10 Animated Series That Aren't Just For Kids

Rick and Morty (2013-present)

Ever come across an animated series that blurs the line between hilarious and utterly tragic? If not, let me introduce you to the brilliantly chaotic world of Rick and Morty. This Adult Swim sensation, co-created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, follows the outlandish interdimensional adventures of alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson Morty.

These escapades often expose Morty to life-altering danger and psychological trauma, and boy, it's not for the faint-hearted. Yet, amidst all the insanity, it brilliantly explores existential themes and the human condition.

Moral Orel (2005-2008)

Have you ever stumbled upon a show that starts as a satire and then takes a sharp turn into the deeply unsettling? Meet Moral Orel. It initially parodies the wholesomeness of 1950s and '60s TV shows, focusing on young Orel Puppington, a boy living in the fictitious town of Moralton, who takes religious instruction a bit too literally. You'd expect a comedy, right?

But then, it catches you off-guard as it starts delving into the grim realities of Orel's dysfunctional family life. This shift from satire to dark drama is a masterstroke that sets Moral Orel apart. It might not be an easy watch, but it's a bold portrayal of how misguided faith can lead to more harm than good.

BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

You wouldn't think an animated show about a washed-up anthropomorphic horse actor could be a profoundly deep exploration of depression, addiction, and the pursuit of happiness, would you? But BoJack Horseman is exactly that. This Netflix original centers around BoJack, a has-been sitcom star from the '90s grappling with personal demons while trying to make a comeback.

Despite its colorful animation and surreal setting in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, the series offers an unflinching portrayal of mental health issues.

Over the Garden Wall (2014)

Ever wandered into a forest so deep that it felt like a whole different world? Over the Garden Wall takes this idea and weaves it into a beautifully eerie narrative. The story trails the path of two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, lost in a mysterious realm called The Unknown, trying to find their way home. You'd think it's just another tale about lost children, right?

But no, the show takes you on a meandering journey through metaphorical darkness, meeting odd characters, each with a haunting story of their own, giving the feeling of stepping into an old folk tale. The series, clocking in at just 10 episodes, captivates with its unique blend of humor and melancholy. After all, where else would you find a singing bird named Beatrice, or a woodsman warning you about the beast, or an enigmatic frog named Jason Funderburker? And let's not even get started on that creepy pumpkin town.

Aeon Flux (1991-1995)

Here's a title you may not be familiar with – Aeon Flux, a show set in a dystopian future that challenged the notion of what an animated series could be. The show centers around Aeon Flux, a leather-clad, deadly assassin navigating a world defined by political intrigue and philosophical dilemmas. If you're looking for a plot that's straight as an arrow, this might not be the show for you.

You see, each episode is an abstract piece of the larger narrative, filled with surrealist imagery and almost no dialogue, leaving viewers to connect the dots. It might have been a bit too ambitious for some, but for those who enjoy a cerebral challenge, it's definitely worth the ride.

Samurai Jack (2001-2017)

Samurai Jack might seem like just another action-packed animated series, but it is so much more than that. The titular Samurai Jack is flung into the future by the shapeshifting demon Aku. Now, you might think: A samurai battling his way through a dystopian future? What's so special about that?

But hold on, this isn't just about a samurai's struggle against evil. It's about his isolation, his battle with hope and despair, the exploration of different cultures and philosophies, all delivered through an artful blend of minimal dialogue and stunning visuals. It's a meditative epic that isn't afraid to take its time, and trust me, it's well worth yours.

The Maxx (1995)

The series follows the journey of a homeless man, who in his fantasy world, is a mighty hero known as The Maxx. Toggling between the harsh realities of urban decay and a fantastical jungle, The Maxx presents a gripping exploration of mental illness, trauma, and identity. Now, this isn't your average superhero fare. It's a dark, psychologically layered narrative that will pull you in with its bizarre but compelling plot and leave you pondering long after it ends.

South Park (1997-present)

Now, this one needs no introduction, does it? Since its debut in 1997, South Park has been pushing the boundaries of satire, becoming one of the most controversial shows on television in the process. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone's crude animation style, combined with their no-holds-barred approach to satirizing every imaginable subject, make this show a unique entity.

It uses the seemingly innocuous setting of a small mountain town in Colorado as the backdrop for an absurdly wide range of plots, from the invasion of sentient ads to the shenanigans of a certain megalomaniac reality show host.

Archer (2009-present)

Who could've thought a comedy about a self-absorbed, womanizing secret agent could offer such a fresh take on the animated series format? Archer, an FX series, revolves around the titular Sterling Archer and his cohorts at an international spy agency. Yet, it's the show's clever subversion of spy movie tropes and its distinct visual style that make it stand out from the crowd. Each season brings in a new theme, shifting from espionage to drug dealing, private investigation, and even a delightful stint in space.

The Simpsons (1989-present)

Created by Matt Groening, this show has been a pop-culture phenomenon for over three decades. It follows the Simpson family's everyday life, punctuated by the hilarious misadventures of patriarch Homer. But beneath the humor, The Simpsons satirically addresses social issues, making it an incredibly insightful mirror to American culture.

Let's not forget that it has earned a respectable 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, has received countless accolades and, well, basically predicted the future too many times for us to even care counting.