Top 24 Best Animated Shows of Each Year (2000-2023)
2000: “As Told by Ginger”
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Despite being nominated for three Primetime Emmys, “As Told by Ginger” was somewhat underappreciated upon release. Where most Nicktoons were eleven-minute comedies, creator Emily Kapnek delivered a surprisingly sophisticated teen dramedy that didn’t shy away from serious issues such as peer pressure, abandonment, and depression. Adding another level of realism, the characters weren’t restricted to repeating the same grade every season. Not only do we see Ginger and her friends move up through junior high, but they all own more than one set of clothes. We can only wonder if such a continuity-heavy show would’ve performed better in a streaming age, but that’s all the more reason to catch up with it now. Between “Rugrats” and “Ginger,” Klasky Csupo truly matured along with their audience.
2001: “Samurai Jack”
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The new century ushered in a more experimental era for several animation brands. “The Proud Family” diversified the Disney Channel’s library while “Samurai Jack” took Cartoon Network in an action-oriented direction. Created by Genndy Tartakovsky on the heels of “Dexter’s Laboratory,” to simply call “Samurai Jack” an action series would do it a disservice. While action drove the plot with minimal dialogue, its unique world opened the door to endless genres. One week, Jack could find himself in a Frank Miller graphic novel. The next, a brooding sci-fi film noir. Yet, all of these styles blended perfectly, maintaining the same tone from story to story. Even when Season 5 lept to straight-up adult territory, there was an elegant consistency to the characters, worldbuilding, and action.
2002: “Kim Possible”
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Kim Possible might not have been the first animated action heroine, but she stood out for more than a few reasons. While Kim embodied the term “girl power,” she was also a strong-willed character who just so happened to be female. It didn’t aim to just be a “girl show” or a “boy show,” delivering a mix of comedy, action, and teen drama that entertained everyone. In addition to challenging gender norms, “Kim Possible” did away with a lot of tired tropes at the time, such as giving the protagonist a secret identity. We like that the world just accepts that this high schooler is a crime fighter. Yet, Kim has an easier time defeating Dr. Drakken than confronting a crush.
2003: “Teen Titans”
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Initially, there were plans to develop a “Teen Titans” show within the DC Animated Universe. Although Bruce Timm served as a producer for two seasons, DC ultimately decided to make a standalone “Teen Titans” series. Shared universes are fun and all, but this proved to be a wise move. It allowed “Teen Titans” to mold a wholly original identity, tonally, thematically, and aesthetically. The creators went all in on an anime style at a time when most superhero shows were starting to look the same. The writing wasn’t afraid to be goofy, but the show also treated its characters with gravitas, whether exploring typical teenage growing pains or a supernatural threat. At the center were five heroes relatable enough to be in the Breakfast Club.
2004: “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends”
Our imagination has no limits, but live-action does. That’s precisely why “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” was born for the animation medium. Craig McCracken’s sophomore outing following “The Powerpuff Girls,” “Foster’s” took a seemingly ordinary orphanage and invented a world of its own. While the titular home could feel like a living, breathing character, it was the occupants who breathed life into the walls. Whether a character was a simple blue cylinder or a chicken/palm tree hybrid, every imaginary friend beamed with personality. The premise allowed the animators to literally let their imaginations run wild, winning seven Primetime Emmys and five Annies in the process. It’s a show that inspires viewers to keep imagining and creating, no matter how old you are.
2005: “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
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The 90s were game-changing for TV animation, but the 21st century has taken everything to the next level. It’s debatable when this Golden Age commenced, but we can safely say that the industry was never the same after “Avatar.” Drawing inspiration from classic stories and philosophies, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko created a lore so rich that the four nations feel real. Almost as real as the characters, who unearth more layers as we dive deeper into the mythology. In a show about bringing harmony back to a divided world, “Avatar” achieved an unprecedented balance with its character development, fusion of genres, and pacing, delivering three immensely satisfying seasons. Along with “Ben 10,” the influence of “Avatar” is still felt almost 20 years later.
2006: “Metalocalypse”
If we had to describe Adult Swim in one word, it would have to be “rebellion.” Since launching at the dawn of the century, this brand has constantly rebelled against conventional storytelling and good taste, resonating with an edgier generation. It’s only natural that the most rebellious name in late-night animation would go hand in hand with death metal. Teaming with Tommy Blacha, Brendon Small injected “Metalocalypse” with the irreverent humor that he brought to “Home Movies.” Although the series satirizes heavy metal along with the hardcore fandom, it’s just as much a love letter with music that captures the essence of the genre. The series was also a breakthrough for animation studio Titmouse, which draped every frame in apocalyptic glory on a limited budget.
2007: “Phineas and Ferb”
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Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh spent so many years pitching “Phineas and Ferb” that its genesis can be traced to their work on “Rocko’s Modern Life.” The general concern seemed to be that the premise was too complex. On paper, the show is a hodgepodge of ideas that shouldn’t go together: two stepbrothers making the most of their summer, a sister trying to expose their exploits, a secret age platypus battling a mad pharmacist… er, scientist! Yet, these offbeat ingredients resulted in a brilliant formula that somehow never gets old. That’s largely because the characters are so likable and comedy is so clever without overlying on cynicism. At its core is a meaningful message about embracing creativity, no matter how complex your idea sounds.
2008: “The Spectacular Spider-Man”
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Like “Gargoyles,” “The Spectacular Spider-Man” is a Greg Weisman show that ended well before its time. For a series that only lasted 26 episodes, Weisman and company managed to cover numerous origin stories and classic comic book arcs without ever feeling overstuffed. Unlike some of the live-action movies, this show knew how to juggle multiple villains while still having Peter Parker’s struggles at the heart. It demonstrated a clear understanding of the titular character with a few inspired twists. Speaking of which, the show knew how to keep us on our toes with surprises that subverted even the sharpest of spider senses. Although short-lived, the show has maintained such a devoted following that the Spectacular Spider-Man made a prominent cameo in “Across the Spider-Verse.”
2009: “Archer”
When “Archer” premiered as a sneak preview in September 2009, FX didn’t prominently advertise it. The network didn’t even list it in program guides. Although “Archer” had a strong lead-in with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” it was still a risky way to debut a series. Regardless, it didn’t take long for “Archer’ to catch on as one of the most well-written ensemble pieces on TV. Creator Adam Reed scribed almost every episode throughout the first ten seasons with such rapid-fire dialogue that each rewatch is bound to stumble upon a joke that you missed before. While a workplace comedy to an extent, the show took full advantage of the animation medium with its revolving door of locales and outrageous scenarios.
2010: “Adventure Time”
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Cartoon Network entered a new decade with two of its acclaimed franchises: (xref) “Regular Show” and “Adventure Time.” Pendleton Ward’s creation, in particular, would set a tone for a lot of the animated shows that followed. Before “Adventure Time,” cartoons could generally be divided into two groups: silly and episodic or serious and serialized. “Adventure Time” starts as the former, but slowly evolves into the latter while remaining faithful to its roots. Although the Land of Ooo is populated with colorful characters, a dark backstory lurks beneath with protagonist Finn learning some difficult life lessons along the way. For all of the heavy-handed turns, “Adventure Time” never loses its eccentric humor or optimism. The outcome is childish and adult, having its fries and eating them too.
2011: “Bob’s Burgers”
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By 2011, “Family Guy” was becoming more reliant on shock humor while “The Simpsons” leaned more into random pop culture gags… kind of like “Family Guy.” “Bob’s Burgers” would liven up the Animation Domination menu with its character-driven comedy. At first, the Belchers might seem like archetypes that we’ve seen in other animated sitcoms. However, there’s only one Tina, one Gene, and one Louise. As one-of-a-kind as the characters are, they all come across as identifiable. Part of what’s because the Belchers remind us that no family is normal. The same can be said about the Wattersons, who we also met this year. It’s the Belchers who keep us coming back the most, making “Bob’s Burgers” one of the most enduring comedies currently airing.
2012: “Gravity Falls”
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“Gravity Falls” wasn’t just the best animated show to debut this year. It was arguably the most absorbing supernatural mystery to unfold this century. You could attribute this to the clues hidden throughout the series and cliffhangers that left us eagerly awaiting each new episode. Our investment in the overarching mystery truly resides within the characters. Whether or not the mystery of Gravity Falls had a satisfying outcome, we still would’ve felt rewarded, having solved it alongside such charming, quotable characters. That said, creator Alex Hirsch knew how to stick the landing, building to a finale that delivered answers, but more importantly, delivered emotional payoffs, as well as comedic payoffs. Like summer vacation, it flew by quickly, but the memories will last a lifetime.
2013: “Rick and Morty”
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By the end of its first season, “Rick and Morty” had amassed a following so passionate that you’d swear this show had been on longer than “Doctor Who.” Then again, “Rick and Morty” experimented with more ideas in those first eleven episodes than most shows do in their entire run. So, it’s no wonder why people immediately connected with its infinite universes, inventive concepts, and humor so meta that it didn’t just break the fourth wall. It broke a fifth wall that only Rick knew existed. 2013 would deliver two shows about young men who are regularly roped into earth-shattering adventures. We’re sure Morty would like to trade places with Steven Universe, but you can’t have Rick without Morty… or at least a Morty.
2014: “BoJack Horseman”
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With “BoJack Horseman,” Raphael Bob-Waksberg created a show that won’t just have you looking at animation in a different light. This series prompts a rethinking of comedy, drama, and where the two intersect. The first episode opens on the most absurd note possible, following a wash-up actor who starred in a TGIF-esque sitcom during the 90s… oh, and he’s a horse. If we told you that this evolved into a character study that takes several tragic turns, you’d call us crazy. If we told you that Will Arnett’s performance as the titular antihero displayed the raw humanity one might find at the Actors Studio, you’d swear that we were horsing around. Just as the series transforms, though, so does the viewer’s perception of art itself.
2015: “F Is for Family”
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1972 saw the premiere of “Wait Till Your Father Gets Home,” which some consider the first animated sitcom primarily for adults. “F Is for Family” exemplifies how the definition of an “adult animated sitcom” has evolved in the past 40 years, but it keeps the 70s setting. Although this series from Bill Burr and Michael Price is draped in a 70s aesthetic, it doesn’t approach the decade in a way that comes off cliche or even fondly nostalgic. It may be animated, but there’s a blunt reality to “F is for Family,” both in its portrayal of the 70s and its characters, who are believable enough to be from any decade. It goes to show that while the times change, family dynamics don’t.
2016: “The Loud House”
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In recent years, Nickelodeon has become increasingly dependent on “SpongeBob” reruns, “SpongeBob” spinoffs, “SpongeBob” specials… basically, it’s the “SpongeBob” network. After only a month on the air, “The Loud House” managed to overtake the impregnable sponge in the ratings, becoming Nick’s biggest original hit in years. You’re bound to find at least one character to identify with in the Loud family, which is comprised of ten distinct sisters and a brother caught in the middle. An ensemble piece through and through, “The Loud House” will leave only children envious that they don’t have a sibling. For those who do come from a big family, you’ll connect with the frustrations, but you’ll also be grateful for the dysfunction that comes with the territory.
2017: “Big Mouth”
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Life is like a hurricane in Duckberg, as the 2017 “DuckTales” reboot reminded us. You know what else is like a hurricane? Puberty! If that metaphor had you laughing and nodding, “Big Mouth” is loaded with clever allegories to that not-so-pleasant time when childhood slowly dies and you realize that life will never be as rosy… other than your acne. Growing up is messy in more ways than one, but you also get to discover exciting new parts of yourself. If you’re wondering if “Big Mouth” is full of cheeky innuendos like that, the answer is no. The characters are FAR more direct about the subject matter. When the hormone monster comes knocking, though, sometimes it’s better to let it all out. Okay, we’ll stop.
2018: “Hilda”
2018 gave us two shows about lovable young girls known for their blue hair… or blue fur in Bluey’s case. While both shows have an ageless appeal, “Hilda” feels as if it could’ve been made in any decade. Every element, from the artistry inspired by Luke Pearson’s graphic novels to the way the characters talk, carries a sentiment that transcends time. What sets the show apart above all else is its quiet, atmospheric moments. For all of the thrilling adventures that Hilda embarks on, it’s the little things that immerse us in this cozy world. “Hilda” warrants comparison to the works of Hayao Miyazaki with its seamless blending of nature and domestic life, as well as fantasy and reality - making the two seem interchangeable.
2019: “Harley Quinn”
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On the 2005 commentary track for the “Batman: The Animated Series” episode “Harlequinade,” the creators briefly discuss the challenges that might go into making a Harley Quinn show. Harley has proven more popular than even Paul Dini and Bruce Timm likely imagined, taking center stage almost a decade later. Inheriting the role from the late Arleen Sorkin, Kaley Cuoco is an inspired choice for the Joker’s ex-henchwoman looking to make it on her own… with some backup from Poison Ivy. Although “Harley Quinn” isn’t afraid to be a flat-out satire of Batman, the writers have a firm grasp of what makes these characters tick. The show is pure anarchy, but it’s also thoughtful with more heart than expected, which sums up Harley in a nutshell.
2020: “The Owl House”
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“The Owl House” is another series that deserved more episodes than it ultimately got. This Peabody Award-winning fantasy show nonetheless managed to cover a ton of ground during its relatively brisk run. We’re not just talking about fleshing out its mythology, although Dana Terrace did create an intricate fantasy world that we desperately want to explore. Its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters is where the show made the most progress, however. “The Owl House” is about normalizing concepts that might seem strange to others, be it a human girl in a mystical realm or fantastical creatures coming to our world. For the generation lucky enough to grow up with Luz and Amity, they can see that love comes in many forms and they’re all magical.
2021: “Arcane”
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“Arcane” and “Invincible” are among the most well-written animated shows that we’ve ever seen. If we had to single out one of them, “Arcane” takes precedence for its enormous leaps forward in the animation department. Between the “League of Legends” source material and other animation game-changers like “Into the Spider-Verse,” one can definitely see where the inspiration for “Arcane” came from. At the same time, there’s a visual language to “Arcane” that simultaneously feels cutting edge and timeless enough to sit alongside a classic work of art. While every frame is sensory overload, it’s all rooted in a rousing, often tragic story with characters we care about. “Arcane” may punish us for caring about these characters, but that won’t stop us from becoming invested.
2022: “The Legend of Vox Machina”
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“Dungeons & Dragons” is a common source of inspiration, “Critical Role” being one of the most beloved titles to derive from the tabletop RPG. Considering that a group of voice actors devised that property, an animated adaptation seemed inevitable. Even if you weren’t familiar with “Critical Role” beforehand, Vox Machina’s members are so well-defined that you instantly gravitate toward all of them. Although you quickly get a sense of what each character is about, everyone has layers waiting to be peeled back between epic battles and over-the-top comedy. While “Vox Machina” captures the fun of playing “D&D” with friends, it also understands that this is more the game. It isn’t until you become attached to a character that you comprehend how real the stakes are.
2023: “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off”
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With an art style faithful to Bryan Lee O'Malley’s graphic novels and the cast from 2010 live-action film lending their voices, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” seemed like it would be a straightforward retelling of the story we know. The series takes a drastic turn in its first episode, however. This easily could’ve provided loyalists with grounds to rage quit, but O'Malley and company conceived an engaging alternate story while staying true to the source material’s spirit. The series provides more development for Ramona, her Evil Exes, and the other supporting players, yet the plot still revolves around Scott. Where most beloved properties just copy and paste the same formula, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” goes in a new direction and levels up because of this.
