Top 10 Animated Kids Shows Adults Secretly Love

You can’t blame us for loving this imaginative show as adults. With every season being rated 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's technically flawless. Series creator, Rebecca Sugar, got their start in television working on “Adventure Time”. She eventually exited that show to focus on her own creation, a coming-of-age sci-fi cartoon about powerful alien warriors and a magical half-human boy. In addition to being exciting and action-packed, the show explores the bonds we share with one another to gorgeous effect. In 2019, it made history as the first animated series to earn the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Program. It’s also beloved for its performances, music, and narrative world building.

Over the years, Cartoon Network has aired more than a few original series that are beloved by adults, and this one is a great example. Starring an anthropomorphized bluejay and raccoon, it approaches the banality of everyday life with obscure humor. The cartoon demonstrates a desire to escape the grind of a regular job, something many grown ups know well. Plus, it’s been praised by critics for its scripts, narrative, and characters, things which folks of any age can enjoy. It has however been the subject of some criticism for the use of more adult subject matter. While we could debate whether said subject matter is suitable for children’s TV shows, they are certainly appreciated by older viewers.

This series does an excellent job of balancing random humor with genuine heart. While intended for children, it’s also enjoyed by adults. It focuses on a twelve-year old anthropomorphic cat as he navigates life at home and school. But thanks to a hodgepodge of different animation techniques, it does so in a way that’s artistically unlike any comparable cartoons. “The Amazing World of Gumball” has notably been applauded for its depiction of something dubbed “domestic chaos.” Despite being chaotic, the world building and character development is solid. Older viewers can appreciate the exploration of themes like philosophy, politics, and romantic relationships, as well as the employment of black and self-referential comedy. Unsurprisingly, the series has garnered critical praise and a cult following.

Considering its charming humor and endearing characters, it’s no mystery why adults as well as kids love this coming-of-age cartoon. The series stars twins Dipper and Mabel as they solve various supernatural conundrums around a small town in Oregon. Their great-uncle Stan plays a supporting role and gives the show a multi-generational perspective. Plus, there are plenty of pop culture references and adult appropriate jokes sprinkled in throughout. Critics share a positive opinion of the series, as reflected by its Rotten Tomato score of 100%. Although the target demographic for this Disney Channel Original is technically children, adults surely find themselves enjoying it as well.

Many of us grew up watching and loving this cartoon about three very young superheroes. Years later, we think it still holds up, and not just for nostalgia’s sake. For one, it has plenty of jokes that land with older viewers. From innuendos to pop culture references, much of the dialogue goes over the heads of little ones. Additionally, the young female leads, Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup, are a welcome change of pace from other superheroes in popular media. The girls take on terrifying monsters while also facing more typical childhood challenges, and make it all feel fun. We bet that if you asked any millennial which Powerpuff Girl is their favorite, they’d have an answer.

When co-creators Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and Dan Povenmire made this inventive cartoon, they did so for a wide-ranging audience not limited by age. The show has numerous nods to popular culture, and often features guest stars familiar to older viewers, like Allison Janney and Tim Curry. Not to mention, the theme tune is performed by Bowling for Soup. Stylistically speaking, “Phineas and Ferb” has even been compared to “Family Guy” by many. In fact, before the former show was picked up by Disney Channel, Povenmire had worked on Fox’s more mature cartoon as a director. Wordplay, self-aware humor, and comedic silences are elements, appreciated by adults, that can be found in both series.

Don’t let the low brow jokes fool you, this silly show is surprisingly deep. It balances creative humor with more difficult themes like mental health and illness. Its nuance is something that adults especially can appreciate. Interestingly, many notable contemporary animators, such as Rebecca Sugar and Kent Osborne, worked on “Adventure Time” at one point or another, and left fantastic, mature marks. Having been touched by a lot of talented artists, it’s an important example of modern television that has been justifiably appreciated by older viewers. With heavy influences from the game “Dungeons & Dragons,” it particularly resonates with adventure lovers big and small.

Parents especially love this preschool appropriate program. While kid-centered can often be mind-numbing for older viewers, this wholesome cartoon is surprisingly captivating for people of all ages. It centers on an endearing anthropomorphic family of four Australian dogs, consisting of a mom, dad, little sister Bingo, and the titular Bluey. Domestic situations like sibling disagreements and visits to the park are depicted in ways that feel relatable and enjoyable. Meanwhile, the Australian setting is nothing short of gorgeous. We don’t blame parents for keeping this cartoon on after their little ones leave the room – or childless folks for watching it in their spare time.

This pick has been around for so long that many of us grew up watching it. After more than two decades on air, it remains a favorite among fans of all ages. The lead character is only one of many lovable figures to come from the show, some others being Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Plankton, and Sandy. Strewn among their silly misadventures around Bikini Bottom are jokes and references that only adults are likely to pick up. Happily, the show is as good as we thought it was in our younger years. Today, adult audiences can enjoy rewatching episodes they first saw in their youth and catching new ones as they premiere.

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

“Dexter's Laboratory” (1996-2003)
This Show Is as Good as We Remember

“Animaniacs” (2020-23)
A Reboot of a Show From the 90’s, This One Is Dripping in Nostalgia

“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” (2018-20)
These Characters Give a Whole New Meaning to the Phrase ‘Girl Power’

“Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-99)
The Caped Crusader is a Hero Beloved by People of All Ages

“Arthur” (1996-2022)
We Basically Grew Up with This PBS Classic, & It Still Holds Up

Centering on a twelve-year-old boy who’s destined to save the world, this children's program is more mature than most content on television aimed at adults. Fittingly, the fantastical premise is one that can be enjoyed by audiences young and old. Over the course of its three seasons, the cartoon explores difficult themes like war and colonialism with the nuance, gravity, and respect they demand. At the same time, it manages to maintain a sense of optimism and hope. Meanwhile, narratively, the character arcs and plot points are some of TV’s best. No matter what your age is, if you haven’t seen “Avatar: The Last Airbender”, we highly recommend starting it.

What’s your favorite kids cartoon to watch? Let us know in the comments below.