In previous years, Netflix has made itself a home for different genres and accomplished Best Netflix Adult Animated Shows that match up well with any other network or streaming service. It’s a common social stigma that animated films are just for kids. Still, creators have broken this stigma and created animated series for adults like Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Rick and Morty.
We’re in a golden age of adult animated TV shows. Check out the best ones streaming now for imaginative, shocking, and hilarious entertainment. Just don’t turn into a pickle while you binge-watch.
Best Netflix Adult Animated Shows
BLUE EYE SAMURAI
Imagine a captivating animated series that blends the intensity of “Kill Bill” with the spirit of “Yentl.” It is set in 17th-century Japan, and the show introduces us to Mizu, a skilled, mixed-race swordmaster seeking revenge against those who cast her out. With Maya Erskine lending her voice to Mizu, they go on a thrilling journey alongside an incredible voice cast, including Masi Oka, Darren Barnet, Brenda Song, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Randall Park, Kenneth Branagh, Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, Harry Shum Jr., and Mark Dacascos.
The Guardians of Justice (2022-Continued)
The Guardians of Justice is a truly unique series, brought to life by the creative genius of Adi Shankar. This show seamlessly blends live-action with superhero animation, offering a fresh and exhilarating viewing experience. The story’s heart is Marvelous Man, a courageous leader who has maintained peace on Earth for an impressive four decades. However, when he unexpectedly self-destructs, chaos ensues. It’s up to Knight Hawk, Marvelous Man’s former lieutenant and the romantic hero known as The Speed, to step up and prevent a catastrophic nuclear war.
The Guardians of Justice is a satire of DC Comics and a zany and humorous adult animation series. It evokes memories of Saturday morning cartoons and classic superhero comics while infusing it with a fresh and unexpected tone. This mixed-media experience is like nothing you’ve seen before, offering a fast-paced and geeky narrative that acts as a refreshing palate cleanser amid your regular rotation of shows. The show’s witty humour and clever satire will keep you entertained throughout.
Human Resources (2022 – Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Human Resources is a side-splitting and heartwarming workplace comedy, a spin-off of the popular animated series Big Mouth. While Big Mouth focuses on the trials and tribulations of teens navigating puberty, Human Resources delves into the intriguing world of the show’s monsters, offering a fresh perspective on the Big Mouth universe.
Unlike its predecessor, this new series spotlights the Lovebugs, Logic Rocks, Ambition Gremlins, and their crew rather than the Hormone Monsters. In the first season, we meet Lovebug Emmy, brilliantly portrayed by Aidy Bryant, who is assigned to assist a human adult named Becca, played by the talented Ali Wong, as she approaches the birth of her first child.
Emmy and Becca are only partially prepared for the challenges they’re about to face, leading to a series of uproarious and heartwarming escapades.
Inside Job (2021 – Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% | IMDb: 7.7/10
Inside Job, created by the brilliant minds of Alex Hirsch (known for The Owl House) and Shion Takeuchi (from Gravity Falls), is a delightful animated series that shares a similar artistic style and humor with the popular adult sci-fi comedy Rick and Morty.
While the animation in Inside Job leans more towards realism, the show’s premise and absurd humor defy all expectations. The story revolves around the employees of Deep State, a secretive organization dedicated to concealing conspiracies.
Packed with clever writing and an incredible cast, including Lizzy Caplan (Fleishman Is in Trouble), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Clark Duke, and Tisha Campbell, Inside Job is a must-watch experience.
Disenchantment (2018- )
Disenchantment, a fantastic adult animated series streaming on Netflix, is the brainchild of the legendary Matt Groening, the mastermind behind the iconic show The Simpsons. While The Simpsons has touched upon mature themes throughout its extensive run on Fox, Disenchantment takes advantage of its Netflix platform to fully embrace its adult-oriented nature.
The show revolves around Bean, a spirited and alcohol-loving princess, accompanied by her trusty elf sidekick Elfo and a mischievous demon named Luci. Together, this unlikely trio finds themselves causing more trouble than they bargained for in Dreamland, all while uncovering a thrilling conspiracy.
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Castlevania (2017-2021)
Castlevania is an anime series adapted from the popular video game franchise of the same name. Warren Ellis is a renowned comic book writer known for his work on Transmetropolitan. It was originally intended as a movie, but later, the collaboration between Netflix and Ellis resulted in a highly successful series that spanned four seasons, allowing for a complete and immersive storytelling experience.
The story is about Count Vlad Dracula Țepeș, a vampire driven to seek revenge after his wife is unjustly executed. His wrath expresses a reign of terror upon the people of Wallachia. It falls upon the shoulders of Trevor Belmont, a skilled monster hunter, the resourceful magician Sypha Belnades, and Alucard, Dracula’s half-human son, to halt the bloodshed and end Dracula’s menacing rule.
The show’s final three seasons have garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying Castlevania’s status as one of the best adult animated series on Netflix.
Big Mouth
With a clever blend of humor and sensitivity, “Big Mouth” fearlessly explores the ups and downs of puberty, offering a relatable and insightful portrayal of this transformative phase of life.
Directed by Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett, the Netflix series “Big Mouth” delves into the rough world of puberty with honesty. It is set in the suburbs, and the show revolves around a group of pre-teens who move on the awkward and often confusing journey towards adolescence.
The main characters, including Nick Birch, Andrew Glouberman, and Jessi Glaser, are guided by their Hormone Monsters, who personify the wild and surprising aspects of their burgeoning sexuality. As they wrestle with their changing bodies and emotions, they confront various challenges, from first crushes and sexual awakenings to self-discovery and friendship dynamics. This relatable journey through puberty’s ups and downs makes Big Mouth a show that resonates with audiences of all ages.
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The Last Kids on Earth
In this exciting continuation of Filmation’s beloved ’80s animated series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, filmmaker Kevin Smith takes the reins to deliver a fresh take on the story. The spotlight now shifts to Teela, brilliantly portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, as she embarks on her heroic journey. Her mission?
To rescue her closest friend, Adam (voiced by Chris Wood), and protect the entire realm of Eternia from the diabolical schemes of Skeletor, brought to life by the iconic Mark Hamill. The series reunites us with all the familiar characters we know and love from He-Man, portrayed by an incredible ensemble of A-list actors who bring new depth to these classic personas through unexpected and compelling storylines. Get ready for an energizing and captivating adventure like never before.
Bee and PuppyCat
Back in 2013, an animated short called Bee and PuppyCat was created by Natasha Allegri, known for her work on Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall. Originally released on the Cartoon Hangover channel on YouTube, the series eventually found its way to Netflix.
The first season, condensed into three episodes, was followed by the second season, Lazy in Space, comprising 13 episodes. While retaining the delightful tone reminiscent of Adventure Time, Bee and PuppyCat cater more to an adult audience. It’s a blend of silliness, joy, and guaranteed laughter that will surely entertain fans of Allegri’s previous works.
The Dragon Prince (2018)
If you liked watching Avatar the Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, this Netflix animated series should be up your passage. The plot follows two human princes who form an unlikely bond with an elven assassin after encountering a dragon egg. They must adventure together to try to bring peace to their warring lands.
Kuroko’s Basketball (2012)
Kuroko no Basuke is a Japanese anime perfect for basketball and sports enthusiasts. The show follows a group of high school basketball prodigies called “The Generation of Miracles.” The basketball action in this series is out of this world, but that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. Each main character possesses a unique basketball ability, such as vanishing while dribbling or never missing a shot. Every season is filled with thrilling basketball competitions that become more intense as the series progresses. So be sure to grab some popcorn and enjoy the exciting ride!
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Scott Pilgrims Take off
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is back as an anime series based on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s popular graphic novels. The show features the bass player Scott Pilgrim, his love interest Ramona Flowers, and her seven evil exes, all obstacles to their relationship. The entire voice cast from the 2010 live-action film reprised their roles, including Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Alison Pill, Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Mark Webber, Ellen Wong, Satya Bhabha, Chris Evans, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, and Mae Whitman.
Horsing Around
“Horsin’ Around” is a situational comedy created by Herb Kazzaz in the BoJack Horseman universe. It premiered on ABC in 1987 and lasted for nine seasons. The show was filmed before a live studio audience, and each episode lasted twenty-two minutes.
It was Set in Omro, Wisconsin; the show portrays a young bachelor horse called “The Horse.” His life takes an unexpected turn when he agrees to raise three human children: Olivia (the sensible oldest daughter), Ethan (the nerdy middle son), and Sabrina (the adorable youngest daughter). In the series finale, The Horse tragically dies of a broken heart because the children didn’t appreciate him enough, and they are then handed back over to Child Protective Services.
Captain Fall
Created by Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen, Captain Fall is a captivating American adult animated series that defies categorization. Premiering on Netflix on July 28, 2023, the show introduces us to Captain Jonathan Fall, an inexperienced yet well-intentioned sea captain who unknowingly becomes entangled in the operations of an infamous international smuggling cartel.
Little does he know, they have cunningly positioned him as the scapegoat should the authorities ever close in on their illicit activities. With a perfect blend of dark humor and crime drama, Captain Fall takes viewers on a thrilling journey as our unwitting hero navigates the treacherous waters of his unexpected predicament.
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Skull Island
Skull Island is an American animated adventure television series developed by Brian Duffield for Netflix. It is the fifth season and the first television series of the MonsterVerse franchise and a sequel to the film Kong: Skull Island (2017). The show premiered on June 22, 2023.
In this thrilling series, a group of well-meaning explorers embark on a sea voyage to rescue a girl named Annie from the ocean. However, their journey turns unexpectedly when they find themselves shipwrecked on the perilous Skull Island. This mysterious island is home to giant-sized prehistoric creatures, including the self-appointed guardian of the island, Kong.
Disenchantment
In the fictional medieval kingdom of Dreamland, you will follow the adventures of Princess Bean, her mischievous “personal demon” Luci, and the naive elf Elfo. Bean, a rebellious and alcoholic princess, rejects traditional responsibilities. Together, they explore Dreamland and neighboring lands, encountering ogres, sprites, harpies, and plenty of human fools. Amidst the humor and fantasy, they uncover a mythical conspiracy that ties their fates together.
Carol and The End of the World
An American adult animated apocalyptic comedy-drama television miniseries created by Dan Guterman for Netflix. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious planet hurtling towards Earth, the show explores the impending extinction faced by humanity. While most people indulge in their wildest dreams, one quiet and awkward woman named Carol stands apart, lost amidst the hedonistic masses. Director Dan Guterman describes the series as “a love letter to routine,” an animated existential comedy that delves into the daily rituals that shape a life.
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The Missing
“The Missing” is a gripping and emotional drama that follows the story of Tony Hughes, played by the talented James Nesbitt. During a family vacation in France, Tony’s life is turned upside down when his young son Oliver vanishes from a crowded area. The series delves into the depths of Tony’s grief and his unwavering determination to find his son, even years after the disappearance.
As the investigation progresses, a shocking truth about what happened to Oliver is revealed. We learn that he wandered away from the pool area and onto a road where he was involved in a tragic accident. The accident details leave Tony and his wife, Emily, devastated. However, there is a glimmer of hope that Oliver may still be alive, and the series keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow Tony’s relentless pursuit of the truth.
The Midnight Gospel (2020)
“The Midnight Gospel” is a hilarious and mind-bending surrealist comedy that brings together the creative minds of Pendleton Ward and comedian Duncan Trussell. Based on Trussell’s podcast, “The Duncan Trussell Family Hour,” the show takes real-life interviews and transforms them into psychedelic animations, giving a visual twist to the conversations. Each episode tackles profound topics such as death, addiction, relationships, and personal growth.
What makes “The Midnight Gospel” a treat is its episodic nature. You can watch the standalone episodes in any order, depending on your mood. The animation is visually bizarre and has no direct connection to the podcast, but it serves as a captivating backdrop that keeps you engaged in the overarching conversation. It adds a unique layer to the philosophical discussions and enhances your understanding of shared personal anecdotes. One episode that received praise from critics and fans alike is “Mouse of Silver,” where Trussell has a heartfelt conversation with his mother.
Entergalactic
“Entergalactic” is an animated special and album by Kid Cudi, the talented rapper known for his hit song “Pursuit of Happiness.” In this musical adventure, Cudi takes on the role of Jabari, a young and aspiring street artist. However, Jabari’s life takes a turn when he meets Meadow, an intriguing photographer who makes him question his priorities. Love becomes a central theme as Jabari grapples with whether he can make space for it. The star-studded cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Christopher Abbott, Laura Harrier, Keith David, Ty Dolla Sign, and many more.
Love, Death & Robots (2019)
“Love, Death & Robots” is a sensational animated series that combines the creative talents of Tim Miller and acclaimed director David Fincher. Renowned for its diverse animation styles and mature themes, each episode of this anthology series stands on its own, featuring unique stories, characters, and settings that revolve around the themes of love, death, and technology. With three seasons on Netflix, it offers an exceptional viewing experience that captures your attention from beginning to end.
Considered a standout in Netflix’s lineup, “Love, Death & Robots” has garnered praise as a masterpiece of animation. Its intricate blend of scripts, visuals, atmosphere, and other elements creates a captivating and thought-provoking journey. Even those not typically drawn to animated films will find themselves irresistibly drawn to this dark, intriguing, and sometimes unsettling anthology series.
Tuca & Bertie (2019-2022)
“Tuca & Bertie” is a wonderfully quirky animated series that caters to adult audiences with its surreal humor and honest exploration of friendship and the challenges of adulthood. The talented Tiffany Haddish lends her voice to the character Tuca, while Ali Wong brings Bertie to life, elevating the show’s comedic brilliance. Despite the characters’ otherworldly appearances, the series delivers a relatable and genuine message at its core.
What sets “Tuca & Bertie” apart is its stunning and distinctive animation style, reminiscent of beloved works like “BoJack Horseman” while carving out its own unique identity with a vibrant ensemble of characters. The focus on relationships and personal growth is refreshingly portrayed, and the dynamic performances of Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong complement each other brilliantly. Although the series was initially canceled after one season, it found a brief revival on Adult Swim, allowing it to be enjoyed on both Netflix and Max platforms.
