When it comes to animated shows, creativity knows no bounds since animation can accomplish things that live action can hardly hold a candle to. Animated shows have the power to immerse us in an artistic world and tell a story that might stay with us for a long time.
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The shows on this list do exactly that. They have great world-building, interesting narratives, and in some cases, amazing animation that really elevates the experience. The world of animation has birthed masterpieces that redefine the very essence of storytelling no matter if it’s for adults or kids. Shows like Avatar and anime like Attack on Titan define the conventions of good storytelling, making them some of the best series to watch.
10Invincible
Invincible shattered the conventional superhero mold, immersing you into a world where heroism isn’t always black and white. It shows us the reality of superhero work, since saving the world will sometimes come at a price.
The show spawned countless memes and a dedicated fanbase. Omniman serves as a great overarching villain and, by the end, you’ll probably be traumatized by his actions. The show’s plot and characters excel at giving you a narrative that constantly intrigues. With Season Two just around the corner, it’s sure to amaze us even more.
9Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is a story following Tanjiro Kamada and, as you would expect, it’s about the fight between demons and humanity that has been going on for centuries. Tanjiro’s family isMuzan Kibitsuji, who’s the king of demons’ latest victim.
The story is amazing. The worldbuilding in Demon Slayer is unrivaled by other anime, and its animation is breathtaking. It even has a movie that is the number one-grossing anime film in the world, which should be enough to convince you how beloved this show is. Though the premise is basic, the animation and voice actors take it to extreme levels, making it one of the best anime of all time.
8Death Note
Death Note is a psychological thriller that toys with the concept of life and death, challenging both its characters and viewers to confront their moral compasses. At the heart of the anime is a simple premise about a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written inside. It then ends upin the hands of the worst possible person.
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Light Yagami and L’s back and forth makes for an incredible narrative, and the mind games they play with each other are the backbone of the anime. The philosophical implications that the show will instill in you will linger long after you’ve finished it.
7Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls is a Disney children’s show about a quirky town where the line between the mundane and the supernatural blurs in mysterious ways. The show follows the twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend a summer at a mystery shack with their Great-uncle (or Gruncle) Stan in Gravity Falls.
The show is excellent at blending humor and the supernatural, crafting a story that shaped a lot of kids’ childhoods. The world-building is also very detailed, making you invested in this show for long periods of time. It is considered by many as the best kid show Disney has ever produced, and its animation style is also quite unique.
Arcane is a League of Legends based show that found critical acclaim on Netflix.It’s an origin story about two sisters who were iconic champions in the game, and their perspectives in different time periods. It also has some great animation, which earns it some bonus points.
Beneath the stunning visuals is a narrative that will have you invested for hours. Many people call it an experience instead of a show. Its complicated themes, beautiful animation, and potential for more seasons make it one of the better and newer animated shows of all time.
5Cowboy Bepop
Cowboy Bepop is the embodiment of a 90s animeabout a group of bounty hunters aboard their spaceship. What’s amazing about this anime is that it seamlessly blends distinct genres to create something truly special.
The cowboy neo-noir and science fiction themes somehow work great making it one of the best classic anime of all time. All the characters and group members contribute a unique flavor, for some interesting dynamics. Not to mention the show’s iconic jazz-infused soundtrack, a character in itself, that sets the tone for each adventure.
4Batman: The Animated Series
Another classic is the original Batman series, which featured the legendary Kevin Conroy voicing Batman. The show has a timeless story and is the defining interpretation of The Dark Knight. Despite being so old, it still holds up today.
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It was so popular, in fact, that it spawned two movies based on the showas well and was more adult-oriented than most superhero cartoons at the time. Its noir-inspired visuals and faithful adaptations from the comics have solidified its place as a classic, and one of the greatest superhero animated shows to ever exist.
3Rick And Morty
Rick and Morty is an interesting sci-fi delve into the madness that is Rick and Morty’s adventures. As a comedic adult show, Rick and Morty is all about absurdity to its extremes in a very fun and entertaining way.
The show’s hallmark is its ability to traversethe spectrum from hilariously absurd to somewhat profound, making it a great show to watch when you want an amazing twenty-minute pass-time. It has won multiple awards, is still ongoing, and is considered one of the greatest comedy animated shows of all time.
2Attack On Titan
In a world where man-eating titans are the apex predator, humanity lives behind huge walls to avoid the mindless creatures. The story of Attack on Titan is on another level, with plot twists and action occurring every few episodeswhile the main mystery of what’s beyond the walls has always been there.
Eren’s dream is to venture beyond the walls and see the world, but he is forced to slay titans to get there. Though the ending for Attack on Titan is disappointing, it’s still probably the best anime to have come out this generation.
1Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is Nickelodeon’s magnum opus and one of the greatest animated shows of all time. It’s distinguished by its masterful character development and intricate world-building that involvesbending the four elements in a war-torn world.
It’s a heavily mature show for a children’s cartoon, featuring elements of war and responsibility. It even has the best redemption arc of all time for a long-time villain, Zuko, and his journey is as fascinating as Aang’s. The finale is probably the best ending that it could’ve received, making an all-around perfect show for all ages.
