Top 10 Animated Shows of the Decade So Far

A spin-off/sequel to “Adventure Time,” this series follows the eponymous Fionna and Cake, alternative versions of the leads from its parent show. When their world is changed irrevocably, the duo sets out on a journey through the multiverse to put things right, running into alternate versions of familiar characters, old and new. While the whimsicality of “Adventure Time” remains, “Fionna and Cake” takes a more mature approach; having grown up along with fans of the original series. Whether you’re new to the land of Ooo or a veteran, “Fionna and Cake” offers plenty of fantastical adventures to be had.

You’d think that after decades of telling Superman stories, they’d run out of ideas. Yet, “My Adventures With Superman” still feels like a refreshing take on the familiar superhero. Unlike some other recent versions of the Man of Steel, this show is lighthearted and romantic. Clark Kent’s relationship with Lois Lane and their friendship with Jimmy Olsen takes center stage. All three of them work together to fight villains threatening Metropolis and the world. The Adult Swim series draws some inspiration from anime for its art style and tone while emphasizing Superman’s relatability and humanity. It’s just plain fun!

Based on the Critical Role Dungeons & Dragons campaign, “The Legend of Vox Machina” follows the titular group of adventurers on various adventures (and misadventures). The series perfectly captures and distills the chaos of a D&D campaign, while also honing and focusing on what’s most important, helping it feel more accessible and definitely shorter. Not everyone has time for 4-hour-long episodes, Matt Mercer! The cast has incredible chemistry, the fights are great, and even fans of the source material will find plenty new to enjoy. If ever you want to see what D&D is really like, you can’t go wrong with this show.

It may be set in Japan, but “Blue Eye Samurai” was made in the West. The series follows Mizu, a mixed-race samurai in search of revenge. The animation style is distinctive and striking, while the action sequences are thrilling throughout. As much a character study as it is a bloody revenge tale, “Blue Eye Samurai” also delves into gender roles and provides historical insight as well as timely commentary. The immersive atmosphere, complex characters, and gripping story help make “Blue Eye Samurai” a fantastic blend of Eastern and Western styles.

Based on the graphic novel series and film, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” isn’t another retelling of the same story. Instead, it depicts what happens to Scott Pilgrim’s life once he drops out of it. Without Scott, the supporting cast, particularly the girl of/in his dreams, Ramona Flowers, gets a chance to shine. Its premise allows for plenty of meta-humor, while also updating elements that didn’t work so well in hindsight. All this, plus its fantastic animation (particularly for its fight scenes) helps make “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” an animated show that could take on the world.

The 1990s “X-Men” series was one of the gold standards for superhero cartoons, and its sequel series lives up to that legacy. Picking up where the original left off, yet also feeling inclusive to new viewers, “X-Men ‘97” has everything that made the ‘90s show great, but with even more going for it. The animation is stellar, the character development and relationships are great, and the plot twists hit like a truck! We never thought we’d be shipping Rogue and Magneto, but here we are! It’s clearly a labor of love by “X-Men” fans for “X-Men” fans! And, of course, the theme song still SLAPS!

This series may be a sleeper pick, but it’s certainly not one you should sleep on! “Scavengers Reign” follows several groups of survivors of a spaceship crash on an alien world as they attempt to reach their downed ship. Each survivor responds to their new situation in different ways, yet all of them must struggle to adapt to a place that is as beautiful as it is deadly. Science fiction can often struggle to feel truly otherworldly, but “Scavengers Reign” creates this impression effortlessly. And we want to explore every inch of this vibrant, exciting story! Here’s hoping it gets the continuation it deserves!

Being the son of a superhero can be a lot to live up to. Mark Grayson knows that all too well. However, after finally developing superpowers, he slowly discovers his dad, Omni-Man, may not be such a good guy after all. “Invincible” is the adult animated superhero show we all need, deftly balancing great worldbuilding, complex character relationships, and brutal fight scenes. A nuanced and raw look at the responsibility of superpowers, “Invincible” is an animated series that, while not as bulletproof as its name implies, is still nearly unbeatable.

A spiritual successor of sorts to “Gravity Falls,” “The Owl House” follows Luz, a human teenager, who finds herself transported to the Demon Realm, falling in with a misfit witch and trying to learn magic herself. The series has a spectacular appeal to both kids and adults, with intricate lore, a compelling ongoing storyline, hilarious (and often dark) humor, loveable characters, and one of the most adorable LGBTQIA+ animated couples ever! Our only real complaint is that there isn’t more of it! How many snails do we have to pay to make that happen?!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” (2021-24)
The Grim Aftermath of Order 66 - as Seen by the “Dad” Batch!

“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” (2020)
Combines a Unique World with Inclusivity & Great Characters

“The Midnight Gospel” (2020)
This Podcast Gets… Weird…

“What If...?” (2021-)
Sure, It’s Basically Big Budget MCU Fanfiction… & We Kinda’ Love That

“Hazbin Hotel” (2024-)
The Dark Comedy Musical Web Series Came to Amazon & Smashed All Expectations!

“League of Legends” may inspire more salt than every ocean on Earth, but this animated series based on the game is almost universally acclaimed! “Arcane” focuses on a conflict between a utopian city and its lawless, downtrodden undercity. This is mostly told through two sisters who find themselves at the heart of it when magically powered arcane technology is developed. The character development is immaculate. The ensemble cast is excellent. The music perfectly suits the series’ style. The animation is so good, every frame is like a painting! “Arcane” is a downright magical work of art!

Is there a Western animated series from the 2020s we forgot? Help keep our hindsight “20/20” by sharing your picks in the comments!