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Anime & Animation Adults Can Enjoy: Movies & Shows
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items There's a childlike part of all of us, but animation doesn't just have to be for kids! I'm a visual artist that has always loved animation. Some of these shows may be meant for kids, but remember, they were created and made by adults so you might be ...
Sections
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Shows 📺
Anime 👁️
Movies 🎞️
Shows 📺
Shows you may not have seen or that you might find different when rewatching based on your adult self 😁
I live this show, I want it to be popular and made for a long time! Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry voice main characters, you may recognize them if you are into British comedy
Krapopolis (TV Series 2023– ) ⭐ 6.2 | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Charlie believes those who are willing to try deserve a chance at redemption even in the afterlife.
Hazbin Hotel (TV Series 2019– ) ⭐ 7.8 | Animation, Comedy, Crime
The valley is full of interesting characters with Will Ferrell, Jean Smart & Pamela Adlon in the cast.
The Oblongs (TV Series 2001–2002) ⭐ 7.1 | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Sealab was an Adult Swim show based off another previously animated cartoon 'Sealab 2020'. The words and scenes have been changed from the original to reimagine characters and create new stories from the old cels. It is very funny and you never know ...
Sealab 2021 (TV Series 2000–2005) ⭐ 7.8 | Animation, Short, Comedy
Gargoyles was based on Shakespearean themes and plays and has somewhat complicated storylines and historical references. I started rewatching this show as an adult not knowing what to expect, just remembering it as one of my favorite series as a kid,...
Gargoyles (TV Series 1994–1997) ⭐ 8.0 | Animation, Action, Adventure
This is not comedy for the faint of heart. A dark humor version of Scooby Do with a completely unexpected mystery solving team headed by Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson Mysteries (TV Series 2014–2020) ⭐ 8.2 | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
I always look forward to rewatching Final Space. It's entertaining and not just for sci-fi fans.
Final Space (TV Series 2018–2021) ⭐ 8.2 | Animation, Action, Adventure
On the surface Adventure time can seem like a silly show, but as the story develops and characters mature there are some really important themes. There is some snap on this show that I have to question how kids process it in their minds, but it's eve...
Adventure Time (TV Series 2010–2018) ⭐ 8.6 | Animation, Action, Adventure
If you like The Simpsons or Futurama check out Disenchantment. It's got the same kind of humor and hilarity in it's fantasy world.
Disenchantment (TV Series 2018–2023) ⭐ 7.2 | Animation, Action, Adventure
Absurdity and nightmares.
Smiling Friends (TV Series 2020– ) ⭐ 8.5 | Animation, Short, Comedy
Bob's Burgers is a great show with offbeat humor and relatable but outrageous situations. It evolved over the years and has gone from more awkward comedy to more of and odd hilarious sitcom style animated show.
Bob's Burgers (TV Series 2011– ) ⭐ 8.2 | Animation, Comedy
Tuca and Bertie is one of my favorite shows out there. It goes through themes of adult friendship and relationships, mental health and addiction, growing your own business and trying to make it in the weird world. Vibrant characters make every episod...
Tuca & Bertie (TV Series 2019–2022) ⭐ 7.4 | Animation, Comedy
This beloved 90's series is fantastic for kids and as an adult you'll understand even more about some of the characters. Kids can enjoy the basic storylines, but adults can understand the more dark and serious themes occuring in the relationships and...
Hey Arnold! (TV Series 1996–2004) ⭐ 7.6 | Animation, Comedy, Family
Daria is a classic 90s MTV animated show. Daria is incredibly intelligent and observant and her best friend Jane is an artist with quick wit. This show is full of sarcastic humor and the quirks of life.
Daria (TV Series 1997–2002) ⭐ 8.1 | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Very unique animated series that just makes you want to keep watching and experiencing it's wonderful oddness.
Bee and PuppyCat (TV Series 2013–2018) ⭐ 8.2 | Animation, Short, Action
I haven't seen Samurai Jack yet but I'm looking forward to it!
Samurai Jack (TV Series 2001–2017) ⭐ 8.5 | Animation, Action, Adventure
Anime 👁️
Whether you prefer sub or dub, use whatever let's you enjoy the series the most.
Mushi-shi is a gorgeous Seinen anime, meaning it's in a category that usually appeals to or is intended for adult men. Based on a manga, this anime will captivate you and bring out your emotions.
Mushi-Shi (TV Series 2005–2014) ⭐ 8.5 | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
If you're into anime and don't know about One Piece I'm not sure what has happened to you. But for adults who were never sure if they would be into it or have been put off by some features of the show - please give it a chance. Watch a couple of seas...
One Piece (TV Series 1999– ) ⭐ 8.9 | Animation, Action, Adventure
The pressure of being a young adult poised to become an executive at the vicious family firm. The supreme need to avoid being indebted to anyone, or paying them back under any circumstances. Joining mentally creative individuals under a bridge, whils...
Arakawa Under the Bridge (TV Series 2010) ⭐ 7.1 | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
One Punch Man is hilarious and fantastically ridiculous and there's just not enough of it. It's still in the making though.
One Punch Man (TV Series 2015–2019) ⭐ 8.7 | Animation, Action, Comedy
Beautiful animation, vintage delinquents and jazz in a retro Japan setting. A great anime.
Kids on the Slope (TV Mini Series 2012) ⭐ 8.2 | Animation, Drama, Music
Dark mystery thriller involving time travel and a man who lives in his imagination & finds its more real than he expected.
Steins;Gate (TV Series 2011–2015) ⭐ 8.8 | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Basically if a supernatural anime was a soap opera. Meant for adult female audiences this Josei anime is about a strange love triangle and works through themes of grief and learning to love anew after tragedy.
Natsuyuki Rendezvous (TV Series 2012) ⭐ 7.2 | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
No matter your age Nichijou or My Ordinary Life is a great anime. This slice of life comedy is strange, hilarious and has many moments of absurdity that will leave you lauging and saying what??
Nichijou: My Ordinary Life (TV Series 2011) ⭐ 8.3 | Animation, Comedy
Kuragehime or Princess Jellyfish has a great animation style and a unique storyline. A female boarding house (not a harem), fashion design, gender differences, the complications of love and relationships, and of course the beauty of jellyfish.
Kuragehime
Fooly Cooly or FLCL is full of action and crazy visuals. It combines the feelings of daily life with a sci-fi experience unlike others. Who is this motorcyle woman? Bonus: Listen to the band The Pillows which creates music for this shows soundtrack.
FLCL
This anime is hilarious and pokes fun at just about every other anime and anime stereotype there is out there.
Binbougami ga!
Philosophical, moral, religious and existential themes & questions abound with a large crew of fantastic and well developed characters in this anime about Alchemy, politics, faith, loyalty, family and life.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (TV Series 2009–2010) ⭐ 9.1 | Animation, Action, Adventure
Movies 🎞️
So many great animated movies, pace yourself 😊
Persepolis is based on an autobiographical visual novel and is an incredibly beautiful film that is important for everyone to see.
Persepolis (2007) ⭐ 8.0 | Animation, Biography, Drama
Sensitive Content Warning: A Ralph Bakshi film based on the cartoon designs of Robert Crumb, definitely not for kids. A full on retro experience of 70's vibes and cultures.
Fritz the Cat Production Cel (Ralph Bakshi, 1972).... Animation Art | Lot #94594 | Heritage Auctions
Every Studio Ghibli film is a beautiful piece of art, with wonderful visual experiences and engaging stories. Some are more serious than others but they are all worth watching. Spirited Away was the first SG film I saw and I recommend it to anyone wh...
Spirited Away (2001) ⭐ 8.6 | Animation, Adventure, Family
Maybe I don't need to include this one because it's so popular but it's a favorite. The detailed claymation makes this Tim Burton a full work of art with a singable soundtrack by Danny Elfman.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) ⭐ 7.9 | Animation, Family, Fantasy
Why isn't there a second one??
The Iron Giant (1999) ⭐ 8.1 | Animation, Action, Adventure
I have not seen this movie yet, but from what I've heard it's very unique, entertaining and a work of art.
The Triplets of Belleville (2003) ⭐ 7.7 | Animation, Adventure, Comedy