The best cartoons for adults are nostalgic, humorous, and sometimes a little crass. However, the chances are they’re worth visiting again because you probably missed half the jokes while watching these shows as a youngin’. Coming to you from various channels and streaming platforms, these shows collectively deliver hour upon hour of gut-busting entertainment. Thanks to the wonders of animation, each show traverses a limitless expanse of creative terrain, exploring both mature and immature themes through a wildly inventive lens. Some are old, others are new, some are funny, and others are devastating, but ultimately, these cartoons guarantee laughter, enjoyment, and plenty of adult humour.
Best Adult Cartoons at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
- Best overall: Rick & Morty
- For humour and satire: South Park
- For adult humour: BoJack Horseman
- For nostalgia: The Simpsons
Now you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
RELATED: These are the best movies on Netflix Australia, according to us.
1. Adventure Time
IMDb Rating: 8.6
First episode date: 10 April, 2010
Final episode date: 3 September, 2018
Seasons: 10
Cast: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch, Tom Kenny, Olivia Olson
Creators: Pendleton Ward
We’re kicking the list off with an absolute classic. Adventure Time is one of the most influential shows of the past decade, and yet there really isn’t anything like it. The absurd humour, zany characters and crazy story beats belie the warm message at the centre of the show.
Adventure Time follows the story of Finn the Human and Jake the Dog, two best friends living in the magical and fantastical world of Ooo. The pair often travel the Kingdom righting wrongs and solving problems while interacting with a very colourful cast of characters, including Princess Bubblegum, Lumpy Space Princess, BMO, Marceline the Vampire Queen, and the Ice King.
It’s, first and foremost, an animated comedy. Still, it works more touching revelations into its plot as the series progresses and features a subplot of nuclear devastation for those willing to search for it. Plus, if you like the show, many spin-offs have already launched for you to dig into after finishing up the main show’s 10-season run.
2. Archer
IMDb Rating: 8.6
First episode date: 17 September, 2009
Final episode date: 17 December, 2023
Seasons: 14
Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Amber Nash, Lucky Yates
Creators: Adam Reed
Seemingly a spoof of every cold-war-era spy movie ever, Archer doesn’t even pretend to be made for kids. In the first episode, you’ll see sex, drugs and violence galore – and it just ratchets things up from there.
Sterling Archer is the world’s best secret agent. Working for the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) alongside his mother, Malory Archer, on-again-off-again lover, Lana Kane, and several other field and support agents, Archer travels the world (and sometimes into space), completing dangerous missions while operating within a hostile, toxic and dysfunctional workplace.
If you like a bit of action in your comedy, Archer regularly devolves into gunfights and chase sequences, though it rarely lets the humour dissipate. While there are some warm moments between characters, and the show isn’t afraid to dive into the impact of toxic relationships, both familial and sexual, you’re largely just going to get a good time from Archer. That’s not a negative, by the way.
3. Bob’s Burgers
IMDb Rating: 8.2
First episode date: 9 January, 2011
Seasons: 14
Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, Kristen Schall
Creators: Adam Reed
A decidedly more ‘normal’ show than those that came before it on the list, Bob’s Burgers centres on the Belcher family: Bob and Linda and their three kids, Tina, Gene, and Louise. Together, the family runs Bob’s Burgers, a burger joint in the seaside town of Seymour’s Bay.
The show focuses on the family’s efforts to run the restaurant and their interactions with Seymour Bay’s colourful inhabitants, including mortician Mort, handyman Teddy, and rival restaurateur Jimmy Pesto. While the humour is sometimes absurd, the storylines are not, often focusing on the difficulties of everyday life—though there are a not-insignificant number of musical interludes to switch up the format.
Don’t let the setting fool you: with a fantastic cast and stellar writing, Bob’s Burgers is hilarious and well worth a watch. Plus, at 14 seasons and counting, there’s a lot to watch.
4. BoJack Horseman
IMDb Rating: 8.8
First episode date: 22 August, 2014
Final episode date: 31 January, 2020
Seasons: 6
Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron Paul
Creators: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Okay, let’s get beyond the jokes about sex and drugs: BoJack Horseman is a dark show. That’s not to say it isn’t funny – in fact, it’s often hilarious – but the themes on display here are rarely tackled by animated shows: BoJack Horseman often pushes into the realms of existential dread, the meaning of life, generational trauma, and sexual abuse.
But you’re here for cartoons for adults, right? If you’re worried, the show strikes the right balance throughout, often weaving devastating plot points between funny moments between its brilliantly written characters. Several episodes tackled hot-button issues with extreme grace, such as a season five episode that talked openly about the #metoo movement.
Of course, it’s also a cartoon about a Horseman looking to reinvigorate his Hollywood career after decades of stagnation so that you can expect some silly, absurd humour on the side. If you’re after something with a bit more to say, BoJack is an absolute winner.
5. Castlevania
IMDb Rating: 8.3
First episode date: 7 July, 2017
Final episode date: 13 May, 2021
Seasons: 4
Cast: Richard Armitage, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Alejandra Reynoso
Creator: Warren Ellis
Who said adult animation has to be a comedy? Castlevania can be funny at times, but it’s a supernatural action show, first and foremost. Based on the famous video game series, Castlevania follows the story of Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades and Alucard as they seek to defend the nation of Wallachia from Dracula.
Featuring some fantastic action sequences and a nuanced take on the curse of the vampire kind, Castlevania is a thrilling four-season ride that rarely lets up. And, with the launch of Castlevania: Nocturne, a sequel series, the story of the Belmont family’s fight against Dracula continues.
Plus, if you like this, check out Netflix’s Onimusha. It’s another video-game-turned-animated-tv-show, but it is set in Feudal Japan and features fights against demons rather than vampires.
6. Daria
IMDb Rating: 8.1
First episode date: 3 March 1997
Final episode date: 21 January 2002
Seasons: 5
Cast: Tracy Grandstaff, Wendy Hoopes, Julián Rebolledo, Marc Thompson, Alvaro J. Gonzalez
Creators: Glenn Eichler, Susie Lewis Lynn
“Beavis and Butt-Head” regular Daria Morgendorffer got a funny adult cartoon of her own in 1997. Retaining a somewhat droll, albeit highly intelligent disposition, Daria endures as an outsider in a world brimming with dumb high schoolers and patronising adults.
A cynical Daria observes the world alongside her best friend, Jane Lane, with the show often revolving around events at the girls’ high school and hometown. The show’s approach to the world was inspired by the time it came out: if there was such a thing as a grunge TV show, this is probably it.
During production, the creators explicitly wanted to create a show directed at women while giving a voice to individuals who don’t fit neatly into societal norms. Much of the humour in the show comes from Daria’s cynical take on the world, which often runs counter to the normies around her. The show wrapped up with two specials that, tragically, aren’t available to stream.
7. Family Guy
IMDb Rating: 8.1
First episode date: 31 January 1999
Seasons: 22
Cast: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Patrick Warburton, Mike Henry, etc.
Creator: Seth MacFarlane
The show that made Seth MacFarlane a household name, this is one cartoon that likely needs little introduction. An absolute classic, Family Guy in many ways revitalised the ‘adult cartoon’ genre when it launched in 1999, proving that an animated series could be incredibly successful even when directed away from kids, and has served as the stepping stone for follow up shows from MacFarlane like American Dad!, and The Cleveland Show.
Family Guy pushes as many envelopes as is humanly possible, all while ripping the sitcom format to shreds. The result is a seemingly endless onslaught of purposefully bad taste, which has gotten the show into trouble more than once. As it turns out, however, the bad taste can be pretty damn funny, and with 22 seasons to its name (and more to come), Family Guy is known for its dark humour and celebrity cameos.
The show makes heavy use of cut-away gags, but for our money, some of the best parts are when a giant chicken randomly appears to fight Peter tooth and nail.
8. Futurama
IMDb Rating: 8.5
First episode date: 28 March 1999
Seasons: 9
Cast: Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche
Creator: Matt Groening
When The Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening decided to try his hand at a new show, we really didn’t realise just how good we were about to be eating. Futurama is one of the funniest, most heartfelt, and most unforgettable animated cartoons we’ve ever seen, and it’s largely down to its incredible cast of characters and the stories they enable.
If you need an elevator pitch, Philip J. Fry is accidentally cryogenically frozen at the end of the 20th century and awakens at the beginning of the year 3000. The show follows his efforts to fit in with a world familiar and yet alien – literally, there are aliens everywhere. The concept is funny enough, but what Groening and the show’s writers can do with it makes it stand out.
If you’ve ever seen the episodes diving into some of the things Fry lost in the transition between the years 2000 and 3000, such as a relationship with his older brother and a dog that waits for him until he passes away of old age, loyal until the end, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Sorry, I think something’s in my eye.
9. Harley Quinn
IMDb Rating: 8.4
First episode date: 29 November 2019
Seasons: 4
Cast: Kaley Cuoco, Lake Bell, Alan Tudyk, Ron Funches, Diedrich Bader, etc.
Creators: Justin Halpern, Dean Lorey, Patrick Schumacker
Harley Quinn has had a rough time the past few years, with the Suicide Squad movies coming out to middling success and the recent video game adaptation being received even worse. In saying that, the character of Harley Quinn is awesome (most things connected to Batman are), and if you’re ready to dive into her story, then this is the show for you.
As expected, this dark comedy focuses on Harley Quinn, who does everything in her power to make Gotham City her own after her breakup with the Joker. With appearances from prominent sidekicks like Poison Ivy, Clayface, Doctor Psycho, King Shark and Sy Borgman, the show tackles the questionable actions Harley makes as she finds her place in the Gotham underworld.
It’s a fun look at the ‘bad’ guys that surround Batman, viewing Gotham through their eyes rather than through the cowl.
10. Invincible
IMDb Rating: 8.7
First episode date: 25 March, 2021
Seasons: 2
Cast: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons
Creator: Robert Kirkman
If Harley Quinn isn’t scratching the itch, but you’re a fan of superheroes, well, you’ve probably already watched Invincible. But if you haven’t, you should! Following the comic series of the same name, Invincible tells the story of Mark Grayson, the son of the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man.
Without spoiling too much of what happens, you can expect the show to go in some different directions than more traditional superhero stories: it’s somewhere between Superman, The Umbrella Academy and The Boys. Beyond a fun and captivating story, the show also features some of the best action scenes of any on this list and has been praised for its animation.
It’s only got two seasons to date, but the comics have been running for years, so there’s plenty of material for them to work with moving forward.
11. Rick & Morty
IMDb Rating: 9.1
First episode date: 2 December 2013
Seasons: 7
Cast: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell, Sarah Chalke, Harry Belden, Ian Cardoni
Creators: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon
Few adult cartoons have straddled multiple demographics and captured the modern zeitgeist like this one here. With the universe literally at their disposal, an alcoholic genius named Rick and his grandson Morty traverse time and space to consistently hilarious effects. Just how hilarious, you ask? Look no further than the impressive 9.1 ratings on IMDb for your answer. Meanwhile, the show’s cultural impact remains palpable, with a best-selling Szechuan sauce and a range of catchphrases to show for it.
While the removal of the show’s creator, Justin Roiland, stirred up some concerns about its quality moving forward, season seven was released to pretty solid reviews, and the new voice actors of Rick and Morty, Harry Belden and Ian Cardoni, did a fantastic job.
And, with a new season coming next year, we’re ready for more. Wubalubadubdub!
12. Samurai Jack
IMDb Rating: 8.5
First episode date: 10 August 2001
Final episode date: 20 May 2017
Seasons: 5
Cast: Phil LaMarr, Mako, Grey DeLisle, John DiMaggio, etc.
Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
First episode date: 10 August 2001
Final episode date: 20 May 2017
Seasons: 5
Cast: Phil LaMarr, Mako, Grey DeLisle, John DiMaggio, etc.
Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
Pulling from a range of cultural influences, this cartoon series follows a nameless samurai as he travels through time and tries to save the world. In addition to its compelling storyline of the action-adventure dystopian genre, the show features downright stunning visuals. Samurai Jack is in the running for one of the greatest animated shows of all time, garnering massive critical acclaim and winning eight Emmys. After the fourth season, it went on a 13-year hiatus before finally wrapping up in 2017.
After adopting the name Jack, the samurai wages a one-man war against an all-powerful demon, Aku, who rules the mostly destroyed world, to return to the past to defeat Aku before he can begin his rule.
One of the most striking features of Samurai Jack is just how little dialogue there is. In the style of silent samurai films, the story is often told through beautiful imagery, silent communication, and measured action. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves cinematic storytelling.
13. The Simpsons
IMDb Rating: 8.7
First episode date: 17 December 1989
Seasons: 35
Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria, Yeardley Smith, etc.
Creator: Matt Groening
You knew it was coming. A list of the best cartoons for adults would be incomplete without acknowledging the granddaddy of them all: The Simpsons. Though the quality of the show has varied over the years, it must be said that in its prime, The Simpsons was untouchable, and it has remained culturally relevant for over thirty years.
It isn’t hard to think of incredible episodes: Who Shot Mr. Burns? The one where Homer works for a bond villain, Hank Scorpio. Any episode focusing on the rivalry between Bart and Sideshow Bob?
Some of the best episodes, though, are ones disconnected from the show’s ‘main timeline’: the Treehouse of Horror episodes, which often lampoon famous horror movies or stories but with the show’s irreverent approach to character-based humour. I know there have been a lot of Dracluas over the years, but Mr. Burns is still my favourite.
14. South Park
IMDb Rating: 8.7
First episode date: 13 August 1997
Seasons: 26
Cast: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, April Stewart
Creators: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
If The Simpsons paved the way for cartoons for adults, South Park paved the way for cartoons for adults with adult themes. We all remember staying up late to watch South Park after our bedtime growing up, right?
Well, now you can just binge the whole series at any time you like, and it is just as cutting and profane as you remember it. Some of our favourite episodes are ‘Cartman Gets an Anal Probe’, ‘Volcano’, ‘Sexual Harassment Panda’, and ‘How to Eat with Your Butt’.
Even after 26 seasons, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone still pull off some of the funniest and often most timely shows on TV. Who knew that four foul-mouthed grade schoolers could render such a lasting cultural impact (for better or worse)?
Alternative Cartoons for Adults if You Need More
What’s that? 14 incredible TV shows aren’t enough? Well, okay, here are six more.
- Gravity Falls (watch on Disney+): One of the best animations of the last decade, Gravity Falls highlights the adventures of Dipper and Mabel Pines. The story follows two siblings’ journey as they get sent to their great-uncle Stan’s shop in Gravity Falls, Oregon for the summer. They think it will be boring, but that all changes when Dipper finds an odd-looking journal in the woods. The story showcases the secrets they learn about Gravity Falls and its rather odd citizens.
- The Venture Bros (watch on Adult Swim Streams): This adult cartoon kicked off in 2004 and after 7 seasons and 81 episodes, became the longest-running original series on Cartoon Network’s late night programming block, Adult Swim. Blending comedy and action, it reimagines comic book and pop culture figures through the lens of an ongoing family saga.
- Regular Show (watch on Binge): The series follows a blue jay and a raccoon as they pass their time working as groundskeepers at the local park. It’s not all shovelling leaves and mowing lawns though, the duo makes use of their time by going on surreal and entertaining adventures as they try to stay out of trouble, much to the disappointment of their boss and coworkers.
- Metalocalypse (watch on Adult Swim Streams): This one is for the death metal fans. If you’re a fan of all things dark, mildly twisted, and rock and roll, Metalocalypse is perfect for you. Watch the crazy and over-the-top adventures of Dethklok, which happens to be the world’s most successful death metal band. The band has to deal with their fame, all the while being followed by a government organisation out to destroy them.
- Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (watch on Adult Swim Streams): This Space Ghost spin-off centres on former superhero Harvey Birdman, who’s reinvented himself as an attorney. When not settling legal matters between once-famous cartoon characters, Birdman answers to his maniacal boss, Phil Ken Sebben (voiced by Stephen Colbert). If you’re in the mood for some nostalgia, Harvey Birdman references characters from the iconic Hanna-Barbera era of animation.
- Robot Chicken (watch on Adult Swim Streams): Throughout its 9 seasons, Robot Chicken put all of pop culture in a blender and hit the “pulverise” button. Bouncing from one erratic sketch to the next (sometimes in a matter of seconds), the stop-motion comedy makes for ideal late-night viewing. Actor Seth Green co-created the show and helped rally numerous celebrities for any 11-12 minute episode.
Why You Should Trust Our List
Our dedicated entertainment editors and journalists selected this list of Adult Cartoons. Author Dean Blake curated the list based on personal experience while considering IMDb reviews, Rotten Tomatoes rankings and critic reviews. The Man of Many entertainment and technology expert has personally chosen every show on this list, providing extensive first-hand details and insights related to each title. For more information on how we select these lists, view our editorial guidelines.
