Over the years, animation has grown only more popular as technology has evolved; despite this, there are still many people who believe animation is only for kids. Animation gives the distinctive ability to grant the creators and viewers imagination to limitless possibilities where anything can happen.
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Though we were most likely first introduced to animation when we were kids, that doesn’t mean the art style must strictly remain for only kids. Animation isn’t a genre, it’s a different art form that encapsulates real-life situations and dark themes everyone struggles with. Therefore, not all shows are mindless to the point where only kids would find them interesting. In fact, even shows “made for kids” have many adult themes and struggles kids have yet to experience.
The Owl House (2020)
When a confident Dominican-American teenager, Luz, accidentally falls into a portal to another world, she befriends the rebellious witch Eda Clawthrone and her demon companion, King. Not able to find a way home, Luz decides to stay in the Boiling Isles to pursue her dream of becoming a witch despite being human.
The Owl Housecaptures the dreams we desire to achieve despite everything around us saying it’s impossible.One of the best thingsabout this show is the relatable characters, the lessons learned from adventures, and the many following paths of self-discovery.
Gravity Falls (2012)
Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to live with their Grunkle Stan in the mysterious town ofGravity Falls. While helping Stan run his tourist trap, The Mystery Shack, Dipper discovers a cryptic journal that offers insight into the town’s mysteries and evil entities.
The one cartoon series that began a trend for Disney Channel and is the epitome of cartoons not being only for kids. Each episode ofGravity Fallsbrings different antics and discoveries of new creatures. However, early on, the series establishes a bigger mystery to unravel involving Stan’s past that the show ultimately leads to.
Phineas and Ferb (2007)
Stepbrothers,Phineas and Ferb, are determined to make every day of summer the best time ever. As they built several inventions to explore something new, their older sister, Candace, sought to bust them as she constantly tried to get their mother to believe her. Meanwhile, their family pet, Perry the Platypus, doubles as a secret agent and battles a cooky but evil scientist.
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While the fun is more geared for kids to laugh, the jokes and antics are genuinely funny for every age to enjoy.Phineas and Ferbare filled with musical numbers and demonstrate friendship and motivation to try something new daily, and imagination is limitless. The best highlight of the show is how the three different storylines of the boys, Candace, and Perry’s secret life all intertwine with each other.
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
A very short-lived but well-loved miniseries. While they’re on an adventure, half-brothers Wirt and Greg become lost in the Unknown, a strange forest adrift in time.
The animation style and score epitome of a cozy cottage core aesthetic.WhileOver the Garden Wallis fantastical, the characters we follow and meet are incredibly relatable. The older brother, Wirt, is worry-prone and would rather keep to himself than struggle with making a decision. He also keeps his passions private as he fears being mocked. The opposite is Greg, who embodies being carefree and more naive. Every character and settings the boys encounter symbolizes the struggles of depression and living in the limbo between life and death.
Amphibia (2019)
The series chronicles the adventures of a fearless Thai-American teen, Anne, who is peer-pressured to take a mysterious music box that magically transports her to the world ofAmphibia, a wild marshland full of anthropomorphic amphibians and threatening creatures. Anne befriends the Plantars, a frog family, as they vow to protect her and help Anne find her two friends and get them home.
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Amphibiais filled with colorful animation, captivating creatures, and quite a few creepy moments that many age groups can enjoy. The story arcs illustrate serious bullying and emotional manipulation issues, which can precisely resemble teenage friendships. One of the best parts of the show and a joy to watch is Sprig and Anne’s adventures and watching their friendship bloom as Sprig shows Anne what true friendship means.
Adventure Time (2010)
The beloved Cartoon Network series follows a 12-year-old boy named Finn and his 28-year-old shape-shifting dog, Jake, who journeys on many strange adventures in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo.
ThoughAdventure Timeis filled with bright and colorful settings and characters, it may seem only for kids. However,Adventure Timehas captured the hearts of all ages as crazy the series is truly a coming-of-age story. Furthermore, the story’s morality also centers on demonstrating that change is good.
Sailor Moon (1992)
The one series that most of us grew up with and still cherish throughout our adult lives. When a teenage girl learns of her reincarnation, she must find and band together with other Sailor Scouts to defend the galaxy.
Sailor Moonoverall encapsulates the strength of female friendship. Though several episodes didn’t age or translate well, and there were a lot of fillers in the original series— that’s not what fans ever remember. Through films and reboots,Sailor Moonhas continued to be aninspiration and icon to many generations.
Digimon (1999)
A group of young teens is sent to the mysterious Digital World. While they’re unexpectedly sent there, they’re paired up with their own powerful, morphing monsters who become their faithful companions. Together they must face their insecurities to defeat the dark forces threatening the Digital World and the human world.
Digimonwas more geared towards kids. Feeling like we don’t fit into struggling with depression, trying to express our emotions adequately, and experiencing loss, are life events children struggle with and aspects many adults still attempt to grasp. Upon its 15th anniversary,Digimon Tri, a series of films taking place afterDigimonseason two. The series of films continues to express being adults' responsibilities, and the animation itself is breathtaking.Digimonproves to be more geared for those who have grown up withDigimonas another reboot (and English dub) of the belovedfranchise has been announcedin 2022.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)
Set during theStar Warsprequel trilogy era, the series focuses on the conflict between the Galactic Republic and the movement organized by Sith Lord Count Dooku to unite planetary systems seeking independence. However, the secret master is the one pulling the strings of both sides to eliminate the Jedi and gain his power to create a new empire.
Star Warsis one of a few franchises that further proves it’s a timeless and ageless story that continues to capture the heart of many generations, whether it’s through live-action or the art form of animation. Of course,The Clone Wars’central theme touches on politics like all theStar Warsinstallments have previously, butClone Warspresents issues as multilayered and much more complex. Even though the franchise is geared more toward a younger audience,Clone Wars’main subject is war and the brutality and loss that comes with it.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
The Nickelodeon gem is set in an Asian-influenced world of element manipulation and martial arts.Avatar: The Last Airbenderfollows the adventures of Aang and his friends to save the world by ending the destructive war of the Fire Nation.
From female empowerment, equality, justice, and touching on philosophical questions of destiny and free will,Avatardemonstrates vital mature themes that adults can relate to and delivers it in a way where children can also understand and be educated. Though the show is nearly twenty years old, with several reboots, the series continues to withstand the test of time due to its intricate world-building and hard-hitting life lessons.
