Top 10 Animated Shows That Exceeded Expectations
#10: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)
Top 10 Rick and Morty Cameos in Other Movies and Shows
The Adult Swim block of Cartoon Network is famous for weird and wacky adult series that have lots of gags but not a ton of substance underneath. At first glance, “Rick and Morty” played right into the programming stereotypes. The show just seemed to be about the random and gross adventures of a genius scientist and his grandson across space and other dimensions. And sure, “Rick and Morty” has those things. But it also manages to tackle topics like family dysfunction and depression in refreshing ways. There are tragic events and examinations of existential questions. Sure, we figured “Rick and Morty” would be hilarious, but we didn’t expect it to make us feel so many feels too!
#9: “DuckTales” (2017-)
Top 10 Best Moments in DuckTales (2017)
When a remake of “DuckTales” was first announced, people were naturally cautious in their assessment. Could it really live up to the original? Or would it be just another nostalgic cash grab from Disney? But immediately upon hearing the remixed version of that oh-so-catchy theme song, fans knew they were worried over nothing. Thanks to a stellar animation style, a fantastic cast, great cameos, and thrilling adventures, the new “Ducktales” is the rare remake that matches and maybe even exceeds its predecessor. That’s why we’re sad that it will be ending in 2021. We’ll enjoy that timeless “Woo-oo” while it lasts.
#8: “Steven Universe” (2013-19)
Top 10 Saddest Steven Universe Moments
Given how big it’s become in the years since it first aired, it can be easy to forget that a lot of people weren’t immediately on board with “Steven Universe” from the get-go. The show’s creator, Rebecca Sugar, was heavily involved with the insanely popular “Adventure Time.” This drew concerns that “Steven Universe” would just be a carbon copy of a cartoon network smash hit. And Steven as a protagonist didn’t seem to stand out much. However, the show had several awesome qualities that made it develop a distinct identity of its own. “Steven Universe’s” memorable songs, beautiful animation, and timely themes about personal identity and acceptance made it an absolute gem of a show.
#7: “BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)
Top 10 BoJack Horseman Episodes
When it first debuted, critics weren’t especially impressed with “BoJack Horseman.” Another adult animated sitcom, but this time it featured a washed-up actor who’s a horse? What could be different about a seemingly tame idea? However, the show takes its premise to a much deeper level than we were prepared for. Although “BoJack” has some great humor, what truly sets it apart is its examination of its very flawed characters. Through their stories, we examine mental health, addictive behaviors, and so much more. Sure, we all came for Will Arnett’s signature dry humor, but we stayed for the feels. We don’t even mind that the show sometimes makes us want to curl up in bed and cry for a day.
#6: “Sonic Boom” (2014-17)
The “Sonic” franchise in general has been through a lot of ups and downs in the last 20 years. Fans were especially wary of “Sonic Boom” because a similarly named video game that had been released around the same time was a buggy and disappointing mess. And it wasn’t like the other Sonic tie-ins were doing so hot at the time either. However, the cartoon series proved surprisingly entertaining and successful. Its light-hearted tone proved to be a nice contrast to the franchise’s infamous attempts to be “edgy.” “Sonic Boom” also has some surprisingly good social commentary and some breaks in the fourth wall that will have you rolling with laughter. Plus, it’s grade A meme fodder.
#5: “Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Top 10 Adult Jokes in Gravity Falls You Missed
Given its fairly limited selection of animated shows at the time, Disney Channel cartoons didn’t exactly inspire much confidence in the early 2010s. So, “Gravity Falls” was treated with plenty of skepticism when it first aired. But as viewers quickly learned, the show was anything but typical. The story followed the Pines twins. While spending a summer with their kooky great uncle in a bizarre Oregon town, they have tons of amazing adventures. “Gravity Falls” proved that it was possible to balance hilarious humor for kids and adults with intriguing mysteries and emotional storytelling. Now regarded as a classic, “Gravity Falls” kicked off an unexpected renaissance for Disney TV animation.
#4: “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008-14; 2020)
Top 10 Animated Star Wars Characters
This show had a lot of things stacked against it. It’s set during the divisive “Star Wars” prequels era, the animation isn’t especially good in the beginning, and its tone is initially more kid-friendly. Yet, as the show goes on, it really puts the “wars” in “Star Wars!” There are amazing battle scenes, great development for new and returning characters, and some surprisingly mature content. Its great content has even inspired a spinoff/sequel series called the Bad Batch! From its initial lukewarm reception to now, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” isn’t just a good cartoon set in the galaxy, far, far, away, but of the best chapters in the “Star Wars” franchise period!
#3: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)
Top 20 Avatar The Last Airbender Fights
Although pretty universally loved these days, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was at risk of being rejected when it premiered back in 2005. Could a cartoon with an art style inspired by anime really work in the west? But practically everyone who has given the show a shot has found it to be one of the best-animated adventure shows ever made. All the main characters have satisfying arcs, the action is fantastic and wonderfully choreographed, and its humor appeals to all ages. Oh, and the show can make you cry – a lot. Even the terrible movie adaptation couldn’t ruin its tremendous legacy. Like “Avatar: The Last Airbender’s” title character Aang, the show’s power cannot be underestimated!
#2: “Futurama” (1999-2003; 2008-13)
Rick and Morty vs. Futurama
Given that it was created by the same folks behind “The Simpsons,” it was inevitable that “Futurama” would have a high bar to clear. And while it never achieved quite the same level of mainstream success as “The Simpsons,” it still managed to be a great show. “Futurama’s” devoted cult following was strong enough to get the show resurrected from cancellation. Its futuristic, sci-fi setting offers a unique and hilarious form of satire. Additionally, “Futurama” features more character growth than you might expect, along with some romance and tragedy that will really tug at your heartstrings. But, we digress. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “F is For Family” (2015-) Adult Animated Sitcoms Aren’t Usually the Norm for Adult Swim’s Originals “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” (2018-20) A Surprising Remake That Showed Us She-Ra’s Power Was the Real Deal “Batman Beyond” (1999-2001) It Followed a Legendary Animated Series & Still Went “Beyond” Our Expectations “Big Mouth” (2017-) Odd Animation & Juvenile Humor? Yeah, But It’s Also SO Relatable! “American Dad!” (2005-) Seemed Like Another “Family Guy” Clone Before It Became Its Own Thing
#1: “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 20 Greatest SpongeBob Squarepants Running Gags
“Whaaaat?” we can hear you saying. “There’s no way expectations were low for ‘SpongeBob.” But we have to compare the show’s insane success today to its humble premise. We follow an adult talking sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea surrounded by weird characters and bizarre humor. From an outsider’s perspective, “SpongeBob SquarePants” might sound like an off-putting and crazy idea. But anyone who originally dismissed the show on the surface level missed out on one of the greatest cartoons ever made. The characters are unforgettable, the jokes are hysterical, and it’s wonderfully inventive. And it’s been running for over 20 years! While it’s not as strong as it once was, skipping the show completely will deprive viewers of a sweet victory.
