5 Modern American Animated Series That Prove Cartoons Aren't Just for Kids

There's a strange belief that cartoons are made for children to enjoy, and that adults shouldn't be able to watch them. And while most cartoons, with their bright images and exciting visual effects, are definitely made to attract the attention of kids, there are cartoons made specifically for adults.

These five are prime examples.

Blood of Zeus (2020-present, 2 seasons, 7.5 on IMDb)

Formerly known as Gods & Heroes, this Netflix animated fantasy action series is set in Ancient Greece and follows Heron, a demigod son of Zeus who is gods and humans' only hope of survival as the world is in danger of being destroyed by vicious titans and demons. Inspired by Greek mythology, this is a spicy treat for everyone who liked reading about Heracles or the Argonauts as a child.

Castlevania (2017-2021, 4 seasons, 8.3 on IMDb)

Based on Konami's video game series of the same name, Netflix's dark fantasy action-animation follows a group of vigilantes who set out to bring down Vlad Dracula, who slaughtered the people of Wallachia for killing his wife, falsely accused of witchcraft. Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the fabled family of monster hunters, his magician friend Sypha Belnades, and Dracula's son Alucard risk their lives to end the terror.

The Legend of Vox Machina (2022-present, 2 seasons, 8.4 on IMDb)

Amazon Prime Video's adult animated fantasy action revolves around the title team, a seven-member group of warriors who go on various missions together using their many talents. It is a classic Dungeons and Dragons-style series that follows the characters on their many adventures as they complete quests, help the innocent, rescue someone from captivity, or find a missing artifact.

Invincible (2021-present, 2 seasons, 8.7 on IMDb)

Adapted from the Image Comics graphic novel series of the same name, this Amazon Prime adult superhero animation follows Mark Greyson, a half-human, half-Viltrumite teenager who developed superhuman powers at the age of seventeen. Though initially excited by his gift, Mark soon realizes the burdens of being a superhero, as his powers prove difficult to handle and his alien ancestry causes him to lash out in rage, becoming extremely violent and unable to control himself.

Arcane (2021-present, 1 season, 9.0 on IMDb)

Inspired by Riot's League of Legends, Netflix's animated action-adventure series centers on Vi and Jinx, two sisters who find themselves on opposite sides of an impending conflict between the wealthy city of Piltover and the shabby and impoverished region of Zaun. As the conflict nears, the characters' convictions become clearer and their journeys to become rival champions of the world begin.