Best Animated Streaming Series
The Best Animated Streaming Series category celebrates outstanding achievements in animated television series available on streaming platforms. These series are recognized for their excellence in storytelling, animation quality, character development, and overall impact on the audience.
Advertisement
In recent years, the landscape of animated series has significantly evolved, with streaming platforms providing creators with more creative freedom and resources. This has led to a surge in diverse, high-quality content that appeals to a broad audience, from children to adults. Series like "BoJack Horseman," "Castlevania," and "Love, Death & Robots" showcase the variety of genres and storytelling techniques that can be explored through animation. These series often tackle complex themes and present nuanced characters, pushing the boundaries of what animated shows can achieve. The accessibility of streaming platforms also allows for global reach, bringing culturally diverse stories to a wider audience. As a result, the Best Animated Streaming Series category highlights not only technical and artistic excellence but also the innovative and inclusive nature of modern animation.
Murad OsmannView AllMurad Osmann - Photographer famous for "Follow Me To" series.
Rick and MortyView AllRick and Morty - Dark, comedic sci-fi adventures of genius grandfather and grandson.
Big MouthView AllBig Mouth - an animated comedy about adolescent puberty.
ArcaneView AllArcane - Stunning animation, rich lore, and League of Legends magic."
CastlevaniaView AllCastlevania - monstrous minions.
InvincibleView AllInvincible - Teen superhero battles threats and personal challenges.
The Legend of Vox MachinaView AllThe Legend of Vox Machina - Fantasy adventurers battle evil in an animated epic journey.
Love, Death & RobotsView AllLove, Death & Robots - Anthology of animated sci-fi, fantasy, and horror stories.
Harley QuinnView AllHarley Quinn - Colorful, unpredictable anti-heroine with a chaotic, playful demeanor.
The Dragon PrinceView AllThe Dragon Prince - Epic fantasy of magic, dragons, and warring kingdoms.
Best Animated Streaming Series
1.
Murad Osmann
Murad Osmann is a Russian photographer renowned for his "Follow Me" series, which features his now-wife, Nataly Zakharova, leading him by the hand through various global destinations. Born on May 15, 1985, Osmann's distinctive style captures her from behind, showcasing both her and the captivating landscapes they explore. This unique perspective has garnered him significant social media attention, transforming him into a prominent influencer in the travel and photography spheres. His work merges storytelling with visual artistry, inspiring countless others to embrace travel and creativity.
Pros
Innovative photographer- captivating compositions
- viral "Follow Me" series.
Cons
Limited artistic diversity- repetitive theme
- potential cultural insensitivity.
2.
Rick and Morty
"Rick and Morty" is an animated science fiction sitcom that follows the misadventures of an eccentric, alcoholic scientist named Rick Sanchez and his good-hearted but easily influenced grandson, Morty Smith. Created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, the show explores complex themes through a blend of dark humor, existentialism, and absurdity, often involving interdimensional travel, alien encounters, and bizarre scientific experiments. The duo's exploits frequently put them, and their family, in perilous and surreal situations, providing a satirical take on both science fiction tropes and family dynamics.
Pros
- Innovative storytelling
- dark humor
- unique characters
- and existential themes.
Cons
- Dark humor
- complex plots
- and mature content limit audience appeal.
3.
Big Mouth
"Big Mouth" is an animated coming-of-age comedy series created by Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett. Premiering on Netflix in 2017, the show delves into the awkward and often hilarious experiences of adolescence. It follows teenage friends navigating the tumultuous changes of puberty, guided and tormented by their Hormone Monsters. Known for its candid and humorous exploration of topics like sexuality, mental health, and relationships, "Big Mouth" combines sharp wit with a bold, irreverent approach, making it a standout in adult animation.
Pros
- Hilarious
- relatable
- educational
- diverse characters
- tackles tough topics bravely.
Cons
- Crude humor
- controversial topics
- potentially offensive content
- not family-friendly.
4.
Arcane
"Arcane" is an animated television series set in the universe of the popular video game "League of Legends." Developed and produced by Riot Games, the show explores the origins of iconic characters from the game, delving into their complex relationships and backgrounds. It primarily focuses on the cities of Piltover and Zaun, contrasting their technological advancements and socio-economic disparities. Known for its stunning animation, compelling storytelling, and rich character development, "Arcane" appeals to both fans of the game and newcomers alike, earning widespread acclaim for its artistry and depth.
Pros
- Stunning animation
- compelling characters
- rich lore
- and gripping storyline.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- some predictable plot points
- underdeveloped side characters.
5.
Castlevania
"Castlevania" is a renowned action-adventure video game series developed by Konami. Debuting in 1986, the franchise revolves around the Belmont family and their eternal struggle against Dracula and his minions. Known for its gothic horror themes, intricate level design, and challenging gameplay, "Castlevania" combines platforming with RPG elements. Over the years, it has expanded into various media, including an acclaimed animated series on Netflix. The series is celebrated for its atmospheric music, engaging storylines, and significant influence on the "Metroidvania" subgenre of games.
Pros
- Atmospheric design
- engaging gameplay
- iconic music
- memorable characters
- challenging difficulty.
Cons
- Repetitive gameplay
- challenging difficulty
- inconsistent story
- dated graphics.
6.
Invincible
"Invincible" is a popular comic book series created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Cory Walker, later illustrated by Ryan Ottley. It follows Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits superpowers from his father, Omni-Man, the most powerful superhero on Earth. As Mark adopts the superhero alias "Invincible," he navigates the challenges of balancing his personal life with his duties as a hero. The series is known for its blend of coming-of-age drama, intense action, and shocking plot twists. It has also been adapted into an animated series on Amazon Prime Video.
Pros
- Unique storytelling
- diverse characters
- intense action
- emotional depth
- mature themes.
Cons
- Inconsistent tone
- excessive violence
- underdeveloped characters
- pacing issues.
7.
The Legend of Vox Machina
"The Legend of Vox Machina" is an animated fantasy series based on the first campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series, Critical Role. Funded by an immensely successful Kickstarter campaign, the show follows a ragtag group of adventurers known as Vox Machina as they battle formidable foes, uncover dark secrets, and navigate personal struggles. Blending humor, action, and rich storytelling, the series showcases the dynamic characters and intricate world that captivated fans of the original tabletop role-playing game sessions. The series is produced by Critical Role and animated by Titmouse.
Pros
- Stunning animation
- engaging characters
- witty humor
- epic fantasy storytelling.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- inconsistent animation
- underdeveloped side characters
- occasional tonal shifts.
8.
Love, Death & Robots
"Love, Death & Robots" is an acclaimed animated anthology series on Netflix created by Tim Miller and produced by David Fincher. It features a diverse array of short episodes, each with its own unique animation style and story, spanning genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy. The series explores themes of love, technology, and human nature, often with a darkly humorous or thought-provoking twist. Each episode is crafted by different animation studios, resulting in a visually stunning and eclectic mix of storytelling.
Pros
- Innovative animation
- diverse stories
- captivating themes
- and mature content.
Cons
- Inconsistent episode quality
- some stories feel rushed or underdeveloped.
9.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn, originally Dr. Harleen Quinzel, is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. She was introduced in "Batman: The Animated Series" in 1992 and created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Initially depicted as the Joker's psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, she falls in love with him, becoming his loyal accomplice and lover. Known for her playful yet psychotic personality, Harley wields a variety of weapons, including a giant mallet and explosives. Over time, she evolves into an anti-hero, often breaking free from the Joker's influence and embarking on her own chaotic adventures.
Pros
- Charismatic
- unpredictable
- strong
- resilient
- humorous
- intelligent
- loyal
- unique style.
Cons
- Erratic behavior
- criminal tendencies
- toxic relationships
- unpredictable loyalty
- impulsiveness.
10.
The Dragon Prince
"The Dragon Prince" is an animated fantasy series created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond. Set in the magical land of Xadia, the story follows two human princes, Callum and Ezran, and an elven assassin named Rayla, who form an unlikely alliance. Their mission is to return a stolen dragon egg to its mother to prevent a catastrophic war between the human and magical realms. The show explores themes of friendship, family, and the battle between good and evil, all while showcasing stunning animation and deep, engaging storytelling.
Pros
- Rich storytelling
- stunning animation
- diverse characters
- and engaging world-building.
Cons
- Inconsistent pacing
- occasional animation quality issues
- some predictable plot points.