Best Animation TV Series of All Time: A Definitive List

Animation has been a beloved form of entertainment for decades, captivating audiences of all ages with its unique blend of storytelling and visual artistry. From classic hand-drawn cartoons to cutting-edge computer-generated imagery, animation has evolved into a diverse and dynamic medium that continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

When it comes to animation on the small screen, television series have proven to be a particularly popular format. With dozens of animated shows airing on various networks and streaming platforms, it can be challenging to determine which ones are truly worth watching. That’s where we come in.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the best animation TV series of all time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of animated programming or a newcomer to the genre, we’ve got you covered. From iconic classics to modern masterpieces, we’ve scoured the archives to bring you the very best of what animation has to offer.

When considering the best animation TV series of all time, there are a few critical factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, we’ll be looking at the quality of the animation itself. This includes factors like visual style, fluidity of motion, and attention to detail. Additionally, we’ll be taking into account the strength of the show’s storytelling, including character development, plot complexity, and overall narrative coherence.

With these factors in mind, we’re confident that we’ve assembled a list of the very best animation TV series of all time. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of animated television.

Best Animation TV Series

We’ve scoured the depths of the animated world to bring you the ultimate list of the best animation TV series of all time. From classic cartoons to modern masterpieces, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for something new to watch, these shows are sure to entertain. So sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of animation.

Gargoyles: Season 1

If you’re a fan of dark animated series with a mature storyline, Gargoyles: Season 1 is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The storyline is unusually thoughtful and mature.
• The literary allusions (Arthurian lore, Shakespeare) add depth to the series.
• The vocal cast full of Star Trek types (Michael Dorn, Nichelle Nichols, Marina Sirtis, among others) is impressive.

Cons

• The animation may not be up to par with modern standards.
• The series may be too dark and complex for younger viewers.
• The later seasons are hard to come by.

Gargoyles: Season 1 is a dark and moody animated series that tells the story of heroic creatures who were frozen in stone for 1,000 years due to human betrayal. The magic spell is broken, and the Gargoyles awaken from their slumber to find themselves transported from the moors of Scotland to the bustling metropolis of New York City. The series is action-packed and full of suspense, as the winged warriors seek revenge on the race that betrayed them.

The storyline is unusually thoughtful and mature, with literary allusions that add depth to the series. The vocal cast full of Star Trek types is impressive, and the characters are well-developed. However, the animation may not be up to par with modern standards, and the series may be too dark and complex for younger viewers. Additionally, the later seasons are hard to come by, so if you want to experience the full story, you may have to hunt down the DVDs.

Overall, if you’re a fan of dark animated series with a mature storyline, Gargoyles: Season 1 is definitely worth checking out.

Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series

If you’re looking for a dark and gritty anime with a compelling storyline, then Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series is a great choice.

Pros

• The show’s dark and mature themes are handled well, making for a gripping and emotional viewing experience.
• The animation is impressive, especially considering the show’s age.
• The Blu-ray release includes both the original Japanese audio with English subtitles and the English dub, giving viewers the option to choose their preferred language.

Cons

• The show’s violence and mature themes may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The series is based on a longer manga, so some plot points and character development may feel rushed or incomplete.
• The show’s 4:3 aspect ratio may be a turn-off for viewers who prefer widescreen presentations.

Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series follows the story of Guts, a skilled warrior who wields a massive sword and is feared by demons. The show features a dark and mature storyline that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the price of power. The characters are well-developed and complex, with each having their own motivations and struggles.

The animation in Berserk is impressive, especially considering the show’s age. The action scenes are intense and well-choreographed, with each blow feeling weighty and impactful. The show’s use of shadows and lighting creates a moody and atmospheric tone that adds to the show’s overall sense of dread.

One downside to Berserk is that the show’s violence and mature themes may not be suitable for all viewers. The show features graphic violence, sexual content, and other mature themes that may be disturbing for some viewers. Additionally, the show’s 4:3 aspect ratio may be a turn-off for viewers who prefer widescreen presentations.

Overall, Berserk Complete 1997 TV Series is a great choice for viewers who enjoy dark and mature anime with a compelling storyline and impressive animation.

A Man for All Seasons (Special Edition)

If you’re looking for a historical drama that is thought-provoking and well-acted, A Man for All Seasons might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The movie has a strong cast and features an Oscar-winning performance by Paul Scofield.
• The story is engaging and deals with important ethical and religious issues.
• The movie is well-written and beautifully filmed.

Cons

• Some viewers might find the pacing slow or the dialogue too talky.
• The movie might not be suitable for young children due to its mature themes.
• The movie might not appeal to viewers who are not interested in historical dramas.

If you’re looking for a movie that explores important ethical and religious issues, A Man for All Seasons is a great choice. The movie features a strong cast, including an Oscar-winning performance by Paul Scofield, and is well-written and beautifully filmed. However, some viewers might find the pacing slow or the dialogue too talky, and the movie might not be suitable for young children due to its mature themes. If you’re not interested in historical dramas, this movie might not be for you.

Adventure Time

If you’re looking for an animation TV series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, Adventure Time is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The characters are lovable and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their adventures.
• The show’s humor is clever and often unexpected, keeping viewers on their toes.
• The animation style is unique and visually stunning, making it a joy to watch.

Cons

• Some episodes can be a bit too bizarre for some viewers, which may turn them off from the show.
• The overarching plot can be difficult to follow at times, especially for those who only watch sporadically.
• The show’s ending was somewhat controversial, leaving some fans disappointed.

Overall, Adventure Time is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys animation TV series that are both lighthearted and thought-provoking. With lovable characters, clever humor, and stunning animation, it’s easy to get invested in the show’s world and the adventures of its characters. However, some episodes may be a bit too bizarre for some viewers, and the overarching plot can be difficult to follow at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, Adventure Time is definitely worth checking out for anyone who enjoys quality animation.

A Pup Named Scooby-Doo: Complete 1st Season

In our opinion, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo: Complete 1st Season is a great addition to any animation TV series collection, especially for those who grew up watching the original Scooby-Doo shows.

Pros

• The old gang from the original Scooby-Doo shows is back in their childhood form, which can be a nostalgic experience for viewers who used to watch the show as kids.
• The episodes are kid-friendly, featuring mysteries that are not too scary or complex for young audiences.
• The product is affordable and comes in a two-disc set that includes multiple formats, color, NTSC, subtitled, closed-captioned, and animated features.

Cons

• The product is not suitable for those who are not fans of the original Scooby-Doo shows or who prefer more mature animation TV series.
• The product only includes the first season of the show, which may leave some viewers wanting to see more.
• The product may not be suitable for those who prefer streaming their TV shows, as it only comes in DVD format.

If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic animation TV series to add to your collection, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo: Complete 1st Season is a great choice. The show features the beloved characters from the original Scooby-Doo shows in their childhood form, solving kid-size mysteries and having run-ins with ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. The episodes are kid-friendly and not too scary or complex, making it a great choice for young audiences. The product is also affordable and comes in a two-disc set that includes multiple formats, color, NTSC, subtitled, closed-captioned, and animated features.

However, the product may not be suitable for those who are not fans of the original Scooby-Doo shows or who prefer more mature animation TV series. It only includes the first season of the show, which may leave some viewers wanting to see more. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for those who prefer streaming their TV shows, as it only comes in DVD format.

All Dogs Go to Heaven The Series: Complete Season 2 – Gift Box

If you’re a fan of All Dogs Go to Heaven, then you should definitely consider getting the complete Season 2 gift box.

Pros

• The continuation of the adventures of Charlie and Itchy is just as fun and entertaining as the movie.
• The episodes are family-friendly and perfect for young children.
• The gift box comes with two discs and almost 5 hours of content.

Cons

• The series might not live up to the original movie, but it’s still enjoyable.
• The animation quality is not as good as some of the newer shows.
• The episodes can get repetitive and predictable at times.

We recently got the All Dogs Go to Heaven The Series: Complete Season 2 gift box and we’re quite happy with our purchase. The series follows the adventures of Charlie and Itchy as they do missions for Heaven on Earth, under the guidance of the head canine angel, Annabelle. The episodes are light-hearted and family-friendly, making it perfect for young children.

The gift box comes with two discs and almost 5 hours of content, which is great value for money. We enjoyed watching the episodes and reliving the memories of the original movie. However, we must admit that the series might not live up to the original movie, but it’s still enjoyable.

The animation quality is not as good as some of the newer shows, but it’s still decent. The episodes can get repetitive and predictable at times, but that’s to be expected from a children’s show. Overall, we would recommend the All Dogs Go to Heaven The Series: Complete Season 2 gift box to anyone who enjoyed the original movie and wants to relive the adventures of Charlie and Itchy.

All Creatures Great -amp; Small: The Complete Series 7 Collection (Repackage)

If you’re looking for a heart-warming tale set in the Yorkshire dales, All Creatures Great -amp; Small: The Complete Series 7 Collection is a great choice.

Pros

• The series is based on bestselling books by James Herriot.
• The show is a perennial PBS hit.
• The series is a great choice for animal lovers.

Cons

• The heavy accents of the locals can be difficult to understand at times.
• Some viewers may find the series to be a bit dated.
• There is some degree of repetition in the series.

Life at the small veterinary practice continues to challenge the partners, whether by neglected animals or tight-fisted farmers. But through all the trails and tribulations, friendship and family prove themselves as strong as ever.

In All Creatures Great -amp; Small: The Complete Series 7 Collection, we found that the series is a great choice for animal lovers. The show is based on bestselling books by James Herriot and is a perennial PBS hit. However, the heavy accents of the locals can be difficult to understand at times, and some viewers may find the series to be a bit dated. Additionally, there is some degree of repetition in the series.

That being said, we thoroughly enjoyed watching the last series of this fantastic show. We were excited when we received series 6 -amp; 7 in the post. We tried very hard to watch just one episode a day but that did not last for long. The James Herriot series never seems to get tired – just like the wonderful books they are based on. This, the 7th season is every bit as fresh and witty as the others with most of the usual cast.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the series or a lover of animals, All Creatures Great -amp; Small: The Complete Series 7 Collection is definitely worth checking out.

Fringe: The Complete First Season

If you’re a fan of science fiction and drama, Fringe: The Complete First Season is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• The show features an intriguing storyline that blends science fiction and reality, making it a unique and captivating watch.
• The series boasts impressive special effects and creature design that add to the overall experience.
• The bonus features, including “Deciphering the Scene” and “The Massive Undertaking,” provide insight into the making of the show and enhance the viewing experience.

Cons

• While the show is ambitious, it can sometimes feel convoluted and hard to follow.
• Some of the characters, particularly the lead, Olivia Dunham, can come off as wooden and uninteresting.
• The show can be quite graphic and may not be suitable for all audiences.

We highly recommend Fringe: The Complete First Season for fans of science fiction and drama. The show’s unique blend of reality and science fiction, impressive special effects, and bonus features make it a must-have for any collection. While the show can be convoluted and graphic at times, it’s still a captivating watch that’s well worth your time.

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series: ARCHIVE CLASSICS (6DVD)

If you are a fan of late-night television, you should definitely consider purchasing The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series: ARCHIVE CLASSICS.

Pros

• Relive the magic of a night with Johnny, Ed, Doc, and the rest of the Tonight Show gang, just as the shows originally aired so many years ago.
• Features 12 UNCUT episodes that even include the commercials!
• 6-DVD set includes bonus material!

Cons

• The product is only available in DVD format.
• Some of the episodes may not be of interest to everyone.
• The price may be a bit steep for some buyers.

This 6-DVD set contains 12 full shows as they aired—including commercials! It features Carnac the Magnificent, Stump the Band, “Streak Week” from March 1974, and The Tonight Show’s November 1972 broadcasts from New York. Bonus Material includes over 3 hours of bonus clips with Vincent Price demonstrating his quirky cooking method, a former Miss Sweden giving Johnny a massage, and bonus monologues and desk talk with Johnny and Ed.

The original King of Late Night television at his best! Newly released from the Carson Vault—some of the most requested shows ever, available in their entirety for the first time. Carson Fan Alert: 17 ½ hours of late-night entertainment.

Overall, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series: ARCHIVE CLASSICS is a must-have for any fan of late-night television. It is a great way to relive the magic of a night with Johnny, Ed, Doc, and the rest of the Tonight Show gang. The product is only available in DVD format, but it is worth it for the bonus material and the 12 UNCUT episodes that even include the commercials!