The Best Adult Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked

Ranker TV
Updated January 2, 2025 939.1K views 144 items
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573.3K votes
50.9K voters
51 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite ever animated shows geared for a grown-up audience.
Latest additions: Secret Level, Creature Commandos, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
Most divisive: Beavis and Butt-head
Over 50.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 'Toons for Grown-Ups

If you're on the hunt for the best adult cartoons of all time, you’re in for a treat. Adult cartoons have come a long way from being just niche entertainment to becoming cultural phenomena. These shows serve up a mix of sharp humor, social commentary, and inventive storytelling, making them hits among audiences who crave something a little more mature from their animated programming.

Take Rick and Morty, for example, a mind-bending journey through space and time that’s both hilariously absurd and surprisingly profound. Then there's Futurama, a brilliant blend of sci-fi and comedy that explores life in the 31st century with plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. And who can overlook South Park, a show that’s been pushing boundaries and satirizing modern life for decades with its unapologetic and often controversial humor.

Now it’s your turn to join the fun. Scroll through our list and vote on your favorite adult animated shows. Whether you enjoy the dark humor of a modern cult classic or are loyal to long-standing favorites that have stood the test of time, your votes will help determine the ultimate adult cartoons that have captured our imaginations and delivered endless entertainment. Let's see which shows reign supreme.

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  • Rick and Morty
    1
    December 2, 2013
    24,803 votes

    Embark on a wild ride through the multiverse with Rick Sanchez, an eccentric and alcoholic scientist, and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith. This brilliantly crafted animated series delves into complex themes of family dynamics while balancing dark humor and absurd adventures. As one of the best shows about family, it explores the bond between grandfather and grandson as they navigate their way through existential crises, interdimensional escapades, and life's everyday challenges.

    • Actors: Ian Cardoni, Harry Belden, Sarah Chalke, Spencer Grammer, Chris Parnell
    • Creator: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon

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  • Futurama
    2
    March 28, 1999
    21,119 votes

    Welcome aboard the Planet Express ship as we embark on an intergalactic adventure with Fry, a 20th-century pizza delivery boy who is accidentally cryogenically frozen and wakes up in the year 3000. This animated sci-fi sitcom masterfully blends humor, heartwarming moments, and futuristic absurdity to create one of the most memorable family dynamics between its diverse cast of characters – including Leela, Bender, Professor Farnsworth, Amy Wong and Dr. Zoidberg. With witty dialogue penned by The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening and a stellar voice cast featuring Billy West and Katey Sagal, Futurama takes you on a hilarious ride through space while exploring themes of love, friendship and what it truly means to be a family.

    • Actors: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche
    • Creator: Matt Groening

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  • votes needed!
    NEW TO THE LIST
    • NEW
      #142
      Secret Level
      7 votes
    • NEW
      #89
      Creature Commandos
      16 votes
  • South Park
    3
    August 13, 1997
    23,192 votes

    Enter the quirky, animated world of South Park, where four foul-mouthed friends - Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny - navigate through an endless array of absurd adventures in their small Colorado town. This irreverent comedy series masterfully tackles family dynamics with a satirical twist that keeps viewers both entertained and enlightened. With its unique blend of humor, social commentary and memorable characters brought to life by creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park has secured its place as one of television's most iconic family shows.

    • Actors: Trey Parker, Matt Stone
    • Creator: Trey Parker, Matt Stone

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  • Archer
    4
    January 14, 2010
    16,939 votes

    Dive into the thrilling world of espionage with Sterling Archer, an egotistical yet highly skilled secret agent, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin. This animated series brilliantly combines spy drama and dark humor while exploring complex family dynamics between Archer, his overbearing mother Malory (Jessica Walter), and their fellow agents at the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS). One of the best shows about family dysfunction in a unique setting, Archer will have you laughing out loud as it navigates through absurd missions and hilarious interpersonal relationships.

    • Actors: H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Amber Nash
    • Creator: Adam Reed

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  • Bob's Burgers
    5
    January 9, 2011
    16,920 votes

    Welcome to the world of Bob's Burgers, where the Belcher family serves up a delicious blend of humor and heart. This animated sitcom showcases relatable family dynamics with quirky characters like Bob (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), his wife Linda (John Roberts), and their three kids: Tina, Gene, and Louise. Praised for its witty writing and lovable cast, this show is a must-watch for anyone craving a hearty helping of laughter with a side of genuine emotion in their family entertainment diet.

    • Actors: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal
    • Creator: Loren Bouchard, Jim Dauterive

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  • The Simpsons
    6
    December 17, 1989
    21,242 votes

    Welcome to the quirky, hilarious world of The Simpsons, where you'll follow the lives of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie in their iconic town of Springfield. With its satirical take on modern family life and pop culture references galore, this long-running animated series has undoubtedly earned its spot as one of the best shows about family. Featuring a talented voice cast including Dan Castellaneta and Nancy Cartwright as well as numerous celebrity guest appearances throughout the years - get ready for endless laughs with America's favorite animated clan.

    • Actors: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria
    • Creator: Matt Groening

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