Animationis an amazing television genre, heralded for its diversity of storytelling and limitless possibilities in terms of visual style and what can be shown on screen. Anime is one of the most boundary-pushing niches of animation, and the iconic anime TV shows most viewers are familiar with have quickly risen in popularity. Additionally, the evolution of all Western animation owes a lot to anime, asit’s been highly influential in the development of creative visual aesthetics and story structure.It’s easy to see the impact anime has had in many top-tier American shows.
Theanimated TV shows that are considered masterpiecescome from a wide variety of places and use different techniques. America’s best contributions to the animation genre are all unique and unforgettable parts of the canon, and each of them holds a special place in the hearts of animation fans. From classic kids' shows that spark nostalgia and warmth in the viewer to darkly interrogative adult animation that makes audiences question everything, these series are some of the best of the genre and should be remembered.
The surrealist sci-fi seriesScavengers Reignmight have been canceled after season 1, but this doesn’t diminish the quality or legacy of the show.Set on an alien planet full of intelligent plants and a natural world that disrupts the senses,Scavengers Reignfollows the members of the crew who crash-landed there and their attempts to return to their ship and get home. Jumping between the perspectives of different groups and individuals,Scavengers Reignshows the various ways humanity interacts with the unknown.
10 Best TV Shows Like Scavengers Reign
Scavengers Reign is a fantastic blend of sci-fi and strong storytelling, and fortunately, there are a few other TV shows with similar qualities.
The wonder and brutality of nature are on display inScavengers Reignas the survivors tentatively interact with the spell-binding nature of their environment, on their guard in the face of evolution’s raw power.Scavengers Reignis interested in big questions about the nature of consciousness and life. All the characters crash on the planet, plagued by their pasts and uncertain about their futures, but their strange new world ends up teaching them something.
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Blood of Zeusunderstands that Greek mythology is a popular genre, and many of the most popular shows and movies have tackled the famous legends many times over. Due to this, the series takes a fresh, bold approach to Greek myths, using the gods and monsters that populate the stories and creating original narratives and demons to create drama and tension.Hercules, Jason, and any of these familiar heroes won’t appear inBlood of Zeus,but you don’t really miss them.
Similarly to all great stories that are inspired by Greek myths,Blood of Zeushas no shortage of action and drama in every episode.
The protagonist, Heron (Derek Phillips), is a demigod son of Zeus who uses his powers to battle the terrifying monsters and tricky gods who attempt to disrupt the balance of nature. Similarly to all great stories that are inspired by Greek myths,Blood of Zeushas no shortage of action and drama in every episode. The series isn’t just influenced by Greek culture but fully immersed in it, giving the show a sense of realism and gravity that appeals to all audiences.
Blood of Zeus (2020–Present)
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One of thebest vampire TV shows,Castlevaniaowes a lot to anime, as it was based on the Japanese video game series of the same name and was influenced by anime art styles. However, it’s interesting to see how these elements are adapted and combined with American themes and motifs to createCastlevania.Steeped in the well-known lore of the iconic vampire Dracula(Graham McTavish),Castlevaniafollows the work of his son and his allies to bring the terrifying vampire down.
However, this is far from the only story arc throughout the show’s four seasons, asCastlevaniaevolved and pushed its characters to new limits in the later installments. Touching upon universal themes of intolerance and injustice through its supernatural narrative,Castlevaniadoesn’t rely on flashy action sequences and explosive gore to keep the viewer interested.It’s easy to keep watchingCastlevaniafor the characters as much as the stylistic elements.
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Maya Erksine voices Mizu, the protagonist ofBlue Eye Samurai, consumed by her single-minded quest for revenge.A violent and brutally skilled swordsman, Mizu disguises herself as a man to travel Japan freelyin search of her father and the other white colonists who have been hiding in the country. Set during the Edo period, the historical elements of the costumes and sets elevate the style ofBlue Eye Samurai, which shines during the series' gory action sequences.
Though she learns a lot throughout season 1, Mizu has become no less bloodthirsty or bent on visiting her bloody vengeance on her father.
It will be interesting to see whereBlue Eye Samuraiseason 2 takes Mizu, as the finale of season 1 sets up a potential journey for our hero. Though she learns a lot throughout season 1, Mizu has become no less bloodthirsty or bent on visiting her bloody vengeance on her father. However, the other characters who populate Mizu’s world are what flesh out the story and create a living, breathing narrative that surprises viewers at every turn.
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The highly influential Disney animated seriesGravity Fallsis a TV show made by lovers of the genre and craft. Lovingly poking fun at the tropes and pitfalls of the mystery genre,Gravity Fallsbalances its comedic beats with touching moments between the central siblings, Dipper (Jason Ritter) and Mabel (Kristen Schaal).Gravity Fallssees Dipper and Mabel go on the kind of adventures kids dream about,sparking interest and nostalgic joy in the viewer.
ThoughGravity Fallsis firmly intended for younger audiences, this doesn’t take away from the quality of the content. Watching the characters investigate the hidden secrets of the town and build their relationships never gets old.Gravity Fallshandles its fantastical elements perfectly, interweaving them with realistic issues that people face in the real world. Though it only ran for two seasons,no episode throughout its run goes to waste.
you’re able to feel the crisp fall air and the smell of damp Earth coming through the screen as soon as the first notes ofOver the Garden Wall’s theme introduce Cartoon Network’s iconic miniseries. With an all-star voice cast featuring Elijah Wood, Melanie Lynskey, and Christopher Lloyd,Over the Garden Wallbecame a classic almost as soon as it premiered.A series of vignettes that oscillate between warm and comforting and eerily forbidding,Over the Garden Wallis a must-watch during the fall season.
However,the show subtly builds to an emotional climax that givesOver the Garden Walla deeper and more complex meaningthan viewers might expect. Tackling coming-of-age themes and stressing the importance of family and acceptance,Over the Garden Wallteaches the brothers Wirt (Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean) about what’s important. Though most of the episodes can be watched on their own, it’s satisfying to sit down and plow through the quick runtime in one sitting.
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Based on the comic book series of the same name by Cory Walker, Ryan Ottley, and Robert Kirkman,Invinciblehas been a huge draw for Prime Video since it premiered in 2021. AsInvinicibleseason 3 continues to blow away critics and audiences, it’s easy to see why it’s garnered so much attention. On its own,the animation is fantastic, perfectly translating the comics' art style to the screenand making it even more dynamic during the well-choreographed action sequences.
While it’s always fun to watch the superheroes of the story blast their way through the fight scenes, it’s when they fail and face their uncertain futures thatInvincibleis at its best.
This alone would be a great reason to watchInvincible, but the series went even further. The voice acting is particularly strong, with Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmons leading the cast as Mark and his father, Omni-Man, and their work cements the emotional appeal ofInvincible. While it’s always fun to watch the superheroes of the story blast their way through the fight scenes, it’s when they fail and face their uncertain futures thatInvincibleis at its best.
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Full of heart, humor, and the triumph of good versus evil,Avatar: The Last Airbendercould’ve easily been a fun, action-oriented kids' show that faded into obscurity. Instead, the creators, Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko crafted a three-season arc full of expert character developmentand unforgettable emotional moments that went far beyond children’s content of that era. RevisitingAvatarwell into adulthood isn’t just nostalgic; it unlocks deeper parts of the series.
ThenewAvatar: The Last Airbendersequel showwill be an interesting addition to the franchise, as the spinoff seriesThe Legend of Korrahas long been a source of controversy. However, the reason expectations for new additions to theAvatarcanon are so high is that the original show is airtight.The world itself is dynamic and well-built, and the characters easily uplift the story,as they’re fallible people who make mistakes and learn from them.Avatar: The Last Airbenderuses even the smallest moments of its narrative to further the plot and development.
2Arcane (2021–2024)
Two sisters vie for power amid the challenges and disparities of their dystopian city
ThoughArcaneonly ran for two seasons, they were so emotionally fraught and action-packed that the series quickly cemented itself as one of the best in recent history. Part of the recent video game adaptation renaissance,Arcaneis based on the worlds and characters from the gameLeague of Legends,using these elements to craft an entirely original story. Tackling politics, class disparities, familial bonds, and romance,Arcaneleaves no stone unturned by the series finale.
Arcane’s Replacement Show Just Became Even More Exciting After New League Of Legends Setup
After the success of Arcane, more League of Legends adaptations are in the works and one project just got an exciting new setup through the game.
Jinx and Vi, voiced by Ella Purnell and Hailee Steinfeld, are the beating heart ofArcaneas the sisters navigate the unfairness of their world and their attempts to build a family very differently. However,Arcanedoes a great job of developing all of its characters equally, creating a world so immersive it’s easy to forget about real life. ThoughArcanehas come to an end, any new series within theLeague of Legendsuniverse will be a must-watch show.
No one was prepared for whatBoJack Horsemanwould become by the Netflix original’s final season. ThoughBoJack Horsemanwas always funny, smart, and satirical, after season 1, the series took off, delving into dark and philosophical territory. Sometimes,animationis the only genre that can tackle the depths of loneliness and moral ambiguity thatBoJack Horsemanengages with. Starring Will Arnett, who voices the titular horse, the audience follows BoJack as he toes the line between antihero and villain.
ThoughBoJack Horsemanis undeniably American, set in Hollywood, later Hollywoo, and engaging with the effects of celebrity in the U.S. film industry, its themes are universal. As easy as it is to hate and revile BoJack, it’s also easy to see yourself in him and get sucked into his downward spiral.BoJack Horsemanis not always comfortable to watch, as it pushes the characters and audience to their limits,but the journey is well worth it.
