Top 10 Action-Packed Non-Superhero Animated TV Shows

Article Overview

Beyond superhero tales, there exists a diverse array of animated action shows that cater to a mature audience. These captivating series boast riveting plots and well-developed characters, providing a rich and engaging viewing experience.

Samurai Jack

is an epic animated show with intense battles and a captivating storyline. The final season, released in 2017, provides closure and a more mature outing for fans of the series.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

and its sequel series,

The Legend of Korra

, offer compelling narratives, rich world-building, and action-packed adventures for viewers of all ages. These shows explore themes of good versus evil and personal growth.

The streaming platforms offer a wide selection of action-packed animated series, including popular ones like Invincible and the DC animated universe, which primarily feature superheroes. However, animated action goes beyond just superhero stories. Traditionally, animated shows in Western media have been associated with a younger audience. But with the rise of anime and the emergence of mature adult animated shows like Rick and Morty, Bojack Horseman, and Bob's Burgers, animation is gaining popularity among older viewers. Furthermore, animated content can cater to a diverse audience, incorporating elements that appeal to all age groups and including specific jokes and references that resonate with each category of viewer.

Another genre of animated television that has enjoyed enduring popularity in Western media is superhero shows. Batman Beyond, X-Men: The Animated Series, and Spider-Man have all amassed dedicated fan bases since their debut in the 1990s. However, there are numerous animated shows beyond the superhero genre that boast compelling narratives, relatable and entertaining protagonists, and a healthy dose of thrilling action.

11. Samurai Jack

(2001-2004; 2017)

Samurai Jack stands as a paramount animated series from the golden era of Cartoon Network. Originally airing from 2001 to 2004, it later received a fifth and final season in 2017. The show centers around the tale of a noble Samurai battling a malevolent shape-shifting demon, hell-bent on seizing control of his homeland. However, just as the Samurai is on the brink of defeating this demon, he is flung into a distant future where the world is under the tyrannical rule of the evil creature. Stranded in this unfamiliar era, he embarks on a perilous quest to find his way back to his own time and land.

When it comes to action, Samurai Jack surpasses its animated counterparts by a league. Each episode showcases breathtaking battles where our hero fearlessly trounces his adversaries and confronts his mortal foe. The show's final season, which premiered in 2017, offers much-needed resolution for its characters and serves as a remarkable conclusion to this unforgettable series. This season, produced in collaboration with Adult Swim and the original creator, Genndy Tartakovsky, presents a more mature and impactful tale.

10. Thundercats

(1985-1989; 2011-2012; 2020)

Following its initial run spanning from 1985 to 1989, Thundercats was revived by Warner Bros. Animation for Cartoon Network in 2011. Since then, there have been three iterations of the beloved TV series. Regrettably, the 2020 rendition was prematurely canceled after just one season. The storyline revolves around a united group of felidaes hailing from Thundera, a humanoid colony of feline beings determined to thwart the influence of malevolent forces set on dominating the entire universe. Brimming with thrilling action sequences, the show's unique premise sets it apart from numerous other animated productions originating from Western media. Its captivating anime-inspired aesthetics further enhance its distinctive appeal.

9. Avatar: The Last Airbender

(2005-2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender revolves around the incredible journey of 112-year-old Aang, a young boy who remained frozen in ice for a staggering century, during which the world plunged into a state of despair. Blessed with the extraordinary power of bending, a remarkable ability that enables him to master all four elements, Aang embarks on a mission to bring together the four nations and thwart the oppressive Fire Nation's attempt to dominate and conquer the other tribes. While ATLA presents a straightforward conflict of good versus evil, its narrative is flawlessly constructed, and over the course of 62 thrilling episodes, Aang and his comrades undergo personal growth and development, embracing profound character arcs, and ultimately restoring harmony to both themselves and the world they inhabit.

8. The Legend Of Korra

(2012-2014)

The Legend of Korra takes place 70 years after the conclusion of Avatar: The Last Airbender, offering a more mature perspective on the same world. With the introduction of a new political system and rapidly advancing technologies, this series delves deeper into moral dilemmas and explores contemporary issues. While still providing the thrilling action and adventure of its predecessor, The Legend of Korra also presents a rich and immersive world, making it a captivating experience even for those who haven't seen Avatar: The Last Airbender beforehand.

7. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

(2020-2022)

6. Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous is a thrilling animated series set in the world of the Jurassic Park franchise. It follows the story of six teenagers who become stranded on Isla Nublar, where a multitude of dinosaurs have escaped from their enclosures. The series, produced by Netflix, aired from 2020 to 2022, encompassing five seasons, a special, and a total of 50 episodes. With its action-packed narrative, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous has garnered positive feedback for its exceptional voice performances, captivating animation, and well-developed characters. If you're a fan of Jurassic Park and searching for a captivating animated series suitable for the whole family, look no further than this fantastic show.

(2021-Present)

Expanding its existing IPs and franchising efforts, Disney brings us Star Wars: The Bad Batch, a captivating series that revolves around a unique group of clones. These clones possess a mutation that enables them to defy the order to eliminate all Jedi and instead embark on daring escapades. Set against the backdrop of The Clone Wars, the small yet formidable team takes on a succession of mercenary missions. This thrilling addition to the vast Star Wars universe introduces us to an intriguing and action-packed storyline, complemented by breathtaking animation and captivating adventures.

5. Love, Death & Robots

(2019-Present)

Love, Death & Robots presents a straightforward concept of anthology, featuring episodes that revolve around the three themes indicated in the title. Each episode takes viewers on an animated adventure, varying in genres but often showcasing a substantial amount of action. With each creative team bringing their unique style to the table, the series intriguingly explores these themes, provoking deep thought and definitely worth indulging in. Primarily targeting adult audiences, Love, Death & Robots is produced by Netflix, who recently greenlit the production of its fourth season.

4. Star Wars: Visions

(2021-Present)

Star Wars: Visions, an anthology series set in the beloved Star Wars universe, brings new stories to life for both pre-teens and mature audiences. This groundbreaking series employs numerous international studios to reimagine different aspects of the Star Wars world, allowing for unprecedented creative freedom. Each episode showcases a unique style while exploring a distinct corner of the cinematic universe, offering fresh perspectives through the visionary lens of the world's most talented studios. Bursting with thrilling action and adventure, Star Wars: Visions delivers a captivating and dynamic storytelling experience throughout the entire series.

3. Archer

(2009-2023)

Archer is a critically acclaimed action-comedy that follows the thrilling escapades of spies. Often described as a clever blend of The Office and James Bond, this series first debuted in 2009 and will reach its epic conclusion in December 2023, marking an impressive 14-season run. With its razor-sharp wit and lightning-fast humor, Archer offers a thought-provoking exploration of Western culture and the complexities of the human condition. What sets this animated show apart is its remarkable evolution throughout the years, as its characters undergo genuine growth and transformative experiences, a rarity in the realm of animated storytelling.

2. Star Trek: Lower Decks

(2020-Present)

Star Trek's approach to comedy as a genre has generally been minimal, but Lower Decks takes a fresh perspective on the franchise by delving into the lives of Starfleet's less prominent teams during the 24th century era. The show centers around the U.S.S. Cerritos, where a group of lower-ranking crew members diligently carry out mundane tasks while striving to advance their careers. Amidst thrilling alien encounters, conflicts, and space battles, the series keeps audiences entertained with its action-packed storyline.

1. Ben 10

(2005-2021)

The original Cartoon Network series, Ben 10, debuted in 2005 and has since become a successful franchise with several spinoffs. It tells the story of Ben Tennyson, a young boy who becomes bound to a special alien watch that grants him the ability to transform into different alien species. Featuring epic battles, formidable villains, and thrilling encounters with powerful alien creatures who possess a range of extraordinary abilities such as fire manipulation and technological integration, Ben 10 showcases Ben's growth from a child to a courageous individual who not only harnesses his powers but also gains the trust of extraterrestrial beings across the galaxy.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the rise of action-packed non-superhero animated TV shows. These shows offer a diverse range of stories and characters that appeal to a wide audience. Samurai Jack and Thundercats are two of my favorite non-superhero animated TV shows.

Samurai Jack is an epic adventure with stunning animation and exciting fight scenes. The show follows the story of a samurai who is transported to a dystopian future and must find a way to return to his own time. Thundercats is a classic cartoon that follows the adventures of a group of cat-like aliens who are fighting to protect their home planet from evil. Both of these shows are well-written and entertaining, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great action-packed animated TV show.