10 Great Cartoons That Deserve To Be Called Anime

With anime becoming more popular globally, its impact on animation worldwide is increasingly noticeable. Western shows and movies frequently include references to anime like Dragon Ball Z and films from Studio Ghibli, and are also starting to imitate its unique art styles – a trend that’s become particularly common lately.

Anime has had a huge impact on animation around the world, and it’s gotten to the point where many people struggle to define what actually is and isn’t anime. While that discussion will likely continue for a long time, there are still plenty of animated shows that feel very much like anime and could easily be considered part of the genre.

10) Steven Universe

The Cartoon Network show Steven Universe takes place long after a war between the powerful alien empire of Gem Homeworld and a group of rebels called the Crystal Gems. Even now, conflict continues to affect Earth and the universe, and the key to resolving it lies with Steven Universe – a young, half-human boy who wants peace more than anything. He is the son of the legendary Rose Quartz.

Steven Universe blends the exciting scope of sci-fi adventures like Dragon Ball Z with the magical and emotional storytelling of Revolutionary Girl Utena, creating a unique and compelling show. But even if you’re not familiar with those series, Steven Universe stands on its own as a fantastic program, offering amazing action, memorable music, and a story that beautifully balances emotional depth with dramatic moments.

Steven Universe has been a hugely popular cartoon for good reason, and fans have even more to look forward to with the upcoming spinoff, Lars of the Stars.

9) Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Nickelodeon’s Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the latest animated series based on the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. This version shows the Turtles before they become skilled fighters, and it includes a lot more magic than previous shows, even featuring mystical weapons in their battles.

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out with its unique and visually striking style, resulting in consistently impressive animation, particularly during action sequences. While the show took some significant liberties with established franchise lore, sparking debate among fans, it remains a truly excellent series.

8) To Be Hero X

BeDream’s To Be Hero X is set in a world where superheroes gain strength from public belief. While ten heroes are particularly famous, most people don’t know about the personal struggles and hidden difficulties they face behind the scenes.

Blending a fresh take on the superhero genre with unique 2D and 3D animation, To Be Hero X stands out as one of the most creative animated series of 2025 and a strong candidate for anime of the year. With Chinese donghua gaining widespread popularity, To Be Hero X perfectly showcases the reasons behind that success.

7) Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir follows Marinette and Adrien, two teens who secretly transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. They defend Paris from the villain Hawkmoth, all while navigating complicated relationships – including developing feelings for each other’s superhero alter egos, but not realizing who is behind the mask.

Miraculous Ladybug is basically a Western-style version of the magical girl anime genre. It’s become very popular thanks to its engaging stories, sweet romantic moments, and the impressive improvement of its 3D animation over the years. The show recently expanded with an anime spin-off, and after being on air for over ten years, it shows no signs of stopping.

6) The Boondocks

Adult Swim’s animated series, The Boondocks, follows the Freemans, an African American family with a comfortable lifestyle who move to the mostly white suburb of Woodcrest. While living there, they repeatedly get caught up in clashes involving race and social issues, ranging from lighthearted satire to more serious conflicts, impacting both themselves and their neighbors.

Imagine if Afro Samurai had the raw, edgy humor of an Adult Swim show. That’s essentially The Boondocks – a surprisingly effective blend of fantastic action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and insightful social commentary. Although a revival was planned but ultimately canceled, The Boondocks remains a truly unforgettable series.

5) The Legend Of Korra

Nickelodeon’s The Legend of Korra continues the story of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Set seventy years later, the series follows Korra, a spirited Waterbender who is the new Avatar. Even though the world has evolved since Aang’s time, Korra faces equally difficult—or even greater—challenges in maintaining balance.

Even though Korra sometimes sparks debate, it’s easy to enjoy thanks to its engaging characters, beautiful animation similar to the first Avatar series, and the way it builds upon the established world. The upcoming Avatar show, Seven Havens, will continue Korra‘s story, and hopefully, that will lead to it receiving the recognition it deserves.

4) KPop Demon Hunters

Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters features a world where demons are fought using the power of music. Today, the latest generation of demon hunters is Huntr/x, a hugely popular K-pop group. Just as they’re about to close the door to the demon realm forever, a final, desperate plan from the demons could destroy everything.

While it’s no surprise that KPop Demon Hunters draws heavily from anime visually, the movie is truly enjoyable thanks to its fantastic music and touching story about love, friendship, and believing in yourself. KPop Demon Hunters has become incredibly popular worldwide, and all the positive attention it’s getting is well-deserved – and then some.

3) Castlevania

Netflix’s Castlevania is an animated series inspired by the classic video game franchise. The story begins when Dracula, enraged by the execution of his wife who was falsely accused of witchcraft, wages war on humanity and Wallachia. It then falls to monster hunter Trevor Belmont and his allies to find a way to stop him.

Many people consider Castlevania an anime because it’s based on a Japanese game series. With its beautiful animation and skillful storytelling, it truly earns that title. It’s a standout video game adaptation, and it’s likely to remain one for a long time.

2) Teen Titans

The Cartoon Network show Teen Titans is inspired by the famous superhero team from DC Comics. While it draws from the 1980s comic book version created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, and includes well-known characters like Deathstroke, Terra, and Trigon, the show’s storylines and overall feel are quite different from the original comics.

Many consider Teen Titans to be one of the best cartoons from the 2000s, and it’s easy to understand why. Its action was inspired by anime, the characters were well-developed and humorous, and it successfully updated the classic Teen Titans stories for a new generation. Teen Titans has remained popular with viewers long after it aired, and it’s likely to stay that way for years to come.

1) Avatar: The Last Airbender

Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is set in a world where certain people have the power to control water, earth, fire, or air. This world is under attack by the aggressive Fire Nation. The only one who can restore peace is the Avatar, someone who can master all four elements. In the story, that responsibility falls to Aang, the last surviving Airbender, who unexpectedly awakens after being frozen in ice for a century.

Many consider Avatar to be one of the best TV shows ever made, praising its stunning animation and surprisingly complex stories. Even now, it’s hard to argue against calling it a true masterpiece. Avatar is frequently cited as the prime example of a Western cartoon that feels like anime, and it arguably deserves that distinction more than any other show.

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2025-11-13 23:43