Anime has long been recognized for its unique art style, dynamic storytelling, and ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Over the past few decades, its influence has spread far beyond Japan, inspiring animators around the world to adopt and adapt its distinct elements. Whether it’s through eye-catching character designs, intricate plots, or action-packed sequences, many Western and international animators have embraced anime-inspired techniques to create some of the most beloved and innovative cartoons.
At Toons Mag, we believe in celebrating the global impact of animation, and anime has certainly left its mark on the international animation scene. Here’s a list of the Top 15 Best Anime-Inspired Cartoons from Around the World—each one showcasing how anime has influenced animation far beyond Japan’s borders.
1. Avatar: The Last Airbender (USA, 2005–2008)
- Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Perhaps one of the most well-known anime-inspired cartoons, Avatar: The Last Airbender draws heavily from East Asian culture, philosophy, and martial arts. The show follows Aang, the last surviving Airbender, as he embarks on a journey to master the four elements and bring peace to the world. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and stunning animation, Avatar is a masterpiece that blends Western and Eastern storytelling traditions.
2. The Legend of Korra (USA, 2012–2014)
- Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
A sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra continues the anime-inspired storytelling but brings in more modern influences, including industrial revolution aesthetics and political intrigue. With its fluid animation, detailed fight choreography, and deeper exploration of themes like identity and societal change, Korra cemented itself as another standout anime-inspired series.
3. Teen Titans (USA, 2003–2006)
- Creators: Glen Murakami, Sam Register
Teen Titans takes a classic DC Comics superhero team and gives it an anime-inspired twist. The show features dynamic action sequences, exaggerated facial expressions, and chibi-style humor, all hallmarks of anime. Despite its lighthearted moments, Teen Titans also dives into darker, more emotional storylines, drawing in both younger and older audiences alike.
4. Code Lyoko (France, 2003–2007)
- Creators: Thomas Romain, Tania Palumbo
Code Lyoko is a French animated series that blends traditional 2D animation with 3D CGI sequences. Its plot, revolving around a group of teenagers who fight a sentient computer virus in a virtual world, has clear anime influences. The show’s sci-fi themes, virtual reality battles, and character designs echo classic anime series while offering a uniquely French twist.
5. Wakfu (France, 2008–present)
- Creators: Ankama Animations
A beautifully animated French series, Wakfu is set in a fantasy world full of magic, creatures, and adventure. The show’s anime-inspired art style, fast-paced action, and intricate world-building have earned it a cult following. Wakfu borrows from anime’s deep character development and engaging story arcs, making it a standout in the world of anime-influenced cartoons.
6. Totally Spies! (France, 2001–2014)
- Creators: Vincent Chalvon-Demersay, David Michel
Totally Spies! follows three teenage girls who live double lives as secret agents. The show’s bright, energetic animation, over-the-top action sequences, and character designs are heavily inspired by anime. It combines the fun of Charlie’s Angels with anime-style storytelling, creating a global fanbase and becoming one of the most beloved anime-influenced cartoons of the early 2000s.
7. The Boondocks (USA, 2005–2014)
- Creator: Aaron McGruder
Although it’s primarily known for its biting social and political commentary, The Boondocks is also heavily influenced by anime in its art style and action sequences. The series frequently references iconic anime shows like Naruto and Samurai Champloo, blending its sharp satire with high-energy, anime-inspired fight scenes.
8. Samurai Jack (USA, 2001–2017)
- Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
Samurai Jack is a visually stunning, action-packed series that draws significant inspiration from both anime and traditional Japanese art. The show follows Jack, a samurai trapped in a dystopian future, as he fights to defeat the evil Aku. Its minimal dialogue, stylized action sequences, and striking visual style make it one of the most unique anime-influenced cartoons ever created.
9. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir (France, 2015–present)
- Creators: Thomas Astruc, Jeremy Zag
This popular French animated series combines anime-style character designs and magical girl tropes with Parisian charm. Miraculous follows two teenagers, Marinette and Adrien, who become the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir to protect Paris from supervillains. The show’s fast-paced action, romantic subplots, and colorful animation have made it a global hit, especially among younger audiences.
10. RWBY (USA, 2013–present)
- Creator: Monty Oum
RWBY is an American web series that takes clear inspiration from anime in both its visual style and storytelling. The show follows four young women training to become Huntresses, warriors tasked with protecting their world from dark creatures. With its intricate fight choreography, complex lore, and anime-style animation, RWBY has gained a massive following and is often regarded as an anime-style show made in the West.
11. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (USA, 2018–2020)
- Creator: Noelle Stevenson
A reboot of the classic She-Ra series from the 1980s, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power features a distinct anime-inspired art style and focuses on themes of friendship, identity, and heroism. The series’ colorful, expressive animation and character-driven storytelling make it a beloved anime-inspired cartoon, with an emphasis on emotional depth that resonates with both kids and adults.
12. Sym-Bionic Titan (USA, 2010)
- Creator: Genndy Tartakovsky
Another masterpiece from Genndy Tartakovsky, Sym-Bionic Titan combines anime-style mecha action with American storytelling. The show follows three aliens who take refuge on Earth and pilot a giant robot to fend off their enemies. The series’ animation, particularly during fight scenes, is heavily influenced by anime, and its themes of isolation, sacrifice, and loyalty give it a depth not often found in Western cartoons.
13. Voltron: Legendary Defender (USA, 2016–2018)
- Creators: Joaquim Dos Santos, Lauren Montgomery
A reboot of the classic 1980s series Voltron, Legendary Defender reimagines the story of five young pilots who must unite to form the robot Voltron and save the universe. The show borrows heavily from the anime mecha genre, with sleek animation, detailed fight scenes, and intricate character development. Its blend of humor, action, and emotional storytelling has made it a hit with both longtime fans and newcomers.
14. Generator Rex (USA, 2010–2013)
- Creators: Man of Action Studios
Generator Rex follows Rex, a young boy with the ability to transform his body into powerful machines, as he fights mutant creatures known as EVOs. The show’s animation style and high-energy action sequences are heavily inspired by anime, and its blend of sci-fi elements and character-driven storytelling makes it a standout in Western animation.
15. Martin Mystery (France/Canada, 2003–2006)
- Creators: David Michel, Vincent Chalvon-Demersay
Martin Mystery is an action-adventure series that follows three teenagers who solve paranormal mysteries. The show’s anime-inspired visuals, from character designs to dynamic action scenes, make it a favorite among anime fans. Its mix of supernatural thrills and humor gives it a unique flair that sets it apart from other Western cartoons.
Anime’s global influence on animation is undeniable, and these anime-inspired cartoons from around the world showcase how animators have taken the best elements of anime—its storytelling, character design, and action choreography—and made them their own. Whether through epic fantasy adventures, heartwarming coming-of-age stories, or fast-paced action, these shows highlight the power of anime as a medium that transcends borders and inspires creativity everywhere.
At Toons Mag, we believe that anime’s impact on animation is a testament to the medium’s ability to bring different cultures together and tell universal stories. These Top 15 Best Anime-Inspired Cartoons from Around the World are perfect examples of how anime has influenced and shaped the global animation landscape, creating unforgettable shows that continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
