Best Animated TV Shows to Watch in 2024

Animated TV shows have been a beloved form of entertainment for decades, captivating audiences of all ages with their unique storytelling and stunning visuals. From classic cartoons to modern anime, there is no shortage of options for fans of the genre. In this article, we will be exploring the best animated TV shows currently available, highlighting the ones that stand out for their quality and popularity.

When it comes to animated TV shows, there are a few critical things to consider before making a purchase. Firstly, the animation style can greatly impact the overall viewing experience. Some shows opt for traditional 2D animation, while others use 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI) or a combination of both. Additionally, the target audience can vary greatly, with some shows aimed at children and others geared towards adults.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various animated TV shows to identify the ones that offer the best combination of engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and widespread appeal. From classic favorites to newer releases, we’ve got you covered.

Best Animated TV Shows

We have scoured the internet and binge-watched countless hours of animated TV shows to bring you the ultimate list of the best animated TV shows. Whether you’re a fan of classic cartoons or modern animations, we’ve got you covered. From heartwarming tales to hilarious comedies, these shows are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. So sit back, relax, and get ready to add some new favorites to your watchlist.

Return to the Planet of the Apes – The Complete Animated Series

If you’re a fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise, then Return to the Planet of the Apes – The Complete Animated Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The series features familiar characters from the Planet of the Apes films and TV series, bringing back a sense of nostalgia for fans.
• The animation style is reminiscent of comic book art, providing a unique and visually interesting experience.
• The series is complete, providing over 5 hours of content for viewers to enjoy.

Cons

• The DVD is region 1 NTSC, which may not be compatible with all DVD players.
• The series may not appeal to those who are not already fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise.
• The audio and video quality may not be up to par with modern standards.

Return to the Planet of the Apes – The Complete Animated Series is a great choice for fans of the franchise who are looking to relive some of the nostalgia from their childhood. The series features familiar characters and an animation style that sets it apart from other animated TV shows.

The series is complete, providing over 5 hours of content for viewers to enjoy. While the DVD is region 1 NTSC, it is still accessible to most viewers, but it may not be compatible with all DVD players.

One potential downside of the series is that it may not appeal to those who are not already fans of the Planet of the Apes franchise. Additionally, the audio and video quality may not be up to par with modern standards, but this is to be expected from a series that was originally released in the 70s.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the Planet of the Apes franchise and are looking for a unique and visually interesting animated TV show, then Return to the Planet of the Apes – The Complete Animated Series is definitely worth checking out.

SpongeBob SquarePants

If you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted animated TV show, then SpongeBob SquarePants is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The show is incredibly entertaining and will leave you laughing out loud with its witty humor and zany characters.
• The animation is bright, colorful, and visually appealing, making it a joy to watch.
• The show is suitable for all ages, so it’s a great option for families to enjoy together.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the humor to be a bit too silly or juvenile for their taste.
• The show’s formulaic structure can become repetitive after a while, with many episodes following a similar plotline.
• While the show is generally appropriate for all ages, some parents may be uncomfortable with the occasional crude humor and innuendos.

Overall, we recommend SpongeBob SquarePants for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining animated TV show. Its humor and colorful animation make it a great option for families to enjoy together, though some viewers may find the show’s formulaic structure and occasional crude humor to be a turn-off.

The Best of the Super Mario Bros Super Show!

If you’re a fan of Super Mario Bros, this DVD set is definitely worth adding to your collection.

Pros

• The set includes a variety of animated episodes featuring the classic duo, Mario and Luigi.
• The DVD set is a great way to introduce kids to the characters and world of Super Mario Bros.
• The set is reasonably priced and offers good value for the money.

Cons

• The live-action intros by Captain Lou Albano as Mario and Danny Wells as Luigi are not included in this set.
• The DVD may not be compatible with all players.
• The set may not be as enjoyable for those who are not already fans of Super Mario Bros.

We recently purchased “The Best of the Super Mario Bros Super Show!” for our family and were pleased with the variety of episodes included in the set. The animation is fun and colorful, and the characters are as entertaining as ever. The set offers a great way to introduce younger audiences to the world of Super Mario Bros, and the price point is reasonable for the amount of content included.

One downside to the set is that it does not include the live-action intros by Captain Lou Albano as Mario and Danny Wells as Luigi. Additionally, some users have reported compatibility issues with certain DVD players. However, we did not experience any issues with playback on our player.

Overall, if you’re a fan of Super Mario Bros or looking for a fun and entertaining way to introduce kids to the characters and world of the franchise, “The Best of the Super Mario Bros Super Show!” is definitely worth considering.

Batman: The Complete Animated Series

If you’re a fan of Batman and animation, then the Batman: The Complete Animated Series is a must-have for you.

Pros

• The Blu-ray format enhances the viewing experience and makes the animation look even better.
• The set includes all episodes of the series and both movies in one package, making it a great value for money.
• The series has aged well and is still enjoyable to watch even after all these years.

Cons

• The packaging may arrive damaged due to poor handling during shipping.
• Some buyers received a faulty product and had to go through the hassle of returning it.
• The set may not come in the original boxset, but rather in two separate Blu-ray cases.

As a fan of Batman and animation, we found the Batman: The Complete Animated Series to be an excellent addition to our collection. The Blu-ray format enhances the viewing experience and makes the animation look even better. The set includes all episodes of the series and both movies in one package, making it a great value for money. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the series has aged well and is still enjoyable to watch even after all these years.

However, we were disappointed to see that some buyers received a damaged product due to poor handling during shipping. Additionally, some buyers received a faulty product and had to go through the hassle of returning it. Lastly, the set may not come in the original boxset, but rather in two separate Blu-ray cases.

Overall, we highly recommend the Batman: The Complete Animated Series to any fan of Batman and animation. It’s a great addition to any collection and provides hours of entertainment.

Superman: The Complete Animated Series

If you’re a fan of the Man of Steel, then you should definitely consider purchasing the Superman: The Complete Animated Series.

Pros

• The series is a faithful adaptation of the Superman comics, and it’s a great way to relive the classic stories from the comfort of your own home.
• The animation is top-notch, and the action sequences are thrilling to watch.
• The voice acting is superb, with Tim Daly delivering an excellent performance as Superman/Clark Kent.

Cons

• Some of the episodes feel a bit dated, especially when it comes to the portrayal of female characters.
• The series can be a bit formulaic at times, with many episodes following a similar structure.
• The bonus features are a bit lacking, with only a handful of commentaries and featurettes included.

Overall, we highly recommend the Superman: The Complete Animated Series to any fan of the Man of Steel. The animation is top-notch, the voice acting is superb, and the series is a faithful adaptation of the Superman comics. While some of the episodes feel a bit dated, and the bonus features are a bit lacking, the series is still a must-watch for any fan of the character.

Aeon Flux – The Complete Animated Collection

If you’re a fan of science fiction and anime, then you should definitely consider purchasing Aeon Flux – The Complete Animated Collection.

Pros

• The animation quality is superb, and the futuristic world is well-crafted and immersive.
• The characters are complex and intriguing, and the voice acting is top-notch.
• The storylines are unpredictable and will keep you engaged throughout the entire series.

Cons

• The show can be quite violent and graphic, so it’s not suitable for younger viewers.
• Some of the episodes can be confusing and difficult to follow, especially if you’re not familiar with the source material.
• The packaging is a bit bulky and may take up more space on your shelf than you’d like.

Overall, we highly recommend Aeon Flux – The Complete Animated Collection to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking science fiction with a touch of anime. The show’s unique style and complex storytelling make it a standout in the genre, and it’s well worth adding to your collection.

Aaahh!!! Real Monsters: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of classic Nickelodeon cartoons, then “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters: The Complete Series” is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• The complete series, all 52 episodes, is included in this set.
• The voice cast includes some of the most talented voice actors of their time, such as Tim Curry and James Belushi.
• The show has a unique premise and a fun, spooky atmosphere that makes it stand out from other animated series.

Cons

• The show may be too scary for very young children.
• The animation style may not be to everyone’s taste.
• The set does not include any special features or bonus content.

As a fan of classic Nickelodeon shows, we were excited to add “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters” to our collection. The show follows three young monsters as they attend a school for scaring humans and try to keep their monster secrets safe from the determined monster hunter Simon.

One of the best things about this set is that it includes all 52 episodes of the show, so you can relive all of your favorite moments from the series. The voice cast is also top-notch, with talented actors like Tim Curry and James Belushi lending their voices to the show’s characters.

The show’s spooky atmosphere and unique premise make it stand out from other animated series, but it may be too scary for very young children. Additionally, some viewers may not enjoy the show’s animation style, which is more simplistic than some other animated series.

Overall, we highly recommend “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters: The Complete Series” to any fan of classic Nickelodeon shows or anyone looking for a fun, spooky animated series.

Real Ghostbusters 1-10

If you’re a fan of the Ghostbusters franchise, then this animated TV show is definitely worth checking out!

Pros

• The series does an excellent job of continuing the story of the original Ghostbusters movie, with plenty of supernatural hijinks and humor.
• The animation is top-notch, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that bring the Ghostbusters to life in a whole new way.
• With 10 discs and over 41 hours of content, this DVD set offers plenty of entertainment value for the price.

Cons

• While the show is entertaining for all ages, some of the humor and scares may be a bit too intense for very young children.
• The DVD set does not include any special features or behind-the-scenes content, which may disappoint fans who are looking for more in-depth information about the show.
• The show’s episodic format may make it feel a bit repetitive at times, especially if you’re watching multiple episodes in a row.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Real Ghostbusters 1-10 to any fans of the Ghostbusters franchise. With its engaging storylines, top-notch animation, and plenty of laughs and scares, this animated TV show is a must-watch for anyone who loves the world of the Ghostbusters.

Superman: The Complete Animated Series

If you’re a fan of superhero animated TV shows, you should definitely consider purchasing Superman: The Complete Animated Series on Blu-ray.

Pros

• The animation quality is exceptional, and the Blu-ray transfer makes it look even better.
• The voice acting is top-notch, with Tim Daly providing a perfect voice for Superman.
• The complete collection includes all 54 episodes, so you won’t miss a single adventure.

Cons

• The packaging is a bit flimsy and may not hold up well over time.
• Some of the episodes may feel a bit formulaic and repetitive.
• The bonus features are somewhat lacking compared to other animated TV show collections.

Overall, we highly recommend Superman: The Complete Animated Series for any fan of superhero cartoons. The animation quality is superb, and the voice acting is excellent. Plus, with all 54 episodes included, you’ll have hours of entertainment at your fingertips.

The show follows Superman’s journey from his infancy on the planet Krypton to his adulthood as the Man of Steel in Metropolis. Along the way, he battles a variety of villains and upholds his commitment to “Truth, Justice, and the American way.” The storytelling is engaging and will keep you hooked from episode to episode.

One standout feature of the show is the animation quality. The art style is reminiscent of the classic Superman comics, but with a modern twist. The colors are vibrant, and the action sequences are dynamic and exciting. The Blu-ray transfer makes the animation even more stunning, with crisp, clear visuals that pop off the screen.

The voice acting is another highlight of the show. Tim Daly provides the perfect voice for Superman, capturing both his heroic nature and his vulnerability as a character. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor and Dana Delany as Lois Lane.

While there are some minor drawbacks to the collection, such as the flimsy packaging and lackluster bonus features, these are relatively minor compared to the overall quality of the show. If you’re a fan of superhero cartoons, you won’t want to miss out on Superman: The Complete Animated Series.

Daria: The Complete Animated Series

If you’re looking for a witty, sarcastic, and relatable animated show, then Daria: The Complete Animated Series is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The show’s dry humor and satirical take on high school life is both hilarious and thought-provoking.
• The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
• The complete series includes all five seasons and both movies, providing hours of entertainment.

Cons

• The DVD set arrived with 99 percent of the original music changed due to rights issues, which may be disappointing for some fans.
• The show’s animation style may not be for everyone, as it is not as visually stunning as some other animated shows.
• The show’s humor may come across as too dry and sarcastic for some viewers.

We recently watched Daria: The Complete Animated Series and were thoroughly entertained by its witty and satirical take on high school life. The show’s dry humor and sardonic wit had us laughing out loud, while also making us think about the absurdities of high school life.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Daria Morgendorffer serving as an excellent protagonist who is both smart and cynical. Her best friend, Jane Lane, is also a standout character, providing a much-needed counterbalance to Daria’s dry humor.

The complete series includes all five seasons and both movies, providing hours of entertainment. However, it is worth noting that the DVD set arrived with 99 percent of the original music changed due to rights issues, which may be disappointing for some fans.

Overall, if you’re a fan of witty, satirical animated shows that provide a unique take on high school life, then Daria: The Complete Animated Series is definitely worth checking out.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best animated TV show, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Age Range

Consider the age range of the intended audience. Some animated TV shows are geared towards young children, while others are more appropriate for older kids or adults. Make sure the show is age-appropriate for the viewer.

Genre

Animated TV shows come in a variety of genres, including comedy, action, adventure, and drama. Consider the viewer’s interests and preferences when selecting a show.

Animation Style

The animation style can greatly impact the viewing experience. Some shows have a more traditional, hand-drawn animation style, while others use computer-generated graphics. Some viewers may prefer one style over the other.

Length

Consider the length of the show. Some animated TV shows have many seasons and episodes, while others are shorter. Make sure the length of the show fits the viewer’s schedule and attention span.

Availability

Check the availability of the show. Some animated TV shows may only be available on certain streaming platforms or networks. Make sure the viewer has access to the show before making a selection.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best animated TV show for the intended viewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated animated TV shows of all time?

There are several animated TV shows that are considered the top-rated of all time, including “The Simpsons,” “South Park,” “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” and “Rick and Morty.” These shows have garnered critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan base.

Which animated series are considered the best for adult audiences?

Adult audiences have a variety of animated series to choose from, but some of the most highly regarded include “Bojack Horseman,” “Archer,” “Big Mouth,” “F is for Family,” and “Family Guy.” These shows tackle mature themes and feature adult humor that may not be suitable for younger viewers.

What are the most popular animated shows currently on Netflix?

Netflix is home to a wide range of popular animated shows, including “The Dragon Prince,” “Castlevania,” “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power,” “Voltron: Legendary Defender,” and “Disenchantment.” These shows have gained popularity for their engaging storytelling and unique animation styles.

Which animated TV series have the highest IMDb ratings?

According to IMDb, some of the highest-rated animated TV series include “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “Gravity Falls,” “Rick and Morty,” “Over the Garden Wall,” and “Batman: The Animated Series.” These shows have received critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan base.

What is the most-watched animated show globally?

“The Simpsons” is considered the most-watched animated show globally, having been on the air for over 30 seasons. Its popularity has spanned generations and has made it a cultural icon.

What are some must-watch animated series across all platforms?

Some of the must-watch animated series across all platforms include “Adventure Time,” “Steven Universe,” “Samurai Jack,” “The Powerpuff Girls,” and “DuckTales.” These shows have gained popularity for their engaging storytelling, unique animation styles, and memorable characters.