40 Great Adult Cartoons That Will Make You Laugh, Cry, and Think

Introduction

In the world of television animation, there are plenty of fantastic options, but for adults, the selection is particularly rich. Here are 40 of the greatest animated shows for grown-ups, offering everything from side-splitting laughs to thought-provoking drama.

1. "Rick and Morty"

Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's Emmy-winning series follows the misadventures of Rick Sanchez, a brilliant but unstable scientist, and his grandson Morty Smith. The show's blend of science fiction, comedy, and heart has captivated millions worldwide.

2. "Bojack Horseman"

Raphael Bob-Waksberg's critically acclaimed comedy-drama tells the story of Bojack Horseman, a washed-up former sitcom star struggling with addiction, depression, and self-destructive behavior. The show offers a poignant exploration of mental health and the search for meaning in life.

3. "South Park"

Trey Parker and Matt Stone's long-running satire has been pushing the boundaries of comedy for over 25 seasons. With its irreverent humor, biting social commentary, and unforgettable characters, "South Park" remains one of the most influential adult cartoons of all time.

4. "Futurama"

Matt Groening's sci-fi comedy follows the adventures of Philip J. Fry, a pizza delivery boy who is accidentally frozen and wakes up 1,000 years in the future. The show's witty dialogue, memorable characters, and imaginative world-building have made it a cult classic.

5. "Bob's Burgers"

Loren Bouchard's heartwarming comedy revolves around the Belcher family, who run a small burger joint. With its relatable characters, clever writing, and catchy musical numbers, "Bob's Burgers" has become a beloved animated sitcom.

6. "The Simpsons"

Matt Groening's groundbreaking animated sitcom has been entertaining audiences for over 30 seasons. The show's satirical portrayal of American society, relatable characters, and iconic catchphrases have made it one of the most popular and influential animated shows of all time.

7. "King of the Hill"

Mike Judge's Emmy-winning animated sitcom follows the lives of the Hill family in the fictional town of Arlen, Texas. The show's realistic depiction of small-town life, lovable characters, and relatable humor have made it a critical and commercial success.

8. "Archer"

Adam Reed's Emmy-nominated animated comedy-drama centers on Sterling Archer, a suave but arrogant spy working for the International Secret Intelligence Service. The show's sharp dialogue, hilarious characters, and action-packed plots have made it a fan favorite.

9. "Family Guy"

Seth MacFarlane's Emmy-winning animated sitcom follows the Griffin family, a dysfunctional family living in the fictional town of Quahog, Rhode Island. The show's raunchy humor, cutaway gags, and pop culture references have made it one of the most popular adult cartoons of all time.

10. "American Dad!"

Seth MacFarlane's other Emmy-winning animated sitcom follows the Smith family, a suburban family whose lives are turned upside down when an alien from outer space moves in with them. The show's clever writing, memorable characters, and satirical humor have made it a critical and commercial success.

11. "Rick and Morty"

Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's Emmy-winning animated sitcom follows the misadventures of Rick Sanchez, a brilliant but unstable scientist, and his grandson Morty Smith. The show's blend of science fiction, comedy, and heart has captivated millions worldwide.

12. "Bojack Horseman"

Raphael Bob-Waksberg's critically acclaimed comedy-drama tells the story of Bojack Horseman, a washed-up former sitcom star struggling with addiction, depression, and self-destructive behavior. The show offers a poignant exploration of mental health and the search for meaning in life.

13. "Adventure Time"

Pendleton Ward's Emmy-winning animated fantasy series follows the adventures of Finn the Human and Jake the Dog in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. The show's imaginative world, lovable characters, and heartwarming stories have made it a favorite among adults and children alike.

14. "Gravity Falls"

Alex Hirsch's Emmy-winning animated mystery series follows the adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend the summer with their great-uncle in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. The show's clever writing, lovable characters, and suspenseful plots have made it a hit with audiences of all ages.

15. "Regular Show"

J.G. Quintel's Emmy-winning animated comedy follows the everyday lives of two best friends, Mordecai the blue jay and Rigby the raccoon, who work at a local park. The show's hilarious characters, clever writing, and imaginative world have made it a beloved animated sitcom.

16. "Over the Garden Wall"

Patrick McHale's Emmy-winning animated miniseries follows the adventures of two brothers, Greg and Wirt, as they try to find their way home after getting lost in a mysterious forest. The show's beautiful animation, haunting soundtrack, and poignant story have made it a critical and commercial success.

17. "Voltron: Legendary Defender"

Joaquim Dos Santos' Emmy-winning animated action series follows the adventures of a group of teenagers who must pilot the giant robot Voltron to defend the universe from evil. The show's exciting action sequences, lovable characters, and heartwarming story have made it a hit with audiences of all ages.

18. "Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia"

Guillermo del Toro's Emmy-winning animated fantasy series follows the adventures of Jim Lake Jr., a teenage boy who discovers that he is the Trollhunter, a chosen warrior who must protect the world from troll threats. The show's imaginative world, lovable characters, and exciting action sequences have made it a critical and commercial success.

19. "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power"

Noelle Stevenson's Emmy-winning animated fantasy series follows the adventures of Adora, a young woman who discovers that she is the legendary She-Ra, a warrior who must lead the Princesses of Power