The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Must-Watch DC Animated TV Shows for Adult Fans

Summary

Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League Unlimited, two DC animated TV shows, explore thought-provoking themes and feature multidimensional characters, catering to a more sophisticated adult audience.

Modern shows such as Young Justice not only provide nuanced storytelling and more profound character development, but also captivate older viewers. Additionally, DC has ventured into producing an R-rated animated show named Harley Quinn, showcasing the vast storytelling possibilities that animation can offer.

Some of the best DC animated TV shows cater more to adult viewers rather than younger audiences, whether it be due to their mature tone or intricate storytelling. DC has a long history of successful animated releases, ranging from the beloved Fleischer Superman cartoons to more recent hits like Harley Quinn or My Adventures With Superman. The wide variety of DC animated shows means that they differ in terms of tone, age suitability, and intended audience. In other words, Justice League Unlimited is a stark contrast to Super Friends, just as Teen Titans Go! differs greatly from Teen Titans.

While many DC cartoons are primarily targeted at children, this does not mean that they lack depth or fail to capture the essence of the source material. However, there is a notable distinction between an episode of Justice League Action or Aquaman: King of Atlantis and the darker moments found in the DC Animated Universe timeline. Here, we present 10 DC animated TV shows that are specifically designed for adult viewers, exploring what sets them apart and makes them particularly appealing to older audiences.

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10 Batman: The Animated Series

Although Batman: The Animated Series was initially created to coincide with the release of Batman Returns, it quickly surpassed the status of a mere extension of the Burton films. Contrary to its TV-PG rating and the challenges posed by censorship, Batman: The Animated Series surpasses expectations when captivating an adult audience rather than catering solely to children. While the timeless aesthetic of Gotham City and the easily identifiable character designs contribute to its allure, it is the exceptional writing and performances that truly set BTAS apart from other animated shows. This groundbreaking series has left an indelible mark on the animation industry.

9 Superman: The Animated Series

Batman:The Animated Series revolutionized the portrayal of Batman and his adversaries, presenting them as multi-dimensional and intricate characters unlike any other animated show of its time. Unlike the comics, which rarely delved into the complexity of Batman's persona and mythology, BTAS played a pivotal role in reshaping Batman's image in popular culture, following the lightheartedness of the 1966 Batman series. Even after nearly three decades, Batman:The Animated Series remains timeless, with standout episodes like "Heart of Ice" and "I am the Night" displaying exceptional storytelling that rivals the most mature Batman comics.

In contrast to Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series adopts a more lighthearted tone without sacrificing depth or complexity. Like its predecessor, the show primarily targets a younger audience while still maintaining a TV-PG rating and limiting the depiction of violence. However, when compared to previous Superman cartoons or the Super Friend shows, Superman: The Animated Series presents a mature portrayal of the iconic character. Adult viewers will appreciate the clever subversion of classic Superman themes, as well as the well-crafted personalities of Clark Kent and the supporting cast. Additionally, the show introduces formidable and multi-dimensional villains such as Darkseid and Lex Luthor.

8 The New Batman Adventures

7 Batman Beyond

The New Batman Adventures serves as an upgraded version of the Joel Schumacher Batman movies, just as Batman: TAS did for the Tim Burton ones. Surprisingly, despite the lighter tone and adrenaline-fueled approach, The New Batman Adventures resonates with adult audiences just like BTAS did. By infusing a more child-friendly atmosphere into the Bat Family and Batman's surroundings, The New Batman Adventures inadvertently casts Batman himself in a darker light. Instances like Robin's heated disagreement with Batman, ultimately leading to his transformation into Nightwing, demonstrate that The New Batman Adventures takes its characters with the same level of seriousness as BTAS. Let's not forget the remarkably somber episodes, such as the mind-boggling psychological thriller "Over the Edge."

Building on the success of Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond retained many of the elements that made the original show great. The familiar characters, such as the iconic Bruce Wayne voiced brilliantly by Kevin Conroy, added to the notion that Batman Beyond was a natural progression from BTAS. With a young Batman at its helm, the show injected more humor and action into the mix, surpassing the excitement of its predecessor. Yet, Batman Beyond managed to cater to adult audiences too, seamlessly carrying on BTAS' tradition of exploring villains as multifaceted individuals. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, set in the same universe, delved into such darkness that a censored, less graphic version had to be released.

6 Justice League

5 Justice League Unlimited

The Justice League animated series is the ultimate manifestation of the DC Animated Universe, offering a flawlessly balanced and captivating experience that will captivate adults. It not only serves as the finest adaptation of the Justice League and DC Comics' mythology as a whole but also presents compelling narratives with a focus on iconic characters. Whether you are a devoted follower of DC or a newcomer to the DC Universe, Justice League has something to offer, treating its characters with the utmost respect and gravity they deserve. With its clever humor, exceptional writing, and the formidable adversaries the Justice League confronts, this series surpasses the label of being just another "Justice League cartoon," elevating itself above shows like Super Friends.

Justice League Unlimited serves as a sequel to its predecessor, Justice League, while building upon the achievements of the original series. It embraces more mature storylines, now incorporating a vast array of DC characters. Notably, the second season of Justice League Unlimited ventures into even deeper territory, presenting an interconnected narrative that intricately dissects the Justice League members and explores the very nature of superheroes within this fictional realm. Esteemed writers like Bruce Timm and Dwayne McDuffie effectively capture the essence of the Justice League characters, pushing them to their absolute limits, thereby solidifying Justice League Unlimited as a definitive exemplar of superhero television.

4 Batman: The Brave and the Bold

3 Young Justice

At first glance, Batman: The Brave and the Bold may appear out of place among DC animated shows targeting adult audiences. However, the deliberate choice of the art style and the campy tone serve a purpose in creating a self-aware series. This show is a tribute to Batman's Golden and Silver Age in the comic books, which means that its references and callbacks will primarily resonate with adults. While the weekly adventures featuring Batman and other DC heroes offer enjoyable content for children, it is the moments that only longtime fans of the Dark Knight will recognize that truly shine in Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

Young Justice had to rise above the competition after Justice League Unlimited and Teen Titans. Fortunately, it did just that by offering a refreshing take compared to previous DC animated shows. Despite airing on Cartoon Network, the first two seasons of Young Justice tackled mature themes and serious storylines, defying their TV-PG rating. After its cancellation, the show made a triumphant return on the DC Universe streaming platform for its third season. With the freedom to explore a more realistic and down-to-earth world, Young Justice season 3 reinvented its characters and captivated audiences once again.

2 Harley Quinn

premieres as an HBO Max original, continuing the trend from Young Justice season 4. Being a streaming show allows Young Justice to explore themes and storylines previously untouched in its original run. The last two seasons push the boundaries of DC animated content, featuring some of the darkest scenes, including brutal deaths. The characters are portrayed in a realistic manner, with Beast Boy's struggle with depression after the loss of a friend being a prime example. Young Justice is the ideal DC animated series for mature audiences seeking a more intricate and nuanced portrayal of their favorite heroes.

The roster of mature DC animated shows would not be complete without Harley Quinn, an R-rated series that brilliantly parodies the Batman universe and the crime-ridden streets of Gotham City. Undoubtedly one of the most compelling portrayals of the iconic character, Harley Quinn has evolved from Joker's loyal accomplice to a celebrated figure in DC Comics, appearing in numerous blockbuster movies, thrilling video games, and gripping television series. The Harley Quinn show serves as a testament to the remarkable transformation of Harley since her inception in Batman: The Animated Series, with its daring R-rating perfectly capturing the essence of the character.

1 My Adventures With Superman

My Adventures With Superman, the first animated show featuring Superman as the main character since Superman: TAS, recently premiered on Adult Swim. Unlike children's shows such as Teen Titans Go! or Justice League Action, My Adventures With Superman has a distinctively different tone and approach. The series stands out with its compelling overarching storyline and well-developed character interactions, setting it apart from other recent DC animated series. Season 1 of My Adventures With Superman treats its main characters in a mature and grounded manner, with Clark and Lois' relationship evolving naturally throughout the show. This series is not your typical monster-of-the-week format, but rather a consistently captivating and enjoyable watch, aimed at older audiences.