12 Must-Watch Animated Series for Every Viewer

In the realm of serialized animation, Japanese anime leads the way. In Japan, anime is widely recognized as a medium capable of delivering intricate narratives for mature audiences. A prime example is Attack on Titan, a series that has masterfully unfolded a complex story over multiple seasons. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, humanity faces the threat of Titans—enormous humanoid creatures with varying levels of intelligence and intent.

After a century of peace, the Titans suddenly reappear, wreaking havoc on Paradis Island. Attack on Titan intricately weaves its plot, delving into the history of the Titans and the military’s efforts to protect the city’s massive walls. Eren Jaeger (Yûki Kaji), a young boy driven by the loss of his mother to a Titan, enlists in the military for vengeance. As the series progresses, revelations about Jaeger’s past become pivotal to the overarching narrative. Every detail ties into the larger story, making each episode essential. Where to stream: Hulu offers the series, with new episodes of the fourth and final season released weekly.

This Netflix series serves as a compelling prequel to the classic 1984 Transformers cartoon, chronicling the intense war on Cybertron, the home planet of the Autobots and Decepticons. The narrative explores the events that forced the Transformers to flee to Earth, delving into the origins of iconic leaders like Megatron and Optimus Prime. Central to the plot is the AllSpark, a powerful Cybertronian relic capable of animating technology. Possession of the AllSpark determines the fate of Cybertron’s civilization, making it the ultimate prize in the war. Where to stream: The first two seasons are currently on Netflix, with the third and final season set to release on May 30.

Food Wars is a multi-season anime that masterfully combines standalone episodes with a rich, overarching storyline. The series follows Yukihira Soma, a determined student at the elite Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute, as he strives to become the top chef. Alongside his peers, Soma engages in culinary battles to earn a spot on the prestigious Elite 10 Council, all while working to protect the school from the rigid ideals of a traditionalist headmaster. Each episode builds on the last, with cooking challenges and character development driving the narrative forward. Where to stream: All five seasons (referred to as “Plates”) are available on Crunchy Roll.

In the heart of Beach City, the Crystal Gems—a band of alien rebels—dedicate themselves to safeguarding Earth. Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet, alongside young Steven, the half-human, half-gem son of their former leader Rose, navigate life on the planet. While the series initially appears episodic, it gradually unveils a deeper narrative, revealing crucial truths about Steven’s mother and the looming threats to Earth. The journey through Steven Universe and its follow-up, Steven Universe Future, is a must-watch for fans of layered storytelling.

Where to stream: Both Steven Universe and Steven Universe Future can be found on HBO Max.

BoJack Horseman, a washed-up sitcom star, struggles to regain his footing in Hollywood’s ever-changing entertainment landscape. His toxic behavior and damaged reputation hinder his ability to form meaningful connections. As the series unfolds, it delves into BoJack’s troubled past and its impact on his present life. Each character, knowingly or not, plays a role in his journey toward redemption. The show, featuring a talking horse-man, tackles themes like trauma, addiction, and mental health with remarkable depth and emotional maturity. To fully grasp its brilliance, watch every episode. Where to stream: The complete series is available on Netflix.

This bold adult animated series, created by Nick Kroll, hilariously captures the chaos of puberty. Middle schoolers Nick Birch (Nick Kroll) and Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney) navigate the trials of adolescence, guided by their hormone monsters—personifications of their raging hormones. The show explores evolving friendships, awkward romances, and identity struggles, with each season building on the last. Unique embodiments of emotional struggles, like “depression kitty” and “anxiety mosquito,” add depth to the characters’ journeys. Don’t miss a moment of this relatable yet wildly imaginative series. Where to stream: Four seasons are currently streaming on Netflix.

The Star Wars saga famously launched in the middle of its story with Episode IV. Over the years, prequels have expanded the narrative, shedding light on key events like the Clone Wars—a critical period that led to the fall of the Jedi and the rise of the Empire. Star Wars: Clone Wars delves into this legendary conflict, introducing iconic characters like Ahsoka Tano, who later appeared in The Mandalorian. Originally airing from 2008 to 2014, the series returned in 2020 to conclude its epic storyline, which ties into Star Wars: Rebels and Star Wars: Resistance. Each episode enriches the Star Wars universe with intricate lore and essential characters. Where to stream: The entire series is available on Disney+.

Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power reimagines the 1985 classic She-Ra: Princess of Power, a spin-off of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The story follows Adora, a young soldier raised by the oppressive Horde in Etheria. Her life changes when she discovers a magical sword that transforms her into She-Ra, the Princess of Power, and reveals her true destiny as a hero. The series explores the mysteries of Grayskull and She-Ra’s legacy, weaving a rich narrative across 52 episodes. Where to stream: The complete series is available on Netflix.

Jake the dog and Finn the human embark on heroic adventures in the magical land of Ooo. Initially, the series appears episodic, with each episode standing alone. However, as the story progresses, a deeper narrative unfolds, revealing that every episode contributes to the overarching tale of a world on the brink of destruction. The Litch, a menacing villain, plays a crucial role in uncovering the origins of Ooo and shaping the future of the main characters. Each episode builds toward the series’ climactic conclusion. Where to stream: The entire series and its spin-offs are available on HBO Max.

Tulip Olsen (Ashley Johnson), a young girl grappling with her parents’ divorce, finds solace in her excitement for coding camp. When her parents fail to coordinate her ride, she storms out and encounters a mysterious train heading in her direction. Each episode unravels the train’s secrets, bringing Tulip closer to understanding its purpose and finding her way back home. Where to stream: The series is available on HBO Max.

Hilda, a spirited girl, lives in a forest filled with magical creatures like trolls, giants, and elves. After her mother grows weary of the dangers posed by the forest, they move to the city, where Hilda must adapt to life among humans. However, the city is not devoid of magical mischief, and Hilda’s adventures continue to introduce new characters and expand the enchanting world she inhabits. Missing even one episode means missing out on key developments in her ever-evolving story. Where to stream: Both seasons of Hilda are available on Netflix.

Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (Kristen Schaal), twin siblings, are sent to spend the summer with their eccentric great uncle, “Grunkle” Stan (Alex Hirsch), in the quirky town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. Initially, Dipper expects a dull summer, but he soon discovers that the town is anything but ordinary, with strange occurrences in the surrounding woods. While the series may seem episodic, every detail, from background elements to unexpected twists, ties into a larger, high-stakes narrative. Where to stream: The complete series is available on Disney+ and Hulu.