15 Cartoons That Have the Best Animation Ever: Animation is a captivating art form that brings stories to life through visual creativity and innovation. Over the years, numerous cartoons have pushed the boundaries of animation, delivering breathtaking visuals and compelling narratives. Here are 15 cartoons renowned for having some of the best animation ever created.
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)
Overview: Set in a world where people can manipulate the elements—water, earth, fire, and air—the series follows Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar. Tasked with restoring balance to the world, Aang and his friends embark on an epic journey filled with adventure, self-discovery, and intense battles.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Fluid Action Sequences: Features intricately choreographed fight scenes inspired by various martial arts, animated with exceptional fluidity.
- Detailed World-Building: Rich environments and cultural aesthetics add depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
- Expressive Characters: Emotional nuances are captured effectively, enhancing character development and audience connection.
2. Samurai Jack (2001–2004, 2017)
Overview: A samurai prince is sent to a dystopian future by the evil demon Aku. Striving to return to his own time, Jack embarks on a quest filled with challenges and diverse landscapes.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Stylized Visuals: Utilizes minimalistic yet striking art styles with bold lines and vivid colors.
- Cinematic Quality: Innovative camera angles and dynamic compositions create a movie-like experience.
- Atmospheric Storytelling: Relies heavily on visual narratives with limited dialogue, showcasing the power of animation to convey emotion.
3. Arcane (2021–Present)
Overview: Based on the “League of Legends” universe, “Arcane” explores the origins of iconic characters in the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Stunning Visuals: Blends 3D animation with painterly textures, resulting in a unique and immersive aesthetic.
- Fluid Motion Capture: Realistic character movements enhance the emotional impact and storytelling.
- Attention to Detail: Intricate world-building with meticulous design elements enriches the viewing experience.
4. Steven Universe (2013–2019)
Overview: The series follows Steven, a young boy who is half-human, half-Gem, as he learns to harness his powers and protect the Earth alongside the Crystal Gems.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Unique Art Style: Soft color palettes and rounded character designs create an inviting and distinctive visual experience.
- Expressive Animation: Emphasizes character emotions and relationships through subtle movements and expressions.
- Musical Integration: Seamless blending of music and animation enhances the storytelling and emotional depth.
5. Primal (2019–Present)
Overview: A tale of survival and friendship between a caveman and a dinosaur set in a brutal prehistoric world.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Visual Storytelling: With no dialogue, the series relies entirely on animation to convey complex emotions and narratives.
- Artistic Excellence: Detailed backgrounds and character designs create a vivid and immersive world.
- Dynamic Action: Intense and visceral action sequences are masterfully animated, highlighting the rawness of the setting.
6. Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Overview: Chronicles Batman’s crusade against the criminals of Gotham City, blending dark themes with intricate storytelling.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Dark Deco Style: A fusion of noir and art deco styles gives the series a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic.
- Fluid Animation: Smooth character movements and dramatic lighting enhance the mood and atmosphere.
- Innovative Techniques: Used black backgrounds to achieve a darker tone, adding depth to the visuals.
7. The Legend of Korra (2012–2014)
Overview: A sequel to “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the series follows Korra, the new Avatar, as she faces political unrest and spiritual challenges in a rapidly modernizing world.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Advanced Techniques: Higher frame rates and detailed animations elevate the quality of action scenes.
- Complex Visuals: Incorporates steampunk elements and elaborate settings that enrich the world-building.
- Emotional Depth: Intricately animated expressions and body language convey profound character development.
8. Love, Death & Robots (2019–Present)
Overview: An anthology series featuring stand-alone episodes that explore various genres, each with its own unique animation style.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Diverse Styles: Showcases a wide range of animation techniques, from photorealistic CGI to stylized 2D art.
- High Production Value: Cutting-edge technology delivers cinematic-quality visuals in each episode.
- Artistic Freedom: Allows animators to experiment, resulting in innovative and thought-provoking storytelling.
9. The Amazing World of Gumball (2011–2019)
Overview: Follows the misadventures of Gumball Watterson, a 12-year-old cat, and his family in the peculiar town of Elmore.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Mixed Media: Seamlessly combines 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and live-action elements to create a unique visual style.
- Creative Visuals: The eclectic animation contributes to the show’s humor and originality.
- Attention to Detail: Rich backgrounds and character interactions are filled with visual gags and easter eggs.
10. Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Overview: Two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, find themselves lost in a mysterious forest called the Unknown and seek a way home.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Beautiful Art Style: Evokes a storybook aesthetic with hand-drawn animation and autumnal color palettes.
- Atmospheric Design: Uses lighting and shading to create a haunting yet enchanting mood.
- Fluid Animation: Smooth character movements enhance the dreamlike quality of the narrative.
11. Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)
Overview: A group of bounty hunters travel through space on their ship, the Bebop, capturing criminals and dealing with their pasts.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Stylish Action: Expertly choreographed fight scenes and space battles are animated with precision.
- Cinematic Techniques: Utilizes film-like framing and camera movements to enhance storytelling.
- Detailed Environments: Richly animated backgrounds and settings add depth to the sci-fi world.
12. Attack on Titan (2013–Present)
Overview: Humanity battles monstrous creatures known as Titans in a desperate struggle for survival.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Dynamic Action Scenes: High-speed sequences using 3D Maneuver Gear are animated with thrilling fluidity.
- Intense Atmosphere: Combines 2D and 3D animation to create immersive and harrowing environments.
- High Detail: Intricate character designs and meticulous backgrounds contribute to the visual impact.
13. Hilda (2018–Present)
Overview: A fearless blue-haired girl named Hilda explores a magical world filled with elves, giants, and other mystical creatures.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Whimsical Art Style: Soft lines and a muted color palette create a charming and cozy aesthetic.
- Smooth Animation: Gentle movements and expressive characters convey emotion effectively.
- Rich World-Building: Detailed backgrounds and imaginative creature designs enhance the fantastical setting.
14. The Owl House (2020–Present)
Overview: Luz, a human girl, stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm and becomes an apprentice to a rebellious witch.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Expressive Characters: Lively facial expressions and gestures bring the characters to life.
- Vibrant Environments: The magical realm is depicted with vivid colors and creative designs.
- Fluid Motion: Well-animated action sequences provide excitement and immersion.
15. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)
Overview: In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by mutated animals, Kipo searches for her people with the help of new friends.
Why It Has the Best Animation:
- Vibrant Visuals: Bold colors and imaginative creature designs create a visually stunning experience.
- Dynamic Animation: Energetic action scenes are animated with flair and creativity.
- Artistic Creativity: Seamlessly blends 2D and 3D elements to craft a unique aesthetic.
15 Cartoons That Have the Best Animation Ever!
These cartoons exemplify the incredible potential of animation as an art form. Through innovative techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and artistic storytelling, they set high standards in the industry. Whether it’s the fluid action sequences of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” or the stunning visuals of “Arcane,” each show offers a visual feast that enhances its compelling narrative.
Explore and Enjoy
If you haven’t experienced some of these animated masterpieces, consider adding them to your watchlist. They not only entertain but also showcase the power of animation to bring stories to life in extraordinary ways.
