Overrated Animated Series Everyone Seems To Like

by

Animation isn’t just for kids anymore – it’s become a powerful way to tell all kinds of stories that everyone can enjoy. While many animated series are hugely popular and well-regarded, some people think certain shows get more attention than they really deserve. This can be because of fond memories, current trends, or simply because a passionate group of fans really loves them. Looking at these popular shows reminds us that what’s considered ‘good’ entertainment is often a matter of opinion, and people connect with stories in different ways.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

The Simpsons is a show about an everyday family living in the made-up town of Springfield. It changed animated television, becoming hugely popular around the world in the early 1990s. While some critics feel the show’s quality dipped starting with the tenth season, it’s still running today and continues to attract a large audience. Many consider it one of the most important and influential TV shows ever made.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

Family Guy is an animated sitcom about the quirky Griffin family and their talking dog, set in Rhode Island. The show is famous for its quick, unrelated jokes and constant nods to popular culture. While initially popular, some viewers feel recent seasons have become overly reliant on shocking humor and predictable storylines, sacrificing meaningful content. Despite being canceled twice, the show was brought back thanks to strong DVD sales and high ratings when shown in reruns. Even with mixed reviews lately, Family Guy remains a popular choice for adult animation fans.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–Present)

‘Rick and Morty’ follows the wild, interdimensional travels of a grumpy scientist and his grandson. The show became incredibly popular thanks to its clever science fiction ideas and edgy humor. While some reviewers feel recent episodes have become too focused on referencing itself and making meta-jokes, and the show’s passionate fans have sometimes created a negative public image, it remains a huge hit for the network and a key part of today’s animated landscape.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–Present)

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ follows the funny adventures of a cheerful yellow sponge and his friends who live in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom. The show is a huge hit for Nickelodeon and has led to several movies and spin-off series. Many fans feel the show changed after the first three seasons and the original movie, with later episodes having less clever writing and more over-the-top characters. Despite this, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ continues to be incredibly popular with children all over the world.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

South Park centers around the everyday, often strange, lives of four boys growing up in a small town in Colorado. The show is well-known for being made very quickly and for its sharp commentary on current events. While some fans think recent episodes focus too much on the news and not enough on the characters themselves, others feel the show’s attempts at political neutrality have become predictable over its long run. Despite these criticisms, South Park still challenges conventions and remains an important part of popular culture.

‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)

Adventure Time follows Finn the Human and Jake the Dog as they navigate the fantastical, post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. The show is well-known for its creative world and the way its story developed over its eight seasons. While many love its complex mythology, some feel it lost the lightheartedness of the earlier episodes. With so many episodes, it can also be challenging to keep track of the overarching story. Adventure Time is considered a major influence on a new wave of animators and creators.

‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019)

Steven Universe centers around a young boy and his life with the Crystal Gems, a trio of magical aliens. The show is praised for being inclusive and emotionally resonant, though some viewers feel the story sometimes moves at an uneven pace and that some villains were redeemed too hastily. While its emphasis on story details and character relationships appeals to many, others who prefer more straightforward action might find it less engaging. Despite these criticisms, Steven Universe remains popular for its uplifting themes and memorable music.

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

As a huge fan, I always describe ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ as the story of Aang learning to control all four elements while trying to save a world torn apart by war. It’s often called one of the best cartoons ever made, and for good reason – the characters are so well-developed and the world they live in feels incredibly real. I’ve heard some people say the first few episodes are a little childish and the jokes don’t always hit with older audiences, but honestly, that doesn’t bother me much. The show has a massive, devoted fanbase, and it’s awesome to see its story continue with comics and now even a live-action series!

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

BoJack Horseman is a darkly funny and dramatic show that takes place in a world where people and animals live together. It’s known for its honest and relatable portrayal of difficult topics like depression and addiction, as well as a critical look at the downsides of celebrity. While many consider it a brilliant show, some viewers find its constant negativity draining or predictable. The series is also notable for its creative use of animation and storytelling. It ended after receiving high praise from critics and being nominated for numerous awards.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

‘Naruto’ follows a young ninja’s journey to become his village’s leader. The show is famous for its exciting fight scenes and diverse characters. While popular, it’s sometimes criticized for having many episodes that don’t advance the main story. Some viewers also find the main character annoying at times, and the show’s power levels can feel uneven. ‘Naruto’ played a key role in bringing anime to a wider audience in the West during the early 2000s.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they adventure to find the greatest treasure ever known. The show is famous for its detailed world and its epic, long-running story, which has over a thousand episodes. While many love it, some viewers and critics feel the story sometimes moves too slowly, particularly in recent seasons. Its length can also be daunting for new fans, making it seem like a big commitment. Despite this, One Piece remains incredibly popular, consistently ranking among the best-selling manga and anime series worldwide.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996)

Dragon Ball Z follows Goku and his friends as they protect Earth from incredibly strong enemies. The series is famous for helping to define the shonen anime style and is known for its memorable character transformations and action-packed fights. While popular, it’s sometimes criticized for long battles and a plot that can feel repetitive. Some fans also feel the characters become so powerful that the drama loses its impact. Despite these points, Dragon Ball Z remains a huge part of popular culture, with new series and products still being released.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019–Present)

I’m a huge fan of ‘Demon Slayer’! It’s about a young guy who becomes a demon hunter after tragedy strikes his family. What really grabs you is the animation – Ufotable did an amazing job, and the fight scenes are just breathtaking. I’ve heard some people say the story itself isn’t anything new, that it relies on familiar ideas, and that the characters could be more complex. But honestly, even if that’s true, the visuals are so incredible, and it’s become a massive hit – it’s broken so many records and is still incredibly popular!

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Attack on Titan is set in a world where humans live inside walls to shield themselves from enormous, man-eating giants. The series is famous for its grim atmosphere, complex political themes, and unexpected turns of events. While incredibly popular, some viewers found the story’s later parts confusing and the ending disappointing after such a strong beginning. The slow release schedule of the anime also frustrated fans. Despite this, it remains one of the most talked-about and beloved anime series of the last ten years.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–Present)

‘My Hero Academia’ takes place in a world where most people are born with superpowers called Quirks. The series centers on Izuku Midoriya and his journey to become a top hero while attending a special high school. While some critics feel the show relies too much on familiar superhero themes and doesn’t stand out, others believe its large number of characters means some aren’t developed enough or fade into the background as the story goes on. Despite these criticisms, it remains very popular in Japan and around the world.

‘Arcane’ (2021–Present)

Okay, so I finally watched ‘Arcane,’ and wow, the animation is truly breathtaking. It’s based on the ‘League of Legends’ game, and it really delves into the backstories of some of its most popular characters. While the show has gotten a lot of buzz, and some people who aren’t familiar with the game might think it’s a bit overhyped, I still think it’s fantastic. Yes, the themes of rich versus poor and family drama aren’t exactly new, but they’re executed so well. Honestly, ‘Arcane’ has set a new standard for turning video games into TV shows – it’s a benchmark, plain and simple.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

Castlevania is a fantasy series inspired by the popular video game of the same name. It centers on Trevor Belmont’s battle against Dracula to protect the land of Wallachia. While some viewers have criticized the sometimes-overdone dialogue and slower pace in the middle seasons, others feel the show strayed too far from the original games, which didn’t always improve the story. The series has finished, but a new series set in the same universe is planned.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014)

‘The Legend of Korra’ continues the story of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender,’ following the next Avatar in a more contemporary setting. The show is well-regarded for exploring difficult topics like politics, personal identity, and the effects of trauma. While many fans of the original series don’t connect with the new characters and world as strongly, ‘Korra’ still has a devoted fanbase and remains an important part of the ‘Avatar’ universe. Some believe that problems during the show’s production contributed to uneven writing and character development.

‘Bluey’ (2018–Present)

‘Bluey’ is a popular Australian cartoon about a Blue Heeler puppy and her family. The show is known and loved worldwide for how realistically it portrays both modern parenting and the imaginative play of children. While incredibly popular with adults, some believe it’s praised too much, with viewers possibly seeing their own experiences reflected in the show’s simple storylines. Despite this, ‘Bluey’ is widely considered a high-quality example of preschool television due to its surprisingly emotional moments, and it has become a huge commercial hit with lots of related toys and products.

‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011–Present)

‘Bob’s Burgers’ follows the Belcher family as they run their often-struggling burger restaurant. The show is popular for its unique sense of humor, musical moments, and portrayal of a loving family. While some viewers feel the show has become predictable and the characters aren’t as interesting as they used to be, with later episodes often following similar patterns, it continues to be a reliable hit for the network and a beloved choice for fans of adult animation.

‘Big Mouth’ (2017–2024)

‘Big Mouth’ is an animated comedy for adults that honestly portrays the embarrassing and difficult experiences of going through puberty. While the show is often applauded for openly discussing topics like sex and mental health, some viewers are turned off by its art style and find the humor too shocking or uncomfortable. Some critics also feel the show relies too heavily on shocking moments instead of developing its characters. Despite these criticisms, it has proven to be a popular and long-running series for its streaming service.

‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

‘Invincible’ centers around Mark Grayson, who learns his father is the world’s strongest superhero. The show became well-known for its intense violence and its tendency to challenge common superhero tropes. While popular, some viewers have criticized the animation style as uneven, and others feel the story depends too heavily on shocking moments to maintain interest. Based on a comic book series, ‘Invincible’ has been successful enough to earn multiple season renewals.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a self-contained animated series taking place in the same world as the Cyberpunk 2077 video game. The show centers around a young person struggling to make a life in a futuristic city dominated by technology. While widely celebrated for its striking visuals and heartbreaking story, some viewers felt the characters were somewhat predictable and the plot rushed. It’s also been credited with bringing renewed attention to the original game after its initial release had issues.

‘Gravity Falls’ (2012–2016)

Gravity Falls follows twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend a summer with their great-uncle in a strange and intriguing town. The show is popular for its clever hidden clues, complex overarching story, and well-developed characters. While some viewers feel the humor isn’t always consistent and the first season starts a bit slowly, it concluded after two very successful seasons, exactly as the creator intended. Some critics believe its devoted fanbase has inflated its importance, but many others appreciate its depth.

‘Futurama’ (1999–Present)

‘Futurama’ centers on Fry, a man who wakes up in the year 3000 after being frozen for centuries. The show is celebrated for its smart writing, science-based humor, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. While it’s been revived several times, some viewers believe these later seasons aren’t as strong as the original. Critics suggest the newer episodes focus too much on current events, making them feel dated compared to the classic, enduring humor of the earlier seasons. Despite this, ‘Futurama’ remains popular with science fiction fans and continues to create new content.

‘American Dad!’ (2005–Present)

‘American Dad!’ follows the life of Stan Smith and his family, which includes the alien Roger. While it first seemed similar to ‘Family Guy,’ the show eventually became known for its own unique, often bizarre, and character-focused stories. Some fans think these strange storylines have moved away from the show’s original, satirical style. Some critics believe the series has passed its best point and now relies too much on familiar character patterns. Despite this, ‘American Dad!’ continues to be popular and has found a strong audience on cable TV.

‘King of the Hill’ (1997–2010)

‘King of the Hill’ is a show about the everyday lives of the Hill family in Arlen, Texas. It’s known for its relatable humor, realistic characters, and insightful observations about society. While many enjoy these qualities, some viewers find the show’s slower speed and subtle humor less exciting than other animated comedies. Those who dislike it might feel the characters are often frustrating or difficult to connect with. Currently, a reboot of the series is being made to introduce it to a new generation.

‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ (1993–Present)

‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ is an animated show about two clueless teenagers who mostly watch music videos and tell silly, often inappropriate jokes. It became a defining part of the 1990s, sparking both praise and controversy for how it depicted young people. While some find the show’s humor simple and repetitive, others believe its focus on childish antics prevents it from staying funny over time. Despite this, the show has been brought back several times, including recent episodes that update Beavis and Butt-Head for a modern audience.

‘The Ren & Stimpy Show’ (1991–1996)

‘The Ren and Stimpy Show’ was famous for its bizarre and often disturbing animation and its strange, dreamlike humor. When it first aired on Nickelodeon, it really stretched the limits of what was considered okay for kids’ TV. While some people found the animation style inventive and funny, others thought it was simply gross. Many critics felt the show focused more on shocking viewers than on telling a good story or developing interesting characters. Despite all the controversy, it’s still considered a hugely important part of animation history.

‘Phineas and Ferb’ (2007–2015)

As a total animation fan, I’ve always been amused by ‘Phineas and Ferb’. It’s about these two incredibly creative brothers who spend their summer building wild inventions. What really stands out is how catchy the songs are and how smartly the show is written, even though it does follow a pretty predictable pattern each episode. Honestly, sometimes that repetition can get a little tiring. Some people also feel the characters aren’t super complex, because they mostly just fit into the same roles every time. Still, it’s become a huge Disney Channel success story and has even spawned a few movies, which says a lot about its lasting appeal!

‘Kim Possible’ (2002–2007)

‘Kim Possible’ centers around a teenage girl juggling high school and a secret life as a spy. The Disney show was a hit, known for its empowering female character and clever writing. While many fondly remember it, some viewers note that the show’s reliance on early 2000s fads feels dated. Some critics also point out that the villains aren’t always very threatening. Despite these points, it remains a beloved show for those who watched it as kids.

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (1998–2005)

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ is about three superpowered sisters made in a lab who protect the city of Townsville from crime. The show is well-known for its distinctive look and its mix of exciting action and funny moments. While many love the original episodes, some viewers feel the newer seasons and the recent reboot don’t have the same appeal. Some critics believe the show relies too much on its style and not enough on a strong storyline. Despite this, ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ remains a classic Cartoon Network show and a popular part of pop culture.

‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ (1996–2003)

‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ is about a boy named Dexter, who’s a genius and has a hidden laboratory, and his mischievous sister Dee Dee. The show is famous for its unique look and funny, physical comedy. While many fans still love it, some think the show got worse after the original creator stopped working on it. Critics say the later episodes weren’t as well-written or didn’t have the same great character interactions as the earlier ones. Despite this, it’s still remembered as one of the best cartoons from the 1990s.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–Present)

‘Pokémon’ centers around Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokémon Master. The show has become incredibly popular worldwide and has grown into a hugely successful franchise. While many enjoy it, some viewers find the ongoing story feels predictable and wish the main character would develop more quickly. Some critics also suggest the series mainly exists to promote the Pokémon video games. Recently, Ash’s story came to an end, paving the way for a fresh cast of characters.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

‘Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’ is an anime series based on a popular manga, following two brothers on their quest for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. Many fans consider it one of the greatest anime ever made, praising its fast-paced story and emotionally powerful moments. Some critics feel it’s overhyped, sometimes finding the comedic parts don’t quite fit with the serious themes. The series delves into important ideas like sacrifice, what’s right and wrong, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. It consistently ranks highly on anime fan sites.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Death Note centers around a student who finds a notebook with the power to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it. The show is well-known for the intense, clever rivalry between the main character and a highly skilled detective. While many enjoy the series, some feel the story loses steam after a key character dies. Critics often point out that the ending feels hurried and doesn’t quite live up to the strong beginning. It’s frequently suggested as a good anime to start with for those new to the genre.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

‘Sailor Moon’ centers around a team of magical girls dedicated to defending Earth from evil. The series is well-known for bringing the magical girl genre to Western audiences and continues to be a beloved part of pop culture. While some viewers find the formulaic ‘monster of the week’ episodes repetitive, and the original animation hasn’t aged perfectly, a recent reboot has been praised for staying closer to the source manga and pleasing longtime fans.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

‘Cowboy Bebop’ is about a team of bounty hunters journeying across space in the year 2071. It’s well-known for its cool jazz music, striking visuals, and thoughtful stories. While some viewers prefer shows with ongoing storylines, ‘Cowboy Bebop’ presents each adventure as a standalone episode. Some critics feel its style is more impressive than its substance, but the series is still considered a major influence, successfully combining elements of Western and Japanese storytelling.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime known for delving into the emotional and mental challenges faced by its teenage pilots. The series is celebrated for subverting common tropes of the genre and is notorious for its complicated and divisive finale. While some find the main character whiny and the philosophical ideas overly complex, others praise its depth. Many critics believe production problems resulted in a confusing story that requires additional research to fully grasp. Even today, the show remains a frequent topic of passionate discussion among both fans and reviewers.

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–Present)

‘The Dragon Prince’ is a fantasy show taking place in the magical world of Xadia, where humans and elves are locked in conflict. Many appreciate the show’s diverse characters and detailed world, created by some of the same people who worked on ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ While the first season’s animation style and speed bothered some viewers, the show has built upon its story and expanded its universe over multiple seasons on its streaming service. Some critics feel the storyline relies too heavily on common fantasy tropes and doesn’t offer a particularly fresh perspective.

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

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ is a fresh take on the beloved eighties cartoon. The story follows Adora as she fights against a powerful, evil force and learns about her own magical abilities. The show is praised for its inclusive cast and realistic character dynamics. While many enjoy it, some viewers feel the humor is too contemporary and the animation is quite different from the original. Those who think it’s overhyped often mention that the show’s pacing becomes uneven during the middle seasons.

‘Star vs. the Forces of Evil’ (2015–2019)

‘Star vs. the Forces of Evil’ is about a magical princess who comes from another world and lives with a normal family on Earth. The show started as a lighthearted comedy, but later became a more complex and dramatic story. While many enjoyed the series, some fans were unhappy with how the final season played out, especially the endings for the characters. Some critics also felt that the show’s complex backstory became overly complicated. Despite this, it’s still considered an important show from recent Disney animation.

‘Regular Show’ (2010–2017)

‘Regular Show’ centers around a blue jay and a raccoon who maintain a park. The cartoon is famous for its nods to 1980s pop culture and its increasingly bizarre storylines. While many enjoy the show’s pattern of everyday tasks leading to huge, unexpected problems, some find it can become predictable. Some critics also feel the characters aren’t always relatable or easy to support. Despite this, ‘Regular Show’ is fondly remembered for its distinctive style and its ability to entertain viewers of all ages.

‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017)

‘The Fairly OddParents’ is about a boy with two fairy godparents who make all his wishes come true. The show was very popular on Nickelodeon and lasted for a long time. However, many viewers feel the quality dropped in later seasons when new characters were added. Some critics say the show’s humor became more over-the-top and chaotic as it went on. Recently, there have been efforts to bring the show back for a new audience with revivals and reboots.

‘Danny Phantom’ (2004–2007)

‘Danny Phantom’ is about a teenager who gets ghost powers and becomes a hero, defending his town from danger. While the show is known for its exciting action and well-developed characters, some viewers feel the writing hasn’t aged well and the storylines are often easy to guess. Some critics believe the show’s interesting premise is more memorable than how it was actually made. Despite this, ‘Danny Phantom’ has a dedicated fanbase and many are hoping for a reboot or continuation.

‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)

The 1960s ‘Batman’ TV series is often praised as a definitive take on the character, known for its distinctive dark art deco look and surprisingly understanding approach to the villains. While some feel the show’s episode-by-episode format leads to some weaker, less memorable stories, and that it moves at a slower pace than today’s superhero shows, many fans still consider it the best version of Batman ever made and a high point for the superhero genre.

‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!’ (1969–1970)

‘Scooby-Doo’ centers around a group of teen friends and their talking dog who investigate mysteries, often involving ghosts and monsters. The show created a successful format that has been copied in many sequels and films over the years. While some viewers find the stories to be predictable and repetitive, and critics suggest its popularity relies more on its familiar name than strong storytelling, ‘Scooby-Doo’ remains a classic for kids and a well-known part of popular culture.

Tell us which animated series you find to be the most overrated in the comments.

Read More

2025-12-31 22:21