The Top 5 Best Adult Cartoons of All Time

May 18

Ranking the Top 5 Best Adult Animation of All Time / Ranker.com

Adult animated series have long been the "cool kids" of the television world, consistently pushing creative boundaries that traditional network sitcoms simply can’t reach. By blending high-concept sci-fi, sharp political satire, and surrealist humor, these shows have defined the cultural climate for multiple generations.

As we’ve learned through polling here at Ranker, the love for these shows lies in their bingeworthiness, their comedic edge, as well as their snarky, yet clever remarks which are seen to be perfect for "nerds".

Adult Swim’s hit series Rick and Morty encapsulates this equation perfectly, securing the #1 spot on our definitive list of The Best Adult Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked. This isn't just a niche favorite; the ranking is backed by nearly 1 million views from adult animation fans, and over 583,900 votes. As the series approaches its Season 9 release on May 24, 2026, this overwhelming fan consensus suggests the show will maintain its longstanding dominance at the top of the charts.

#1: Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty isn't just a cartoon; it's a philosophical phenomenon. With Season 9 set to premiere on May 24, 2026, the show’s grip on the #1 spot is tighter than ever. It perfectly encapsulates a generation that grew up on internet theories and nihilistic humor, balancing interdimensional travel with deep-seated family trauma.

We’ve also gathered that Rick and Morty fans are 7x more likely to watch the similar shows, Invincible and Inside Job. They are also 6x more likely to indulge in action comedies like Peacemaker, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Rick and Morty is currently available to stream on Hulu.

Futurama / Hulu / The Walt Disney Company

#2: Futurama

Ranking #3 on our list of The Best Fox Comedies of All Time, Futurama has survived multiple cancellations and network hops due to its immense "soul." While many adult cartoons aim for the jugular with cynical satire, Matt Groening’s masterpiece uses its year-3000 setting to explore internal logic and genuine emotional stakes, often proving to be more human than the live-action series it shares airtime with.

Futurama fans have a surprising desire for high-stakes, atmospheric dramas. They aren't just looking for a laugh; they want a world they can get lost in which is seen in the data that Futurama watchers are 5x more likely to watch Severance and Fallout. These fans value intricate, immersive environments where the setting is a character itself. And a bit more unexpectedly, they are 4x more likely to enjoy the gritty realism in The Last of Us, and the psychological tension in Baby Reindeer, as well as Loki.

Futurama is currently available to stream on Hulu.

South Park / Comedy Central / Paramount Global

#3: South Park

For over 25 years, South Park has remained the fastest show in Hollywood. Thanks to its legendary 6-day production cycle, it can parody a news event before the headlines move onto the next. It currently ranks #1 on The 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now and The 115 Funniest Animated Shows, Ranked, proving its "nothing is sacred" ethos is still a permanent fixture in the cultural conversation.

The most fascinating insight about South Park fans is their desire for sharp social satire and unapologetically dark humor. Rather than looking for pure escapism, these viewers tend to gravitate toward shows that have a comedic standpoint on society’s absurdities South Park fans are 5x more likely to watchFamily Guy, Rick and Morty, Futurama, and are 4x more likely to watchIt's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Squid Games series that, much like South Park, are great at touching on the darkness behind human greed, tribalism, and the chaos of modern survival through a cynical comedic lens.South Park /

South Park is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

#4: Archer

Archer reinvented the spy genre by ignoring the missions and focusing on the toxic, hilarious office politics of a dysfunctional intelligence agency. Archer is the cool kid of animation, including topics of narcissism, alcoholism, and effortless wit. Interestingly, while the show is a hit, its fans also rank it #8 Really Stupid Shows That Are Actually For Smart People, showing that their love transcends illogical plot twists and scenarios.

Archer fans are 5x more likely to watch What We Do in the Shadows, Barry, and 4x more likely to watch Arrested Development. These all blend sharp, fast-paced comedy with deeply flawed, morally questionable characters who stumble through absurd situations with deadpan self-awareness.

Archer is currently available to stream on Hulu.

Bob's Burgers / Hulu / The Walt Disney Company

#5: Bob’s Burgers

In a genre often defined by nihilism, Bob’s Burgers is a warm embrace, a feeling of comfort. It ranks #1 on Shows About Middle America To Watch Instead Of 'Roseanne' and The Best Current TV Shows About Work, a controversial placement considering Severance has become a massive hit. The Belcher family represents the "chaos of reality" but with a core of genuine love. With Season 16 recently released in April 2026 and Season 17 expected in mid-2026, the Belchers will remain the ultimate comfort show.

Bob’s Burgers fans differ from the typical adult cartoon fans as they crave a humor that is grounded, yet witty, and very character-driven, where each Belcher has their own unique persona. They are also 5x more likely to watch acclaimed modern sitcoms: Abbott Elementary, Derry Girls and Parks and Recreation. And interestingly, seem to be 4x more likely to indulge in live-action comedy dramas such as Russian Doll and The End of the F***king World.

Bob’s Burgers is currently available to stream on Hulu.

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