The Top 15 Animated TV Shows That Aren't Just For Kids

1. "Bojack Horseman " (Netflix )

Imagine a washed-up sitcom star from the 90s. Now, imagine this sitcom star is an anthropomorphic horse. Got it? Good. Welcome to "Bojack Horseman." It might seem like a quirky, whimsical world of talking animals living in Hollywood (or rather, Hollywoo, as it's known in the show), but boy does this show pack an emotional punch. It's like being promised a wacky balloon animal but receiving a balloon version of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" instead. A beautiful, heartbreaking look at mental health, addiction, and the price of fame, "Bojack Horseman" will have you laughing, crying, and questioning your life choices, often all at the same time.

2. "Rick and Morty " (Adult Swim)

This is not your average grandpa-grandson duo. "Rick and Morty" takes family bonding to another dimension. Literally. Eccentric, alcoholic scientist Rick Sanchez takes his kind-hearted but easily manipulated grandson Morty Smith on chaotic adventures across the universe. The humor is irreverent, the situations are bonkers, and the underlying themes of existential dread and nihilism are as subtle as a brick to the face. To put it simply, "Rick and Morty" is the wild, interdimensional rollercoaster ride that philosophy and quantum physics never knew they needed.

3. "Archer" (FX)

Ever wondered what James Bond would be like if he was a narcissistic, womanizing alcoholic with severe mommy issues? Well, wonder no more. Enter Sterling Archer, the world's most dangerous spy, who's as incompetent as he is hilarious. "Archer" isn't just about the secret agent shenanigans, though. The office politics and interpersonal relationships within the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) are just as engrossing, and often a lot funnier. It's as if "The Office" and a James Bond film had a baby, and that baby grew up to be a beautifully animated, foul-mouthed, gin-swilling adult.

4. "South Park " (Comedy Central)

Yes, it's crude. Yes, it's controversial. And yes, it's about a bunch of foul-mouthed kids living in a Colorado town where the absurd is just an average Tuesday. But underneath its crass exterior, "South Park" is a sharp social and political satire that isn't afraid to skewer everything from celebrity culture to global politics. If you can handle the occasional bout of toilet humor, you'll find a show that's not afraid to hold up a funhouse mirror to society.

5. "Adventure Time" (Cartoon Network)

Don't let its candy-colored world and cute characters fool you. "Adventure Time" is about as childlike as a tax return. Sure, it's a fantasy show about a boy and his magical shape-shifting dog going on adventures, but it also explores complex themes of love, loss, trauma, and the existential angst that comes with growing up. It's like finding a philosophy book hidden within a pop-up fairy tale. A beautifully surreal trip, "Adventure Time" is one adventure you don't want to miss.

6. "Gravity Falls" (Disney Channel)

Siblings Dipper and Mabel Pines spending a summer with their quirky Great Uncle (Grunkle) Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls seems like the setup for a children's show, right? Well, if you thought that, you'd be... partially correct. The brilliance of "Gravity Falls" lies in its ability to blend comedy, mystery, and a touch of horror into a beautifully animated package. It's like if Scooby-Doo had an affair with The X-Files, and their love child was raised by Twin Peaks. And yes, it's as awesome as it sounds.

7. "Bob's Burgers" (Fox)

"Bob's Burgers" is about a family running a struggling burger joint, and yet, it's about so much more. It's a love letter to family life, complete with all its joys, chaos, and absurdities. With a cast of characters as well-rounded as their burger buns, this show delves into relatable scenarios with wit and warmth. It's like being served a comfort meal you didn't know you needed. This isn't fast food; it's feel-good food.

8. "The Boondocks" (Adult Swim)

Ever wondered what it would be like if "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" got a socio-political upgrade and was animated? Say hello to "The Boondocks." Following the lives of the Freemans, an African-American family living in a predominantly white suburb, this show serves up biting commentary on racial issues, pop culture, and politics. It's like biting into a juicy satirical burger that leaves a lingering spicy aftertaste.

9. "Futurama " (Fox)

Created by Matt Groening (the brain behind "The Simpsons "), "Futurama" is a sci-fi comedy set in the 31st century. It follows the misadventures of Fry, a pizza delivery guy cryogenically frozen and revived 1000 years later. With a diverse cast of humans, robots, and aliens, the show explores themes of friendship, love, and existentialism with humor and heart. It's like getting a philosophy lesson from a bunch of stand-up comedians...in space.

10. "Steven Universe" (Cartoon Network)

At first glance, "Steven Universe" might seem like a lighthearted series about a boy and his magical alien guardians. However, as the show unfolds, it dives into topics like identity, love, loss, and the complexity of relationships. It's as if "Sailor Moon" decided to take a few classes in psychology and sociology, and the results are wonderfully profound and emotionally resonant.

11. "Big Mouth" (Netflix)

Puberty is weird. It's awkward, it's messy, and it's confusing. "Big Mouth" takes all those uncomfortable truths and cranks them up to eleven, exploring the tribulations of adolescence through hilariously grotesque hormone monsters and shame wizards. It's like if your health class were taught by comedians, where no topic is off-limits. So, buckle up, because this animated rollercoaster through teenage angst is anything but a smooth ride.

12. "Over the Garden Wall" (Cartoon Network)

Ever walked into a Brothers Grimm fairytale while on an LSD trip? No? Well, watching "Over the Garden Wall" might be the closest you'll get. This miniseries follows two brothers lost in a strange forest filled with eerie inhabitants and bizarre occurrences. The show masterfully blends humor, horror, and a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic into a timeless folkloric tale. It's like sipping a warm cup of hot chocolate... spiked with a shot of existential dread.

13. "Family Guy " (Fox)

What happens when you take a sitcom family, add a talking dog, an evil genius baby, and throw in some of the most outrageous and politically incorrect humor around? You get "Family Guy". This show holds nothing sacred, and its scattergun approach to satire often hits targets you didn't even know were on the field. Think of it as a comedy grenade; it's loud, it's explosive, and it leaves no topic untouched.

14. "Avatar: The Last Airbender " (Nickelodeon)

Don't let the Nickelodeon tag fool you. "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a beautifully crafted tale that transcends age demographics. Following Aang, the last Airbender, and his friends on a quest to end a global war, the show offers rich character development, complex moral dilemmas, and breathtaking animation. It's like if "Game of Thrones " and "Lord of the Rings" had a love child, and it was raised by Tibetan monks. In short, it's epic.

15. "Invincible" (Amazon Prime Video )

What if the world of superheroes wasn't as black and white as it seemed? "Invincible" answers that question with an animated bloodbath. Based on Robert Kirkman's comic book series, the show explores the dark side of superhero life, filled with violence, betrayal, and a heap of moral ambiguity. It's like watching Superman, but through the lens of Quentin Tarantino.