Top 20 animated series that will get you hooked from the beginning

Animated series push the limits in story-telling and animation, catering to not just kids but adults, too, with complex plots, interesting characters, and worlds designed richly to attract viewers from episode one. Epic adventures to complex sci-fi and emotion-laden journeys, animation as a genre has enough for everyone. We have a list of the 20 best animated series you wouldn't want to miss. Get ready to have an action-packed time with wonderful moments that will keep you hooked to the episodes as they unfold.

1) Castlevania

Castlevania is a blend of dark fantasy, incredible action, and good narration. The series follows a world with monsters and magic, where Trevor Belmont, the only survivor of the family that became cursed vampire hunters, fights against the forces of Dracula. The show has rich atmosphere, gothic style in characters, and fight scenes that make the audience feel a tough, unyielding environment. The series stands out because of its mature themes, emotional depth, and excellent animation, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats from the first episode.

2) The Dragon Prince

Head writer Aaron Ehasz and team of Avatar: The Last Airbender have created a high-fantasy action series loaded with magic, politics, and epic battlesTwo human princes team up with an elf assassin to seek peace in their war-scarred lands. The show engages everyone, kids and adults, with its stunning animation with full-of-humor dialogue. Season 5 dropped in 2023 and delved into nuanced characters with the lore of Xadia. The series is outstanding for the way it balances heart-tugging moments with intense action right from the beginning.

3) Arcane

Arcane is a revolutionary animation show that can be placed anywhere within the League of Legends universe, although the series stands on its own as a visual and narrative masterpiece. The plot follows the origin stories of characters such as Vi and Jinx against backdrops as contrasting as the cities of Piltover and Zaun. The series is distinguished by amazing animation using traditional 2D techniques, combined with 3D artistry to create an aesthetically unique world.

4) The Legend of Vox Machina

The Legend of Vox Machina brings the misfit adventurers of Vox Machina to life in a riotous, action-packed animated series, based on the Critical Role D&D campaign. The series is full of humor, drama, and dark fantasy as it follows the quest of saving the kingdom from terrifying monsters and dark forces. It's more than a typical fantasy series because of adult humor, deep character arcs, and high-stakes battles. The third season dropped in October 2024, and has continued expanding the world of Exandria. The new season has more epic quests and emotional revelations to keep you on the edge of your seat.

5) Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga takes us to the world of Vikings with a raw and intense edge, focusing on Thorfinn, a young warrior. Inspired by Makoto Yukimura's manga, the anime series blends engrossing historical fiction and deep philosophical themes that describe violence, honor, and personal growth. The show leaves viewers awed with the beauty of animation and heart-wrenching story, and keeps hooked throughout from the start. The second season hit the screens in 2023, and traces Thorfinn's evolution with a storyline that is measured in execution but more heartbreaking than the first.

6) Godzilla: Singular Point

This Netflix-origin anime series is a fresh take on the classic kaiju, with a storyline rooted in science. Godzilla: Singular Point blends beautiful animation with scientific theories to deliver a completely new and unique perspective to the Godzilla myth. Ther show introduces interesting characters like Mei Kamino and Yun Arikawa, who help unravel the mysteries that bring about catastrophic phenomena to threaten Earth. With an interesting plot and Godzilla as a concept designed paying homage to classic iterations, the series has earned praise of long-time fans and impressed those who are new to the lore, too.

7) Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous

Set in the universe of Jurassic World, the animated series follows a gang of teenagers abandoned on Isla Nublar, and fighting for survival against rampaging dinosaurs. Targeted at kids, the series does not sidestep intense moments and emotional depth. With five thrilling seasons, Camp Cretaceous widens the horizons of the franchise with new species of dinosaurs while exploring moral dilemmas attached to genetic engineering. The show has great animation and suspenseful storytelling, and is a must-watch for any Jurassic franchise fan.

8) Terminator Anime

The Terminator anime series promises a thrilling mix of futuristic warfare, AI-driven conflict, time travel, and everything that has ever defined the phenomenon in films. Co-produced by Netflix, this show is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the battle between humankind and Skynet's relentless machines rages on. The anime tells stories that have not been explored in the Terminator franchise, tracing the origins of characters well as their adventus of survival and resistance. The show has full-fledged high-intensity action, a gritty atmosphere, and deals with themes of destiny and technology gone wrong.

9) Tomb Raider: The Legend Begins

After the success of the Tomb Raider games and movies, the animated series is traces the early adventures of Lara Croft. Focused on the development of the character, the show illustrates the transformation of Lara from an aspiring archaeologist to the brave adventurer fans are familiar with. The show is a visual treat loaded with rich animation and heart-pounding action. It is set to debut in 2024 and promises to add depth to the franchise, besides fresh twists and a modern take on the origins of Lara.

10) Blood of Zeus

Blood of Zeus has the world of Greek mythology as backdrop, and the show narrates the saga of survival in the collision between gods, titans, and mortals. The story follows Heron, a young man who discovers he is Zeus' son. He then starts a journey to stop the evil triggered by the past. With amazing animation, action sequences, and intricate characters, Blood of Zeus is an entertaining adventure that leaves you spellbound from the word go. The series deals with the themes of power, fate, and family. This second season, which started in May 2024, raises the stakes.

11) Twilight of the Gods

Twilight of the Gods is an animation series with a distinct look, and the show takes the audience into the enchanting world of Norse mythology. The animation is exciting as it explores ancient legends of the civilization the story is set against. The plot tells of the gods in Asgard and their inevitable apocalypse known as Ragnarok. With stunning narration and perfectly designed action sequences, the anime series focuses on the themes of destiny, power, and sacrifice about gods and heroes with an interesting perspective. Twilight of the Gods combines mythological greatness with intense drama, to captivate audiences with a distinct world that has unforgettable characters.

12) The Owl House

This magical coming-of-age series brings us Luz, a human girl, who stumbles into a world of witches and demons. The Owl House masterfully blends humor, heart, and adventure, making the show a hit among audiences of all ages. The show reveals detailed worldbuilding and diverse representation, which has garnered praise from the public. The show ended in 2023 with a satisfying finale that tied up its complicated storylines. With lovable characters and thought-provoking themes, The Owl House is a must-watch for fantasy show fans.

13) Death Note

A psychological thriller that redefined anime, Death Note is about a genius high schooler named Light Yagami, who stumbles upon a magical notebook. Light discovers that he can kill anyone simply by simply writing down their name in the notebook. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and detective L remains one of the most gripping narratives in animation history. The series delves into issues such as morality, justice, and power that continue to maintain its stature as relevant entertainment years after release. With rumors of a new live-action adaptation, Death Note has kept fans excited worldwide.

14) Samurai Jack

Samurai Jack, by Genndy Tartakovsky, is a visually excellent and narratively unique animated series. The show is about a samurai fighting against the evil demon Aku. The artistic animation of the show alongside the minimalist dialogue creates quite an immersive experience. The original series of the early 2000s returned in 2017 with darker and more mature content, much to the delight of fans all over the world. With actions, humor, and emotional depth, Samurai Jack will remain a timeless favorite that hooks its viewers from outset.

15) BoJack Horseman

BoJack Horseman is far from your ordinary animated series, full of dark comedy that explores issues including fame, addiction, and mental health. Sharp humor and gut-wrenching emotional moments are highlights of the story of a washed-up sitcom star navigating life in Hollywood. Raw honesty and complex characters have been reasons why the show garnered critical acclaim. The show leaves an impact exploring existential themes, making it impossible to stop after just one episode.

16) Gravity Falls

Gravity Falls is full of clever humor, intricate plot, and lovable characters that appeal to kids and adults. The series has hidden codes and puzzles, which have created a die-hard fan base that loves uncovering every secret as the story moves ahead. Although it ended in 2016, Gravity Falls is still a cultural icon and a perfect binge-watching experience for fans of quirky mysteries.

17) Over the Garden Wall

The hauntingly beautiful miniseries tells the story of two brothers who travel through a mysterious forest known as The Unknown. The show has surreal visions, poignant storytelling, and a folk-inspired soundtrack, which makes Over the Garden Wall feel like a modern fairytale. The themes of redemption, love, and loss touch the viewers' heart. The extremely short runtime of the episodes makes for an easy binge, but the richness of narration ensures that the show lingers in your mind long after the finale is over.

18) Teen Titans

Combining action hero vibes with emotional storytelling, Teen Titans remains a true-blue classic. Throughout the series, intense battle scenes are balanced with fun sequences and character-centric plots. Teen Titans has become one of the leading shows for young and old fans of the genre. Its themes — friendship, loyalty, identity — ensure the impact of the show remains intact all through. An iconic opening tune and memorable villains hook an audience from the very first episode. The franchise's lineage continues to spawn spinoffs and reboots, in turn cementing its place in history.

19) Invincible

Invincible brings something new to the superhero genre, in terms of emotional storytelling and stunning animation. The series is unmatched in impact, with its focus on the darker side of being a hero. The show tells the story of Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits his father's superpowers. What really makes Invincible stand out is its graphic violence, sharp social commentary, and character-driven narrative. It deals with power and responsibility, and the consequences of the same, while shocking plot twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

20) Futurama

Futurama is a blend of science fiction, humor, and satire. A delivery boy frozen in the year 1999 wakes up after 1,000 years in a futuristic world full of robots and aliens. Created by Matt Groening with loads of zany humor, the show is an astute mesh of absurd humor and pungent social commentary, which places it well above most other typical animated comedies. The show was first aired in 1999 and it still strikes a chord among fans. The show was revived in 2023 after about a decade, with more humor and adventures.