The Best Netflix Original Animated TV Shows, Ranked

Arguably the first mainstream streaming service, Netflix obtained widespread popularity for its original series. However, while the network has released all types of TV shows, in recent years it has gotten great success for its imaginative, interesting, and well-produced animated series.

There have been many examples of quality animated series. From adorable animations that entertain and bemuse the whole family, such as Hilda, to more adult-oriented shows with dark themes and intricate storylines, such as Death, Love & Robots, there’s plenty to watch on Netflix. As a result, Netflix’s best-animated series have received outstanding positive reviews, as they cater to every taste and every demographic.

10 Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2016) is Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix Animated Series

Created by Guillermo del Toro, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia is a lovely story about humans and trolls coming together for the sake of the world. It follows a fifteen-year-old boy, Jim, who becomes the chosen one to bear a sacred amulet that puts the safety of both the human and the troll realms on his shoulders. This animated TV series received great critical acclaim for its outstanding storytelling, animation, and vocal performances. Enjoyable by children and adults, the series showcases Del Toro’s usual sympathy for monsters in a wholesome TV series with hilarious monsters, heartwarming moments, but also epic action-packed scenes.

A character like Jim is very compelling because he makes a perfect hero. Not only does he try to keep his classmates safe—even before having powers—but he also takes care of his mom and his best friend, even cooking for them. Jim goes beyond gender stereotypes and creates a new type of nurturing and caring hero.

9 Hilda (2018) Is a Heartwarming Fantasy Series about Making Peace with Nature

Another one of Netflix’s outstanding TV shows based on a graphic novel, this time Hilda by Luke Pearson, Hilda is an animated series for children. However, its great narrative, adorable animation, and fascinating character development soon turned Hilda into one of people of all ages’ favorite series. The series follows Hilda (voiced by Bella Ramsey) as she adapts to the city of Trollberg after living her whole life in the forest, accompanied by all sorts of fantastic creatures. Still, the city doesn’t stop Hilda from going through several adventures with the help of her loyal pet, Twig, and her elf friend, Alfur.

Hilda is an amazing show about the commune between nature and humans, as well as mother-daughter relationships. She goes out of her way to try to understand magical creatures, even the feared Trolls. In an episode, Hilda even rescues a Troll baby and gives her back to her mom. This goes against what the usual citizens of Trollberg believe, who even go as far as feeling proud of killing Trolls. Because of moments like this, Hilda teaches both children and adults to be kinder and more open-minded.

8 Carol & The End of the World (2023) Display Unusual and Clever Storytelling

Just released in December 2023, Carol & The End of the World has quickly risen to the top of Netflix’s best animated series. This adult comedy/drama follows Carol as she literally faces the end of the world. An astronomical object is making its way to Earth, giving people on the planet less than a year to live. While most people take this as a sign to live life to the limit, having drugs, sex, travel, and extreme experiences, Carol simply wants to continue living her normal quotidian life.

The series might be set in a post-apocalyptic science fiction setting, but in reality, Carol & The End of the World is extremely relatable. The series philosophically explores what it means to be alive as well as people’s motivations, dreams, and desires in the face of an imminent catastrophe, as most of the characters are trying to experience everything before their death. Narratively speaking, this series defies every convention, as no one is trying to save the planet but simply live as the end of the world draws near. This might seem anti-climatic for some viewers, but Carol & The End of the World might have the most realistic approach to an apocalyptic scenario.

7 Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020) Is a Masterpiece of Storytelling

Based on the webcomic of the same name, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts follows the eponymous character, a teenage girl looking for her father in a post-apocalyptic world filled with huge animals and monster-like creatures called Mutes—because they mutated to become gigantic. Along her journey, Kipo befriends Wolf, a surviving little girl raised by wolves, Benson, a kind human boy, as well as other mutant animals, Dave the bug, and Manduu, a mutant pig.

Throughout the series, Kipo has to take a stance in the war between humans and Mutes. Soon enough, she discovers her own mutant nature and her superpowers, which makes her rethink her approach to other Mutes. Because of this, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is an amazing about two communities coming together through great visuals and adventurous episodes that show Kipo’s power and leadership skills. The series was also praised for its amazing representation, including amazing POC and LGBTQ+ characters, such as Dave and Kipo.

6 The Dragon Prince (2018) Is a Perfect Series for Fantasy Lovers

A fantasy story about family, loyalty, and human nature, The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos follows human princes Callum and Ezran together with Elf Rayla. The three teenagers take care of the Dragon Prince while trying to end a millennium-old conflict between humans and elves that has killed thousands of people.

This fantasy series is funny, entertaining, heartwarming, and epic, checking all the boxes for a great animated series that’s apt for the whole family. With thrilling action sequences, plenty of mindblowing lore, and endearing yet complex characters, The Dragon Prince is a must-watch Netflix animated series. Callum doesn’t represent the archetypical hero of fantasy stories. He’s nimble, physically weak, and a little childish. However, with the help of his wise little brother (who has a deep knowledge of nature and animals) and the ruthless warrior Rayla, Callum becomes a better hero. This makes The Dragon Prince a compelling and relatable watch.

5 BoJack Horseman (2014) Is Arguably the Best Adult Animated Series of the 2010s

BoJack Horseman is one of the most iconic animated series for adults, both on Netflix and in general. Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, BoJack is a forgotten celebrity who is trying to get back into Hollywood. However, soon enough, the show delves into BoJack’s alcoholism, depression, and inner demons.

BoJack Horseman had consistent positive reviews throughout its six seasons. The show surprised both critics and audiences with its well-balanced combination of ridiculous yet dark humor as well as nuanced emotions. The show provides hilarious scenes, but its character development, careful storytelling, and sensitive approach to dark themes are what truly set it apart from other shows in the genre. BoJack Horseman starts as a dislikable character, but as people delve into his depression and his difficulty growing up in the show business, people start to understand him more and more. This makes him one of the best-crafted characters on a TV show, as he’s not only the butt of the jokes.

4 Love, Death & Robots (2019) Is a Thoughtful Anthology About the End of the World

For people looking for a chilling science fiction anthology, Love, Death & Robots is the perfect choice. This series is composed of several one-shot episodes with distinctive artwork and storytelling. The thing that holds all these stories together is that they’re all, as their title suggests, about love, death, and robots — which is, after all, what science fiction is about.

Love, Death & Robots has become an iconic Netflix animated series for its outstanding animation, at times hyperrealistic, and its deep exploration of humanity, technology, and the future of the planet. Episodes from this series can be garish and dark, such as “Sonny’s Edge,” which depicts a post-apocalyptic world where Sonny, a woman gang-raped, loses her body and fights in monster bodies for her life. However, there is also light satire and even adorable characters, such as XBOT 4000, The Cat, and K-VRC in “Three Robots,” who visit and analyze planet Earth after humanity dies. This combination of horror and quirkiness gave Love, Death & Robots a unique vibe that appeals to all tastes.

3 Castlevania (2017) Is One of the Best Dracula Stories Out There

Based on the iconic Konami video game of the same name, Castlevania is a dark fantasy show featuring plenty of gore, so it isn’t for the faint of heart. The series follows the most popular vampire in popular culture, Dracula, as he takes revenge on the people in Wallachia for burning his wife, Lisa Tepes, at the stake. Lisa was an altruistic scientist, but she was mistaken for a witch, igniting Dracula’s unstoppable rage.

Directly adapting some entries from the Castlevania franchise, the series explores ideas of villainy and heroism in a world where good and evil seem to intertwine. The Church kills unprovoked, Dracula kills because of revenge and normal civilians suffer the consequences. It’s up to powerful characters like Trevor Belmont to decide if he will stay on the sidelines, or if he will defend the vulnerable people of Wallachia. With amazing drawing and voice acting, the show has earned a lot of critical acclaim. In fact, this universe keeps expanding through another Netflix TV series, Castlevania: Nocturne, that keeps exploring the characters from this cosmos.

2 She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018) Took This Iconic Series to the Next Level

Created by comic creator and producer ND Stevenson (known for outstanding female-led works such as Nimona and Lumberjanes), She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a reboot of the 1985 animation series She-Ra: Princess of Power, a spin-off of the iconic ’80s series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. In this reboot, Adora is a teenager who can transform into She-Ra, and with the Princesses of Power, she must face the evil Lord Hordak. However, tensions arise as Adora’s childhood best friend, Catra, sides with Lord Hordak, fighting against She-Ra in a challenging and emotional war. The art style, LGBTQ+ and POC representation, and complex storyline make She-Ra and the Princess of Power one of the most iconic Netflix animated series.

The axis of She-Ra and the Princess of Power is truly the friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers arc between Adora and Catra. Since these characters belong to different sides of the war, they personify the true complexity of a political conflict. She-Ra might be set in a fantasy world, but its plot and character development are nuanced and intricate. Even its main villain, Lord Hordak, receives some sympathy from the audience at some point.

1 Arcane (2021) Brought a Classic Game to Life

Based on the mainstream MOBA video game League of Legends (also known as LoL), Arcane is set in a steampunk fictional world. The city of Piltover and the oppressed members of Zaun find themselves in a post-apocalyptic war as the people of Zaun try to obtain the same privileges as the rich and spoiled people of Piltover.In the middle of this battle, sisters Violet (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx must choose where their loyalties lie. In a world full of catastrophe, injustice, and fantastic technology, each side will need to face its own demons to come out victorious. The series was particularly praised for its artful animation, which delighted viewers, as well as its fascinating soundtrack.

People are particularly waiting for the second season of Arcane because of the harrowing conflict between Jinx and Vi. The sisters love each other desperately, but Jinx switches sides after she feels betrayed by her sister and her friends. This emotional arc has people on the edge of their seats as they don’t know if Vi will have to treat Jinx as a villain or if Jinx will eventually return to the good side.