In the world of television, animated shows have a special place in the hearts of viewers of all ages. They offer a unique form of storytelling that is not bound by the limitations of live-action productions. Animated shows can create fantastical worlds, introduce quirky characters, and explore complex themes in a way that live-action shows cannot.
Despite their popularity, there are some animated shows that are often overlooked or underrated. These shows may not receive the same level of attention as their more mainstream counterparts, but they still have a dedicated fan base that appreciates their unique storytelling and artistic style.
Underrated animated shows can often struggle to gain the recognition they deserve. These shows may be overshadowed by bigger and more popular franchises or may have failed to gain traction due to poor marketing or scheduling. In some cases, they may simply be too niche for mainstream audiences.
However, these shows still offer something special for viewers who are willing to give them a chance. Whether it's a fresh take on a classic genre, a unique visual style, or a compelling story that explores important themes, there are many reasons why underrated animated shows deserve more attention.
In this blog post, we will explore 10 of the most underrated animated shows that deserve more attention. These shows may not have the same level of popularity as some of the more mainstream animated shows, but they offer something unique and special that sets them apart. From quirky comedies to dark dramas, these shows offer a range of styles and themes that are sure to captivate viewers of all ages. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of underrated animated TV shows.
- Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
- The Dragon Prince
- Craig of the Creek
- Hilda
- Final Space
- Amphibia
- Infinity Train
- Tuca & Bertie
- Star vs. the Forces of Evil
- The Hollow
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a post-apocalyptic animated series that follows the adventures of Kipo, a young girl who has spent most of her life underground. When she emerges into the world above, she discovers a vibrant and dangerous world filled with talking animals and mutated creatures.
The show has received critical acclaim for its stunning animation, diverse cast of characters, and engaging storytelling. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Kipo is voiced by Karen Fukuhara, who also played the character of Katana in the 2016 film Suicide Squad.
- The show features a diverse voice cast, including actors such as Sterling K. Brown, John Hodgman, and Dan Stevens.
- Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts was created by Radford Sechrist, who previously worked as a character designer on the popular animated series, Adventure Time.
The Dragon Prince
The Dragon Prince is a high fantasy animated series that follows the adventures of a group of heroes who are trying to end a long-standing war between humans and elves. The show is notable for its stunning animation, complex characters, and detailed world-building.
The show has also gained attention for its progressive approach to representation, with a diverse cast of characters that includes people of color, LGBTQ+ characters, and characters with disabilities. Some additional information about the show includes:
- The Dragon Prince was created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, both of whom previously worked on the popular video game, Uncharted.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Jack DeSena, Sasha Rojen, and Paula Burrows.
- The show has been praised for its musical score, which was composed by Frederik Wiedmann, known for his work on other animated shows such as Young Justice and Green Lantern: The Animated Series.
Craig of the Creek
Craig of the Creek is a slice-of-life animated series that follows the adventures of a group of friends as they explore the wilderness and urban areas around their home, the Creek. The show is notable for its focus on themes of friendship, imagination, and community.
The show has received praise for its relatable characters, engaging storylines, and unique visual style. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Craig of the Creek was created by Ben Levin and Matt Burnett, who previously worked on the popular animated series, Steven Universe.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Philip Solomon, Michael Croner, and Noël Wells.
- The show has been praised for its representation of diverse characters, including characters of color and characters with disabilities.
Hilda
Hilda is a fantasy animated series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Hilda as she explores the magical world around her. The show is notable for its whimsical storytelling, stunning animation, and heartwarming themes of friendship and imagination.
The show has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of Scandinavian folklore and contemporary storytelling. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Hilda was created by Luke Pearson, who also wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series on which the show is based.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Bella Ramsey, Ameerah Falzon-Ojo, and Oliver Nelson.
- The show has been praised for its representation of diverse characters, including characters of color and characters with disabilities.
Final Space.
Final Space is a sci-fi animated series that follows the adventures of an astronaut named Gary Goodspeed as he travels through space with his alien companion, Mooncake. The show is notable for its blend of humor, action, and emotional storytelling.
The show has gained a dedicated fan base for its engaging characters, unique visual style, and serialized storytelling.
- Final Space was created by Olan Rogers, who also provides the voice of the main character, Gary Goodspeed.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as David Tennant, Tika Sumpter, and Steven Yeun.
- The show has been praised for its use of music, with a soundtrack that features songs from artists such as John Williams, Radiohead, and Hall & Oates.
Amphibia
Amphibia is a fantasy animated series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Anne Boonchuy, who is transported to a magical world inhabited by talking amphibians. The show is notable for its blend of humor, heartwarming themes, and serialized storytelling.
The show has received critical acclaim for its stunning animation, engaging characters, and creative world-building. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Amphibia was created by Matt Braly, who previously worked as a storyboard artist on the popular animated series, Gravity Falls.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Brenda Song, Justin Felbinger, and Bill Farmer.
- The show has been praised for its exploration of themes such as friendship, identity, and family.
Infinity Train
Infinity Train is a sci-fi animated series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Tulip as she journeys through a mysterious train that seems to go on forever. The show is notable for its surreal storytelling, stunning animation, and themes of personal growth and self-discovery.
The show has gained a dedicated fan base for its creative storytelling, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Infinity Train was created by Owen Dennis, who previously worked as a writer and storyboard artist on the popular animated series, Regular Show.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Ashley Johnson, Owen Dennis, and Ernie Hudson.
- The show has been praised for its exploration of themes such as mental health, trauma, and the power of friendship.
Tuca & Bertie
Tuca & Bertie is an adult animated series that follows the adventures of two best friends, Tuca and Bertie, as they navigate the ups and downs of life in the big city. The show is notable for its irreverent humor, stunning animation, and exploration of themes such as mental health and identity.
The show gained a devoted fan base for its unique visual style, diverse representation, and unapologetically feminist themes. Some additional information about the show includes:
- Tuca & Bertie was created by Lisa Hanawalt, who also worked as a production designer on the popular animated series, BoJack Horseman.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Tiffany Haddish, Ali Wong, and Steven Yeun.
- The show has been praised for its frank depiction of female friendship, sexuality, and mental health struggles.
The Owl House
The Owl House is a fantasy animated series that follows the adventures of a young girl named Luz Noceda, who discovers a portal to a magical world where she befriends a witch named Eda and a demon named King. The show is notable for its stunning animation, compelling characters, and themes of self-acceptance and embracing one's individuality.
The show has gained a dedicated fan base for its intricate world-building, nuanced characters, and exploration of complex themes. Some additional information about the show includes:
- The Owl House was created by Dana Terrace, who previously worked as a storyboard artist and writer on the popular animated series, Gravity Falls.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Sarah-Nicole Robles, Wendie Malick, and Alex Hirsch.
- The show has been praised for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and its exploration of themes such as mental health and identity.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a fantasy animated series that follows the adventures of Adora, a young woman who discovers a magical sword that transforms her into the powerful warrior princess, She-Ra. The show is notable for its diverse cast of characters, compelling storytelling, and exploration of themes such as friendship, family, and the power of love.
The show has gained a dedicated fan base for its nuanced characters, complex storylines, and positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Some additional information about the show includes:
- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power was created by Noelle Stevenson, who also worked as a writer and artist on the popular graphic novel, Nimona.
- The show features a voice cast that includes actors such as Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, and Marcus Scribner.
- The show has been praised for its positive representation of female characters and its exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and the power of friendship.