The Best Animation Series of All Time: Top Series Ranked

The Best Animated Series of All Time

Best animated series of all time

Animation series have always been a part of pop culture, and they have had the power to change people’s minds to the extent of showing the world the wildest imaginations through their artwork. The very best of animation series are being demonstrated today, series that not only won the hearts of but also created new ones by doing so and, at the same time, set new limits for creativity and storytelling. Find your next favorite best animation series to binge. This list is made for you.

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

Character evolution has been noted as the most outstanding across all TV series and films, regardless of being animated or live-action. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (ATLA) was characterized by highly intricate world-building, philosophical questions, and elemental-bending skills, the combination of which resulted in a superb series that is fated to be listed among the very few best animated series ever produced.

• Emotional depth and the best redemption arc ever written make it worth watching.

The Simpsons (1989–Present)

It would not be possible to have a complete debate concerning animation if The Simpsons, the show with the longest run in the history of television, were not among the parties to the discussion. Its satire on American life has been a significant source of humor for a long time. The period of the show, commonly referred to as its golden age, is thought to be between seasons 3 and 8, yet the cultural significance of the show can still be seen today. It has not only given rise to great quotes and characters but also has positioned itself as one of the major outlets for contemporary entertainment.

• The Simpsons is a classic series that is enriched with humor, timeless satire, and remarkable characters that played a crucial role in the evolution of comedy.

Rick and Morty (2013–Present)

Rick and Morty is an edgy, philosophical, and wildly imaginative animated series that animates adult animation. Each dark humor with existential questions, interdimensional adventures and clever storytelling is mixed in one episode. The series often has surprisingly extreme emotional and chaotic energy at times, and unfolds; thus, it receives the accolade of being one of the best animated series of all time for mature audiences.

• Exciting to see for its over-the-top sci-fi ideas, sad humor and surprisingly highly philosophical topics.

BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

BoJack Horseman is one of the best examples where animation has dealt with deep, complex emotional themes, sometimes even better than live action. The show deals with mental illness, drug addiction, and the fall of a star, imploding in one’s ruin. The series presents pain in a combination of brilliant wit and bizarre comedy at the same time. Along with its adventurous graphics and storytelling that takes risks, the show has been marked as a contemporary classic.

• It is the very daring discussion of mental health, complicated characters and the great combination of comedy and tragedy that makes the show worth seeing.

Attack on Titan (2013–2023)

Anime world premium blockbuster, Attack on Titan, transformed the world’s view of adult animation through its miraculous animation, unpredictable plot lines, and, arguably, devastating the whole series, including its last seasons, in the discussions of the best animated series of all time.

• Overpowering actions, surprising finishes, and a morally twisted and unforgettable story.

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–Present)

No age limit for watching SpongeBob. The series pulled in kids and non-kids alike with its humor, creativity, and great characters. SpongeBob has been widely recognized as the most important animated series ever, thanks to the memes, films, and products created around him and his gang. The first few seasons still excel in comedy.

• A must-see for its comic episodes, ingenious pranks, and a kind of humor that is universally delightful and attractive to all ages.

Gravity Falls (2012–2016)

Gravity Falls left a considerable imprint and was wonderfully appreciated for the cleverness of its mysteries, supernatural beings, and endearing characters. Quite the opposite, the series prided itself on having merely two seasons. Still, it narratively worked its way through a finished story with puzzles, clues, hidden messages, and even touching family moments.

• It was a good, if not the best, example of tight, well-executed storytelling in animation.

South Park (1997–Present)

Irreverent, controversial, and daring, South Park’s poor animation has helped the show’s sharp, satirical wit reach a broad audience. With the passage of time, it has gone from straightforward jokes to subtler political commentary. Its strange capacity to make episodes based on current events at almost the same time as they happen is what makes the show different from all other animated series.

• Definitely a show to check out for its multiplicity of political satire, bold remarks, and continual interaction with society.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime for all ages and one of the masterpieces that usually comes first in rankings. It combines action, the vision of the writer, moral conflicts and emotions in a perfectly paced storytelling. The themes of sacrifice, family, and humanity are very close, and at the same time, they resonate very deeply with the whole spectrum of human ages.

• A very good reason for watching it is the combination of the excellent timing with the themes of deep sacrifice and morality, along with the very moving story.

Adventure Time (2010–2018)

Initially running as a weird animation for little kids, it turned out to be a mature and multi-layered saga about coming of age, losing, and finding oneself. Adventure Time has been one of the series that has been placed at the top for both entertainment and depth, with its fantastical world, inventive episodes, and distinctive art style.

• Silly jokes and unexpected wise messages about life, the series is already one of the best animation series of all time.