If you still think cartoons are just Saturday morning fluff, Netflix has spent the last decade building an argument against that idea — and it’s a compelling one. From gothic vampire epics to philosophical podcast-fever-dreams, here are the 10 best adult animated series the streamer has ever produced, ranked.
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Table of Contents
All 10 Netflix Shows Overview
| Rank | Show | Genre | Why Watch It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Disenchantment | Fantasy Comedy | Matt Groening’s long-form storytelling experiment |
| 9 | Tuca & Bertie | Slice-of-Life Comedy | Perceptive, funny, painfully real |
| 8 | Castlevania | Dark Fantasy Action | Gothic animation done to perfection |
| 7 | Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | Sci-Fi Action Anime | Studio Trigger at its explosive best |
| 6 | Love, Death & Robots | Anthology Sci-Fi/Horror | Global animation showcase, short & stunning |
| 5 | The Midnight Gospel | Experimental | A podcast turned into an acid trip |
| 4 | Arcane | Action/Drama | The most visually stunning show on Netflix |
| 3 | Blue Eye Samurai | Period Action | Prestige TV meets masterclass animation |
| 2 | Bojack Horseman | Dark Comedy/Drama | The definitive adult animated sitcom |
| 1 | Scott Pilgrim Takes Off | Action/Comedy | A reinvention that improves on the original |
The Shows, Briefly Explained
#10 — Disenchantment Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama) finally gets to ditch the network TV episodic formula and build something with real narrative momentum. Five seasons of medieval absurdity with genuine emotional payoff.
#9 — Tuca & Bertie Often unfairly overshadowed by Bojack Horseman, this show captures the specific weirdness of modern adulthood — odd jobs, burnout, and the messiness of female friendship — with warmth and razor-sharp humour.
#8 — Castlevania The Castlevania anime makes full use of its dark, gothic aesthetic licence — crimson reds leap out of the frame as iconic imagery from the games is realised through wonderful 2D animation. When it comes time for Richter Belmont to swing his whip at some creatures, Castlevania delivers wonderful fights. A classic franchise finally getting its due.
#7 — Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Acting as a prequel to the game, Edgerunners loads viewers up on lore while being an enjoyable entry point for newcomers. Studio Trigger is a master at depicting extremely satisfying action, working beautifully within Cyberpunk’s neon world of electric yellows and blues. A sequel is already in development.
#6 — Love, Death & Robots A pure celebration of worldwide animation — the anthology format highlights genius from every corner of the globe, from Blur and Sony Imageworks to European studios like Passion Pictures. All given free rein to make something crazy. With each episode under 20 minutes, there’s no excuse not to dive in.
#5 — The Midnight Gospel Based on recorded podcast conversations between co-creator Duncan Trussell and guests, these are then realised through animated acid trips. These episodes truly feel like you’re rummaging around in someone’s brain — saturated colours, no straight lines, and scenery that transitions on a dime. Utterly unlike anything else.
#4 — Arcane It’s impossible to watch even a clip of Arcane without being taken aback at how insane it looks — every stylistic gauge turned up to 11, with a punk aesthetic, explosive colours, and intense soundtrack swirling together. Online debates about character ethics rage to this day, a sign this was more than a technical showcase. whats-on-netflix
#3 — Blue Eye Samurai A mixed-race warrior on a revenge mission in Edo-period Japan, depicted through a painterly 2D style that adds grain and texture to every frame. Blue Eye Samurai helped shift adult animation from strictly crude comedy to being compared with prestige HBO shows. Season 2 is expected in 2027. whats-on-netflix
#2 — Bojack Horseman One of the first-ever Netflix originals still stands as one of the best. Bojack breaks the animated sitcom in half — building strong linear narratives, giving characters real emotional momentum across six seasons, and weaving micro-gags alongside season-long jokes in a way few shows have ever matched. whats-on-netflix
#1 — Scott Pilgrim Takes Off What seemed like an unnecessary retread ended up a jewel of modern animation. Rather than having Scott blow through Ramona’s evil exes, the show removes the male lead and focuses on Ramona making amends herself. Studio Science Saru depicts these characters as vibrantly as they’ve ever been, capturing fights with fluid, astonishing animation. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off has it all. whats-on-netflix
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FAQs
Q: What is the best adult animated series on Netflix right now?
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off tops the list for its stunning animation by Studio Science Saru and its surprisingly mature, emotionally resonant take on the beloved source material.
Q: Is Arcane the best-looking animated show on Netflix?
Many fans and critics would argue yes — Arcane by Fortiche Productions remains unmatched in visual ambition, blending CG and 2D techniques into some of the most breathtaking animation ever produced for a streaming series.
