When it comes to animation, age is merely a number. For enthusiasts, there are numerous adult animated series that embrace depth and complexity akin to live-action productions. Netflix, in particular, boasts an impressive selection. This article highlights some of the most critically acclaimed animated shows from the past decade, showcasing a variety of unique storytelling and artistic styles.
6. Blood of Zeus
Release Year: 2020
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 24
Status: Ended
Originally titled Gods & Heroes, Blood of Zeus has become a noteworthy addition to Netflix’s animated offerings. Produced by the same studio behind Castlevania, the show combines intense, graphic action with a narrative steeped in Greek mythology. The central character, Heron, is an original creation, and while familiar mythological figures such as gods and titans make appearances, the story is uniquely crafted and not drawn from traditional myth.
Although the animation quality may not reach the heights of Castlevania, Blood of Zeus compensates with its violent and high-stakes scenes, appealing to viewers who appreciate a gritty aesthetic. The show offers a compact narrative structure, making it engaging without excessive elongation of its story arc.
5. The Midnight Gospel
Release Year: 2020
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Status: Canceled
The Midnight Gospel presents a groundbreaking premise, blending animated fantasy with real-life conversations from Duncan Trussell’s podcast. The series follows Clancy Gilroy, a spacecaster exploring a simulated multiverse filled with bizarre adventures and existential themes. It embodies a unique artistic style reminiscent of Adventure Time, a project involving Pendleton Ward.
Throughout Clancy’s escapades, pressing themes such as mortality, consciousness, and meaningful relationships are tackled amid surreal visuals and whimsical narratives. The show’s blend of humor and philosophy offers a thoughtful exploration of profound life questions, making it both entertaining and contemplative.
4. BoJack Horseman
Release Year: 2014
Seasons: 6
Episodes: 77
Status: Ended
When one thinks of adult animation, series like Family Guy or American Dad often come to mind, typical for their simplistic humor and animation style. However, BoJack Horseman quickly distinguishes itself by delving into serious societal issues that often go unaddressed. This animated series follows the life of BoJack, a washed-up horse actor navigating the complexities of addiction, depression, and the search for meaning.
What sets BoJack Horseman apart is its ability to balance humor with deeper discussions of mental health and personal struggle. Episodes vary from inventive storytelling techniques, like a monologue or memory montage, to a complete lack of dialogue in one installment, showcasing its creative versatility and depth.
3. Arcane
Release Year: 2021
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 18
Status: Ended
Upon its release, Arcane became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences even among those unfamiliar with its gaming origins in League of Legends. The series is marked by striking animation and compelling storytelling, representing a significant leap in the quality of video game adaptations.
The creators infused the show with passion, resulting in characters that resonate deeply with viewers. Each episode ends on a note that compels you to continue watching, ensuring a binge-worthy experience and providing captivating entertainment regardless of your prior knowledge of the game.
2. Castlevania
Release Year: 2017
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 32
Status: Ended
Historically, adaptations of video games have struggled to gain acclaim, but Castlevania alters this narrative dramatically. The show possesses a gripping storyline, sophisticated animation, and multifaceted characters, elevating it beyond standard adaptations.
Its portrayal of Dracula is particularly noteworthy, encapsulating the complexity and depth often absent in other representations of the character. A blend of dark fantasy elements and gory action sequences is well balanced with lighter moments of humor, enriching the overall experience and keeping viewers engaged throughout.
1. Love, Death & Robots
Release Year: 2019
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 45
Status: Ongoing
Love, Death & Robots is a unique anthology series showcasing a diverse array of stories, styles, and themes. Each episode functions as a standalone narrative, crafted by various artists, allowing for significant variation in animation techniques—from Pixar-like aesthetics to stunning realism.
The series offers provocative narratives that explore conceptual questions about humanity, technology, and existence, often wrapped in absurdist humor. Whether depicting epic battles against monstrous machines or whimsically absurd scenarios involving smart appliances, Love, Death & Robots ensures that each episode captivates through its originality and creativity.
Conclusion
The world of adult animated series on Netflix holds many gems beyond those highlighted here. With an extensive catalog available, viewers are encouraged to explore and discover a variety of shows offering unique perspectives and storytelling styles. Each recommendation serves as a testament to the innovation and creativity present in the realm of animated content, distinctly suited for an adult audience.
