omnipotentmonkey
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having already made a list of ten amazing animated series from the 21st century.
( http://imgur.com/gallery/1920x ) I quickly realised that limiting it to ten simply did not cover the grounds of conveying the quality that the last 16 years have brought us. So I'm extending this up to 25, by adding 15 more series, for the most part these series aren't QUITE as good as those in the other list, but are still well worth watching, the one exception is the final show on this list which in hindsight really should have been on the first list.
anyway, here's 15 more great series to watch,
Samurai Jack (2001-2004)
Samurai Jack is the Story of a Samurai who, in his last stand attempt to defeat the evil Sorceror Aku who is threatening his land, is instead defeated by the sorcerer and subsequently trapped by him in a future where Aku has more or less claimed absolute victory.
Samurai Jack is a fascinating series to me, because whenever I see a TV show, movie or anything else get too long-winded with dialogue and exposition, I think of this series, a series that managed to convey ninety percent of it's story with only sparse lines of dialogue.. the creator, Genddy Tartakovsky had some hits before this show aired, like work on Powerpuff Girls and creating Dexter's Lab, but this was his playground, he had found his niche, in epic, subtle, action-packed, and stylistically brilliant visual storytelling, Only let down by it's lack of an ending, Although that soon may be rectified. with the series being resurrected this year, hopefully to good effect.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
A follow-up set 70 years after Avatar: the Last Airbender. Legend of Korra tells the story of Korra, a teenage girl living in a world where people can freely manipulate the classic four elements, However Korra is the Avatar, the only person in the world who can manipulate all four. with this power comes the duty of maintaining balance amongst the worlds populace, but is it a world that has outgrown the Avatar?
In terms of actual animation, nothing here can rival Legend of Korra, the production quality of this series is STAGGERING, with animation and music that rivals even the best anime coming out. but that's not all it has going for it, it has great characters, absolutely AMAZING action, intelligent and worldly relevant issues in its plots, and is brilliantly directed and well-written to boot, I'll admit that the first season and a half can be a bit hit and miss, but by the start of season 3 it DEFINITELY found its footing. It still doesn't quite eclipse its predecessor though...
Adventure Time (2010-Ongoing)
I'm not gonna even try to write a premise for this...
I can definitely understand looking at Adventure Time and dismissing it, hell I did too at first, it looked like a series that was trying way too hard to be zany and random, as such I avoided it, but upon actually giving it a try I found myself routinely impressed, this series is bizarre, it's confusing, it's random and it's zany, but it has (bizarrely) has AMAZING continuity and world-building in spite of its random nature. and it also continually hits high notes with its comedy, and even manages to engage on an emotional level. It's the evolved and refined form of Spongebob or Ren and Stimpy, with all the randomness being tied together into something that's deceptively intelligent.
Archer (2009-Ongoing)
Archer focuses on the exploits and misadventures of Sterling Archer, a chauvinistic, narcissistic asshole of a secret agent working for the intelligence agency ISIS (not that one)
If it's pure comedy you're after, Archer's your best bet, the writing in this series FLOORS me with how sharp it manages to be, and that sharpness is accentuated by expert comic delivery, H.Jon Benjamin in particular kills it. the premises are funny, the dialogue even outside comedy is genius, the characters are consistently entertaining, surprisingly not falling into flanderisation like many animated comedies do quickly, it's a laugh riot.
Bob's Burgers (2011-Ongoing)
A show set around the exploits of the Belcher family, a family of five who own a small apsiring-to-be-greater burger joint in a small sea-side town.
Another show featuring H.Jon Benjamin, Bob's Burgers doesn't quite match up to Archer in comedy, but it balances it with incredible charm, the main cast is EXTREMELY likeable and the comedy scenarios are simultaneously creative and bizarrely well grounded,, I'd pretty much call it the animated version of Malcolm in the Middle, as even when you aren't laughing, the character relationships and dynamics are so intensely endearing regardless that you'll start watching for that alone, with the still brilliant comedy as an added bonus..
Steven Universe (2013-Ongoing)
Steven Universe tells the story of Steven, a young boy who takes his late mother's place in a group called the Crystal Gems, a group of superhuman alien-ish beings whose main goal is seemingly to protect human life while also cleaning up odd occurrences here and there involving mysterious hybrid creatures. although the true nature of the Gems may be far.. far more complicated.
A lovely creation from the mind of Rebecca Sugar (formerly a lead writer of Adventure Time) Steven Universe takes Adventure Time's strengths, multiplies them and In my opinion ties them to much better characters and issues, it's constantly beautiful to look at and listen to, it has stellar voice acting with great music and character design but it's the surprising touches of really deft drama that elevates this series. it touches subjects that 90% of cartoons wouldn't go near with a seventy foot pole. it tops all this off with incredible world-building, characters and a tangible sense of likeability.
Rick and Morty (2014-Ongoing)
Again, I'm not gonna even try and write a premise for this one, I can't do it justice.
Rick and Morty is a prime example of how even adult cartoons have now entered a golden age, alongside Bob's Burgers and Archer, and the everlong South Park we now have four running concurrently that are actually REALLY worth watching, I don't think that's ever happened before... but anyway, Rick and Morty's strengths lie in its deft writing, it's able to switch fluidly between its often incredibly dark sense of humour into surprising moments of pathos with ease. and it punctuates this with a marvelous sense of creativity, the character interplay is constantly brilliant, and despite its somewhat limited animation it still manages to be visually appealing through its design and framing alone. this one's hard to describe, but it's not hard to watch, it's one of the best on this list.
Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
Sent to stay with their Uncle throughout the course of the summer, twins Dipper and Mabel Pines soon discover there's far more than meets the eye within the town their Uncle calls home.
Set to end in a couple of weeks time, I know I won't be the only one who is really... REALLY going to miss this series, the comedy is brilliant, the music and animation are brilliant even in their simplicity, the plot is brilliant, yep, despite outward appearances it does have an overarching plot with a mystery interwoven into seemingly episodic ventures, but the thing that sells it most is the characters, just like Bob's Burgers I could just watch these characters interact with each other all day, they're that funny, and that likeable. one of Disney's best TV shows ever, and probably the funniest thing to ever air on a childrens network.
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Two brothers find themselves lost in a mysterious land and try to find their way home
That is all I'm willing to say about this series, besides the fact that it's utterly spectacular. this is just one of those series where it's best to go in nearly completely blind, trust me, you won't regret it.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
In a world where people can bend one of the four classic elements to their whims, the Avatar is the only one in the world who can bend all four, with a hundred year long war desolating the world the duty falls to the current Avatar, a 12-year old boy named Aang to master the elements and restore balance to the world.
This isn't just the best animated series of the 21st century, this is the best animated series ever made, and probably one of the best TV shows ever made.
think that sounds extreme? fuck you, it isn't.
ATLA combines all of the strengths of the shows above into one glorious package with a little bit more on top, it has the brilliant comedic chops of Gravity Falls, the deft drama, subversive nature, and clever world-building of Steven Universe, the genuine and commentative social issues of its predecessor Legend of Korra, the sharpness of the dialogue of Archer, the amazing, warm and familial character interactions of Bob's Burgers, the deft ability to balance tones of Rick and Morty, the incredible continuity of Adventure Time, and the incredible visual direction of Samurai Jack all added to a running plot framework of 60 episodes all building through phenomenal pacing to one of the finest finales a show could ever have.
This show... is a MARVEL... it has one of the best core casts I've ever seen, with 6 main recurring characters that are each individually strong enough to carry a show by themselves, incredible antagonists, amazing production quality, and a remarkable level of nuance for a show that was originally broadcasted on Nickelodeon... I cannot begin to describe the number of ways this show succeeds... but judging by the reverence I've seen for this show on Imgur, I won't need to. this is simply put, a masterpiece.
deftgetfunk
Samurai jack is coming back
omnipotentmonkey
I know, I did say it was returning in my paragraph
rudecadaver
Deep dark secret time: I hate Archer. I've watched every season waiting to enjoy it and I never did.
javer80
I can't enjoy H. Jon Benjamin, man. Just don't. Just can't.
rudecadaver
I didn't enjoy him until I started watching Bob's Burgers. Love him as Bob Belcher.
JokerMO
Liked Avatar 10 years ago. Can't get into it on rewatches. Why would that be?
cosasmedioboludas
Ugly Americans was pretty good
noobule
You used predecessor incorrectly
omnipotentmonkey
whoops.
ihazanaccount
I'm a little sad you didn't mention Gumball I love Gumball because it's adorable and it can always make me laugh.
HaulinOats
Darwin is god damn adorable
SpiffDeWiff
The Amazing World of Gumball is fantastic. I love it for watching random episodes, when you don't want to commit to a whole story :P
levindregon
Behold the great divide. And moving on...
IWatchYouBrowseImgurLateAtNight
No Regular Show Op?
levyathyn
Yes, great list.
MrCharizard
YOU'RE NOT MY SUPERVISOR!
MeanCactus
Over The Garden Wall is a masterpiece.
MiasmaCorrigan
+1 for good list, +10 for SU
QuietGiant
+1 for an excellent, well written list. Western animation is still kicking.
GeneralCaptainCrunch
It's making a comeback bigger than anyone could've expected, really.
BardicLasher
Watched them all. Not a huge fan of Bob's Burgers, completely love the other 9.
omnipotentmonkey
case of a show that gets progressively better each season. 2/2
BardicLasher
I dunno, handful of random episodes? Most was first season, I'm sure.
omnipotentmonkey
Try these two episodes and see if you can enjoy them, 1. Tina-rannosaurus Wrecks (season 3. ep 7)
omnipotentmonkey
and Broadcast Wagstaff School News (Season 3. ep 12)
omnipotentmonkey
first season was definitely the weakest, they switched animation studios for season two and the writing has been getting better and better.
BardicLasher
Well, you clearly have good taste in cartoons. I'll give it another shot.
omnipotentmonkey
how much of bob's burgers have you watched? because I wasn't into it at first till I caught some of it's later episodes, it's a bizarre 1/2
TemporaryUzername
Samurai Jack is best.
TheFireLordOzai
Ignore Avatar, upvote Melon Lord!
levindregon
Wuahaha!
shalmdi
Well that image is just the best, and you are second best for showing it to me. FEAR THE MELON LORD!
TheFireLordOzai
OC!
StandingOutsideABrokenPhoneBoothWithMoneyInMyHand
For me, I don't find the artwork/animation style appealing for about half of them. Archer is most appealing for its clean lines.
complimentpin
Adventure time is my favourite seires, it's unlike anything else
Hamnurabi
Missing Bojack Horseman and Futurama.
clam0
season 2 of bojack horesman was the biggest emotional rollercoaster i have witnessed in modern animation
slapmyassandcallmesusan
[deleted]
[deleted]
Kjasi
*its successor, Legend of Korra. Predecessor means it came before, but Avatar was the first. Korra is the successor.
Deat69
I preferred Airbender to Korra, it was less predictable, although I do ship Korrasami
omnipotentmonkey
I do too, though i'd say I disagree about the predictability, I'd say Korra was harder to predict,
FlatPlutoSociety
Agreed. ATLA is the better show, but at its core, it's a very simple hero journey. Korra's story is a little more complicated.
ThatDarnBandit
I loved the style of avatar. Korra took away the awe that came with the benders and made it look like everyone could bend like the avatar
Schmuck4hire
Comaparing ATLA to LOK is like watching Empire Strikes Back and then moving to Return of the Jedi.
Snooj
I couldn't even finish the first episode of Korra. Couldn't bear the loss of Sokka.
LiquidMilk
Although season 1 and 2 have some pretty cheesy moments, Korra is worth watching! Especially s3, the finale is at least as grand as TLA's
LrrrrRulerOfOmicronPersei8
Totally
thePoozer
Bob's burgers partially fills the void left when they took king of the hill off Netflix
[deleted]
[deleted]
thePoozer
True, it's on Hulu though king of the hill isn't on any of the legal sites
thatGuyThatWithThePointyHair
f*ck Hulu
Snooj
Rick and Morty. "Ongoing".
omnipotentmonkey
third season's on its way, meaning it's ongoing.
Snooj
Rumored not until 2017, so it's as ongoing as Sherlock.
Makemydayb
So...ongoing....
ATuningFork
Still more ongoing than Firefly.
jcro21
Jerk :(
TriforceOfCool
littlemirrorsatourfeet
Thanks for including Steven Universe. I feel like that show doesn't get enough credit. Every episode it gets better and better.
Peridactyl
People don't realise how deep it goes. Fan theories are the greatest.
CtrlAltDnc
It pisses me off when I go to explain this to someone and they say "... that sounds dumb". That show is fucking genius and we aren't friends
FlatPlutoSociety
I suppose I should give it another shot. I watched the first three or four episodes and it just didn't grab me.
littlemirrorsatourfeet
Honestly, the first episodes aren't that great. I promise it gets way better.
AZDan2012
Didn't they say Samurai Jack was part of tbe Power Puff Girls?
FireflyArc
Did they?
Snooj
I think there's a theory that they both happened in the same Universe. Buildings Jack comes across match buildings form PPG, etc.
paylmowtin
Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of Samurai Jack) also worked on Power Puff Girls
DrOsmium
You're probably thinking of the episode of Jack that had a ton of PPG references, and I think that's all they were.
FeilongFaye
Avatar the Last Airbender will always be the best story I've experienced on all platforms, comics, shows, cosplay. Long live Avatar Aang.
Megarith
The finale had me on the edge of my seat choking back tears throughout all of it. The scene, the music, the everything. Fucking. Glorious.
TheDogEnd
I totally agree that ATLA is probably the best animated series I've ever seen...sometimes, though, it does remind me that it's a kid's show
Killrapture
Season one for sure
omnipotentmonkey
I know, it's so good that I've unfortunately become too judgemental of other shows since watching it, it raises the bar so damn high.
CtrlAltDnc
all platforms... I see you forgot the movie...
Relicanth
hey op, you have Korra listed as a predecessor to ATLA. ATLA is the predecessor to Korra. Just thought you should know.
omnipotentmonkey
I know, I meant to say Successor the second time, I correctly referred to Avatar as Korra's predecessor in the Korra entry though.
Relicanth
ok
Schmuck4hire
It's like what Rob Walker said. "This isn't just a really good show... This is one of the greatest shows I have ever seen."
wobbu
It's just a rock-solid piece of work. It's not flawless, but the flaws it has aren't very big and you might not even notice. Real good.
TheChosenOne77
Too bad M. Night Shamalamadingdong ruined the movie.
TheFireLordOzai
omnipotentmonkey
What movie?.... there was no movie, Shyamalan realised he had lost his touch after Lady in the Water and retired from filmmaking...
CassiusFaux
Except the movie. That should burn.
saffyy
Rick and Morty is the pinnacle of animated entertainment >:0
SsSsSs111112232
ufff the feels
Queenbeeknocksmeonmyknees
Spoiler alert, he dies...
cookiedude
Korra is Avatar's quadriplegic cousin with down syndrome.That shit doesn't even come close to the awesomeness that is The Last Airbender.
ThatDarnBandit
Absolutely loved avatar. Hated how dumbed down korra felt.
Cspen96
what about movies?
CerealFirstOrWaterFirst
Well time to rewatch all of avatar the last air bender. this is your fault.
MinishSage
Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood gives avatar a run for its money.
xuvial
I can't enjoy an FMA marathon with the family, but I can with ATLA. They are simply two different kinds of animation and are both excellent.
omnipotentmonkey
Nah, I love both fullmetal alchemist series but i'd say Avatar mastered all of it's various traits better, for instance, Brotherhood's 1/
kerrath
my favorite story's berserk. its dark as fuck but if you have the stomach for it it's the best anime i've ever seen and i've seen a lot.
omnipotentmonkey
attempts to weave comedy into drama were sometimes utterly perplexing. like when Maria Ross needs to break out of prison and she starts 2/
omnipotentmonkey
funny happening, it's just weird. and the while the 2003 series is better directed and absolutely masterful in tone, the writing - 4/
omnipotentmonkey
5/ isn't quite as good as Brotherhood or Avatar... that being said, Fullmetal Alchemist (both of them, for different reasons) is my 5/
omnipotentmonkey
contemplating how all of this happened to her. what should be a dramatic moment is framed as a comedy moment despite absolutely nothing 3/
omnipotentmonkey
favourite anime series, it's as close as anything gets to Avatar quality for me... 6/
TheOnlyOriginalScreenNameLeft
Needs moar Venture Bros.
darntootin
I agree
AngryPaddyNI
Here, here! Brother!
ProfessorDumbass
YESSSSS
BurlRavenscroft
3 days!!!!
HisDudness
You'll be getting it Sunday, new season starts then.
Lezbedevious
What!?!?!
HisDudness
Lezbedevious
Haha awesome!
xDownSetx
Fuck I had no idea it was already here! Thanks!
omnipotentmonkey
haven't seen it, but have heard great things about it.
TheOnlyOriginalScreenNameLeft
It's a fantastic homage to cartoons from the 80s. It even gets fairly complex storyline-wise around the later seasons.
DrHowardBannister
80s? Try Even farther back. Original concept is a parody of Johnny Quest.
Blaghs
Why should you watch Korra? This fucking fight scene:
v
BayazTheBenevolent
It is a really awesome scene. A shame the storywriting was kinda meh in Korra because the animation and music were top notch.
whoawhatacoolusername
I never realized how amazingly well that environment was both dead background and effect-active battlefield.
shmopplesandbanonos
Hell yes
javer80
You'll never convince me Bolin wasn't the best thing about that show.
cheeseguydudeman
http://orig15.deviantart.net/b821/f/2013/272/1/6/screenshot_1_by_gagep931-d6ofd79.png
LiquidMilk
Oh man, i got so many chills during the 3 final episodes of s3.. The animation, the music, EVERYTHING was so well done. Should've ended 1/2
LiquidMilk
2/2 the series there instead of dragging it out with s4. S3 was the ending it deserved, even if it was tragic as fuck
Blaghs
I still really liked S4 (aside from a few missteps), but S3 did have a perfect Empire Strikes Back sort of miserable ending.
LiquidMilk
S4 did a lot of things right - i just wanted the finale to be a fight between benders instead of a giant crappy animated robot :/
LiquidMilk
And i'm go out on a limb and say that korrasami felt incredibly forced to me :(
rainbowpantalones
Not as serious as the ones here, but Phineas and Ferb.
Toonight
On the same note, the new iteration of My Little Pony. It's a little cheesy at times, though.
Mizopoad
Seriously some of the most hilarious dialogue and catchiest songs ever.
iAMaWaffles
I still hear the welcome to Tokyo song in my nightmares.
Aryn240
seriously. The jokes are so damn well written. They don't rely on stupidity or crudeness, either. They're just honestly funny
Mobileuserwholikestoberandom
A-G-L-E-T Don't forget it! And I never did...
SmertNSpecial
And now no one forgets it. Such a blessing
Sheepyhead
I found the pacing of that show abysmal
omnipotentmonkey
not one of my faves, but it is a sorely underrated series some of its more direct parodies are particularly brilliant.
INowHaveAdditionalQuestions
They did a Leroy Jenkins parody. I'd suggest looking it up.
BardicLasher
Hey, where's Perry?
HisDudness
Gravity Falls is totally a kid's show..
oh yeah
pnutzgg
oh wow they put the thing into that show
FlatPlutoSociety
https://media.giphy.com/media/2cigUeRFficyk/giphy.gif
HisDudness
Here kid! Deer teeth! For you! Also, here's a head that's always screaming!
BurroWreck
I ate a man alive tonight.
MagnorCriol
This trick can be done for basically all the shows on this list. That's why they're awesome.