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Animation has come a long way since its inception in the early 1900s, continuously adapting to the tastes and interests of evolving audiences. In the 2020s, animated series have matured into a sophisticated art form, producing an array of narratives that are entertaining, heartfelt, and intellectually stimulating.
What was once a genre aimed squarely at children has transformed dramatically. Recent years, especially the last four, have heralded a golden age for adult animation, blending sharp commentary with humor, and storytelling that rivals some of the best live-action dramas. This trend illustrates how animation can serve as a powerful medium for exploring complex themes and emotions.
The superhero genre remains a cornerstone of this evolution, with shows like Invincible gaining as much popularity as groundbreaking series such as Arcane, which reimagines the League of Legends universe. As long as the narratives are crafted with depth and quality, audiences are eager to engage with compelling tales that resonate emotionally. The list below highlights ten of the most noteworthy animated TV shows from the 2020s thus far.
10 ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ (2022 – Present)
Release Date: January 28, 2022
Network: Amazon Prime Video
Seasons: 3
The Legend of Vox Machina takes inspiration from the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role, chronicling the exploits of a ragtag group of heroes as they navigate the complex landscapes of Exandria. Their journey begins with a quest to vanquish a dragon threatening the kingdom of Tal’Dorei, gradually unraveling the intricate politics of their world and strengthening the bonds of friendship among the group.
Epic Fantasy with a Humorous Twist
This series has redefined the fantasy genre with its clever animation and engaging storytelling, seamlessly mixing serious themes with comedic elements. It makes the expansive world of Exandria appealing to a broader audience while developing strong character dynamics and exhilarating action sequences. With each season presenting fresh challenges, the series has quickly cemented itself as essential viewing.
9 ‘The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse’ (2020)
Release Date: November 18, 2020
Seasons: 1
Few characters evoke nostalgia quite like Mickey Mouse, the quintessential face of Disney. Building on the beloved Mickey Mouse shorts produced by Paul Rudish, The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse brings back Mickey and his friends, embarking on a variety of hilarious escapades.
Testament to Mickey Mouse’s Timeless Appeal
Each self-contained episode showcases the endearing qualities of these classic characters, while also incorporating modern storytelling elements. The success of the original shorts sets a high bar that this series meets with ease, delivering stories steeped in nostalgia and filled with uplifting themes.
8 ‘Scott Pilgrim Takes Off’ (2023)
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Seasons: 1
Drawing from both the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley and the 2010 film, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off follows the titular character who faces a new challenge after a twist sees him seemingly die. This prompts his love interest, Ramona Flowers, to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
A Winning Transition to Animation
Unlike the film adaptation, this animated series captures the original comic’s quirky spirit, with many voice actors from the movie reprising their roles, adding authenticity to the experience. The vibrant animation enhances the narrative, which is rich with humor and meta-commentary, keeping viewers engaged throughout.
7 ‘X-Men ’97’ (2024 – Present)
Release Date: March 20, 2024
Cast: Jennifer Hale, Chris Potter, Alison Sealy-Smith, Lenore Zann, among others
Seasons: 1
X-Men ’97 revives the classic X-Men: The Animated Series from the 1990s, continuing the adventures of the mutant team as they navigate their dual existence in a world that often misunderstands them.
A Nostalgic Return to the Iconic ’90s
This revival is packed with rich nostalgia, revisiting familiar storylines while addressing contemporary themes of acceptance and justice, all amplified by modern animation techniques. Fans of the original series will appreciate the callbacks and the deep exploration of the mutant experience.
6 ‘Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake’ (2023)
Release Date: August 31, 2023
Seasons: 1
Born from the critically acclaimed Adventure Time, Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake centers on the alternate reality versions of Finn and Jake, characterized as Fionna and Cake. Set in a world devoid of magic, the duo navigates their existence while yearning for the fantastical.
A Delightful Spin on a Beloved Classic
This new series has quickly garnered praise for its insightful writing and strong character development. Its emotional narrative resonates with audiences and has secured a notable approval rating, marking it as a standout entry in the franchise.
5 ‘Scavengers Reign’ (2023)
Release Date: October 19, 2023
Rating: TV-MA
Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Cast: Ted Travelstead, Wunmi Mosaku, Sunita Mani, Bob Stephenson, Alia Shawkat
Seasons: 1
Produced by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner for Max, Scavengers Reign centers on the survivors of an interstellar cargo ship crash on the alien planet Vesta, who must navigate the mysteries of their environment and their relationships.
Brutal but Beautiful Sci-Fi Saga
This series tackles survival and humanity’s flaws through a gripping narrative and atmospheric animation. Though it faced cancellation after one season, its high acclaim marks it as a uniquely engaging sci-fi tale.
4 ‘Invincible’ (2021 – Present)
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Cast: Mark Hamill, Gillian Jacobs, Jon Hamm, Mae Whitman, Steven Yeun, among others
Seasons: 2
Invincible, stemming from the comics by Robert Kirkman, introduces audiences to Mark Grayson, a youth discovering his superpowers while dealing with the darker side of his father’s legacy as Omni-Man.
Subverts the Very Tropes That Define the Genre
The series explores the trials of growing up with incredible powers while confronting familial expectations and moral ambiguities, presenting a reflection on responsibility and choice that has resonated deeply with viewers.
3 ‘The Owl House’ (2020 – 2023)
Release Date: January 10, 2020
Cast: Sarah-Nicole Robles, Wendie Malick, Alex Hirsch, among others
Seasons: 3
The Owl House follows Luz Noceda, a girl who accidentally lands in a magical world, where she pursues her dream of becoming a witch under the guidance of the eccentric Eda Clawthorne.
Visually Stunning and Imaginative Fantasy
This series captivates audiences with its vibrant artistry and representation of LGBTQ+ themes, making it one of Disney’s pioneers in depicting diverse narratives. The show’s clever storytelling and intricate world-building make it a critical success.
2 ‘What If…?’ (2021 – Present)
Release Date: August 11, 2021
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Stanley Tucci, Michael Douglas, among others
Seasons: 3
What If…? ventures into alternate realities within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, creatively reimagining pivotal events and character arcs in unexpected ways.
Reframes the Very Foundations of the MCU
The series examines the “what could have been” aspect of familiar stories, narrated by The Watcher. Such alterations entice viewers to rethink the implications of their favorite narratives.
1 ‘Arcane’ (2021 – Present)
Release Date: November 6, 2021
Arcane is set in the League of Legends universe, focusing on the origins of Vi and Jinx amid the simmering conflict between their respective cities, Piltover and Zaun.
An Emotionally Gripping Animated Masterpiece
Despite its connection to a popular video game, Arcane transcends expectations through its striking art style and character-driven storytelling. Its industry acclaim reflects its ability to blend emotional depth with spectacular visuals, securing its position as a highlight among contemporary animated series.
Source
movieweb.com