7 Best Animated TV Shows of 2025, Ranked

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2025 was a fantastic year for animation, with many new shows quickly gaining popularity. While the animation industry faces challenges as companies shift their focus, the shows that did get released were a big hit with audiences. This included both exciting revivals of older series and a wealth of original content.

7). The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball

The popular show The Amazing World of Gumball is back with two new seasons, continuing the story right where it left off on Cartoon Network seven years ago. The original creator and many of the same team members returned, bringing a renewed energy to the series while staying true to its famously quirky and fun style. These new seasons feel both modern and wonderfully familiar.

I was really impressed with a few episodes, especially “The Synthesis,” “The Portrait,” and “The Score.” We also got some episodes that expanded on the overall story, which was great. It’s lower on my list simply because it’s not a completely new show – it’s a continuation of an existing series, and I was focusing on newer content.

6). King of the Hill Season 14

The upcoming revival of King of the Hill on Hulu is both a continuation of the original and a fresh start. While it brings back the beloved voice actors and creators, it also offers a new take on the series. Like all successful revivals, it successfully captures the heart of the original while updating it for modern audiences without sacrificing what fans loved about it.

This reboot is remarkably well-done, skillfully balancing the classic charm of the original King of the Hill with a fresh, ten-episode format on Hulu. It’s easily one of the most successful reboots of 2025, and a genuinely enjoyable show that earns its place among the best.

5). Haunted Hotel

Netflix released some excellent new animated shows this year, and “Haunted Hotel” is one you might have missed. Created by Matt Roller, the series follows a sister who inherits a hotel from her deceased brother. As she and her family settle in, it becomes clear the hotel is filled with ghosts, demons, and other spooky problems that unfold throughout the first season.

I’ve been watching this sitcom, and it’s really cleverly done. The initial idea isn’t just a starting point – they really run with it, and it leads to some incredibly creative and funny visuals. What starts small quickly escalates, and by the end, things are unbelievably huge – we’re talking the end of the world! There’s even a demon trapped in a time loop, all trying to save his family. What I really appreciate is how the show builds on its core concept with each episode, leaving a lot of exciting possibilities for where it could go next.

4). Haha, You Clowns

In 2025, Adult Swim introduced a number of new shows, and competition was fierce. One of the later debuts was Haha, You Clowns by Joe Cappa. Unlike many other shows on Adult Swim, this series had a surprisingly upbeat tone, focusing on three brothers being raised by their father after their mother passed away.

The show expertly balances lighthearted comedy with a surprising emotional depth, and this really comes to a head by the season finale. Each episode is simply enjoyable and low-pressure, focusing on three well-behaved and lovable characters. If you want to see what makes it so good, definitely watch the episode called “Plane.”

3). Long Story Short

Another successful Netflix animated series that flew somewhat under the radar was Long Story Short, created by the mind behind BoJack Horseman, Raphael Bob-Waksberg. Many consider it one of the best shows of 2025. The series offers a look at the lives of the Schwooper family, but tells their story in a unique, non-chronological way. Each episode jumps between different moments in the characters’ lives, gradually revealing the connections and filling in the missing pieces.

This show is amazing – each episode is full of compelling character stories and incredibly clever writing. It’s made for binge-watching; you’ll likely want to watch all the episodes at once. There’s a lot to discover about the characters, their Jewish heritage, and how they all relate to each other. Seriously, you won’t regret watching this series.

2). Common Side Effects

One of the best new Adult Swim shows of 2025 was Common Side Effects. It premiered early in the year, so it might have faded from memory, but it’s as strong as any live-action drama. What makes it special is that it’s an animated show with a wildly imaginative premise that, sadly, feels very relevant to the issues facing the American healthcare system today.

The new series, Common Side Effects, created by Joe Bennett and Steve Hely, centers around Marshall, who stumbles upon a magical mushroom with the power to bring people back to life. This discovery quickly spirals into a huge conspiracy involving secret government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, hitmen, and plenty of other unexpected twists. It’s a fast-paced and exciting show you won’t want to miss!

1). Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Honestly, as a huge Spider-Man fan, nothing quite hits the spot like a really good animated series, and this one, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, is just fantastic! It feels so fresh, even though we’ve seen Spider-Man stories a million times. It’s got this amazing art style that reminds me of the classic cartoons I grew up with, but it also feels really modern and energetic – it’s the perfect blend of old and new!

Jeff Trammell leads the team behind Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and his work on Craig of the Creek is evident in the show’s ability to manage a large cast of characters effectively. The series culminates in a truly satisfying portrayal of Peter Parker becoming Spider-Man, making it the best animated show of 2025.

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2026-01-04 00:43