As of 2024, the world of animation series continues to bloom with the rise of innovative storytelling, diversity, and captivating visions. Here's a rundown of the best animated series for the year, each of which was watched with the same avidness by the audience as well as the critics.
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Series Tie-In)
- Overview: This series takes the success of the animated film to further explore the adventures of Miles Morales and other Spider-People in the multiverse. This follows new dimensions and characters while keeping the heart and essence of Spider-Man intact.
- Why It's Great: The series still retains the exclusive animation style of the film, sticking with different techniques in a great storytelling manner. Its compelling arcs for characters hit home across age groups.
2. Harley Quinn (Season 4)
- Overview: Harley Quinn finds herself dealing with the brutality of villainy and complicated relationships in this darkly comedic ride. Season 4 is new additions to an already-built-up character, so you can be sure that both laughs are sharp and the stakes are high.
- Why It's Great: "Harley Quinn" is great in bringing irreverent humor and witty writing, proving itself to be among the best adult animations out there, coupled with excellent voice acting and sharp commentary on comic book lore.
3. The Dragon Prince (Season 5)
- Summary: Take viewers into the magical world of Xadia, but this season 5 picks new lore and takes deeper character relationships, and that gave fans more complex narrative threads.
- Why It's Great: Enriched storytelling, rich character growth, and stunning animation are just what the world needs to keep on captivating audiences through themes of friendship, duty, and growth.
4. Tuca & Bertie (Season 3)
- Synopsis: This offbeat show revolves around two anthropomorphic bird friends, Tuca and Bertie, as they navigate life's ups and downs. Mental health, romantic relationships, and self-discovery make up much of season 3.
- Why It's Awesome: The beautiful animation and realistic storylines make it refreshing among the production of modern animated shows. It speaks to the avid viewer looking for genuine portrayals of adult life challenges.
5. The Owl House (Final Season)
- Summary: In its last season, "The Owl House" concludes the adventures of Luz in the magical world. The show ties the arcs of characters and complete loose ends, but yet remains emotionally satisfying.
- Why It Matters: Laudable for its inclusive storytelling, diversity representation, and emotional depth, "The Owl House" has contributed in so many ways to contemporary animation with being a distinctive show of its generation.
6. Big Mouth (Season 7)
- Overview: This coming-of-age comedy takes on the cringe in being an adolescent. Season 7 carries on the series' exploration of growing up in the landscapes of relationships, identity, and mental health struggles with young adulthood.
- It's Great Because: For obvious reasons of candid approach towards sensitive subjects and style in animation, it stands firmly as one of the clearest voices in animation today for teenagers and adults.
7. Invincible (Season 2)
- Overview: Based on the comic book series from Robert Kirkman, "Invincible" now gives a thrilling ride full of sharp action, hot character development, and very surprising plot twists. Season 2 of the coming-of-age superhero series is dedicated to the sometimes-trying experience of becoming Mark Grayson as he deals with his several identities and responsibilities.
- Why it's great: The situation of always combined thrilling superhero action and emotional complexity makes this one continue to be a standout. Mature themes and stunning animation separate it from typical superhero shows.
8. Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal (Season 3)
- Synopsis: This critically acclaimed series revolves around the relationship of a caveman and a dinosaur living in a dangerous world during the Stone Age. Season 3 intensifies the emotional connection and survival odds of the two characters.
- Why It's Awesome: With minimal dialogue and breathtaking animation, "Primal" keeps coming back with a powerful story-that is largely told through visuals and action-creating a unique viewing experience for viewers.
9. The Midnight Gospel (Season 2)
- Synopsis: Well, quite simply, "The Midnight Gospel" by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell is an existential treat with colorful surrealism animation. In Season 2, the show will carry on its multiverse adventures, focusing on deep, philosophical questions.
- Why It's Great: Thereby, with a blend of profound insights and innovative storytelling, it challenges conventional narratives and makes for a truly interactive work that provokes both the mind and the senses.
10. Futurama (Revival)
- Overview: This futuristic sci-fi epic returns with new episodes and brings the crew of Planet Express back to the screen. Utilizing its dry humor and satirical vision of society, this revival has brought interest to the reprise of the show, said to be legendary.
- Why It's Great: "Futurama" continues to be witty, hilarious, with superb storylines, great and sharp social commentary that will delight the fans old and new.
Conclusion
Indeed, once one considers animated series as a whole for 2024, the variety of themes and styles within them is surprisingly rich. Everyone does have something to their taste here-from light comedies to adventures to deep philosophical explorations. And for all animation fans, these are the shows to keep an eye on this year.
