Top Animated TV Shows of the 21st Century
The 21st century has seen a remarkable evolution in animated television, giving rise to a diverse array of shows that blend humor, storytelling, and artistic innovation. From adult-oriented series to family-friendly fare, these animated programs have pushed boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide, becoming cultural phenomena in their own right.
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Among the standout animated shows of this century, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is often hailed for its rich narrative, character development, and thematic depth, appealing to both children and adults alike. Similarly, "Rick and Morty" has garnered a massive following with its unique blend of dark humor and science fiction, exploring complex philosophical concepts while delivering laugh-out-loud moments. "Adventure Time" revolutionized children's programming with its whimsical storytelling and emotional depth, while "Bob's Burgers" and "The Simpsons" have continued to thrive with their satirical takes on family life and societal issues. Furthermore, shows like "Steven Universe" and "Gravity Falls" have been praised for their inclusivity and representation, addressing contemporary issues through engaging plots. This rich tapestry of animated content reflects the versatility and creativity of the medium, making it a vital part of modern television.
Avatar: The Last AirbenderView AllAvatar: The Last Airbender - Elemental nations unite to restore balance and harmony.
BoJack HorsemanView AllBoJack Horseman - Animated series exploring fame, depression, and personal redemption.
Rick and MortyView AllRick and Morty - Dysfunctional duo explores bizarre dimensions and adventures together.
Gravity FallsView AllGravity Falls - Mystery-filled animated series about twins in a strange town.
Adventure TimeView AllAdventure Time - Whimsical adventures of Finn and Jake in a magical land.
The SimpsonsView AllThe Simpsons - Animated sitcom about dysfunctional family in fictional Springfield.
Steven UniverseView AllSteven Universe - Animated series about gems, friendship, and self-discovery.
Big MouthView AllBig Mouth - Animated series exploring puberty and adolescent challenges humorously.
FuturamaView AllFuturama - Futuristic animated comedy exploring space, time travel, and absurdity.
The Dragon PrinceView AllThe Dragon Prince - Animated fantasy series about magic, kingdoms, and unlikely alliances.
Top Animated TV Shows of the 21st Century
1.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is an animated television series that follows the journey of Aang, a young boy who is the last surviving Airbender and the long-lost Avatar, a being capable of mastering all four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. Set in a richly developed world divided into four nations, the story unfolds as Aang, along with his friends Katara and Sokka, seeks to defeat the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. Themes of friendship, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil resonate throughout this critically acclaimed series.
Pros
Rich storytelling- diverse characters
- cultural depth.
Cons
Some pacing issues- limited adult themes
- may feel simplistic to older audiences.
2.
BoJack Horseman
"BoJack Horseman" is an animated dramedy that follows the life of BoJack, a washed-up sitcom star from the '90s, who struggles with addiction, depression, and self-identity in a world where anthropomorphic animals coexist with humans. Set in Hollywood, the series explores themes of fame, loneliness, and the complexities of relationships, showcasing BoJack's attempts to navigate his personal and professional life alongside a cast of memorable characters, including his sarcastic feline agent, Princess Carolyn, and his supportive friend, Todd. The show is acclaimed for its poignant storytelling and dark humor.
Pros
- Deep character development
- tackles mental health
- dark humor.
Cons
- Heavy themes may be triggering
- not suitable for all audiences.
3.
Rick and Morty
"Rick and Morty" is an animated sci-fi comedy series created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon. It follows the misadventures of eccentric, alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson Morty Smith. Together, they embark on interdimensional escapades, exploring bizarre worlds and encountering strange creatures, all while grappling with complex themes of family, morality, and existentialism. The show is known for its dark humor, clever satire, and intricate storytelling, appealing to both casual viewers and those who appreciate deeper philosophical questions. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase since its debut in 2013.
Pros
- Unique humor
- clever storytelling
- rich character development.
Cons
- Dark themes
- inconsistent quality
- polarizing humor.
4.
Gravity Falls
"Gravity Falls" is an animated television series created by Alex Hirsch that follows the adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend their summer with their great-uncle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. The town is filled with supernatural occurrences and quirky characters, as the twins uncover secrets, solve mysteries, and confront various creatures and oddities. With its blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, the show explores themes of family, friendship, and the transition from childhood to adolescence, earning a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Pros
- Unique storyline
- strong character development
- humor
- mystery
- and appealing animation
Cons
- unresolved plotlines
- targeted mainly at younger audiences
5.
Adventure Time
"Adventure Time" is an animated television series created by Pendleton Ward that follows the whimsical adventures of a boy named Finn and his magical dog, Jake, in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. The show blends humor, fantasy, and emotional depth as Finn and Jake encounter a diverse cast of characters, including Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, and Marceline the Vampire Queen. With its unique animation style and imaginative storytelling, "Adventure Time" explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the complexities of growing up, making it beloved by audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Creative storytelling
- unique characters
- emotional depth
Cons
- pacing
- some episodes may confuse younger viewers
6.
The Simpsons
"The Simpsons" is an iconic American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening. The show follows the lives of the Simpson family, which includes father Homer, mother Marge, and their children Bart, Lisa, and Maggie, as well as a colorful cast of supporting characters in the fictional town of Springfield. Known for its satirical humor, the show has been praised for its cultural impact and longevity, becoming the longest-running American sitcom and the longest-running American animated program. "The Simpsons" has won numerous awards and has been celebrated for its wit, social commentary, and memorable characters.
Pros
- Longevity
- cultural impact
- humor.
Cons
- Controversial content
- decline in quality
- outdated stereotypes.
7.
Steven Universe
"Steven Universe" is an animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar that aired from 2013 to 2020. It follows the adventures of Steven, a young boy who is half-human and half-Gem, a race of magical, gem-empowered beings. Steven lives with three Gems—Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—who protect Earth from various threats. The show explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, blending humor and emotional depth. Its unique art style, diverse representation, and memorable music have garnered critical acclaim, making it a beloved series among audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Diverse characters
- strong themes of acceptance
- emotional depth
Cons
- unresolved
- mixed reception on certain character arcs
8.
Big Mouth
"Big Mouth" is an animated coming-of-age series that explores the tumultuous journey of adolescence through the lens of humor and creativity. Set in suburban New York, the show follows a group of middle school friends navigating the challenges of puberty, relationships, and self-discovery. Each character is accompanied by a Hormone Monster, personifying their emotional and physical changes. With its candid portrayal of awkward moments and relatable experiences, "Big Mouth" addresses topics like sexuality, friendship, and identity, all while maintaining a sharp wit and unique animation style that resonates with both teens and adults.
Pros
- Unique humor
- tackles real issues
- diverse characters
Cons
- content
- not for everyone
- can be polarizing
9.
Futurama
"Futurama" is an animated science fiction sitcom created by Matt Groening, set in the 31st century. The series follows Fry, a 20th-century delivery boy who is accidentally frozen and wakes up 1,000 years later. He joins a quirky crew at Planet Express, a intergalactic delivery service, alongside the one-eyed alien Leela and the hard-drinking robot Bender. Known for its sharp humor, satirical take on society, and clever scientific concepts, "Futurama" explores themes of friendship, love, and the absurdities of the future, earning a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Pros
- Clever humor
- unique characters
- satirical social commentary.
Cons
- Inconsistent quality
- some episodes lack depth
- cancellation frustrations.
10.
The Dragon Prince
"The Dragon Prince" is an animated fantasy series created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, set in the magical land of Xadia, where magic is derived from six primal sources. The story follows two human princes, Callum and Ezran, who, alongside a fierce elf assassin named Rayla, embark on a quest to return a dragon egg to its mother to prevent a war between humans and elves. Rich in themes of friendship, bravery, and acceptance, the series combines stunning animation with intricate world-building, capturing the hearts of audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Rich world-building
- diverse characters
- engaging storytelling.
Cons
- Variable animation quality
- pacing issues
- some plot elements may feel clichéd.
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