Looking for your next animated obsession? Here are some top-rated animated series that have captured audiences worldwide, blending humor, fantasy, and thought-provoking narratives.
1. Rick and Morty
- Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Adventure
- First Aired: December 2, 2013
Synopsis: Rick and Morty follows the misadventures of an eccentric and alcoholic scientist, Rick Sanchez, and his anxious grandson, Morty Smith. Rick suddenly reappears after years of absence, moving in with his daughter Beth’s family and setting up a laboratory in their garage. Equipped with a portal gun that allows travel to infinite realities, Rick drags Morty along on wild and often dangerous escapades across the universe. Beth and her husband, Jerry, are often exasperated by Rick’s antics but are simultaneously in awe of his genius. Get ready for a mind-bending journey through space and time!
2. The Simpsons
- Genre: Comedy, Sitcom
- First Aired: December 17, 1989
Synopsis: The Simpsons, created by Matt Groening for Fox Broadcasting Company, is an animated sitcom that satirizes American middle-class life through the portrayal of the Simpson family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Set in the fictional town of Springfield, the series humorously mocks various aspects of American culture, society, television, and the human condition.
Groening conceived the Simpsons’ characters for a series of animated shorts produced by James L. Brooks. He named them after his own family members, substituting “Bart” for his own name. The shorts debuted as part of The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. After three seasons, The Simpsons was spun off into a half-hour prime-time show, becoming one of Fox’s early successes.
Since its premiere on December 17, 1989, The Simpsons has aired 23 seasons, totaling 504 episodes. The 400th episode aired on May 20, 2007, coinciding with the show’s 20th anniversary. The Simpsons Movie, released globally on July 26 and 27, 2007, has grossed approximately $525.3 million. The 23rd season began airing on September 25, 2011, and the 500th episode aired on February 19, 2012.
The Simpsons has received numerous awards, including 25 Primetime Emmy Awards, 26 Annie Awards, and a Peabody Award. Time magazine named it the 20th century’s best television series on December 31, 1999. On January 14, 2000, The Simpsons received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As the longest-running American sitcom and animated program, The Simpsons has had a significant impact on popular culture. Homer Simpson’s catchphrase “D’oh!” has been added to the English dictionary, and the show has influenced many adult-oriented animated sitcoms.
3. Ben 10: Alien Force
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action
- First Aired: April 18, 2008
Synopsis: Ben 10: Alien Force is the second series in the main Ben 10 franchise. It premiered on Cartoon Network in the United States on April 18, 2008, and concluded on March 26, 2010, with a total of 46 episodes across three seasons. The series was planned for 46 episodes from the start, originally titled Ben 10: Hero Generation.
Set five years after the original Ben 10 series, Alien Force sees Ben and Gwen as high school students. Ben has stopped using the Omnitrix and is living a normal life, playing as the goalkeeper on his soccer team. However, after winning the MVP award, he discovers that Grandpa Max has disappeared. He reunites with Gwen and re-dons the Omnitrix to investigate. Their investigation uncovers a plot by the Highbreed to invade Earth.
The core team is now without Max, but Kevin, a former enemy, joins as a new ally. Ben re-activates the Omnitrix, while Gwen and Kevin’s powers evolve. Plumbers’ kids with alien abilities also emerge to help. With their assistance, Ben thwarts the Highbreed’s invasion. Meanwhile, Vilgax launches attacks across the universe, seeking revenge on Ben. Ben tries to unlock the Omnitrix, inadvertently causing Kevin to mutate due to its energy. Despite defeating Vilgax and saving Earth, Vilgax’s ambitions remain.
Ultimately, Vilgax is defeated, but severely injured. The Omnitrix is destroyed, Kevin returns to normal, and Ben’s transformation device is replaced with the Ultimatrix. Compared to its predecessor, Alien Force has a more cohesive storyline with a clear overarching goal. The main antagonists in the first two seasons are the Highbreed and their DNAlien minions, while Vilgax is the primary villain in the third season. The Forever Knights also appear but have a diminished role. The story is more serious than the original series, especially Ben’s character in the first two seasons. The first two seasons focus on the Highbreed, while the third season revolves around Vilgax’s ambitions. The relationships between Ben and Julie, and Gwen and Kevin, are also significant plot points.
4. Helluva Boss
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Musical
- First Aired: November 25, 2019
Synopsis: In the society of Hell, Imps are the lowest class of demons. But what happens when one Imp starts a business in assassination? Find out in Helluva Boss, a dark comedy that follows the chaotic lives of the employees of I.M.P (Immediate Murder Professionals).
5. What If…?
- Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Superhero
- First Aired: August 11, 2021
Synopsis: Inspired by the Marvel Comics series of the same name, What If…? is an animated anthology series that reimagines pivotal moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Each episode explores alternate realities, asking questions like: What if Peggy Carter became a super-soldier instead of Steve Rogers? Or what if Spider-Man joined the Fantastic Four? Prepare to enter the unknown and witness the infinite possibilities of the multiverse.