When it comes to animated series, Netflix does it and does it well. And if you’re looking for proof, we’ve outlined the seven best animated comedies on the streamer right now.
You might think that making an animated series is easy. Most episodes are around 20 to 30 minutes long, and there’s freedom to stretch reality or play around with grotesque plots that you probably couldn’t get away with in live-action. But on the other hand, that’s also what makes it a niche skill, and why there are so few who make it into the Hall of Fame.
Between Netflix’s original works and the titles it licenses, the streamer has some heavy hitters that everyone can enjoy. Here are the seven we picked.
“BoJack Horseman” (2014)
When it comes to the best animated series on Netflix, there’s absolutely no doubt that “Bojack Horseman” takes the top spot in our book. It’s hilarious, smart, and relatable for anyone working in Hollywood, and it also appropriately features some of the biggest names in the business with fun cameos. The series, which tells the story of a humanoid horse who makes a Hollywood comeback 18 years later after his days starring in a ’90s sitcom, is Netflix’s first animated series. Hidden beneath its comedy foundation is a dark yet enlightening tragicomedy that will leave you feeling sad that it’s over and leaving you with questions about your own life, happiness, and personal goals.
“F is for Family” (2015)
Now here’s one that a lot of people don’t know about – it’s truly the platform’s hidden gem. And comedian Bill Burr really made it big when he created his adult animated series “F Is for Family,” which is loosely based on his own life and upbringing. It’s set in the 1970s and follows the Murphy family, with Father Frank Murphy (Burr), a short-tempered ex-veteran who’s struggling with the outcome of his life, at the center. It’s a quirky and fun watch that will have you grooving the entire time.
“Big Mouth” (2017)
Of course, Netflix’s raunchy comedy “Big Mouth” makes the list. It quickly became a fan favorite for viewers when it premiered and was applauded for its genius take on and portrayal of puberty and hormones. Yes, it often strays into the line of going too far with its jokes, but that’s exactly its purpose. And while there may be a lot of reproductive organs randomly placed throughout the series, the show does feature thoughtful themes like depression, sexual identity, anxiety, and more.
“Archer”
Netflix really does have some of the ultimate animated classics, and “Archer” is another one of them. The show pokes fun at the traditional spy character by making its lead, Sterling Archer, a handsome but dull secret agent whose team of colleagues is equally dysfunctional and goofy. “Archer’s” sharp humor, long-running one-liners, flare, and ’60s-inspired cast are why it made the list. And if you like “Archer,” throw it back to Reed’s older animated goodie, “Sealab 2021.”
“Peppa Pig” (2004)
Okay, moving away from the adult animated series, we have “Peppa Pig.” Between Peppa’s voice and the adorable adventures she goes on with her little brother George, there’s nothing sweeter to watch with your whole family.
“Good times”
It’s been 50 years since the original “Good Times” premiered on CBS, making history as the first Black American family sitcom to feature a two-parent household. This time around, Netflix has brought the classic series to the platform in an animated remake. Like its predecessor, the series follows a Black family as they navigate the struggles of everyday life as members of the working class, comically highlighting the challenges that marginalized communities face.
“The Venture Bros.” (2003)
Don’t you miss the days of watching the Venture family go on their hilarious missions? Well, now you can just watch them on Netflix. This “Johnny Quest” parody has stood the test of time as a beloved action-adventure series since it premiered in 2003, though it was cut short without warning or any kind of closure for fans. It’s a binge-worthy treat for those who haven’t seen it and a fun and refreshing treat for fans who miss it on their screens.
