15 Best Netflix Original Animated Series Of All Time, Ranked

While boasting one of the best streaming libraries in the industry, Netflix doesn’t perhaps get enough credit for how many top-tier original animated series it has. Some of the Netflix shows without a single bad season just so happen to be animated productions. From anime to family-friendly fare, the streaming platform has a robust selection of cartoons worth checking out. We’re rounding up the best animated originals that Netflix currently has to offer, showcasing some of the medium’s best television work in recent years.

To clarify, the shows that we’re including here are produced by Netflix itself, not licensed streaming exclusives. These shows each offer something new and should be put on your watchlist if you missed them the first time around. Whether it’s animated sitcoms streaming on Netflix or dark fantasy adventures, there’s a show for everyone on the platform. These are the 15 best Netflix original animated series of all time ranked and each ready to binge.

15. Carol & the End of the World

One of the most understated original animated series on Netflix is “Carol & the End of the World.” The 2023 limited series follows unassuming protagonist Carol Kohl (Martha Kelly) who learns an exoplanet is on a collision course with Earth. Compared to much of the population living out their last days completely uninhibited by societal expectation, Carol tries to find meaning in her own way. This existential pondering in the face of impending armageddon informs the narrative, unfolding across 10 episodes.

“Carol & the End of the World” is the perfect apocalyptic story for introverted viewers, eschewing spectacle for contemplation. Kelly delivers a subtly captivating performance as a protagonist who finds purpose in maintaining her daily life despite her imminent doom. There are laughs to be had but, like the handling of the cataclysmic premise, these gags are delivered largely in deadpan. In an era where animated comedy tends to run loudly and over-the-top, “Carol & the End of the World” keeps things thankfully subdued.

14. Inside Job

In an era where conspiracy theories run rampant, the 2021 series “Inside Job” feels perfectly timed. The show revolves around a top-secret government agency, Cognito Inc., that runs the world alongside other clandestine entities, like the Illuminati. The story’s protagonist is Reagan Ridley (Lizzy Caplan), who leads a team including new recruit Brett Hand (Clark Duke). This ensemble investigates all sorts of conspiracies, including whether the Earth is flat and who actually killed President John F. Kennedy.

Though the show ends on an unresolved cliffhanger, “Inside Job” is still well worth watching. The series plays out like an animated riff on “The X-Files,” albeit as a screwball farce rather than a conspiracy thriller. Despite its shadowy subject matter, this is a workplace comedy first and foremost, with the paranormal and sinister providing the backdrop. Packed with plenty of gags and a solid ensemble cast, “Inside Job” deserved to run for more than its 18 episodes.

13. Hilda

British comic book creator Luke Pearson helped the television adaptation of his work for the 2018 series “Hilda.” The show’s titular protagonist, played by Bella Ramsey, moves from a remote home to the big city with her mother. While acclimating to the change in surroundings, Hilda embarks on adventures with her friends, even involving the fantastical. Across the show’s three seasons, Hilda discovers the joy that comes from her new home and the neighbors around her.

As one of the best Netflix shows based on comics, “Hilda” excels at creating a sweeping magical world for its little fairy tale. Evoking the art style of its source material without being beholden to it, the show crafts an immersive fantasy world to dive into. This is a story that rewards innocent curiosity, a theme that becomes more clear as the series progresses and Hilda grows. Warmly presented, “Hilda” is one of Netflix’s more underrated original animated series with an engaging take on classic fantasy tropes.

12. Big Mouth

The 2017 series “Big Mouth” provides its own twist on coming-of-age gross-out humor with a light fantasy twist. The show follows a shy teenager named Nick Birch (Nick Kroll) and his best friend Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney) as they go through the awkwardness of puberty and sexual awakening. Accompanying the duo is the grotesque hormone monster Maurice (Kroll), as the pair try to find guidance in growing up. The series spawned its own spin-off show, “Human Resources,” which focused primarily on the hormone monsters at work.

Lasting eight seasons, “Big Mouth” is among the longest-running Netflix original shows and certainly one of its longest-running animated series. With its garish character design, this is a show that doesn’t shy away from the inherently disgusting elements of its premise. But between all the toilet humor, there is genuine heart and smart writing to be had, with the longer run giving the characters a chance to organically grow. A showcase for Kroll and Mulaney’s talents, “Big Mouth” mixes high and low-brow jokes in effective measure.

11. Disenchantment

After using contemporary suburbia and the distant future as his creative playgrounds, prolific animator Matt Groening dives into medieval fantasy for his 2018 series “Disenchantment.” Taking place in the realm of Dreamland, the story centers on a rebellious young princess nicknamed Bean (Abbi Jacobson). Over the course of its three seasons, Bean learns to accept her burgeoning magical powers as the fate of Dreamland hangs in the balance. Joining Bean on her quest are her personal demon Luci (Eric André) and the imaginatively named half-elf Elfo (Nat Faxon).

While not on par with “The Simpsons” or “Futurama,” “Disenchantment” still has its own distinct charms. The voice cast, especially Jacobson, excel in their respective roles and Groening’s signature animation style gets a fresh take for the fantasy genre. But with its serialized narrative, the show also distinguishes itself in how impressively it builds its character arcs across a larger saga involving Dreamland. An admitted departure from Groening’s more celebrated work, “Disenchantment” provides audiences with a story of self-empowerment amidst a richly realized fantasy backdrop.

10. Castlevania

Among the underrated TV shows based on a video game is “Castlevania,” adapting Konami’s long-running action platformer series. Set in Transylvania during the 15th century, Count Dracula (Graham McTavish) vows revenge on humanity after his wife is persecuted and killed. Whip-wielding vampire hunter Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and his allies move to stop the supernatural monsters from plunging the world into darkness. Taking advantage of its horror-fueled premise, the series dials up the violence and sex to become a truly mature viewing experience.

With its moody influences, “Castlevania” is one of the best gothic horror TV shows ever made. For fans of the games, all four seasons are packed with Easter eggs and allusions, but the story is just as accessible on its own. The series went on to receive a sequel spin-off series “Castlevania: Nocturne” in 2023 following a new generation of vampire hunters. Darkly exciting, “Castlevania” is one of the most atmospheric horror shows available to stream on Netflix.

9. Tuca & Bertie

To clarify, only the first season of “Tuca & Bertie” is available to stream on Netflix before the show went to Adult Swim. The show is named for anthropomorphic a and her best friend Bertie Songthrush (Ali Wong). Living in the same apartment complex, the duo try their best to balance their personal and professional lives. Filling out the show’s regular cast is Steven Yeun, who plays Bertie’s longtime serious boyfriend Speckle

“Tuca & Bertie” boasts one of the most impressive ensemble casts, bolstered by supporting roles for Matthew Rhys, Pamela Adlon, and Nicole Byer. These actors help mix the emotionally resonant moments throughout the series but also its penchant for absurdist humor. “Tuca & Bertie” was cancelled at Netflix after its first season before Adult Swim picked it up for two additional seasons. But “Tuca & Bertie” started out as a Netflix original and that, coupled with its quality, is why it earns a spot on this list.

8. Maya and the Three

Mesoamerican culture is explored and celebrated in the 2021 limited series “Maya and the Three.” Created by Jorge R. Gutiérrez, the show’s titular princess, played by Zoe Saldaña, is confronted by vengeful gods threatening to devastate the planet. After her family’s army is easily defeated, Maya herself steps up to find mythical allies to vanquish the violent deities. Unfolding across nine episodes, the series honors and provides its own twist on Mesoamerican mythology through Maya’s eyes.

“Maya and the Three” boasts an all-star voice cast, with Saldaña joined by everyone from Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal to Rita Moreno and Stephanie Beatriz. Beyond its cast, the show’s cultural elements are gorgeously rendered in 3D animation, particularly with its character design. This is matched by genuinely thrilling action set pieces punctuating virtually every episode in the series. For fans of movies like “Coco” and “The Book of Life,” “Maya and the Three” offers its own distinct twist on similar mythology.

7. The Dragon Prince

Among the most underrated fantasy shows streaming on Netflix is “The Dragon Prince,” which premiered in 2018. Set in the medieval fantasy realm of Xadia, the show explores the fragile balance between its various civilizations. In the wake of the human king’s assassination, Prince Callum (Jack De Sena) and his friends traverse Xadia to quell the war between humans and elves. The series spans seven seasons, steadily introducing new parts of Xadia and the colorful cultures involved in the epic conflict.

Created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, “The Dragon Prince” boasts the same sweeping storytelling that Ehasz previously demonstrated with “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” The series also features an elemental theme, this time framed with the various types of societies within Xadia. Like “The Last Airbender,” the storytelling gradually grows more intense as it progresses, while managing to keep its family-friendly appeal. A fantasy epic for audiences of all ages, “The Dragon Prince” is a richly realized tale.

6. Blue Eye Samurai

Taking cues from samurai cinema like “Lady Snowblood,” the 2023 series “Blue Eye Samurai” puts its own twist on the genre. The show is named for its vengeful protagonist Mizu (Maya Erskine), a half-Japanese half-white warrior in feudal Japan. Mizu scours the land with burning vendetta against four men, one of whom is her father, a foreigner from Europe. Befitting its premise, the swordplay and other epic action is superbly rendered with a cinematic flair punctuating Mizu’s journey.

One of the best action shows on Netflix right now, “Blue Eye Samurai” quickly grows more ambitious as it progresses. The action set pieces are immaculately staged and never without a clear level of emotional investment in their characters. This is a revenge tale that leaves its motivations and actions delightfully raw and messy rather than keeping its protagonists’ morality decidedly black-and-white. Celebrating its cinematic influences while revamping them in a fresh way, “Blue Eye Samurai” is an absolute stunner.

5. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

DreamWorks Animation Television

“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” is sort of a family-friendly riff on the post-apocalyptic premise of “Fallout,” albeit with its collapse of civilization spurred by a very different cause. With all three seasons released throughout 2020, the show is set in a world where humanity was overwhelmed by mutated anthropomorphic animals and forced to live underground. The story follows teenage protagonist Kipo Oak (Karen Fukuhara) emerges from her subterranean home to search for her missing father (Sterling K. Brown). While befriending animals that she encounters on the surface, Kipo learns she’s more connected to these wondrous creatures than she realized.

“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” is one the best post-apocalyptic shows and certainly one of the most all-age friendly. Even as she explores the ruins of Los Angeles, Kipo maintains a cheerful nature that offers a bright contrast to the premise. A lot of that quality comes down to the series’ stellar art design and Fukuhara’s effervescent performance as the title character. An all-inclusive odyssey for audiences of all ages, “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” is a colorfully inviting adventure. Though the show was removed from Netflix in 2026, it’s still one of the platform’s best original animated releases.

4. Arcane

One of the best TV shows based on video games is “Arcane,” which is based on the popular online game “League of Legends.” The story is essentially a steampunk take on “A Tale of Two Cities,” exploring the tension between a utopian society and its impoverished undercity. At the heart of this growing intrigue are two estranged sisters, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and the explosively chaotic Jinx (Ella Purnell). Premiering in 2021, the show brings both a mature edge to its fan-favorite world and an incredibly detailed art style reflecting its dark fantasy elements.

Like “Castlevania,” “Arcane” is perfectly accessible for audiences unfamiliar with “League of Legends” and its world. Instead, the series takes a much more serious and stylized approach with its video game source material to create something special and standalone in its execution. The action and world-building are sumptuously presented, but not without consequence, a running theme throughout the series. A modern masterpiece, “Arcane” is a show that’s truly deserving of all the hype that it’s received across its two-season run.

3. Love, Death & Robots

Speaking of modern marvels, the 2019 anthology series “Love, Death & Robots” truly pulled off the incredible. Running for four seasons, each episode tells a different standalone tale, alternating between science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Among the highlights, are three robots wandering across a post-apocalyptic wasteland to a spacefaring expedition caught in an elaborate telepathic simulation. The tone of these vignettes similarly varies episode to episode, with some stories grimly serious while others veer into unabashed comedy.

“Love, Death & Robots” is one of the best anthology TV shows of all time, either in animation and live-action. The show is a masterclass in short-form storytelling on television, though it does excel more when it leans into serious sci-fi stories. Even with this observation in mind, the show maintains a steady level of quality and always features some of the best animation in the television industry today. Thought-provoking at its best and always entertaining, “Love, Death & Robots” uses its canvas to explore the possibilities of the genre.

2. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Netflix has produced several popular anime series in addition to licensing a multitude of fan-favorite series. The arguable best of the bunch is “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” based on the sci-fi video game “Cyberpunk 2077.” Set in the dystopian futuristic metropolis of Night City, high schooler David Martinez receives a life-changing cybernetic implant after he is caught in rampant gangland violence. This draws him into a world of crime as he falls into a street gang pulling off increasingly dangerous scores throughout the city.

Initially running for a single season, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is a must-watch Netflix miniseries to binge in a single day. The series has since received a standalone sequel series, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2,” but that first series is still perfectly bingeable. The show takes the sci-fi setting from the 2020 game and uses it as a springboard to tell its own hyperkinetic story. A vibrant tour of Night City maintaining the ultraviolent sensibilities of the game, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” is one of the best anime shows streaming on Netflix.

1. BoJack Horseman

Starting out as a screwball comedy, “BoJack Horseman” is set in a world where humans live alongside anthropomorphic animals. The show centers on its middle-aged title character, played by Will Arnett, a struggling actor trying to regain relevance in Hollywood. What starts out as a sillier sitcom offering its own commentary on the entertainment industry grows more serious as the show progresses. In the process, BoJack has to contend with his own inner demons regarding addiction and unresolved trauma from his childhood that have affected his life.

To be clear, “BoJack Horseman” still stays funny in its later seasons, but those laughs are juxtaposed by emotional vulnerability. This culminates in one of the best series finales of the 2020s, inevitably bittersweet as it puts a capper on its story. That blend in tones is masterfully done, with those serious moments connecting like a gut-punch while the gags keep things from becoming overly dour. More than just the best Netflix original animated series, “BoJack Horseman” is one of the best TV shows of the 21st century.