Animated Movies That Are Definitely Not For Kids

For a long time, animation has been seen as something for kids, but it’s actually a powerful way to tell stories for adults too. Animated films are increasingly tackling serious and complex subjects like political conflict, emotional struggles, and intense action. These movies often have intricate plots and push the boundaries of what people expect from animation. The films listed below are made for grown-up audiences who enjoy thought-provoking and gripping cinema.

‘Akira’ (1988)

Set in a futuristic Tokyo, the movie centers around a biker who gains incredible telekinetic powers through a top-secret military experiment. As his abilities become increasingly uncontrollable, he poses a serious danger to the city. The film is known for its disturbing and graphic imagery, and it tackles issues like societal discontent and corrupt government practices. It’s also highly regarded for introducing Japanese animation to a wider, more mature international audience.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

I just finished watching this animated movie and wow, it really stuck with me. It’s about a former pop star trying to become an actress, but things get really messed up when she starts losing track of what’s real and what’s part of her roles. She’s also dealing with a scary stalker and the stress of her new career just completely breaks her down. It’s a really intense movie, using some pretty striking visuals and editing to explore what it means to be famous and who you really are when everyone thinks they know you. Honestly, it’s become one of my favorite psychological thrillers, and it’s amazing that it’s done with animation!

‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)

This story follows two siblings as they fight to survive in Japan near the end of World War II. They endure terrible hardship and hunger as the world around them collapses. The focus isn’t on battles, but on how the war deeply affects ordinary people. It’s a powerfully moving story known for its honest and heartbreaking portrayal of suffering.

‘Sausage Party’ (2016)

This animated movie follows a group of talking groceries who realize the grim reality of what happens after customers buy them. They team up to try and escape and alert the other food items in the store. Unlike typical family-friendly cartoons, this film uses adult humor and strong language to challenge expectations, and surprisingly tackles big questions about life, religion, and purpose – all while trying to be funny.

‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008)

This animated documentary follows a filmmaker as he tries to piece together his forgotten memories of the 1982 Lebanon War by talking to people who were there. The film beautifully portrays the lasting emotional damage experienced by both soldiers and civilians, eventually leading to a heartbreaking understanding of a particular tragic event from the war. The animation uses a distinctive color scheme to reflect how unreliable and fragmented memories can be.

‘Anomalisa’ (2015)

A customer service representative struggling with loneliness perceives everyone around him as having the same appearance and voice. His world is turned upside down when he encounters a remarkable woman while traveling for work. This stop-motion animated film features lifelike characters and delves into profound themes of isolation and the search for connection, including a refreshingly honest portrayal of intimacy not often found in animation.

‘South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut’ (1999)

A group of four boys in a small town cause an international incident – accidentally starting a conflict between the U.S. and Canada – after sneaking into a restricted movie. This satirical musical comedy sharply criticizes both censorship and how parents oversee their children’s media consumption, and it’s known for its incredibly crude language. A bizarre subplot involves a romantic relationship between Satan and Saddam Hussein in the afterlife. The film is infamous for having more swear words than any other animated movie ever made.

‘Heavy Metal’ (1981)

A strange, glowing green sphere from space shares a collection of imaginative and often disturbing stories with a girl. These short tales cover a wide range of styles, from futuristic science fiction to classic fantasy adventures. The series is known for its intense violence and mind-bending visuals, all set to a driving rock soundtrack that makes it clearly for mature audiences.

‘A Scanner Darkly’ (2006)

In a future world, a police officer working undercover gets hooked on a new, risky drug. As he monitors his friends for crimes, he starts to lose himself. The movie’s unique, fluid animation style visually reflects his deteriorating mental state. It’s a thought-provoking film about the consequences of the drug war and the erosion of personal privacy.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

In a futuristic city, a police officer who is also a cyborg chases a shadowy hacker called the Puppet Master. As she investigates, she begins to question what it means to be human and what consciousness truly is. The movie delves into big ideas about technology and the soul, all set within a stunningly detailed world. It became a major influence on science fiction films for years to come.

‘Fritz the Cat’ (1972)

This animated film follows a quick-witted cat’s journey through 1960s New York City, where he meets people from all walks of life. He indulges in pleasure-seeking activities and gets swept up in the passionate world of radical politics. Notably, it was the first animated movie to receive an X rating in the US, offering a sharp and often mocking look at the rebellious spirit of the time.

‘Mad God’ (2021)

A silent, stop-motion film follows an assassin as they journey into a dark underground world. This world is filled with disturbing creatures and crumbling, industrial ruins. The film tells its story entirely through visuals and creates a chilling atmosphere, portraying a nightmarish place where terrifying mechanical and organic horrors are commonplace. The filmmakers spent decades bringing this intricately crafted vision to life.

‘The Wolf House’ (2018)

A young woman flees a strict religious community in Chile and finds shelter in a remote cabin. Inside, the house itself seems to be alive, with walls and furniture constantly moving and changing. The film uses detailed stop-motion animation with life-sized characters and painted sets to create a feeling of being trapped and uneasy. The story draws inspiration from the true history of a particular colony and the painful experiences of those who lived there.

‘Cryptozoo’ (2021)

This movie follows zookeepers attempting to capture a creature that feeds on dreams, sparking a debate about whether mythical beings should be shown to the public or kept secret. With a visually striking, psychedelic style, the film depicts intense fights between people and these mysterious creatures. It explores the tension between protecting nature and profiting from it, using fantastical elements to offer a thought-provoking commentary on society.

‘Beavis and Butt-Head Do America’ (1996)

Two clueless teens embark on a cross-country road trip to recover their stolen TV, and accidentally stumble into a major government plot involving a dangerous biological weapon. The movie keeps the same raunchy humor and sharp social commentary as the original show, and tells its story with simple animation, highlighting how little the main characters actually know.

‘Paprika’ (2006)

A therapist uses a machine to access and treat her patients’ psychological problems within their dreams. But when the device is stolen, the line between dreams and reality blurs. The movie shows a strange and unsettling mix of dream worlds colliding, diving into the hidden parts of the human mind and warning about the risks of unchecked technological advancement.

‘It’s Such a Beautiful Day’ (2012)

The film tells the story of Bill, a man grappling with memory loss and an unknown mental health condition. It’s visually unique, blending simple stick figure animation with real-life footage and dreamlike imagery. We see Bill’s everyday life unfold as he experiences increasingly strange hallucinations and a growing sense of unease about life and death. Ultimately, the film is a thought-provoking exploration of how delicate life is and what it means to face our own mortality.

‘Persepolis’ (2007)

This film tells the story of a girl coming of age in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. It shows how she struggles to find her place and stay true to herself amidst a time of huge political upheaval. The movie is shot in black and white, giving a sense of the protagonist’s personal recollections and experiences, and offers a unique, intimate look at these important historical events through her journey.

‘Mary and Max’ (2009)

Over years of writing letters to each other, a solitary girl in Australia and a man in New York City, who struggles with obesity and Asperger’s, form an unlikely friendship. Their correspondence explores difficult subjects like mental health, addiction, and what it truly means to connect with another person. The film, created with stop motion animation and a subdued color scheme, reflects the characters’ often-sad lives, blending dark humor with a powerfully touching story about human connection.

‘The Spine of Night’ (2021)

A group of characters battles an ancient, evil force that’s trying to destroy their world. This animated film, created using rotoscoping, is very violent and presents a dark vision of the future, spanning many years. It’s inspired by mature animated fantasy from the 1980s, but tells a unique story rooted in cosmic horror. The story explores how power corrupts and the lasting importance of knowledge.

‘America: The Motion Picture’ (2021)

This movie presents a wildly reimagined American Revolution, starring George Washington with a chainsaw and a beer-enthusiast Sam Adams battling the British. It’s a deliberately over-the-top and violent comedy that pokes fun at American history and well-known figures using crude humor and exaggerated action. The film intentionally twists historical events for laughs and to make a satirical point.

‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ (2020)

As a longtime fan of these animated films, I was completely floored by this one. It felt like a true ending to a whole era, and it didn’t pull any punches. Our heroes take a brutal beating from Darkseid, and they’re really pushed to the brink. What struck me most was how final everything felt – and honestly, it was a lot darker and more violent than your typical superhero movie. Several beloved characters don’t make it, and the film really leans into a sense of grim realism and high stakes. It was tough to watch, but it felt earned and incredibly impactful.

‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ (2016)

I was completely shocked when I heard the Joker had escaped Arkham! He immediately went after Commissioner Gordon, trying to prove his twisted point that anyone can break if they just have one really awful day. This movie actually starts with a look at Batman and Batgirl’s relationship, which was a great addition. It’s a really dark and intense film, diving deep into the psychology of both Batman and the Joker, and it includes a truly disturbing scene involving Barbara Gordon. It really gets into the messed-up connection between a hero and his enemy, and how far they’ll both go.

‘In This Corner of the World’ (2016)

This story follows a young woman as she begins her married life in a new city amidst the growing turmoil of World War II. Despite the challenges of rationing and the constant threat of air raids, she strives to create a normal life. The narrative offers a deeply personal and detailed glimpse into the everyday experiences of Japanese civilians before the atomic bombs fell, combining stunning hand-drawn artwork with a powerfully realistic portrayal of survival.

‘Barefoot Gen’ (1983)

The film tells the story of a boy who lives through the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and struggles to help his family afterward. It includes a disturbing and frightening scene showing the immediate impact of the bomb on the city’s people. Based on the true story of its creator, the film is a strong message against war, highlighting the incredible strength of the human spirit even in the face of total devastation.

‘Belladonna of Sadness’ (1973)

After a local lord mistreats her, a woman makes a dangerous pact with a demonic entity. The film is visually striking, created with experimental watercolor animation that looks like a series of beautiful, moving paintings. It tackles mature and sexually charged themes, and tells the story of a downtrodden woman finding power in unconventional, even unsettling, ways. This unique and daring animated film is considered a landmark achievement in adult animation.

‘Urotsukidōji: Legend of the Overfiend’ (1989)

This movie centers around a demon trying to possess a human, with the goal of resurrecting a powerful god and causing the apocalypse. It’s known for its intensely graphic violence, including gore and sexual content, and heavily influenced the darker elements seen in some Japanese animated films. The story combines dark fantasy and end-of-the-world horror, making it suitable only for adult audiences.

‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ (2000)

This animated film follows a vampire hunter—who is part human—as he races against time and a competing team of bounty hunters to save a woman kidnapped by a ruthless vampire lord. Set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world, the movie blends intense action with classic Gothic horror, featuring striking character designs by a celebrated artist and geared towards mature audiences.

‘Ninja Scroll’ (1993)

A skilled swordsman for hire finds himself caught in a dangerous conflict when he’s forced to fight a group of powerful, otherworldly warriors who are trying to take over the government. He joins forces with a female ninja, and together they face a series of life-or-death challenges. The movie is well-known for its exciting, quick action and unique character appearances, but it also features a lot of violence and deals with mature subject matter.

‘Wicked City’ (1987)

A fragile peace between humans and demons is jeopardized by extremist groups. Two agents, one human and one demon, are forced to work together to protect a diplomat whose efforts are vital to maintaining the treaty. The film is known for its disturbing imagery, gritty city settings, and is a prime example of the darker, more mature animated films that became popular in the 1980s.

‘I Lost My Body’ (2019)

This film tells the strange but moving story of a hand that escapes from a lab and journeys through Paris to find the rest of its body. As it travels, the hand recalls memories of its former life and the accident that caused its separation. Through this unusual premise, the film explores themes of loss and destiny, blending the bizarre with a deeply human and emotional story.

‘Wrinkles’ (2011)

After an elderly man’s Alzheimer’s disease worsens, his family decides to move him into a care home. There, he forms a friendship with his roommate and adjusts to life with the difficulties of aging. The story portrays the challenges of mental decline with respect and truthfulness, using straightforward animation to emphasize the characters’ feelings.

‘Chico & Rita’ (2010)

This movie tells the love story of a gifted pianist and a stunning singer in 1940s Havana, as they chase their ambitions in the jazz scene. Over the years, their relationship takes them across the globe, and they navigate both career challenges and personal struggles. With a lively soundtrack, the film delves into the origins of Latin jazz and offers a mature, honest portrayal of a decades-long romance, including its complexities.

‘The Congress’ (2013)

A veteran actress allows a studio to create a digital copy of herself, enabling them to use her image in films indefinitely. Later, she finds herself in a world where people can chemically alter their appearance to become cartoon-like versions of themselves. The movie combines real-life footage with dreamlike animation to offer a critique of the entertainment world and the dangers of losing one’s unique identity. It portrays a bleak future dominated by the manufactured realities of large corporations.

‘Another Day of Life’ (2018)

In 1975, as Angola became independent, a journalist went there to report on the beginning of a civil war. The film tells this true story by blending classic animation with real footage and interviews. It powerfully shows the confusion and difficult choices people face during wartime, and especially how reporting from a conflict zone affects those who witness it.

‘My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea’ (2016)

A high school suddenly plunges off a cliff and into the ocean, and a group of students must find a way to escape. The movie has a distinctive, deliberately rough visual style, like sketches from a student’s notebook. It blends the excitement of disaster films with a story about growing up, and also offers some clever observations about society. The writing and jokes are geared towards viewers who enjoy and understand typical teen drama tropes.

‘Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles’ (2018)

Luis Buñuel, a famous filmmaker, journeyed to a poor part of Spain to make a documentary. The film shows how he worked and the difficult ethical questions he wrestled with while filming the lives of the people there. It uses dreamlike scenes to reveal his thoughts and the surrealist ideas that influenced him. Ultimately, it’s a look into the life and work of a major figure in film.

‘Ruben Brandt, Collector’ (2018)

A therapist plagued by disturbing dreams about famous artworks decides the only way to find peace is to steal the paintings. He assembles a team of four former patients, turning them into a sophisticated group of art thieves. The movie has a striking visual style, portraying characters as if they’re living paintings inspired by Cubism and Surrealism. It’s a quick-moving heist film packed with nods to both classic movies and art history.

‘MFKZ’ (2017)

I’m completely hooked on this new movie! It follows a young guy living in a really messed-up city, and things start getting weird when he begins seeing these strange shadows. Turns out, he’s not who he thought he was – he has powers! Now, he’s on the run from these shadowy government types, and he’s desperately trying to figure out where he comes from just to stay alive. It’s a really cool mix of street life and sci-fi, with hints of alien stuff thrown in. The whole thing is fast-paced and intense, and it doesn’t shy away from some tough visuals, but it really adds to the dark, gritty feel of the story.

‘Felidae’ (1994)

A housecat finds himself in a new neighborhood and starts looking into a string of terrible cat killings. He discovers a sinister plot involving secret genetic experiments and a group who believe cats are superior to other animals. The movie is surprisingly violent and disturbing for a story about pets, and it’s a dark mystery that tackles serious issues through the eyes of its animal characters.

‘When the Wind Blows’ (1986)

The film follows a British elderly couple who attempt to weather a nuclear attack using official government survival guides. Despite the grim circumstances and the effects of radiation poisoning, they maintain a remarkably positive and polite attitude. The story highlights the stark contrast between their ordinary, everyday life and the terrifying reality of a worldwide disaster, offering a powerful and moving commentary on the dangers of nuclear war and the failings of those in power.

‘Mars Express’ (2023)

A detective and her robotic partner investigate the disappearance of a student in a futuristic Martian colony. Their search leads them to a larger conspiracy surrounding artificial intelligence and how humans and robots will coexist. The movie is visually stunning, with a detailed style that enhances its intricate, noir-inspired story. It tackles modern issues about technology and morality, presenting them through a thoughtful and mature science fiction perspective.

‘Mind Game’ (2004)

A man dies unexpectedly and gets a surprising second chance at life after an encounter with God. His journey back is anything but ordinary – it includes being swallowed by a massive whale and narrowly escaping dangerous criminals. The film tells his story with a unique and visually dynamic style, using different types of animation to reflect his evolving outlook. Ultimately, it’s a vibrant and thought-provoking film about destiny and embracing life.

‘The Peasants’ (2023)

This film tells the story of a young woman in 19th-century Poland who is compelled to marry a rich widower, even though she loves his son. Set against the backdrop of changing seasons and strict village customs, the movie is uniquely animated using oil paintings – each frame created in the style of classic realist artists. It’s a thoughtful and mature exploration of forbidden love and the pressures of society.

‘Birdboy: The Forgotten Children’ (2015)

This film centers on a group of teenagers attempting to flee a desolate island after a catastrophic event, all while battling their own inner struggles. The story focuses on a troubled boy with a mysterious past and a girl longing for a brighter future. Despite the dark and violent world they live in, the film features charming character designs. It offers a fresh and memorable take on difficult themes like addiction and the breakdown of society.

‘The Old Man Movie’ (2019)

When three kids spend the summer with their grandfather, they accidentally let his beloved cow escape. Now, they have to find her quickly – if the cow isn’t milked soon, things could get explosively messy for the whole countryside! This Estonian animated film is a wild, surreal comedy packed with over-the-top humor definitely intended for adults, using stop-motion animation to deliver some truly bizarre and shocking visual gags.

‘Unicorn Wars’ (2022)

This animated film depicts a surprisingly dark and violent war between teddy bears and unicorns in a magical forest. At its heart, it’s the story of two feuding brothers caught in the brutal conflict. Despite the adorable character designs, the movie tackles heavy themes, acting as a troubling commentary on fanaticism and the origins of evil.

What are some of your favorite animated movies made for adults? Also, let us know which ones were the most surprising or shocking – share your thoughts in the comments!

2026-02-10 13:50