The Ultimate Ranking of Adventure Time: Unveiling the Best Season in Epic Fashion
Explore the whimsical world of Adventure Time through our ranked list of all 10 seasons From the enchanting Season 5 to the thrilling Season 10, embark on an epic journey as we delve into the best and worst of this beloved animated series
Summary
Adventure Time Season 6 marked a tonal shift for the series, with more philosophical musings and world-building lore, although some viewers felt it missed the mark.
Adventure Time Season 1 laid a strong groundwork, introducing eccentric characters, unique humor, and unforgettable world-building, which paved the way for the show's triumph.
Adventure Time Season 9 took a deep dive into a captivating storyline spanning multiple episodes, dedicated to unraveling the effects of elemental magic. Additionally, it delivered exceptional episodes that delved into themes of identity and the nature of existence.
Adventure Time seasons are ranked from worst to best, taking into account the thrilling, comical, and moving escapades experienced by protagonists Finn and Jake. With a total of 283 episodes and spanning over 10 seasons, the fantasy series created by Pendleton Ward has become one of the most influential animated programs of the last decade. The concept revolves around Finn, a human, and his shape-shifting dog companion, Jake, as they embark on adventures across the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo to assist its inhabitants with various problems.
Apart from the captivating world-building, Adventure Time also boasts a memorable cast of characters, including the bumbling Ice King, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Princess Bubblegum, and her candy citizens. The series gradually evolves from standalone episodes to a more intricate and cosmic storyline, captivating viewers and earning critical acclaim, including Emmy and Peabody Awards. Despite premiering over a decade ago, Adventure Time remains a beloved cult hit.
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10 Adventure Time Season 6 (2014–15)
Undoubtedly, Adventure Time season 6 brought about a significant change in the tone of the series. While some viewers found it to be an exhilarating transformation, others felt that it fell short of expectations. Consequently, season 6 is slightly ranked lower than the previous seasons of this immensely popular show. Although it began on a high note with episodes like "Wake Up" and "Escape From the Citadel," the focus of the season shifted more towards profound contemplations and the creation of a complex world, losing some of the series' quirky humor in the process. This doesn't necessarily detract from its quality, but other seasons of Adventure Time strike a better balance between the serious and comedic elements.
9 Adventure Time Season 1 (2010)
8 Adventure Time Season 9 (2017)
The inaugural season of Adventure Time, the chapter that ignited it all, offers little foresight into the future trajectory of the series. Nonetheless, its peculiar cast, eccentric humor, and memorable world-building set a solid groundwork for what lies ahead. Primarily composed of self-contained episodes, season 1's playful and light-hearted contributions are challenging to compare with the later seasons' intricate and contemplative storylines. Nevertheless, it remains a "mathematical" viewing experience, contributing to what would eventually be recognized as one of Cartoon Network's finest shows.
Adventure Time embarks on a thrilling journey in its ninth season with the captivating storyline of "Elements." Spanning across eight episodes, Finn and Jake find themselves confronted with the task of reversing the consequences of elemental magic that has plunged the Land of Ooo into a bleak dystopian state. Among the noteworthy episodes, "Three Buckets" stands out as the season 9 finale, where Finn's grass-made double embarks on a quest to question his very existence and identity. Additionally, "Ketchup" takes center stage, treating viewers to a delightful adventure centered around the beloved character BMO.
7 Adventure Time Season 2 (2010–11)
An ever-goofy Finn undergoes significant growth in season 2, which is also evident in the series' writing. The show transitions away from juvenile humor and silly slang terms created by Finn and Jake, and instead focuses on more character-driven stories. As a starting point, a teenage Finn grapples with his emotions towards Princess Bubblegum, while previously one-dimensional characters like Marceline gain more depth. Even the Ice King, who was initially portrayed as a bumbling villain, becomes more human as he confronts his loneliness, setting aside his ineffective villainous ways.
6 Adventure Time Season 8 (2016–17)
Adventure Time season 8 is most notable for featuring a captivating multi-episode miniseries called "Islands." This miniseries delves deeper into Finn's past as he, along with Jake and Susan (another human), embark on a voyage to a distant civilization after encountering a mysterious robotic craft. During their journey, they uncover valuable information about Susan, also known as Kara, and Finn finally meets his long-lost mother. "Islands" provides long-awaited answers about Finn's origins, but season 8 offers more than just this miniseries. Noteworthy episodes include the enlightening "Broke His Crown" and the unexpectedly gripping "Normal Man."
5 Adventure Time Season 10 (2017–18)
In its final season, Adventure Time boldly ventures into new territory, concluding its cosmic, overarching storyline and providing satisfying closure for its beloved characters. Season 10 sees Princess Bubblegum bravely confronting her treacherous Uncle Gumbald to defend Candy Kingdom, while Finn engages in a fierce battle with a corrupted version of his friend, Fern. Marceline, on the other hand, finds reconciliation with her complicated father, Hunson, and Betty makes the ultimate sacrifice, offering herself to GOLB, the chaotic embodiment of disorder, in order to save Simon. As the icing on the cake, the four-part series finale, "Come Along with Me," unveils the enigmatic duo, Shermy and Beth, who serve as the spiritual successors to future Finn and Jake.
4 Adventure Time Season 4 (2012)
Adventure Time season 4 revolves around relationships and humor. In addition to Finn's growing connection with Flame Princess, this season introduces an episode where Tree Trunks and Pig's excessive public displays of affection make everyone uncomfortable. Adventure Time season 4 also stands out for its innovative episodes, such as "Five Short Graybles" and "BMO Noir," which experiment with different storytelling techniques. Furthermore, the season dives into the characters' backstories, particularly in "I Remember You," shedding light on the painful shared history of Marceline and Ice King (a.k.a. Simon). Overall, Adventure Time season 4 solidifies its reputation as one of the greatest animated shows ever created.
3 Adventure Time Season 3 (2011–12)
2 Adventure Time Season 7 (2015–16)
Adventure Time's third season showcases a plethora of beloved episodes, ranging from the timeless classics "Hitman" and "Holly Jolly Secrets" to the captivating debut of Adventure Time's Fionna and Cake, alternate versions of Finn and Jake. Among the season's most unforgettable moments, "What Was Missing" offers a tantalizing glimpse into Princess Bubblegum and Marceline's romantic past, marking a significant milestone. In retrospect, the success of Adventure Time's third season lies in its masterful blend of humor, heartfelt storytelling, and the perfect balance between crucial backstory and one-off enjoyment.
Adventure Time season 7 is a must-watch for fans of Marceline. The slow-burn rekindling of Marceline and Princess Bubblegum's romantic relationship adds an extra layer of excitement. The eight-episode story arc, "Stakes," revolves around Marcie, who reaches out to PB to find a cure for her vampirism. Marceline, tired of immortality, agrees to let Bonnie extract her vampire essence, leading to unexpected complications. This season, with its emotionally charged moments and trademark humor and surrealism, is elevated by the incredible music composed by Rebecca Sugar from Steven Universe.
1 Adventure Time Season 5 (2012–14)
Adventure Time's fifth season is an impressive collection of 52 episodes, double the length of any season preceding it. With such a vast number of episodes, season 5 offers something special for every Adventure Time enthusiast, including notable episodes like "Simon & Marcy" and "Root Beer Guy." While some viewers argue that this season marks a turning point where the series loses its lightheartedness and delves into more complex Adventure Time lore, dedicated fans see season 5 as a captivating continuation that strengthens Adventure Time's charm and solidifies its enduring legacy.
