Mind-Blowing Animated TV Shows That Will Change Your Perception Forever

The provocative and mind-bending escapades of Rick and Morty, along with several other animated TV shows intended for adults, have unequivocally demonstrated that cartoons are not solely meant for children. Animation is often mistakenly perceived as a medium solely for kids, but this viewpoint is overly simplistic. Animation is an art form in its own right, and the most exceptional animated works, such as The Simpsons and early Pixar films, captivate audiences of all ages. However, just as some animation is specifically created for a youthful audience, there are also animations expressly made for mature viewers.

Rick and Morty, a fantastical account of a mad scientist and his anxiety-ridden grandson embarking on interdimensional escapades, represents one among numerous animated TV shows targeted at an adult demographic. Seth MacFarlane injected his distinct brand of provocative humor into the realm of family sitcoms with Family Guy and American Dad!, while Invincible presents a gory and intense take on superhero conventions. From South Park to Big Mouth to F is for Family, a multitude of exceptional animated TV shows cater to mature audiences.

10 Rick And Morty

The setup of Rick and Morty is not your typical animated family sitcom. This unique show revolves around a hard-drinking patriarch who happens to be a multiversal traveler, dragging his grandson along on mind-bending adventures. Brace yourself, because Rick and Morty delves into dark storylines that aren't for the faint-hearted. In the first season alone, they have had to navigate different universes and even replace their own deceased versions. This show pushes the boundaries of both mind-bending science fiction and tasteful comedy. So hold on tight and get ready for an unforgettable journey with

9 Family Guy

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Family Guy, created by Seth MacFarlane, took inspiration from The Simpsons but added a darker and raunchier humor. Similar to The Simpsons, Family Guy is set in a small-town America and features a working-class family. However, what sets Family Guy apart is its morally reprehensible ensemble of characters. Unlike The Simpsons, the main focus of Family Guy is not to make the characters likable, but rather to entertain the audience with cutaway gags and random non-sequiturs. The show pushes the boundaries and isn't afraid to cross any line, which has contributed to both its widespread popularity and notoriety.

8 Invincible

7 F Is For Family

: Invincible - A Dark and Gory Twist on Superheroes Inspired by Robert Kirkman's Comics

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, Bill Burr’s animated sitcom F is for Family revitalizes the classic Simpsons formula, transporting viewers back to the 1970s. In this era, political correctness was still in its fledgling stages, parenting involved a lot of yelling, and safety wasn't exactly a top priority. Leading an all-star voice cast that includes renowned talents like Laura Dern, Justin Long, and Sam Rockwell, Burr injects his signature biting wit into the show, delivering a unique animated TV experience. What sets F is for Family apart is its commitment to long-running serialized storylines, vividly portraying the consequences of each plot point along the way.

6 Animals

HBO entered the arena of adult-oriented animation with Animals, an anthology series that unveils the hidden lives of urban animals, ranging from rats and pigeons to cats and dogs. Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano masterminded, scripted, directed, and starred in this quirky and unique production, giving Animals its own distinctive voice. Notably, renowned personalities like RuPaul, Awkwafina, Jonah Hill, Whoopi Goldberg, and A$AP Rocky contributed to the stellar supporting voice cast. Animals presents the everyday mundanity of life through the perspective of the creatures that populate the city streets.

5 Archer

Adam Reed brilliantly subverts all the clichés and traditions of the iconic James Bond series in his uproarious parody, Archer. The suave secret agent, voiced by the talented H. Jon Benjamin, finds himself embroiled in thrilling and perilous missions around the world. Known for its rapid and clever dialogue, clever nods to popular culture, and superb voice acting, Archer captivates with well-developed characters, intricate storylines, and impeccable comedic timing.

4 Big Mouth

3 American Dad!

Netflix's Big Mouth may revolve around the experiences of children but it is definitely not meant for young viewers. Serving as a refreshingly honest and open take on the bewildering changes that come with puberty, the show fearlessly dives into universal themes such as sexuality and menstruation. Boasting an impressive lineup of talented voice actors including Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, and Jessi Klein, Big Mouth features a vibrant and eccentric cast of characters, spanning from a hormone-fueled teenage boy infatuated with Diane Lane to a mischievous Hormone Monster. What sets Big Mouth apart is how it manages to balance its crude humor with intelligent storytelling, solidifying its well-deserved status as one of the funniest animated shows geared towards grown-ups.

Not only has MacFarlane created Family Guy, but he also co-created American Dad!, a family sitcom that delves into provocative and controversial topics. The show revolves around Stan Smith, a conservative CIA agent, and his clash with his liberal and free-spirited daughter Hayley. American Dad! initially began as a political satire, addressing various issues such as abortion, gun control, and immigration. However, it has since transformed into a dark and absurd comedy centered around a sociopathic alien who wreaks havoc by assuming different disguises.

2 BoJack Horseman

Will Arnett takes the lead in BoJack Horseman as the eponymous character, a has-been actor who rose to fame in the beloved sitcom Horsin' Around but now fills his days with excessive drinking. Initially, BoJack Horseman started off as a whimsical animated series featuring talking animals. However, as the show progressed, it gradually delved into more somber and weighty topics such as addiction, trauma, and mental health. Considered one of Netflix's finest animated TV shows, BoJack Horseman, featuring an anthropomorphic horse, explores the complexities of the human condition with a depth and resonance that surpasses most shows centered solely around human characters.

1 South Park

Trey Parker and Matt Stone have utilized the iconic Colorado town in South Park as a reflection of modern America to explore its culture, attitudes, and societal issues. With each episode being produced and aired within a short timeframe, South Park successfully delves into current events more effectively than other animated shows. In terms of cartoons targeting adult audiences, South Park offers the perfect blend of The Simpsons' incisive and spot-on satire and Rick and Morty's jaw-dropping, boundary-pushing humor.