14 Lesser-known Animated Series for Adults, Not Kids

There's a whole world of mature, intricate, and yes, often raunchy animated series that are strictly adults-only. Here are just some of them:

1. Frisky Dingo (2006-2008)

What happens when a supervillain with the brilliantly stupid name of Killface tries to destroy the world, but also has to deal with budgeting issues and PR nightmares? Frisky Dingo is what happens. This show is a glorious mishmash of superhero tropes turned on their heads, complete with a clueless nemesis named Awesome X, who's more interested in merchandising than actual heroism. It's the adult superhero cartoon you didn't know you needed. Loved Amazon Prime's The Boys? You gonna adore this one.

2. Castlevania (2017-2021)

This ain't your childhood video game. Dracula declares war on humanity for killing his wife, accusing her of witchcraft. Trevor Belmont, last of the monster-hunting Belmont family, teams up with Sypha, a mage, and Alucard, Dracula's half-human son, to stop him. It's a dark, brooding tale with gruesome battles and complex characters.

3. F Is for Family (2015-2021)

Step into the '70s with the Murphy family, where dad Frank is perpetually grumpy and swears like a sailor. His wife Sue tries to balance family life while secretly wanting more for herself. The kids? Well, they're all kinds of messed up. The eldest, Kevin, is a wannabe rock star with zero motivation. This is like a love letter to the era of shag carpets and freedom without seat belts. It's harsh, crude, and real.

4. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

Don't let the humanoid animals throw you off. BoJack, an alcoholic horse and washed-up TV star, navigates through depression, addiction, and the pitfalls of fame. His agent, Princess Carolyn, a pink cat, keeps failing in her relationships while trying to adopt a child. And then there's Mr. Peanutbutter, an overly optimistic dog, who's like the anti-BoJack. Dark and crammed with social commentary, this one is more about human condition than about being an animal.

5. Big Mouth (2017-present)

Puberty is terrifying, right? This series takes that concept and runs with it. Follow along as Nick and Andrew, two best friends, deal with the cringiest, grossest aspects of adolescence. The Hormone Monster and the Hormone Monstress—literal creatures—guide them, and yes, these monsters are as raunchy and inappropriate as they sound. Imagine discussing body changes and sexual experiences but with, like, ten times the awkwardness.

6. Moral Orel (2005-2008)

Ever wonder what it would be like if Leave It to Beaver took a dark, twisted turn? Meet Orel, a young boy living in the fictional town of Moralton, who just wants to be a good Christian. Only problem? His attempts at living a virtuous life often backfire in the most horrifying ways. Between his alcoholic father and his disillusioned mother, Orel's naivety sets the stage for some truly unsettling storylines.

7. Metalocalypse (2006-2013)

Imagine a world where a metal band, Dethklok, is so popular it's become the seventh-largest economy on the planet. These aren't just musicians; they're inept, selfish demi-gods with a fan following that literally dies for them. They wield their instruments and egos with equal ferocity, causing mass destruction wherever they go. Oh, and there's a shadowy group that wants to control them because, apparently, they're fulfilling an ancient Armageddon prophecy.

8. Venture Bros. (2003-2018)

Dr. Thaddeus Rusty Venture, a failed super-scientist, tries to live up to his famous father's legacy while raising his dimwitted sons Hank and Dean. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. Add in a bodyguard who's a cross between Brock Samson and Rambo, plus a slew of arch-nemeses (like the Monarch, a villain obsessed with butterflies), and you've got the makings of a comedy that's as layered as it is bizarre.

9. Superjail! (2007-2014)

A jail located in an alternate dimension run by a warden who is an amalgamation of Willy Wonka and a Bond villain. The prison is a psychedelic nightmare where prisoners get subjected to twisted games and brutal executions. Each episode generally culminates in a bloodbath, often triggered by the most mundane things, like an innocent game of dodgeball.

10. Archer (2009-present)

Meet Sterling Archer, the world's most self-absorbed spy. He works for his equally narcissistic mother, Malory, at their spy agency. Imagine all the office politics and squabbles, but with guns and espionage. Each season has a different theme, from dealing with space pirates to hunting for treasure, but what remains constant is Archer's bravado and recklessness. Not just James Bond with jokes, folks. This is its own beast.

11. King Star King (2014-2023)

King Star King, a punk rock, modern-day He-Man, gets demoted from his celestial realm and has to earn his way back by performing good deeds. Yeah, but it's not as noble as it sounds. His idea of "good deeds" usually involves crazy battles, including one against a villain named "Spring Bunny", and off-the-wall antics. It's absurdity at its finest, really.

12. The Boondocks (2005-2014)

Remember those cool kids who would always challenge authority? This is the animated version of that, set in a suburban world. Huey and Riley Freeman, two African American kids, move into a white suburb with their granddad. Their fish-out-of-water experiences, laced with social and cultural critiques, make for comedy gold. With episodes tackling everything from the R. Kelly trial to the "N-word", this isn't your run-of-the-mill animated fare.

13. Moonbeam City (2015)

If Archer and Miami Vice had a love child, it would be Moonbeam City. Follow Dazzle Novak, a detective who's more concerned with his own celebrity status than solving crimes. His arch-rival, Rad Cunningham, is out to take his spot. Then there's Pizzaz Miller, their exasperated chief. This neon-drenched series parodies the '80s cop shows so perfectly, you'd think you stepped into a time warp.

14. Black Dynamite (2012-2015)

Step back in time to the '70s with this blaxploitation parody featuring the titular Black Dynamite, a Vietnam War veteran turned vigilante. This dude is out to "stick it to The Man", whether that means taking down Richard Nixon or dealing with alien invasions. It's a nostalgia trip that's as much about kung-fu as it is about social issues of the time.