Roger Black and Waco O’Guin co-wrote and directed Paradise PD specifically for an adult audience looking for a laugh. The animated series follows an eccentric crew of cops led by Chief Randall Crawford in the crime-ridden town of Paradise. Despite being police themselves, they are so incompetent and corrupt that they end up breaking more laws than upholding them. Their anything-goes style of enforcing the law, however, does not save them from dangerous situations.

A Raunchy Workplace Comedy

If you’re a fan of Brooklyn Nine-Nine and its signature brand of humor, then Paradise PD is the show for you. With its raunchy and politically outrageous jokes, the series completely contradicts and subverts its central theme. The characters – ranging from an officer who is borderline psychotic to a police dog who ends up abusing the drugs he’s supposed to guard – are wild and entertaining, with strong actors voicing them. These include the likes of Dana Snyder, Tom Kenny, Cedric Yarbrough, and Grey DeLisle. Overall, the animated series is filled with non-stop comedy moments and rapid-fire jokes.

18 The Midnight Gospel (2020)

A surrealist comedy, The Midnight Gospel is created by Pendleton Ward and comedian Duncan Trussell, and is adapted from Trussell’s recording of his podcast, “The Duncan Trussell Family Hour.” Basically, the eight-episode series transforms real life interviews into psychedelic animation, simply to give visuals to the voices. Each conversation delves into topics like death, addiction, relationships, and moving on.

A Psychedelic Treat

The best thing about The Midnight Gospel is that the episodes are standalone, lasting around 20 minutes each, and you can simply watch them in a random order depending on what you’re in the mood for. Its mind-bending and visually bizarre animation has no connection with the podcast whatsoever, but it acts as the perfect foil to keep you invested in the overall conversation, help you dive into the philosophy, and understand the personal growth anecdotes better. Critics and fans particularly enjoyed an episode titled, “Mouse of Silver,” where Trussell talks to his real-life mother.

17 Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a clever and charming animated series based on the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels and the 2010 film adaptation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. However, unlike the source material, it sees the titular character mysteriously disappear in the first episode. In the remaining seven episodes, his love interest, Ramona Flowers, tries to figure out the truth behind Scott’s disappearance. In the process, she’ll regularly interact with other famous characters from the series.

A Twist on a Cult Classic

The entire cast of the beloved cult classic returns to reprise their roles as respective voice actors and make Scott Pilgrim Takes Off both refreshing and nostalgic. Captured with hyper-colorful, breakneck energy, the series adds new depth to the characters by placing them in an alternate reality. Creators Bryan Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski create new scenarios and slick animations for the characters to thrive within while still retaining the personal quirks as witnessed and admired in the comic books. Overall, with humor and action, the series offers bingeworthy fun.

16 Human Resources (2022-2023)

This raunchy but sweet animation series has a lot in common with sitcoms like The Office, as well as comedy classics like Superbad, and beloved animated movies like Inside Out. One quick read through its premise and you’ll make the connection. A workplace comedy featuring the monsters from Big Mouth, it follows surreal creatures like Hormone Monsters and Depression Kitties, who are given the role at a corporation called Human Resources. At this corporation, they help guide a respective adult through various aspects of life ranging from puberty to adulthood.

A Hilarious Big Mouth Spinoff

Just as outrageous and funny as its predecessor, Human Resources distinguishes itself by combining classic (and gross) humor with clever social commentary. What’s interesting is the monsters can be seen by their assigned humans, which leads to some creative breaking of the fourth wall. The voice cast includes beloved names like Nick Kroll, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, and Aidy Bryant. The strong animation allows their characters and their inner worlds to be as hilarious as possible while still making poignant notes on certain themes.

15 Inside Job (2021-2022)

The beauty of cartoons is that they have the liberty to explore a wide range of topics, including subjects that even live films may hesitate to venture into. In line with this sentiment, the adult animated series Inside Job fearlessly offers viewers a glimpse into the world of conspiracies and shadow governments, where employees are tasked with the singular goal of keeping their operations a secret. It is centered around the complex and intriguing character Reagan, whose caustic presence makes the show worth the watch.

For Fans of Gravity Falls

This animated series is funny and clever, following in the footsteps of great adult cartoons like Rick and Morty and Gravity Falls. Reagan’s caustic personality hides some genuinely compelling character development, and the eclectic cast of supporting characters allow ample room to explore the most bizarre of conspiracy theories. It is simply slick, well-crafted, and has plenty of fascinating ideas to explore.

14 Love, Death & Robots (2019)

Love, Death & Robots was created by Tim Miller and Oscar-nominated director David Fincher, and is known for its diverse animation styles and mature adult content. Each episode in this animated anthology series consists of standalone stories, characters, and settings that are often based on its over-arching themes of love, death, and technology. Spanning from its inaugural season to its third, which are all available on Netflix, it provides a unique experience that is truly captivating from start to finish.

An Excellent Animated Anthology

Hailed by many as a standout in Netflix’s offerings, Love, Death & Robots has been acclaimed as the peak of animation. It is, indeed, a remarkable work that excels with its varied scripts, visuals, atmosphere and a host of other elements. It is so complex, dark, disturbing and intriguing that even non-fans of animated films will find themselves drawn to this intriguing anthology series.

13 Disenchantment (2018-2023)

This animated fantasy-comedy series is from the brilliant mind of Matt Groening, who created TheSimpsons and Futurama. Set in the medieval kingdom of Dreamland, Disenchantment follows the adventures of a young and free-spirited princess named Bean, her elf companion Elfo, and her personal demon Luci. As Bean faces a series of personal challenges and delves deeper into the mysteries of Dreamland, the show satirizes various aspects of medieval fantasy and fairy tales while setting up a grandiose mystery.

Traditional Fantasy, Modern Humor

Blending traditional fantasy elements with contemporary humor, Disenchantment becomes a standout series. Beyond mere comedy, it evolves into a character-driven fantasy that feels so real, even within a fictional setting. It’s a drastically different series when compared to Matt Greoning’s other projects, yet fans of either The Simpsons or Futurama can find familiar positive qualities throughout. You might be able to catch references to either series if you have a keen eye.

12 Arcane (2021)

Created under the supervision of Riot Games and situated in the universe of the popular video game League of Legends, Arcane delves into the origins of some of the game’s iconic characters. The story is set in the twin cities of Zaun and Piltover, and it follows two main characters: Vi and Jinx. At its core, it is a tale of two sisters’ discord, underpinned by the themes of peace, war, betrayal, loyalty and so much more. From the gargantuan cities, to the intimate character development, the series is absolutely gripping.

Arcane Is an Incredible Video Game Adaptation

Arcane has been praised not just by the fans of the popular games, but by viewers who appreciate well-crafted storytelling and character development. It is visually stunning with its unique blend of 3D and 2D animation, earning praise for its attention to detail. On top of these impressive visuals, however, is a series that crafts a compelling narrative that’s ripe for a mature audience. As the series progresses, it gets even darker and better.

11 Big Mouth (2017-2024)

An animated coming-of-age series, Big Mouth has gained recognition over the years for its candid and bold portrayal of puberty, drawing inspiration from the experiences of the show’s creators: Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin. The series primarily follows Nick Birch and his friend Andrew as they enter the tumultuous year of Puberty. They are joined by their friends Jay, Missy, and Jessi, as they’re all experiencing the awkwardness and challenges of their age.

An Unflinching Portrayal of Adolescence

The series delves into explicit content and mature themes, presented in a surreal and exaggerated manner, making it unsuitable for kids. Big Mouth, despite being a crude, animated series, is weirdly relatable with fun and memorable characters, making it impossible not follow each season. It’s also one of Netflix’s longest-running original series, a testament to its popularity and overall appeal.

10 Castlevania (2017-2021)

Castlevania is about a vampire hunter who fights a horde of otherworldly creatures under the command of Dracula. His sole objective is to rescue the city ensnared with their grip. Adapted from the popular game series of the same name by Konami, it follows the journey of Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the Belmont family of vampire hunters. However, the morality on display here isn’t so black and white. While Dracula is humanized at the beginning, departing from being just a mindless monster, Trevor Belmont isn’t necessarily a clean-cut hero himself.

A Staple of Netflix’s Adult Animation

There’s no discussing the best animated series on Netflix without including its more mature offerings, and that’s where Castlevania comes in. The infusion of a French Revolution backdrop with a vampire society does not fail to excite lovers of well-crafted storytelling. Castlevania exceeded the expectations of many viewers, who perhaps didn’t expect it to match the brilliance of the original game series. All four seasons on Netflix are both enjoyable and intense.

9 BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

Consisting of six seasons, BoJack Horseman offers a critical examination of fame, mental health, and the search for meaning and redemption in an unkind world. It follows the titular character of BoJack Horseman, an anthropomorphic horse grappling with depression, alcoholism, and a sense of emptiness, which many can relate to. This washed-up actor is haunted by the fading glory of past success. However, he’ll soon discover that there is no such thing as “rock bottom.”

One of Netflix’s Best Shows Overall

While it may have an animal as its main character, this series transcends the premise of animals and humans coexisting, evolving into one of the most poignantly human shows ever made. BoJack Horseman barely has any flaws and does an excellent job combining its darker aspects with other lighter elements. It’s a show that isn’t afraid to experiment with unconventional ideas, especially when combined with terrific voice performances by Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris, and Alison Brie. This stands as an example of great shows that never won an Emmy despite how remarkable they are.

8 Blood of Zeus (2020)

Set in Ancient Greece, Blood of Zeus revolves around Heron, a commoner living in a small village, whose life takes a dramatic twist when he discovers that he is Zeus’ illegitimate son. To keep him safe from the wrath of Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, his mother kept his true identity a secret. For lovers of a fusion between Greek mythology and fantasy, this eight-episode series offers an adventurous tale to relish.

A Reinterpretation of Greek Mythology

While it may not be a completely faithful adaptation of Greek mythology, it is undeniably fun. The action scenes featuring the gods are nothing short of impressive. Blood of Zeus is well-executed, and its anime vibe is sure to resonate with avid anime fans. Its animation style in particular, which was handled by the same studio that worked on Castlevania, is strikingly appealing, and the storyline is thoroughly engaging.

7 F Is for Family (2015-2020)

Co-created by stand-up comedian Bill Burr and Michael Price, F Is for Family, set in the 1970s, revolves around the dysfunctional Murphy Family. The family is composed of the short-tempered father, Frank, who feels unfulfilled in life, the stay-at-home mom, Sue, who wants more out of life, and their three kids, Kevin, Bill, and Maureen. The show often presents a satirical and exaggerated look into the challenges these characters face.

What Makes It Great?

Though it starts off slow, F Is for Family soon evolves into a very compelling and humorous animated series that is quite different from the likes of Family Guy and The Simpsons. It presents a brutal and honest portrayal of family life and tackles other weightier issues, with a genuinely engaging lead performance provided by Bill Burr himself. The show manages to strike a balance between its serious elements and comedic moments. Despite its brilliance, it remains an underrated masterpiece unlike other widely recognized animated shows.

6 Skull Island (2023)

This animated series follows a group of shipwrecked characters who attempt to escape from an enigmatic island which is home to bizarre creatures and horrifying monsters. Unfortunately for them, they’re currently stuck on the infamous Skull Island, which is home to the legendary giant monster King Kong. Acting as a prequel to 2017’s Kong: Skull Island, it is the first television series in the wider MonsterVerse.

The First MonsterVerse Series

Since it serves as a spin-off of Kong: Skull Island, some may be expecting an emphasis on Kong’s epic battles with monsters or expecting to see something very similar to the original story. Skull Island, on the other hand, forges its own path, boasting great writing, gripping action scenes and a collection of intriguing characters. For any fan of the greater MonsterVerse, or those who simply want to see King Kong rampage through his own dedicated series, Skull Island is an excellent series to watch.

5 Captain Fall (2023)

Created by Jon Iver Helgaker, Jonas Torgersen and Joel Trusell, this animated series follows a goofy and gullible sailor who is unwittingly put in charge of a smuggling ship, positioned as the perfect fall guy should the authorities catch up with them. However, the series was unfortunately canceled, with only 10 of the intended 20 episodes left on Netflix.

Committed to an Absurd Story

Captain Fall relies on entertaining storytelling, situational irony, and engaging character analysis to propel the storyline and evoke genuine laughter. Just like Archer, it has that great mix of absurdist elements and dry humor, probably perfect for adult minds. However, due to the presence of violence and its commitment to an absurdist storyline, it will certainly not be for everyone.

4 Agent Elvis (2023)

This action-comedy animated series follows the journey of a secret agent as he joins a secret government spy program to help combat the evil forces that are causing havoc in their country. Agent Elvis offers viewers a chance to see the phenomenal musician, Elvis Presley, in a new light — as a superhero. The voiceover cast is nothing short of impressive, featuring top-notch talents such as Matthew McConaughey, Priscilla Presley, Christina Hendricks, Johnny Knoxville, Kaitlin Olson, and Don Cheadle, among other stellar names.

An Action-Packed Reimagining of Elvis

While the premise seems interesting, not everyone will be drawn to this violent and sharp-mouthed animated series that parodies spy movies. The show is packed with action, humor, violence, and mature content only suitable for the adult mind. Fans of Elvis Presley will undoubtedly love that his original songs play in the background, even if the story itself doesn’t entirely capture their hearts. Priscilla Presley even plays herself in the series, along with her credit as the show’s co-creator.

3 Hoops (2020)

Hoops is known for its brash and unfiltered sense of humor as it parodies sports culture and explores the theme of personal growth, friendship, and the challenges of adulthood. The series is based on a middle-aged, hot-headed, and immature high-school basketball coach, who is determined to turn his losing team into champions. Throughout the series, Ben’s coaching attempts result in a series of comedic failures and unexpected victories.

A Crass Parody of Sports Culture

Hoops possesses a charm that gradually grows on viewers over time. It will be particularly entertaining to viewers who will not be offended by its audacious humor. Although it does not try to be clever or exceptional, it will keep many entertained with an exceptional dose of over-the-top raunchiness. Fans of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller may like to know that the duo served as executive producers for Hoops as well.

2 Chicago Party Aunt (2021-Present)

Chicago Party Aunt follows the lives and adventures of Diane Dunbrowski, a fun-loving woman who loves to party and embrace the Chicago lifestyle. Diane’s personality is formed from a mix of nostalgia and a refusal to follow the dictates of society, making her an outspoken and atypical protagonist. She earned the name Chicago Party Aunt due to her refusal to let go of the youthful spirit as she grows older.

Based on Reality

This is the perfect show for people who can relate to this misunderstood character, or those who simply enjoy watching vibrant characters in cartoons. Based on the real-life Twitter account of the same name, this adult animated series may hit a familiar chord for older audiences, all while incorporating the kind of humor you’d expect from a mature animated sitcom. What’s most surprising, however, is how the titular party aunt grows as a person throughout its brief length.

1 Tuca & Bertie (2019-2022)

With its quirky and surreal humor, coupled with its realistic exploration of friendship and the challenges of adulthood, Tuca & Bertie stands as an ideal animated series tailored for grown-ups. In this animation, Tiffany Haddish voices Tuca, while Ali Wong voices Bertie, enhancing the series’ comedic brilliance. While the characters have otherworldly appearances, the underlying message within the series is very real.

A Stunning Animated Series

The style of Tuca & Bertie is unique and stunning, evoking recollections of animated works like BoJack Horseman, yet it carves its own niche by presenting an ensemble of lively characters. Its focus on relationships and personal growth in particular is incredibly refreshing, and the leading dual performances of Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong bounce off each other brilliantly. Interestingly, despite being canceled after a single season, Tuca & Bertie would subsequently find a brief revival on Adult Swim, leading to its dual presence on both Netflix and Max.

Often times, the best animated TV shows don’t get the attention they deserve, leading them to fall into obscurity. For some examples of animated TV shows barely anyone remembers, be sure to check out our video below: