Top 20 Cartoons For Anime Lovers

As a huge anime fan, I’ve been so thrilled to discover Western cartoons that give me a similar feeling! I love how anime builds complex stories, has amazing art, and really focuses on developing its characters. Luckily, there are a bunch of cartoons out there that do the same thing – they have those long, involved storylines, really cool action sequences, and worlds that feel so rich and detailed if you pay attention. It’s perfect when I’m looking for something different from my usual anime favorites.

Here’s a collection of twenty shows that combine exciting action with ongoing stories and meaningful ideas. These series draw inspiration from myths, video games, comics, and traditions from around the world. The studios behind them are also pushing boundaries with unique visual styles. We’ve included details about each show’s story and how it was made to help you choose your next binge-watch.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, this Nickelodeon show centers on Aang and his companions as they journey through a world divided into four nations, each with the ability to control a different element – water, earth, fire, or air. The series is structured around distinct story arcs, following Aang’s progress as he learns to master his abilities and navigate the growing tensions and conflicts between the nations, ultimately leading to a major showdown.

The show creatively combines elements of East Asian and Inuit cultures with carefully planned martial arts sequences that match each character’s unique abilities. A South Korean studio helped with the animation, and the series stands out for its strong storyline, consistent details, and complete 61-episode arc – it was designed with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014)

This show takes place decades after the original ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ and follows Korra as the world quickly embraces new technology and industry. Over four seasons, she faces different challenges, including groups fighting against bending and problems arising from the spirit world.

The show is set in a city with a unique steampunk style and features a new competitive sport called pro bending, which has its own set of rules and impressive moves. It continues to explore the different bending abilities while also delving deeper into the history of spirits, previous Avatars, and the tension between modern technology and ancient customs.

‘Samurai Jack’ (2001–2017)

Genndy Tartakovsky’s show centers around a samurai who’s been thrown into the future and is trying to return to his own time to defeat the evil Aku. The first episodes aired on Cartoon Network, and the story concluded years later with a final season that was notably more mature and serious.

As a critic, I found this show visually stunning. It doesn’t rely on a lot of talking; instead, it uses striking imagery – think dramatic shadows and beautifully composed shots – to tell its stories. The directors really lean into showing, not telling, especially during action sequences and travel scenes. What struck me most was how quickly they establish the atmosphere and setting through clever use of color and background details. Each episode feels fresh – sometimes it’s a self-contained story, and other times it pushes the overall plot forward, keeping you engaged and moving towards our hero’s ultimate objective.

‘Primal’ (2019–2022)

Created by Genndy Tartakovsky, this animated series follows Spear, a hunter from the Stone Age, and Fang, a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The story is told mostly through visuals, focusing on themes of survival, loss, and how trust develops between the two.

The show’s action scenes are carefully crafted to realistically portray bodies in motion. Each episode takes viewers to unique and dangerous locations populated by dinosaurs and warring tribes. Visually striking art – using strong lines and colors – builds suspense even without characters speaking.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

This animated series, created by Powerhouse Animation, is based on the Konami video game and follows Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Alucard as they battle Dracula and other dangers in Wallachia. Each season is divided into story arcs that build tension and reimagine the game’s original story for television.

The show features beautifully animated characters who often fight with weapons and magic, all set against a backdrop of Gothic European scenery. While it includes mature themes and intricate political storylines like many Japanese anime dramas, it’s still an original Western production with a complete story of its own.

‘Blood of Zeus’ (2020)

This new story, created by the same team, centers on Heron, a young man who learns he’s descended from the gods of Olympus. It’s inspired by Greek mythology, but features unique groups and powerful demons that stand against the gods themselves.

The show features exciting battles with swords, spears, and fantastical beasts, and its music enhances massive scenes of conflict between giants and angelic forces. Each season is built around adventurous journeys, acts of treachery, and challenging tests, much like the stories of ancient legends.

‘Arcane’ (2021)

This series, set in the world of the game ‘League of Legends’, centers on the complicated relationship between sisters Vi and Jinx. The story unfolds as conflict grows between the rich city of Piltover and the troubled undercity of Zaun. The first season explores the characters’ backstories, political unrest, and the impact of emerging technologies, all presented in distinct parts.

Created by Fortiche and Riot, the series has a unique visual style, blending 3D animation with hand-painted textures to resemble a painting. Action sequences are clear and well-designed, showcasing each character’s special skills, and the story is told from different perspectives across both cities.

‘Young Justice’ (2010–2022)

This DC show centers around a secret team of rising heroes who work with the Justice League. Each season jumps forward in time, introducing new members, changing relationships, and ongoing undercover operations.

The show follows the characters’ development using recordings of their missions, post-mission discussions, and connected storylines that unfold over multiple seasons. Action sequences are carefully planned to emphasize sneaking, cooperation, and the risks of working secretly.

‘Teen Titans’ (2003–2006)

The show brings together Robin, Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, who live and operate out of a central tower. Each episode typically features both standalone adventures against new villains, and ongoing storylines focused on characters like Slade and other familiar enemies.

The show blends humor with action sequences inspired by anime. Episodes delve into the characters’ abilities, backstories, and how they work together as a team, all while building a consistent storyline.

‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’ (2016–2018)

This new take on the classic giant robot story unites five pilots who combine to form Voltron, defending the universe from a powerful empire. The series explores different alien civilizations, the bonds between allies, and a growing network of rebels.

Created by Studio Mir, the show delivers exciting action with space fights, sword battles, and impressive teamwork as the lions combine into one powerful machine. The story unfolds through past events and political talks that change the course of the war.

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018)

This fantasy adventure, created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond, centers on two human princes and an elven assassin who team up for a dangerous quest. Their mission involves protecting a dragon egg and trying to unite a fractured land. The world of Xadia is built around powerful, natural magic linked to elements like the sky and moon.

The show features unique, computer-generated animation, particularly suited for intense, up-close combat and magic use. Each season explores new lands, cultures, and types of magic, all while telling a consistent story about bringing people together and finding common ground.

‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’ (2020)

The story starts with Kipo leaving her underground home and discovering a world above ground that’s been taken over by mutated creatures. As she travels, she passes through various territories, each controlled by a different group with its own distinct culture and style.

The show features memorable musical numbers that reveal who the characters are and reflect the world they live in. Visually, it’s vibrant and features imaginative creatures. The story centers on a journey to find loved ones and build a peaceful future.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

Adora finds a magical sword that gives her the power to become She-Ra, leading her to leave the Horde and join forces with a group of princesses. The series gradually reveals a detailed world filled with different kingdoms, powerful objects, and advanced technology, all connected to a bigger war.

Each episode mixes exciting adventures with glimpses into the characters’ pasts and clues about where She-Ra’s powers come from. The animation is clear and focuses on both dynamic action and characters who really show their emotions. Each season wraps up a particular problem while also gradually revealing the bigger story.

‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)

This animated series takes place in historical Japan and centers on Mizu, a highly skilled swordfighter who keeps her true identity secret while tracking down a series of targets. The story unfolds through her journeys, memories from the past, and interactions with a diverse cast of characters – from artisans and aristocrats to members of the criminal underworld.

The animation combines computer-generated imagery with a traditional, hand-drawn look, making the sword fights easy to follow and impactful. The detailed designs of everything from clothing and tools to weapons and social classes create a believable historical setting for the story of revenge.

‘Pantheon’ (2022–2023)

This science fiction series, inspired by the stories of Ken Liu, delves into the world of uploaded minds and what happens when people can live forever digitally. The story weaves together the lives of several characters connected by secret corporate projects and hidden programs.

Titmouse’s animation style embraces a modern, tech-focused look, featuring lots of screens, simulations, and virtual environments. The show explores how power changes when new kinds of intelligence emerge, using multiple timelines and constantly shifting loyalties to tell the story.

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008–2020)

This series takes place between Episodes II and III of ‘Star Wars’ and follows the adventures of Anakin, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan as they fight across the galaxy. The story is told in connected arcs that shift between different battlegrounds and also reveal how the Republic operates behind the scenes.

The show features a unique, visually striking 3D style and includes epic battles in space and intense lightsaber fights. It also delves deeper into the stories of clone troopers, giving them names, backgrounds, and making their actions more meaningful when we see them in the movies.

‘The Owl House’ (2020–2023)

Luz Noceda finds a magical portal to a world called the Boiling Isles and begins learning witchcraft from a rule-breaking witch named Eda. The series follows Luz as she navigates school, goes on adventures, and uncovers a mystery connecting the human world to the demon world.

The show focuses on detailed character movements, magical symbols, staff usage, and interactions with creatures. The world is built through carefully designed locations, including different districts and areas controlled by magical groups. The main storyline reaches its conclusion through a series of special episodes that wrap up the core narrative.

‘Gravity Falls’ (2012–2016)

Dipper and Mabel, twin siblings, spend a summer vacation with their great uncle and discover a town brimming with strange creatures, spooky curses, and secret messages. Each episode presents a new case that slowly reveals a bigger, overarching mystery connected to hidden journals and secret organizations.

The show keeps viewers engaged with repeating puzzles, codes, and hidden clues revealed after the credits. It blends humor and spooky moments, and wraps up with a planned final episode that resolves the central mystery.

‘Invincible’ (2021)

This show, inspired by the comic book by Robert Kirkman, centers on Mark Grayson and his journey to become a hero while living in the shadow of his father, Omni-Man. The first season reveals a conspiracy that completely changes Mark’s perception of how Earth is protected.

The animation focuses on making movements like flying, fast action, and powerful hits easy to follow, and it doesn’t shy away from showing the results of those impacts. The show takes the main storylines from the original source, but rearranges the timing of events to work better as a TV series.

‘RWBY’ (2013)

This series, created by Monty Oum for Rooster Teeth, is set in Remnant, a world where teams of skilled fighters—huntsmen and huntresses—train to battle dangerous creatures known as Grimm. The story begins by showing what life is like at the academy where they train, and then grows into a much bigger conflict.

The show features 3D animation and unique weapons that can be used both up close and from a distance. Each season is divided into chapters, following characters through competitions, quests, and epic adventures across vast lands.

Let us know what you’re enjoying and recommend some other anime for fans to watch in the comments below!

2025-10-08 07:48