The 40+ Best Animated Dramas Ever Made, Ranked
Vote for the best animated dramas that have aired on television.
The best animated television shows have never been about just being “cartoons.” The best animated drama series ever shown on TV prove that easily, with shows and scenes that get us caught up in the story. If you’ve been looking for the great animated dramas to get your feels on while enjoying the visuals of a cartoon, this list of the top animated drama series of all time will help you figure out what needs to go into your queue.
Some of the best animated dramas on TV balance the laughs with the tears. Anyone who has started sniffling during the "Jurassic Bark" episode of Futurama knows exactly the kind of perfect emotional blow a good animated drama can bring. Possibly because they’re just “cartoons,” we let our guard down and the dramatic moments have more impact. Shows that are children’s cartoons are often very good at this emotional bait-and-switch, with Gargoyles, Steven Universe, and even Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated introducing dramatic elements into their stories. Other series start out clearly as dramas, such as Avatar: Legend of Korra, and Watership Down - with light moments acting as a buffer, rather than the inverse.
Which animated TV shows bring drama the best? Vote up the best animated dramas, then vote down the shows that don't pull off being serious when they need to, and see where your favorite cartoon dramas rank.
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Watch This Show If You Love: The Dragon Prince, The Legend of Korra, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto, Voltron: Legendary Defender
Why Should I Stream? Enter a fantastical universe filled with elemental bending, powerful character development, and timeless themes that resonate deeply across generations. This show has garnered widespread acclaim for its striking animation style and sophisticated storytelling that deftly tackles complex issues like war, politics, and spirituality. Don't miss this cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate passionate fans around the globe.- Premiered: 2005
- Number of Episodes: 71
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Also ranks #1 on The 500+ Best Animated TV Shows Ever Made
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Watch This Show If You Love: Teen Titans, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Why Should I Stream? Witness the emergence of a new generation of superheroes as they navigate personal struggles while collaborating as a covert operations team under their Justice League mentors. This animated series boasts richly detailed artwork, intricate storylines, and mature themes that elevate it above typical superhero fare. Prepare for pulse-pounding action and emotional depth seldom found in other comic-inspired television.- Premiered: 2010
- Number of Episodes: 57
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Watch This Show If You Love: Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, Invincible,
The Boys Presents: Diabolical
Why Should I Stream? Creature Commandos, an innovative addition to the DC Universe, captivates with its unique blend of dark humor, adult themes, and beautifully stylized animation. Spearheaded by James Gunn and featuring an ensemble cast, the series brilliantly explores the complexities of its monstrous characters, delivering a compelling narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The series' commitment to consistent character portrayal across different mediums marks an exciting evolution in the DCU, ensuring a cohesive and immersive viewing experience.- Premiered: December 5, 2024
- Number of Episodes: 7
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- Also ranks #13 on The 50+ Best Adult Animated Shows Of 2024, Ranked
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Watch This Show If You Love: Avatar: The Last Airbender, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, RWBY
Why Should I Stream? Embark on an epic saga following Korra, the newest Avatar responsible for maintaining balance in a world where bending elements is an everyday skill. Hailed for its stunning visual style and thought-provoking exploration of sociopolitical issues, this sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender retains all the magic while presenting fresh perspectives on power dynamics within society. Relish in an engaging tale that expertly blends action-packed sequences with profound character growth.- Premiered: 2012
- Number of Episodes: 101
- Dig Deeper 15 Head Canons About Korra That We Wish Were Actually Canon
- Also ranks #2 on 25 Non-Japanese Shows People Always Think Are Anime
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Watch This Show If You Love: Justice League Unlimited, Young Justice, Teen Titans, Static Shock, Superman : The Animated Series
Why Should I Stream? Join forces with the world's most powerful heroes in Justice League—an animated series that brings together iconic DC Comics characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash to confront global threats. Praised for its compelling storytelling and high-quality animation style, this show expertly balances thrilling action sequences with character-driven drama—perfect for superhero enthusiasts looking for more depth than typical comic book adaptations offer.- Premiered: November 17, 2001
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Wonder Woman Versions Of All Time
- Also ranks #2 on The Best TV Shows And Movies You Can Watch On DC's Streaming Platform
- Also ranks #3 on The 30+ Best Animated DC Shows, Ranked
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Watch This Show If You Love: The New Batman Adventures, Justice League Unlimited, Spider-Man 2099 (comic series), Static Shock, Young Justice
Why Should I Stream? Experience a futuristic Gotham City where an aging Bruce Wayne passes on his mantle to a new generation in Batman Beyond. With stylish animation and innovative storylines, this series explores themes of legacy, responsibility, and redemption while introducing viewers to a fresh yet loyal interpretation of the iconic Batman mythos. Become enthralled by this vision of what could lie ahead for the world's most famous vigilante.- Premiered: 1999
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Dig Deeper 16 Reasons Why Batman Beyond Is Actually the Best Take on Batman
- And Deeper Incredibly Realistic Batman Beyond Fan Art That'll Make You Want A Live-Action Adaptation
- Also ranks #3 on Things You Didn't Know About Classic Toonami Shows
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Watch This Show If You Love: The Boys, Umbrella Academy, Doom Patrol, Young Justice, Teen Titans
Why Should I Stream? Dive into a world where superheroes are both celebrated and scrutinized in Invincible—a gritty animated series that deconstructs the superhero genre with its mature themes, emotional depth, and brutal action sequences. Based on Robert Kirkman's acclaimed comic book series of the same name, this show masterfully explores the complexities of power, responsibility, and legacy through the eyes of a young hero coming to grips with his newfound abilities.- Premiered: March 26, 2021
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Also ranks #1 on The Best Adult Animated TV Shows Of 2022
- Also ranks #1 on What To Watch If You Love 'Young Justice'
- Also ranks #2 on The 50+ Best Adult Animated Shows Of 2024, Ranked
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