Animation can be one of the best forms of content because of its ability to show a world that can’t be CGI-ed into movies or TV shows. It allows a unique type of flexibility, not to mention voice acting can be considered an art in itself and even harder than physical acting. It takes a lot of heart to make an animated series so that might explain why animation is so widely adored by people worldwide. And that’s why you might’ve seen a huge spike in animated series and movies on streaming platforms.


Netflix, back in 2019, spent over $1 billion on creating animated originals and hired teams of creators who would be granted complete freedom to create whatever they wanted. The popular streaming platform has given us some of the best TV shows and movies since it began producing original content in 2012. To date, 40% of all content on the platform are Netflix originals, but the streaming platform has only started giving us animated content in the last couple of years, especially following its partnership with Nickelodeon and acquiring the rights to other animated properties. Giving animators the money and freedom to create whatever they wanted might’ve been a great idea on Netflix’s part because it’s given us widely creative and binge-able shows. We’ve ranked some of the best of Netflix’s original animated series for you to watch.

6 Inside Job

Put on your tin foil hat for this one. If you’re someone that likes conspiracy theories or workplace TV comedy, this animated series from the executive producer of Gravity Falls is for you. Inside Job follows genius Reagen, team leader at Cognito Inc., a company that operates on behalf of the deep state to create and cover up government conspiracy theories started by her father, as she tries to co-manage her team with an under-qualified, and half the time confused, Brett. Inside Job mentions some of the biggest conspiracies that have become popular in modern times like flat earth, clones, and reptoids, all while combining workplace antics. The show is expected to release more episodes soon, per Deadline, so it’s the perfect time to start watching.

Related: Best Oscar-Winning Netflix Original Movies, Ranked

5 Big Mouth

If you haven’t started this series that has grown extremely popular on Netflix, it’s never too late to. Co-created by childhood friends Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, with voice acting from comedian John Mulaney, this animated series gives a charming, and rightfully disgusting, depiction of puberty in a way you’ve definitely never seen before. In this creative take on pre-teen puberty, Big Mouth follows Nick and Andrew, two best friends, as they try to navigate puberty with their friends, with the help of their hormone monsters. This is the perfect show for adults looking to laugh, and maybe even be reminded of their early days of puberty, and some of the stuff they’ve been wanting to forget. Big Mouth is expected to release its sixth season sometime this fall, so there will certainly be a lot for you to binge and enjoy.

4 The Midnight Gospel

A much different show than any of the other ones on this list, from comedian Duncan Trussell and Adventure Time‘s Pendleton Ward, The Midnight Gospel follows Clancy Gilroy as he travels to different worlds to interview the strange creatures there for his “spacecast.” Each episode delves into deep and vulnerable topics of drug use, forgiveness, death positivity, and much more. The series follows a podcast structure and feels more like real conversations between friends, all while the animation tells unique and psychedelic stories in each episode that can have just as much meaning as the topics they talk about. The Midnight Gospel is a show for people looking for something different or something to make them think, feel, or learn. Netflix sadly canceled this show after one season, but you can still enjoy the first season in all its underrated glory.

3 BoJack Horseman

Another popular animated series that, if it hasn’t pulled you in already, should be given a chance, BoJack Horseman has gained a cult following for its ability to touch on very sensitive subjects such as depression, substance abuse, and trauma. It follows the titular character, a former sitcom star who now struggles to find happiness and fulfillment in his life, trying to make a comeback while also trying to balance his personal life. The series is treated much like a sitcom, except it’s able to easily, and still with a laugh, portray its sensitive topics in a way that live-action simply can’t. Although the show is often considered very dark and depressing, it’s a fantastic representation of mental health struggles and can still give you a good laugh. The show came to an end in January 2020, but there are still six seasons for you to binge on Netflix.

Related: BoJack Horseman: What TV Comedies Can Learn from the Netflix Original

2 Kipo and The Age of Wonderbeasts

There is a likely chance you have never heard of this one. Kipo and The Age of Wonderbeasts takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and focuses on a girl named Kipo Oak as she goes out into a world run by mutant animals to look for her father. The show creates an amazing and unique world filled with equally unique and diverse characters. The show ended after three seasons, and despite being incredibly underrated, has developed a loyal fan base because of its epic adventure storyline and the representation it provides. The perfect show for someone looking for an animated series with a completed story to tell.

1 Arcane

Arcane is an animated series adaptation of the widely popular battle arena game League of Legends. In the past, there have been very questionable video game adaptations, but there have also been a few cases where the adaptation does well at standing alone from the video game. And Arcane is considered to be one of the best video game adaptions because of the story, and its ability to evoke emotions in its viewers. Not to mention the well-developed ensemble of characters that each get their own time to shine and the stunning animation. The series follows two league champions caught in the middle of a war between the utopian city, Piltover, and the oppressed under city, Zaun. Arcane will return with a second season that is yet to be given a release date, and fans can’t wait to see what happens after the first seasons cliffhanger.