Animation is an amazing television genre, heralded for its diversity of storytelling and limitless possibilities in of visual style and what can be shown on screen. Anime is one of the most boundary-pushing niches of animation, and the iconic anime TV shows most viewers are familiar with have quickly risen in popularity. Additionally, the evolution of all Western animation owes a lot to anime, as it's been highly influential in the development of creative visual aesthetics and story structure. It's easy to see the impact anime has had in many top-tier American shows.

The animated TV shows that are considered masterpieces come from a wide variety of places and use different techniques. America's best contributions to the animation genre are all unique and unforgettable parts of the canon, and each of them holds a special place in the hearts of animation fans. From classic kids' shows that spark nostalgia and warmth in the viewer to darkly interrogative adult animation that makes audiences question everything, these series are some of the best of the genre and should be ed.

10 Scavengers Reign (2023)

This sci-fi series taps into the darkest parts of humanity and nature

The surrealist sci-fi series Scavengers Reign might have been canceled after season 1, but this doesn't diminish the quality or legacy of the show. Set on an alien planet full of intelligent plants and a natural world that disrupts the senses, Scavengers Reign follows the of the crew who crash-landed there and their attempts to return to their ship and get home. Jumping between the perspectives of different groups and individuals, Scavengers Reign shows the various ways humanity interacts with the unknown.

The wonder and brutality of nature are on display in Scavengers Reign as the survivors tentatively interact with the spell-binding nature of their environment, on their guard in the face of evolution's raw power. Scavengers Reign is interested in big questions about the nature of consciousness and life. All the characters crash on the planet, plagued by their pasts and uncertain about their futures, but their strange new world ends up teaching them something.

9 Blood Of Zeus (2020–Present)

Greek mythology is reimagined with a modern flair in Blood of Zeus

Blood of Zeus understands that Greek mythology is a popular genre, and many of the most popular shows and movies have tackled the famous legends many times over. Due to this, the series takes a fresh, bold approach to Greek myths, using the gods and monsters that populate the stories and creating original narratives and demons to create drama and tension. Hercules, Jason, and any of these familiar heroes won't appear in Blood of Zeus, but you don't really miss them.

Similarly to all great stories that are inspired by Greek myths, Blood of Zeus has no shortage of action and drama in every episode.

The protagonist, Heron (Derek Phillips), is a demigod son of Zeus who uses his powers to battle the terrifying monsters and tricky gods who attempt to disrupt the balance of nature. Similarly to all great stories that are inspired by Greek myths, Blood of Zeus has no shortage of action and drama in every episode. The series isn't just influenced by Greek culture but fully immersed in it, giving the show a sense of realism and gravity that appeals to all audiences.

8 Castlevania (2017–2021)

An excellent recent addition to the vampire genre

One of the best vampire TV shows, Castlevania owes a lot to anime, as it was based on the Japanese video game series of the same name and was influenced by anime art styles. However, it's interesting to see how these elements are adapted and combined with American themes and motifs to create Castlevania. Steeped in the well-known lore of the iconic vampire Dracula (Graham McTavish), Castlevania follows the work of his son and his allies to bring the terrifying vampire down.

However, this is far from the only story arc throughout the show's four seasons, as Castlevania evolved and pushed its characters to new limits in the later installments. Touching upon universal themes of intolerance and injustice through its supernatural narrative, Castlevania doesn't rely on flashy action sequences and explosive gore to keep the viewer interested. It's easy to keep watching Castlevania for the characters as much as the stylistic elements.

7 Blue Eye Samurai (2023–Present)

After just one season, Blue Eye Samurai has already made its mark

Maya Erksine voices Mizu, the protagonist of Blue Eye Samurai, consumed by her single-minded quest for revenge. A violent and brutally skilled swordsman, Mizu disguises herself as a man to travel Japan freely in search of her father and the other white colonists who have been hiding in the country. Set during the Edo period, the historical elements of the costumes and sets elevate the style of Blue Eye Samurai, which shines during the series' gory action sequences.

Though she learns a lot throughout season 1, Mizu has become no less bloodthirsty or bent on visiting her bloody vengeance on her father.

It will be interesting to see where Blue Eye Samurai season 2 takes Mizu, as the finale of season 1 sets up a potential journey for our hero. Though she learns a lot throughout season 1, Mizu has become no less bloodthirsty or bent on visiting her bloody vengeance on her father. However, the other characters who populate Mizu's world are what flesh out the story and create a living, breathing narrative that surprises viewers at every turn.

6 Gravity Falls (2012–2016)

A kid's mystery series that's anchored by compelling characters

The highly influential Disney animated series Gravity Falls is a TV show made by lovers of the genre and craft. Lovingly poking fun at the tropes and pitfalls of the mystery genre, Gravity Falls balances its comedic beats with touching moments between the central siblings, Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal). Gravity Falls sees Dipper and Mabel go on the kind of adventures kids dream about, sparking interest and nostalgic joy in the viewer.

Though Gravity Falls is firmly intended for younger audiences, this doesn't take away from the quality of the content. Watching the characters investigate the hidden secrets of the town and build their relationships never gets old. Gravity Falls handles its fantastical elements perfectly, interweaving them with realistic issues that people face in the real world. Though it only ran for two seasons, no episode throughout its run goes to waste.

5 Over The Garden Wall (2014)

This miniseries has proved itself to be an enduring addition to the canon

You can feel the crisp fall air and the smell of damp Earth coming through the screen as soon as the first notes of Over the Garden Wall's theme introduce Cartoon Network's iconic miniseries. With an all-star voice cast featuring Elijah Wood, Melanie Lynskey, and Christopher Lloyd, Over the Garden Wall became a classic almost as soon as it premiered. A series of vignettes that oscillate between warm and comforting and eerily forbidding, Over the Garden Wall is a must-watch during the fall season.

However, the show subtly builds to an emotional climax that gives Over the Garden Wall a deeper and more complex meaning than viewers might expect. Tackling coming-of-age themes and stressing the importance of family and acceptance, Over the Garden Wall teaches the brothers Wirt (Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean) about what's important. Though most of the episodes can be watched on their own, it's satisfying to sit down and plow through the quick runtime in one sitting.

4 Invincible (2021–Present)

The blood and guts that spill out of Invincible don't detract from its emotional impact

Based on the comic book series of the same name by Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley, and Robert Kirkman, Invincible has been a huge draw for Prime Video since it premiered in 2021. As Invinicible season 3 continues to blow away critics and audiences, it's easy to see why it's garnered so much attention. On its own, the animation is fantastic, perfectly translating the comics' art style to the screen and making it even more dynamic during the well-choreographed action sequences.

While it's always fun to watch the superheroes of the story blast their way through the fight scenes, it's when they fail and face their uncertain futures that Invincible is at its best.

This alone would be a great reason to watch Invincible, but the series went even further. The voice acting is particularly strong, with Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmons leading the cast as Mark and his father, Omni-Man, and their work cements the emotional appeal of Invincible​​​​​​. While it's always fun to watch the superheroes of the story blast their way through the fight scenes, it's when they fail and face their uncertain futures that Invincible is at its best.

3 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

A children's animated series that defies genre conventions

Full of heart, humor, and the triumph of good versus evil, Avatar: The Last Airbender could've easily been a fun, action-oriented kids' show that faded into obscurity. Instead, the creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko crafted a three-season arc full of expert character development and unforgettable emotional moments that went far beyond children's content of that era. Revisiting Avatar well into adulthood isn't just nostalgic; it unlocks deeper parts of the series.

The sequel show will be an interesting addition to the franchise, as the spinoff series The Legend of Korra has long been a source of controversy. However, the reason expectations for new additions to the Avatar canon are so high is that the original show is airtight. The world itself is dynamic and well-built, and the characters easily uplift the story, as they're fallible people who make mistakes and learn from them. Avatar: The Last Airbender uses even the smallest moments of its narrative to further the plot and development.

2 Arcane (2021–2024)

Two sisters vie for power amid the challenges and disparities of their dystopian city

Though Arcane only ran for two seasons, they were so emotionally fraught and action-packed that the series quickly cemented itself as one of the best in recent history. Part of the recent video game adaptation renaissance, Arcane is based on the worlds and characters from the game League of Legends​​​​​​, using these elements to craft an entirely original story. Tackling politics, class disparities, familial bonds, and romance, Arcane leaves no stone unturned by the series finale.

Jinx and Vi, voiced by Ella Purnell and Hailee Steinfeld, are the beating heart of Arcane as the sisters navigate the unfairness of their world and their attempts to build a family very differently. However, Arcane does a great job of developing all of its characters equally, creating a world so immersive it's easy to forget about real life. Though Arcane has come to an end, any new series within the League of Legends universe will be a must-watch show.

1 BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)

This animated comedy evolved into one of the most evocative explorations of fame in TV history

No one was prepared for what BoJack Horseman would become by the Netflix original's final season. Though BoJack Horseman was always funny, smart, and satirical, after season 1, the series took off, delving into dark and philosophical territory. Sometimes, animation is the only genre that can tackle the depths of loneliness and moral ambiguity that BoJack Horseman engages with. Starring Will Arnett, who voices the titular horse, the audience follows BoJack as he toes the line between antihero and villain.

Though BoJack Horseman is undeniably American, set in Hollywood, later Hollywoo, and engaging with the effects of celebrity in the U.S. film industry, its themes are universal. As easy as it is to hate and revile BoJack, it's also easy to see yourself in him and get sucked into his downward spiral. BoJack Horseman is not always comfortable to watch, as it pushes the characters and audience to their limits, but the journey is well worth it.