Ranked: The Top 11 Animated Netflix Original Shows

Article Overview

Netflix's animated shows have proven that cartoons can appeal to viewers of all ages, with complex storylines and nuanced characters.

Netflix provides a diverse collection of original animated series that cater to a wide range of audiences, from the hilariously relatable Big Mouth to the visually captivating Arcane. Renowned creators have crafted shows such as Disenchantment and Bojack Horseman, which blend seamless comedy, immersive world-building, and captivating narratives.

Netflix's streaming platform offers a diverse selection of original animated TV series, ranging from exceptional to mediocre. However, there are standout shows that demonstrate cartoons' appeal to viewers of all ages with their intricate and multifaceted storylines. These animated titles have contributed significantly to Netflix's collection of top-quality TV shows, with globally acclaimed releases such as Arcane and Love, Death, and Robots joining the ranks of all-time best animated series.

It's important to note that animation is not limited to one genre but rather encompasses various tones, storytelling techniques, and themes. Netflix's decision to invest more in producing original animated content has yielded fruitful results, although there have been instances of premature cancellations. Nonetheless, whether it's the quirky yet hilarious Big Mouth or the humorous yet occasionally somber Bojack Horseman, Netflix offers an animated original to cater to every audience.

11. Big Mouth - 2017 To Present

7 Seasons

Big Mouth is a romantic, animated comedy series with a cast including Fred Armisen, Jessi Klein, Nick Kroll, Ayo Edebiri, Jenny Slate, Andrew Rannells, Jordan Peele, John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, and Jason Mantzoukas. It premiered on September 29, 2017 and has a total of six seasons.

10. Troll Hunters: Tales of Arcadia - 2016 To 2018

Big Mouth: A Hilariously Relatable and Top-Notch Animated Series on Netflix

There is no denying that Big Mouth could sometimes just be too much. That being said, Big Mouth is an incredibly relatable show that humorously depicts the horrors of puberty experienced by middle schoolers. The show delves into serious topics, including mental health, in its episodes. Featuring outstanding voice actors, clever writing, and expertly rendered animation that perfectly matches its occasionally crude sense of humor, Big Mouth may not appeal to everyone, but it unquestionably deserves recognition as one of Netflix's finest original animated series.

3 Seasons

From the brilliant mind of Guillermo del Toro comes a tale of James, a teenage boy who stumbles upon a hidden realm inhabited by enchanting creatures. While Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia may appear to be a simple story about a group of young heroes, it delves deeper into complexity. The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its captivating animation, intricate world-building, and multidimensional characters. Alongside its moments of humor and lightheartedness, it also possesses the power to evoke profound emotions in its audience. The exquisite design and richly constructed world serve as a testament to Guillermo del Toro's boundless imagination.

9. Disenchantment - 2018 To Present

5 Seasons

disenchantment_season5_eastereggs

Disenchantment

Release Date: August 17, 2018

Cast: Nat Faxon, Meredith Hagner, Billy West, Tress MacNeille, Lucy Montgomery, Sharon Horgan, David Herman, Maurice LaMarche, Eric Andre, Richard Ayoade, Matt Berry, John DiMaggio, Abbi Jacobson, Noel Fielding

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Action

Seasons: 4

Created by the talented mind of Matt Groening, the mastermind behind The Simpsons and Futurama, Disenchantment chronicles the adventures of Princess Bean, a spirited princess with a penchant for alcohol. With Groening at the helm, expectations for the show were high, and while it may not have always met them, it remains an enjoyable series. The clever humor, immersive world-building, and stellar voice talent have solidified Disenchantment as one of Groening's finest works.

Disenchantment may have had a somewhat uncertain beginning, but the succeeding seasons of the show consistently improved. Regrettably, the beloved TV series concluded with its fifth season. Although the reason for Disenchantment's conclusion after five seasons remains unknown, there is ample potential for a future filled with further captivating tales of Princess Beans.

8. Castlevania - 2017 To 2021

4 Seasons

Castlevania was released on July 7, 2017 and features a talented cast including Lance Reddick, Jaime Murray, Emily Swallow, Adetokumboh M'Cormack, Bill Nighy, Graham McTavish, Tony Amendola, Jason Isaacs, Jessica Brown Findlay, Matt Frewer, Toru Uchikado, Richard Armitage, Rila Fukushima, Alejandra Reynoso, Theo James, Ivana Miličević, Peter Stormare, and James Callis. This animated series falls under the genres of action, animation, and adventure, and is rated TV-MA.

Netflix achieved a remarkable feat by successfully creating a binge-worthy TV show based on the popular video game, Castlevania. The primary protagonist, Trevor Belmont, possessed a brooding personality that intensified his appeal as he vanquished monstrous creatures. The portrayal of witches, vampires, and other supernatural beings added an extra level of excitement to the show. Furthermore, the fight scenes were exceptionally choreographed, paying homage to the show's gaming origins.

Apart from Trevor, the show's value was enhanced by the presence of other complex characters such as Camille, Sypha, and Alucard. Their nuanced motivations were thoroughly explored by the creators of Castlevania. The series captivates viewers with its enthralling mix of violence, exceptional writing, and gripping storytelling, complete with guts and gore. The show's triumph even paved the way for a sequel series, Castlevania: Nocturne.

7. Carmen Sandiego - 2019 To 2021

4 Seasons

Recognizing any animated TV series with an enthralling and memorable theme song is essential. Carmen Sandiego unleashes nostalgia for those who grew up watching the '90s animated series or playing the video game. This show stands out with its beautifully crafted animation and action-packed scenes. As the story unfolds, the main character, Carmen Sandiego, undergoes significant character growth. Once a villain, she transforms into a beloved hero whose charm and humanity make her a captivating protagonist. While the show may deviate from its origins, one thing remains certain: Carmen Sandiego's life is always filled with excitement.

6. Inside Job - 2021 To 2022

2 Seasons

Inside Job cleverly transforms conspiracy theories into a side-splitting and mischievous series, featuring captivating characters. The show's incredible voice actors truly bring the narrative to life, enhancing the viewer's experience. Initially, Inside Job may appear to be a peculiar animated program, but it also delves into profound themes. It delves into past traumas and seeks to elucidate the impact of Reagan's childhood trauma on her present life. Within the series, dysfunctional family dynamics add layers of complexity, particularly in the depiction of Reagan's relationship with her father, which is both amusing and enlightening.

Inside Job was created by Shion Takeuchi, who had also written on other hit TV shows, including Regular Show, Gravity Falls, and Disenchantment.

5. Blood of Zeus - 2020

1 Season

Blood of Zeus

Release Date October 27, 2020Cast Jason O'MaraGenres Action, AdventureSeasons 1

Blood of Zeus is an enthralling animated series on Netflix, boasting breathtaking visuals. Among the vast array of content based on the Olympian Gods and their epic clash with the giants, Blood of Zeus stands out with its unique storytelling approach. The show revolves around the compelling protagonist, Heron, with the narrative further enriched by the presence of captivating supporting characters like Alexia and Hera. Drawing inspiration from video games such as God of War, Blood of Zeus mesmerizes viewers with its stunning animation, graphic violence, and visceral action. By delving into themes of paternal conflict and featuring unapologetically nefarious antagonists, the series serves as a testament to the undisputed brilliance of Netflix's animated offerings.

4. Arcane - 2021 To Present

1 Season

Arcane

Release Date: November 6, 2021

Cast: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie Leung, Jason Spisak, Toks Olagundoye, Harry Lloyd, JB Blanc, Reed Shannon, Mick Wingert

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Animation

Rating: TV-14

Arcane: League of Legends quickly emerged as one of Netflix's most successful adaptations of a video game. It claimed the top spot on Netflix's Top 10 charts in 52 countries. Arcane centers around the intense rivalry and physical prowess of two sisters, Jinx and Vi, who find themselves on opposing sides in a simmering conflict within Piltover City. With great anticipation building from its gaming roots, Arcane surpassed expectations and delivered a masterfully crafted and exhilarating series.

Arcane delves into a wide array of compelling characters. Although the focus initially revolves around Jinx and Vi, other notable individuals like Vander and Silco exemplify the intricate exploration of complex villains in the series. The animation in Arcane is truly breathtaking, with an astounding level of attention to detail evident in every aspect of the show. Moreover, Arcane boasts an enthralling plot that resonates with audiences on multiple emotional levels, enhanced by its captivating music and exhilarating fight sequences.

3. Love, Death & Robots - 201 To Present

3 Seasons

Love, Death & Robots is an awe-inspiring television series that captivates audiences with its anthology format. Each episode presents a mesmerizing tale that incorporates diverse animation styles, enhancing the show's breathtaking visuals. Through its anthology format, Love, Death & Robots embraces the freedom to explore various genres, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy. This enthralling series not only serves as a source of entertainment but also sparks thought-provoking contemplation with its imaginative narratives. While some episodes delve into darker themes, the brevity of each episode provides a manageable way to absorb these profound concepts.

2. Hilda - 2018 To Present

3 Seasons

Proving that animated shows are not limited to children, Hilda is a captivating Netflix original animated series. It follows the enchanting journey of a courageous girl named Hilda as she explores the magical world of Trollberg alongside her friends. Featuring an exceptional storyline, Hilda effortlessly blends entertainment with valuable life lessons on friendship, courage, and community.

With its stunning animation and catchy music, Hilda immerses viewers in its captivating universe. While bringing Hilda's world to life, the series expertly keeps the characters at the forefront. Beyond being an enjoyable show, Hilda tackles relatable themes such as losing a home and navigating conflicts with friends that resonate with young audiences. Set in Britain, the show's perfect backdrop, whimsical characters, and charming narrative create a truly delightful viewing experience.

1. Bojack Horseman - 2014 To 2020

6 Seasons

BoJack Horseman

Release Date August 22, 2014Cast Amy Sedaris, Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Paul F. TompkinsGenres Drama, Animation, ComedySeasons 6

There is a lot to unpack when it comes to Bojack Horseman. Over six seasons, this show delves into the life of a self-centered anthropomorphic horse who battles various mental struggles. Bojack, a former '90s sitcom star, fades into obscurity and attempts a comeback with the help of a ghostwriter's autobiography. However, he soon realizes that the current state of Hollywood is far from what he experienced during the peak of his career.

While Bojack Horseman initially had a slow start, it gradually gains momentum and becomes not just humorous, but also a platform for contemplating profound themes like life, fame, and relationships. The series bravely tackles heavy subjects such as depression and alcoholism without crossing the line into preachiness. Bojack has done terrible things to many individuals, making it challenging to sympathize with him at times. However, one of the show's defining features is that it holds him accountable and ensures he faces the consequences of his actions. Bojack Horseman exhibits clever writing, sprinkled with excellent comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously, ultimately earning its reputation as Netflix's premier animated series.

Editor's P/S

1. As an animation enthusiast, I am thrilled to witness the remarkable range and quality of animated content that Netflix offers. From the side-splitting humor of Big Mouth to the captivating fantasy of Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, there is truly something for everyone in Netflix's diverse library of original animated shows. These shows push the boundaries of storytelling and animation, proving that cartoons are not just for kids but can appeal to audiences of all ages.

2. One of the things I appreciate most about Netflix's animated original shows is their ability to tackle complex and thought-provoking themes. Big Mouth fearlessly explores the awkwardness and challenges of puberty, while Bojack Horseman delves into the darker aspects of fame and depression. These shows are not afraid to push boundaries and address difficult topics, offering viewers a deeper and more meaningful viewing experience.