If the animated movies are in high demand on Netflix, the animated television series isn’t left behind either. Being available in a wide range of genres like comedy-drama, action-adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy, animated TV shows are a great source for a fun-loving binge-watching experience. What’s more, the cartoons have now got a more intriguing storyline and pack in more twists and turns up their sleeve to keep the viewers guessing. If you are itching to set the stage for exciting showtime, this extensive roster of the best Netflix animated series can come in super handy. So, let’s swim across to pick out the best animated TV series on Netflix right now!

Putting variety at the forefront, I have included a variety of animated TV series that are currently streaming on Netflix. From action-adventure to chart-topping Japanese manga to comedy-drama, the lineup has got you covered. On top of all, I have also included a few offbeats for the times where you want to stream something out of the box.

  • BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (2015-)All Hail King Julien (2014-2017)Buddy Thunderstruck (2017)Aggretsuko (2018-)Scissor Seven (2018-)Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2016-2018)DreamWorks Dragons (2012-2018)Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016-2018)Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants (2018-2019)Disenchantment (2018-)Big Mouth (2017-)We Bare Bears (2015-2019)Death Note (2006-2007)She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018-2020)Hilda (2018-)Final Space (2018-2021)Love, Death & Robots (2019-)Castlevania (2017-2021)Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1975)Tuca & Bertie (2019-)F is for Family (2015-2021)Maya and the Three (2021)The Dragon Prince (2018-)Carmen Sandiego (2019-2021)Dinotrux (2015-2018)Arcane (2021-)Yu-Gi-Oh! (2000-2006)My Hero Academia (2016-)Bonus: The Hollow (2018-2020)

1. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

  • IMDb: 8.6Rotten Tomatoes: 92% / 95%Genre: Adult, Black-comedyCreated by: Raphael Bob-WaksbergCast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, Aaron PaulEpisodes: 6 seasons, 77 episodesRuntime(per episode): 25 minutes

To kickstart this roundup of the best Netflix animated series with a bang, I would like to put “BoJack Horseman” right at the top. Starring Will Arnett as the title role, this adult-animated comedy-drama series is a complete package of entertainment that you would love to watch tirelessly.

Talking about the plot, BoJack Horseman once used to be a popular star of a TV show in the 1990s. But 20 years later, his fortune has completely changed. Watch the endless tantrums and the self-destructive behavior of the humanoid horse to fill your video-streaming with a ton of funny moments!

  • IMDb: 7.9Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 81%Genre: Adventure, Action, RomanceCreated by: Thomas AstrucCast: Cristina Vee, Bryce Papenbrook, Keith Silverstein, Mela Lee, Max Mittelman, Episodes: 4 seasons, 104 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 20 minutes

Are you itching for an exciting superhero animated series lashed with tons of action scenes? If yes, “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir” would be the way to go. The series is about two Parisian teenagers called Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste.

Watch the trailer here

  • IMDb: 7.2Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 98%Genre: Adventure, Comedy, SlapstickCreated by: Tom McGrath, Eric DarnellCast: Danny Jacobs, Andy Richter, Kevin Michael Richardson, India de Beaufort, Henry WinklerEpisodes: 6 seasons, 78 episodesRuntime(per episode): 22 minutes

Should you want endless comedies to take center stage, I would recommend you to give a shot to All Hail King Julien. Featuring King Julien, Maurice, and Mort in the prominent roles, this animated series is based on the DreamWorks Animation film Madagascar franchise.

Check out All Hail King Julien on Netflix

  • IMDb: 7.8Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 100%Genre: Comedy, Stop-MotionCreated by: Ryan WiesbrockCast: Brian Atkinson, Ted Raimi, Harry Chaskin, Justin Michael, Debi DerryberryEpisodes: 1 season, 23 episodesRuntime(per episode): 23 minutes

Believe me, there are very few stop motion children’s comedy television series that are as entertaining as “Buddy Thunderstruck”. And that’s exactly what makes it one of the best Netflix originals. This comedy TV series stars notable names like Brian Atkinson, Ted Raimi, Harry Chaskin, and Debi Derryberry.

5. Aggretsuko (2018-)

  • IMDb: 8.0Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 97%Genre: ComedyCreated by: RarechoCast: Ben Diskin, Erica Mendez, G.K. BowesEpisodes: 4 seasons, 40 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 15-23 minutes

Aggretsuko is a Japanese animated series showcasing the life of an ordinary person in 21st century Japan. The show brilliantly created various characters according to type of people you can find in an office using animals as metaphors like, a red-panda, pig, fox, and more. The series focuses on a 25-year old red-panda working in a trading company. She usually goes to sing karaoke after work to let off steam. It is one of the most popular shows on Netflix because of the relatable storyline and characters. In addition, the animation style is minimal which requires a strong story to hold the audience. So, you can expect some meaningful takeaways from the show while entertaining yourself. 

  • IMDb: 8.4Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 81%Genre: Wuxia, ComedyCreated by: He XiaofengCast: Jas Patrick, Ronny Chieng, Jake GreenEpisodes: 3 seasons, 30 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 13-20 minutes

Scissor Seven is a Chinese animated show acquired by Netflix for global release. The show has some great action scenes, while maintaining the traditional Chinese martial art style. It focuses on the protagonist, Seven, who has failed a crash course to become a killer. So, he opens a barber shop in disguise. Meanwhile, there is a power struggle between two rivaling factions. The show has some great animation details creating an eye-pleasing experience for the viewers.  

Check out Scissor Seven on Netflix

  • IMDb: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 82% / 72%Genre: Sci-fi, AdventureCreated by: Guillermo del ToroCast: Anton Yelchin, Charlie Saxton, Kelsey Grammer, Lexi MedranoEpisodes: 3 seasons, 52 episodes Runtime(per episode): 22 minutes

For the folks who never seem to get enough of the TV series with an extremely intriguing story woven into fantasy, “Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia.” is a perfect foil to light up the show. The plot is centered around a group of friends who discover a mysterious world secretly wrapped beneath their hometown.

8. DreamWorks Dragons (2012-2018)

  • IMDb: 8.3Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 84%Genre: Adventure, FantasyCreated by: Linda Teverbaugh, Mike TeverbaughCast: Jay Baruchel, Chris Edgerly, America Ferrera, Christopher Mintz-PlasseEpisodes: 8 seasons, 118 episodesRuntime(per episode): 22 minutes

When you have a scintillating animated series like “DreamWorks Dragons” desperately vying for your attention, why should you look anywhere else? The animated TV series is all about the jaw-dropping adventures of dragons based on the How to Train Your Dragon movie.

  • IMDb: 8.2Rotten Tomatoes: 95% / 78%Genre: Sci-fi, Adventure, MechaCreated by: Joaquim Dos SantosCast: Josh Keaton, Kimberly Brooks, Steven Yeun, Jeremy ShadaEpisodes: 8 seasons, 78 episodesRuntime(per episode): 23  minutes

If you are toying with the idea of giving mecha television series a chance to impress you, “Voltron: Legendary Defender” would be a top-notch contender. It’s a remake of the Voltron franchise and the Japanese anime series Beast King GoLion.

As for the plot, it’s set around the adventures of the Paladins of Voltron who must have to form a giant robot Voltron and make the best use of it to destroy the evil Galra Empire.

  • IMDb: 8.3Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 96%Genre: Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi, AdventureCreated by: Radford SechristCast: Karen Fukuhara, Sydney Mikayla, Coy Stewart, Deon ColeEpisodes: 3 seasons, 30 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

Adapted from Rad’s 2015 webcomic Kipo, this show is an adult-animated series created by DreamWorks Studios. The series has been critically acclaimed worldwide for its design, music, characterization, world-building, and diversity. The representation of LGBT community and people of color is also appreciated well. 

  • IMDb: 6.8Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 100%Genre: Action, Adventure, ComedyCreated by: Peter Hastings, Mark BankerCast: Nat Faxon, Ramone Hamilton, Jay Gragnani, Jorge Diaz, Peter HastingsEpisodes: 3 seasons, 39 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

No matter how many times you have watched “The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants”, you will always find it refreshing. The animated series is inspired by Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie and stars the voices of Nat Faxon, Ramone Hamilton, Jay Gragnani, Jorge Diaz, and Peter Hastings.

Check out The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants on Netflix

  • IMDb: 7.2Rotten Tomatoes: 62% / 75%Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, SatireCreated by: Matt GroeningCast: Abbi Jacobson, Eric André, Nat Faxon, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeilleEpisodes: 2 seasons, 40 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 19-36 minutes

What about streaming a satirical fantasy sitcom? Set in the medieval fantasy kingdom of Dreamland, Disenchantment is a treat to watch. The TV series is set around Bean, an alcoholic princess who sets her own rules.

13. Big Mouth (2017-)

  • IMDb: 8Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 81%Genre: Coming-of-age, Animated sitcomCreated by: Andrew Goldberg, Nick Kroll, Mark Levin, Jennifer FlackettCast: Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jason MantzoukasEpisodes: 5 seasons, 51 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 25-46 minutes

“Big Mouth” has excelled as an adult animated sitcom. It’s centered around teenage friends (7th graders) whose lives encounter endless wonders and horrors during puberty. Featuring the voices of Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin, and Jennifer Flackett, this sitcom is all you want to tickle your funny bones.

  • IMDb: 8Rotten Tomatoes: Not available / 92%Genre: Animated sitcom, Slice of life, AdventureCreated by: Daniel ChongCast: Eric Edelstein, Bobby Moynihan, Demetri Martin, Jason LeeEpisodes: 4 seasons, 140 episodesRuntime(per episode): 11 minutes

No matter how choosy you are about comedy, “We Bare Bears” will bowl you over. The show revolves around three bear brothers named Grizzly, Panda, and Ice Bear who desperately want to integrate with the human world.

But, will their tireless attempt ever succeed? Play the show to figure out the fate of the bear siblings and the sort of unexpected challenges that they will have to encounter.

  • IMDb: 9.0Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 95%Genre: Mystery, Psychological thrillerCreated by: Tetsurō ArakiCast: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent TongEpisodes: 37 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

If you ever think Anime isn’t your cup of tea, you will be amazed to see Death Note. The show is adapted from a manga series by the same name written by Tsugumi Ohba. The supernatural fantasy Anime explores deep psychological thinking of the protagonist and his nemesis. With a suspenseful story and intelligent characters, Death Note has become the most popular Anime globally. 

  • IMDb: 7.2Rotten Tomatoes: 97% / 81%Genre: Adventure, FantasyCreated by: ND StevensonCast: Aimee Carrero, AJ Michalka, Karen Fukuhara, Marcus Scribner, Reshma ShettyEpisodes: 5 seasons, 52 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

Full of action and adventure, “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” has got enough firepower to liven up your showtime. This animated web television series depicts a teenager called Adora and her rebellion against the evil Hordak and his Horde.

Check out She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix

  • IMDb: 8.7Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 99%Genre: Adventure, Supernatural, DramaCreated by: Luke PearsonCast: Bella Ramsey, Ameerah Falzon-Ojo, Oliver Nelson, Daisy Haggard, Rasmus HardikerEpisodes: 2 seasons, 26 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 24-32 minutes

If fantasy drives you to the core, you are going to love “Hilda”. The animated TV series is centered around a fearless girl Hilda and follows her awesome adventure. The blue-haired girl travels to a unique city where she is able to befriend even the most dangerous monsters thanks to her charismatic persona and never-say-die attitude.

  • IMDb: 8.4Rotten Tomatoes: 70% / 85%Genre: Space opera, Adventure, ThrillerCreated by: Olan RogersCast: Olan Rogers, David Tennant, Coty Galloway, Steven Yeun, Tom KennyEpisodes: 3 seasons, 36 episodesRuntime(per episode): 21 minutes

“Final Space” is a classy space opera comedy-drama. The animated TV series revolves around an astronaut called Gary Goodspeed and his alien friend named Mooncake. It shows their awesome intergalactic adventures as well as the brave efforts to solve the mystery of the final space.

Aside from a good dose of fantasy and mystery, the series also has plenty of comedies strapped into the storyline so that you can burst into laughter in between.

  • IMDb: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 81% / 75% Genre: Anthology, Science fantasy, Adult animationCreated by: Tim MillerCast: Scott Whyte, Nolan North, Steven PaceyEpisodes: 2 seasons, 26 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 6-18 minutes

Love, Death and Robots is an adult- animation anthology series, which means each episode has a different story created by a different crew, something like Black Mirror. The variety of genres explored in the series shows the range of creative thinking involved in making the episodes. In addition, you get to witness various animation styles throughout the series. Each episode somehow connects to the underlying theme of love, death, and robots. Since there is no direct connection between the episodes, it is hard to define a story for the show. However, most of the episodes deal with a dystopian future where humans have made some nasty wrong choices. 

Check out Love, Death & Robots on Netflix

  • IMDb: 8.1Rotten Tomatoes: 90%/90%Genre: Adventure, Dark fantasy, DramaCreated by: Warren EllisCast: Richard Armitage, James Callis, Graham McTavish, Alejandra ReynosoEpisodes: 4 seasons, 32 episodesRuntime(per episode): 22-31 minutes

What makes “Castlevania” stand out is a great mix of multiple ingredients like drama, dark fantasy, action, adventure, and horror. Based on the video game series of the same name, this animated web TV series has raised the bar on many fronts.

21. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1975)

  • IMDb: 7.5Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/76%Genre: Action, AdventureCreated by: Gene RoddenberryCast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James DoohanEpisodes: 2 seasons, 22 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

They rightly say, “Old is gold.” And when you have an evergreen animated series like “Star Trek: The Animated Series” at your disposal, binge-watching feels truly blessed.

  • IMDb: 7.4Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/73%Genre: Surreal humor, AdultCreated by: Lisa HanawaltCast: Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, Steven YeunEpisodes: 2 seasons, 20 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 22-26 minutes

Created by a noted cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt, “Tuca & Bertie” didn’t have to work hard to find a safe spot in this collection of the best Netflix animated series. Starring Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong, the show has earned a lot of accolades.

Speaking of the storyline, it’s set around the friendship between two bird-women. While Tuca is carefree, Bertie is a daydreaming songbird. Their friendship shows a different side with a ton of surreal humor.

  • IMDb: 8Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/92%Genre: Black comedy, SatireCreated by: Bill Burr, Michael PriceCast: Bill Burr, Laura Dern, Justin Long, Debi DerryberryEpisodes: 5 seasons, 44 episodesRuntime(per episode): 30 minutes

Set in the early 1970s, “F is for Family” is for those who have a big liking for an adult animated sitcom. The show is about a dysfunctional Irish-American family and their endless misadventures.

  • IMDb: 8.2Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 87% Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, ActionCreated by: Jorge R. GutiérrezCast: Zoe Saldaña, Stephanie Beatriz, Gabriel Iglesias, Alfred MolinaEpisodes: 9 episodesRuntime(per episode): 26-44 minutes

This Spanish miniseries is a treat if you want to binge-watch something on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The show takes place in a world based on pre-colonial Mesoamerica and other indigenous cultures. A young warrior named Maya is asked to pay for her family’s misdeeds by the underground gods on her fifteenth birthday. She has no option to refuse the gods since they threaten to ravage the world. Thus, maya embarks on a journey to fulfill the prophecy which states three warriors will appear to defeat the gods and save humanity from collapsing.

25. The Dragon Prince (2018-)

  • IMDb: 8.3Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/not available Genre: Fantasy, Action, AdventureCreated by: Aaron Ehasz, Justin RichmondCast: Jack DeSena, Paula Burrows, Sasha Rojen, Racquel BelmonteEpisodes: 3 seasons, 27 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 24-33 minutes

As someone who has a penchant for fantasy-driven animated TV series, I have enjoyed watching “The Dragon Prince”. Set in a fantasy world, two human princes team up with an elfin assassin to bring peace to the warring lands.

  • IMDb: 7.9Rotten Tomatoes: Not available/93%Genre: Comedy, Mystery-Drama, EducationalCreated by: Duane CapizziCast: Gina Rodriguez, Finn Wolfhard, Michael Hawley, Abby TrottEpisodes: 4 seasons, 32 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24-33 minutes

Produced by Houghton Miffin Harcourt, Carmen Sandiego is one of the best-animated series on Netflix. What makes this animated series a joy to watch is a great mix of action and adventure. Moreover, it also features educational elements.

The web series is based on the media franchise of the same name and consists of a serialized look at Carmen’s backstory. The story revolves around “Carmen” who is the modern-day Robin Hood traveling around the globe and stealing things from V.I.L.E and offering them to the victims.

  • IMDb: 7Rotten Tomatoes: not available Genre: ComedyCreated by: Jeff DeGrandisCast: Andrew Francis, Richard Ian Cox, Ashleigh Ball, Matt Hill, Brian DrummondEpisodes: 8 seasons, 78 episodesRuntime(per episode): 23 minutes

Directed by Donna Brockopp, Dinotrux is a fun-filled American-Canadian animated web series. It’s based on Chris Gall’s series of books by the same name. Featuring a fictional prehistoric world with hybrid characters that are part dinosaur and part  mechanical construction vehicles and other machines, the animated series is a treat to watch.

Set in the Mechazoic era, the animated series is about two best friends named Ty and Revvit who have to defend their community from the evil T-Trux. It is how they team with other inhabitants and protect the large community that forms the crux of this animated series. Overall, it’s one of the best cartoons on Netflix right now.

  • IMDb: 9.1Rotten Tomatoes:  100% / 96%Genre: Adventure, Science fantasy, SteampunkCreated by: Christian Linke, Alex YeeCast: Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro, Katie LeungEpisodes: 1 season, 9 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 39-44 minutes

Set in the fictional universe of League of Legends, Arcane is a treat for long time fans. The show received critical acclaim for its animation, story, characters, worldbuilding, emotional weight and voice acting. Even if you don’t know anything about the League of Legends game, you can enjoy the series without any confusion. The story follows two sisters Vi and Jinx who find themselves on opposite sides of a brewing war. The clash between the urban rich city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun depicts the differences in economic classes in our societies. 

Check out Arcane on Netflix

  • IMDb: 7.3Rotten Tomatoes: not available/87% Genre: Adventure, Science fantasyCreated by: Kazuki TakahashiCast: Dan Green, Wayne Grayson, Amy BirnbaumEpisodes: 5 seasons, 224 episodesRuntime(per episode): 24 minutes

For the folks who don’t seem to get enough of gaming, Yu-Gi-Oh! can be a top pick. Illustrated by Kazuki Takahashi, it’s a Japanese manga series about gaming. The television series was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine that was published between September 1996 and March 2004.

30. My Hero Academia (2016-)

  • IMDb: 8.5Rotten Tomatoes: 100% / 90% Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-fiCreated by: Kazumasa SanjōbaCast: Daiki Yamashita, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ayane SakuraEpisodes: 5 seasons, 113 episodes (ongoing)Runtime(per episode): 24 minutes

Finally, My Hero Academia season 5 is streaming on Netflix. And going by the wind, the anime series has already topped the chart. Directed by Kenji Nagasaki, the story revolves around the original manga from the second half of the 14th volume through the first chapters of the 21st volume.

  • IMDb: 7.2Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/75% Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Science fantasyCreated by: Josh MephamCast: Ashleigh Ball, Mark Hildreth, Connor Parnall, Adrian Petriw, Brian DrummondEpisodes: 2 seasons, 20 episodes (canceled)Runtime(per episode): 24 minutes

Created by Vito Viscomi, The Hollow is an adventure mystery series. The animated TV series is about three teenagers named Adam, Mira, and Kai. One day they wake up in a room with no memories of their past. It is how they find their lost identity and get back to their home by sorting out a number of challenges that make the entire TV series fascinating to watch.

The adventure mystery first premiered on Netflix on June 8, 2018. And its second season was launched on May 8, 2020. Just like the first season, the second season has also done exceedingly well, which makes it one of the best cartoon series on Netflix, which you can watch right now.

Though cartoons aren’t my first or automatic picks, they have always found a safe spot in my library. And whenever I want to enjoy a light-hearted video-streaming, they tend to prop up on the scene more often than not.