Top 10 Best Animated Comedy Series Ever
#10: “Beavis and Butt-Head” (1993-)
Top 20 Best Beavis and Butt-Head Moments
Do you live to laugh? Even if you say yes, it’s probably nowhere to the level that Beavis and Butt-Head do. Mike Judge’s animated imbeciles made waves when they debuted on MTV, sparking both adoration and controversy over their reckless ways. Beavis and Butt-Head redefine the meaning of the word “ignorant,” causing issues and aggravation for everyone. Everyone, that is, except for themselves. Aside from their misadventures, the duo is also fondly remembered for their hilarious riffing on music videos. The show's second revival recently premiered on Paramount+, proving just how timeless laughing at moronic characters can be.
#9: “Family Guy” (1999-)
Top 20 Family Guy Movie Parodies
On the outside, “Family Guy” seems pretty normal. It’s about a mother, father, their three children, and dog. Granted, one of the children is a baby with a fully-formed vocabulary who sounds like a British adult. Oh, and the dog can talk too. And that’s just the start. Chronicling the Griffin family in Quahog, Rhode Island, it’s a cartoon in every sense of the word. Patriarch Peter Griffin is a man so shortsighted and irrational, he makes other sitcom dads look like wise philosophers. But you might be too busy laughing at the cutaways to care. A show that embraces any opportunity to make its audience feel amused, angry, or generally confused, “Family Guy” is rarely in good taste. But it’s often, as the saying goes, “freakin’ sweet.”
#8: “Bob’s Burgers” (2011-)
Top 10 Funniest Bob's Burgers Moments
When “Bob’s Burgers” first premiered in 2011, it wasn’t clear if it’d be another animated also-ran for FOX or a new hit. And while it wasn’t a completely smooth start, the show proved too endearing to be kept down. Following the Belcher family and their titular eatery, the show is a beautiful mix of character humor, musical numbers, and burger puns. It wouldn’t be so great without characters as lovable as these, from level-headed father Bob to unpredictable youngest child Louise, and more. We also have to commend the amazing voice acting talents of cast members like H. Jon Benjamin and Eugene Mirman. This is one show worth savoring every last bite of.
#7: “The Boondocks” (2005-14)
Top 10 Ways X-Men '97 is Different than Original Animated Series
Plenty of comedy is centered around cultural clashes. But few do it as well as this. Creator Aaron McGruder adapted his own comic strip for a brilliantly incisive series. Living with their granddad in the predominantly white suburb of Woodcrest, Brothers Huey and Riley Freeman encounter all kinds of obstacles and see just how complicated the world really is. “The Boondocks’” caused controversy when it first aired and likely still ruffles feathers. But many of its messages still resonate, and unfortunately, likely will continue to. Anyone who thinks cartoons can’t be insightful clearly hasn’t seen this show.
#6: “Futurama” (1999-2013)
Rick and Morty vs. Futurama
Like far too many animated series, “Futurama” wasn’t given a fair chance. At least, not at first. This sci-fi series from “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is both hilarious and enthralling. Pizza delivery guy Fry wakes up in the year 3000 after having been frozen for 1,000 years. Before he knows it, he’s best friends with a robot and visiting new planets. While plenty about “Futurama” is fantastical, its love of things like science and hilarious interactions help keep it relatively grounded. Poorly scheduled and eventually canceled by FOX, the show was brought back through multiple films and a Comedy Central revival. Still want more “Futurama?” In the words of Professor Farnsworth, good news! Another revival is set to premiere on Hulu in 2023.
#5: “King of the Hill” (1997-2009)
Top 10 Best King of the Hill Episodes
Lots of animated series, even ones we love, have a pretty tenuous grasp on reality. That’s not the case with “King of the Hill,” a cartoon so down-to-earth, you have to remind yourself it’s a cartoon sometimes. Set in the small town of Arlen, Texas, the show follows propane salesman Hank Hill, his family, and their various friends and adversaries. Another excellent series from “Beavis and Butt-head” creator Mike Judge, “King of the Hill” mines its humor not from outrageous gags but from observational dialogue and characters as relatable as they are amusing. Hank Hill might consider himself a rather ordinary guy. But his show is extraordinarily funny.
#4: “Rick and Morty” (2013-)
Top 10 Times Rick and Morty Parodied Pop Culture
“Rick and Morty” originated as a more vulgar take on Doc and Marty from the “Back to the Future” series. And while that element has persisted, it’s far more than that. Brilliant but uncouth mad scientist Rick and his hesitant grandson Morty go on all sorts of adventures through time, space, and everything in between. The chemistry between the two leads makes for one of the all-time great comedic duos, and the rest of the cast is also uproarious, particularly put-upon father Jerry. It’s a show you have to be careful about binging too much, though. It might give your brain - and your funny bone - too intense of a workout.
#3: “SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 20 Greatest SpongeBob Squarepants Running Gags
“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” We know you know the answer, and you’re probably singing the rest of the theme song. Nickelodeon had many successful cartoons before “SpongeBob SquarePants” came along. But Bikini Bottom’s most-absorbent resident captured our hearts and made us laugh like none other. With its mix of over-the-top slapstick as well as clever dialogue and all-too-relatable observations, “SpongeBob” is a kid’s cartoon that adults can appreciate as well. And it’s been on so long, that some of its viewers have realized they’ve turned from SpongeBob into Squidward over time. But there’s nothing that lifts us out of a low mood quite like watching this lovable and hilarious show.
#2: “South Park” (1997-)
Top 10 South Park Episodes That Aged REALLY WELL
The animation style of this series might be basic. Its impact is anything but. Set in a small Colorado town, it follows four young boys and their various antics. If that sounds wholesome, just wait until you meet Cartman. Since premiering in 1997, “South Park” has courted plenty of controversy. Not only are its main characters foul-mouthed fourth graders, but the show also tackles topics that are widely considered taboo. However, its boldness has made for some incredible comedy. Sometimes we’re laughing because we can’t believe what creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone have gotten away with. And more than 20 years later, we’re still amazed by “South Park’s” ability to strike a nerve in ways other shows would never dare. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“BoJack Horseman” (2014-20)
Top 10 BoJack Horseman Episodes
This Netflix Series Expertly Mixed Talking Animals with Deep Psychological Drama
“Archer” (2009-)
He’s No James Bond, But This Arrogant Spy is a Lot Funnier
“Home Movies” (1999-)
Top 10 That's So Raven References in Raven's Home
A Wonderful Show About Growing Up and Making Movies
“The Venture Bros.” (2004-18)
Top 10 Greatest Venture Bros. Characters
This Cult Favorite Gave Us One of the Best Animated Families Ever
“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)
Top 10 Adult Jokes in Gravity Falls You Missed
This Disney Series is Beloved by Both Kids and Adult Fans of Shows like "Twin Peaks."
#1: “The Simpsons” (1989-)
Top 10 Simpsons Moments that Left us Speechless
Let’s be honest. Would most of the shows on this list even be possible without “The Simpsons?” We doubt it. What started as an animated sitcom about a yellow-skinned nuclear family - with a father who works at a nuclear power plant - soon blossomed into something much bigger. The Simpsons have become some of the most beloved characters in pop culture history. And they remain popular even after more than 30 years on the air. Balancing down-to-earth humor with sharp satire and more absurd moments, the show set the template for so many others. And it's also proved so influential, it’s brought new words into our lexicon. At this point, The Simpsons aren’t part of our world; we’re part of theirs.
