Top 10 Animated Shows of the 2010's

The 2010's are what some might consider to be yet another renaissance for animated programming since the 1990's. In terms of western animation, it feels a lot more creator-driven, with several people being given the chance to make their own shows. The rise of streaming services like Netflix also play a factor, allowing even more original content in the meantime. Needless to say, a lot of voices were heard.

With the decade now over, it is time to highlight some of my favorite animated shows to come out in those ten years. These are the ones that left the biggest impact on me and I will continue to look back on. Take note, though, that I haven't seen every show that aired throughout this decade. I've missed out on shows like Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Loud House, and Rick and Morty, so apologies in advance.

But first, some honorable mentions are in order:

Carole & Tuesday - Shinichiro Watanabe (of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo fame) continues to knock it out of the park with his latest show. It's not only wholesome thanks to the friendship between the titular leads, but it also has a great soundtrack and it's a reminder on just how powerful music is as an art form. If I expanded this list to more than ten shows, it would be at number 11.
Milo Murphy's Law - The creators of Phineas and Ferb gave us a show that embraces absurdity and achieves a great sense of optimism. It does start to lose a bit of its identity by Season 2, though, almost like the crew misses their previous show, but still competent enough.
Star vs. The Forces of Evil - What started as a fun, crazy show that pays homage to the magical girl genre, it becomes a thoughtful series about prejudice and change. Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with how the final season was handled, but it doesn't take away from everything that came before.

10. Infinity Train

(2019 - present)

When I watched the pilot episode a few years back, I was amazed by it. The premise about an eldritch train was full of potential, mystery, and intrigue and now it's finally a show. With two seasons down, it's done nothing but impress. The anthology route, in which each season has a different protagonist, was executed pretty well so far. Tulip in Season 1 and Jesse from Season 2 are each well-written characters to latch onto.

If there is anything I got out of this show, it's about overcoming trauma. There are just some circumstances beyond one's control and it takes a great deal to cope with them. There's Tulip dealing with her parents' divorce or Jesse having his kindness taken advantage of, it doesn't dare to sugarcoat these issues at hand.

The premise of a train that goes on forever is taken advantage of since it allows for many possibilities. Each episode also gives the characters a chance to test and discover themselves as they try to solve each train car's puzzles.

Thanks to its creativity, characters, themes, and atmosphere, Infinity Train has quickly become one of my favorite Cartoon Network shows. There's a lot to unpack, but I want you guys to experience this show yourselves, so I will leave it at that.

9. The Legend of Korra

(2012 - 2014)

A sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender sounds like a tough act to follow. With that said, The Legend of Korra continues to enthrall with its nuanced writing, stunning action sequences, and fantastic world-building, with one or two hiccups here and there. Detractors are quick to point out whatever flaws there are (I get it, the love triangle in Season 1 wasn't great, but it's not the only focus!), but the show deserves a lot more credit than that.

The characters, for the most part, are pretty good. Korra may be brash and impatient, but there's still a lot of likability and character growth as the show went on ("Korra Alone" is a great example). Bolin's a lovable goofball, Mako's a caring individual, Asami's a sympathetic character, and Varrick is the best. The villains in each season are also just as captivating. In a way, villains like Amon or Kuvira have a point in some way or another, which adds to how engaging the show is.

On top of showing how the world has been after the original show and a fantastic score by Jeremy Zuckerman, the show has plenty of amazing action scenes to go around. It continues to draw inspiration from martial arts, all applied to the various forms of bending that the Avatar franchise is known for. There is not a single action scene that fails to impress.

Lastly, it also manages to take some risks, pushing the boundaries on what can be put on a family show. There are some surprisingly dark moments (like Season 3) and mature, well-thought out themes that deal with politics and social unrest. The Legend of Korra has its ups and downs, but mostly ups, and I will stick by that.

8. Hilda

(2018 - present)

Netflix has been killing it with their original animated shows. Based on a series of graphic novels by Luke Pearson (also the show's creator), Hilda centers around the titular character moving into the city after living a life in a cabin in the woods. There, she befriends a couple of kids, and together they solve various problems concerning magical creatures.

The show offers a lot of great characters. Hilda is a likable protagonist who is trying to adapt to a different lifestyle; David is a lovable coward; Frida is a relatable perfectionist; and Alfur delivers some of the funniest lines in the show. Also, the relationship between Hilda and her mother, Joanna, is one of the best mother-daughter relationships. There is a great amount of trust between them, while also lending room for some conflicts on their preferred ways of living.

The show doesn't just center around adapting to changes, but also the coexistence between mankind and magical creatures. There are several episodes where the main characters learn about the lifestyles of these creatures and finding their way around. It's also interesting to note that it takes a lot of inspiration from various mythologies, primarily European, giving this show an identity of its own.

The animation and the color palette that it's applied to is also breathtaking to watch. Overall, it's one of the most wholesome shows you could ever find. It's the kind of show that just puts me in a good mood at the end of the day. This won't be the only Netflix show that will end up on this list, segueing into...

7. Castlevania

(2017 - present)

While Konami isn't really doing anything with the Castlevania series these days, the TV show is a godsend. What was originally a simple premise about a multi-generational confrontation with Dracula and his demonic castle became a deep and thought-provoking tale about the corrupted side of religion and personal loss.

The show successfully transformed Dracula from a one-dimensional demon to a tragic character who wages war on mankind for an understandable reason. Our main heroes Trevor, Alucard, and Sypha are just as great due to their backgrounds and interactions with each other. On one hand, you'll be laughing at Trevor and Alucard's bickering, with Sypha being the middle ground. On the other, their time with each other help them discover something about themselves.

The Anime-inspired animation and visuals also paved the way for some glorious action scenes. Any time that Trevor's whip moves around or when Sypha casts her magic is bound to impress. A little warning, though, that this show is unapologetically gory, so I don't recommend this for the faint of heart. To think that this is from the same studio that gave us The Fairly OddParents and My Life as a Teenage Robot.

The only problem I have with the show is the pacing. Season 1 is mainly exposition-driven, and Season 2 has our main characters stuck in one location for a few episodes. But that's about it. Castlevania is a great adaptation of the games that's good for fans and non-fans alike. I am thrilled to see where the next season takes us.

6. Steven Universe
(2013 - 2019)

Cartoon Network has put out some defining shows of this decade that won over audiences, with Steven Universe being one of them. I'll admit that it does have a slow start, with episodes being a bit more mundane than later ones. If you stick around long enough, though, you're in for something grand.

Steven is one of the best child characters in animation (well, technically, he's a teenager, but he still applies). He is naïve but loving, as he sees the good in everyone. He also goes through an amazing amount of development as the show progresses, going through various trials and tribulations as a means of resolving various conflicts. The Crystal Gems Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl also provide various amounts of depth in their characters once they get past their respective archetypes.

It also has some excellent music. Aside from some good melodies, all the voice actors gave some great performances. It also helps that many of them are music artists, too. My personal favorite song probably has to go to "Here Comes a Thought," which reminded me to be mindful and realize that these negative thoughts are just thoughts.

Some people might make fun of how off-model or inconsistent the animation can be, but there's no denying that it does feature some great character designs and beautiful backgrounds worthy of being hung up on a wall. There is just so much to talk about and I've barely scratched the surface. It's a show that not only won me over with its presentation, but it's one that I also found pretty touching on the same level that Avatar: The Last Airbender did for me.

As for the epilogue series, Steven Universe: Future, it's done a great job in exploring the aftermath of the series finale, showing that there's still room for some exploration. I'm really interested in seeing where things go from here.

5. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

(2010 - 2019)

With 221 episodes, a movie, two hour-long specials, and a concurrent spin-off franchise, the success that Friendship is Magic enjoyed cannot be understated. It all started with creator Lauren Faust breaking away from girl show stereotypes, and the next thing you know, it attracted a large male audience, myself being one of them. It defied any expectations that anyone might have had, becoming one of the primary reasons as to why the 2010's was a renaissance for animated shows.

The writing is surprisingly top-notch for a show that was primarily aimed at little girls. For starters, the characters are all likable and distinct from one another, from Twilight Sparkle's intelligence, to Pinkie Pie's zaniness, to Rainbow Dash's athleticism, leading to a wide variety of character dynamics. The plots also range from slice of life to adventure, offering something for everybody. It also has its share of relatable plots and life lessons that children and adults can get out of.

MLP also goes above and beyond with its animation. The facial and body expressions, the various techniques, and the backgrounds make for one of the most visually appealing shows out there, and it's all done in Flash. The software itself receives some flak, but this show is proof that Flash animation is a great tool when given to the right people.

Outside of the show, however, it left a huge impact on me in that it got me into fandoms, even inspiring me to attend conventions. A lot of people either found their calling or formed friendships and relationships thanks to MLP. In a way, the Brony fandom live up to the show's theme of friendship being a powerful force that can connect us in ways big or small. In other words, friendship is magic.

It's amazing that the show lasted throughout this whole decade, and while some seasons were better than others, it still left a mark in animation pop culture. Thanks to its characters, animation, life lessons, and music, Friendship is Magic is proof that what might not look amazing at first can be amazing with the right people involved. Every generation of My Little Pony afterwards is going to be a tough act to follow from here.

4. Attack on Titan

(2013 - present)

This decade led me to renewing my interest in Anime shows after a friend of mine introduced me to Attack on Titan. What exactly drew me into this show? I guess it's because I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic stories. What I love about this show is that, from the very beginning, it sets up the stakes and gives us characters to care for in the short time that we're introduced to them.

What also makes this show so great are the various twists and turns that occur. As soon as something is revealed, there is a lot of weight to them and things begin to open up as a result. It gives more reason to look back on certain episodes because there is so much foreshadowing. Little by little, we begin to discover more things about this world and why the man-eating Titans exist. It's there that Attack on Titan went from a show about killing giants to a surprisingly deep show for reasons that I do not want to spoil.

It also has some of the best action scenes that I've seen in any animated show, period. On top of some great character animation, there is also a sense of danger and a great amount of strategy that kept me glued to my seat. The second half of Season 3, in particular, was nothing short of intense.

You have no idea how thrilled I am with the upcoming fourth and final season. Those who have read the manga (I'm way behind) have mentioned how deep and life-changing the story is afterwards. Here's to a hopefully great conclusion.

3. Little Witch Academia

(2017 - present)

Do you like Harry Potter, or just cute witches in general? Then Little Witch Academia is the show for you. What started out as a couple of short films, the show fleshes out its world-building and also provides a good amount of charming characters and a great story.

The show centers around Akko attending a magic school in order to become a witch like her idol. On the way, she befriends a few other students while also struggling to perform magic herself, leading to some hilarious misadventures. There is also an interesting conflict concerning the relevancy of magic and witches in the modern world, leading to debates on traditions and keeping up with the times.

Akko, coming from a non-magical family, serves as a great audience surrogate as she learns about the magical world at the same time as the viewer. She's also a great character in general. While she is impulsive, her heart is in the right place and we want to see her succeed in the end. Nearly the rest of the cast are just as fun and lovable. Sucy is the best when it comes to deadpan humor, Lotte is a nice middle ground between her friends, Diana subverts the snooty popular girl archetype, and Ursula serves as the emotional center of the show.

The animation, expressions, and backgrounds are just as appealing and service the story pretty well. Really, the show is just top-notch all around. It's also inspiring to anyone who want to follow their dreams or achieve their goals. It's not an easy path to take, but with hard work and determination, we are all capable of something great. After all, a believing heart is your magic. Now, can Studio Trigger get on to making a second season already?

2. Gravity Falls

(2012 - 2016)

This is hands down my favorite Disney animated show of all time. There are just so many things it gets right that it is nearly perfect all around.

The writing is absolutely exceptional. My coworkers and I often find ourselves quoting this show from time to time, if that's any indication. There are also a ton of jokes that would fly over children's heads, giving something for adults to enjoy, too. The show also has a great sense of mystery and intrigue (leading to comparisons to Twin Peaks). In nearly every single episode, there are discoveries that lead to even more discoveries. The ciphers in the end credits give us reasons to go back to this show even more.

Underneath its presentation and charm comes a genuinely earnest story about childhood and the memories we make. Dipper and Mabel make the most of their summer vacation discovering the many secrets of Gravity Falls and forming some nice friendships on the way. In the meantime, they learn various life lessons, the most important being not to grow up too fast. All of that is culminated into one of my favorite series finales of all time, and I'll leave it at that.

Gravity Falls is such a thrilling show from beginning to end. It's funny, dramatic, suspenseful, and heartfelt, with great plotlines, good voice acting, beautiful animation, and lovable characters. It is one summer vacation that we're going to be looking back at with extreme fondness.

1. BoJack Horseman

(2014 - present)

I got into this show very late (just three months ago), but within the couple of weeks that it took for me to catch up, I was astonished. I mean, the art style is not the most appealing thing about this show. What caught me off-guard, however, was that after starting out like your typical adult animated sitcom in the first few episodes, it sheds its skin to become one of the most profound shows out there.

BoJack tackles topics such as toxic celebrity culture, the skewed priorities of the news media, and various others, all done in either a hilarious or heartbreaking way. There are also some rather personal themes that are tackled such as depression and self-destructive behavior, all in a manner that hits close to home.

The main characters BoJack, Princess Carolyn, Todd, Mr. Peanutbutter, and Diane make up the heart of the show. Each of them are complex and endearing, going through their share of troubles in a world that constantly lets them down. Underneath all that cynicism, however, there are rays of hope, which is enough to keep anybody going. I guess that's one of the reasons why this show resonates with me so much.

BoJack is also daring enough to give the status quo the middle finger more than any other show listed here. You know how in adult animated sitcoms like The Simpsons or Family Guy, things go back to normal in the end? Not here. Any actions that were taken have lasting consequences and viewers will feel them. BoJack himself goes through a lot of trouble due to being a self-destructive jerk, but we stick with him because there are many layers to his character.

Did I mention that BoJack Horseman is one of the most profound shows out there? Because it is. It's the kind of show that really changes your perspective on things or makes you feel a lot of emotions. It's definitely got its share of laughs, but it also hits hard with its heart-wrenching moments. It gets my pick as my favorite animated show of the 2010's. Let's hope that the second half of the final season reaches a satisfying conclusion.

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To think that this decade started with me not watching much TV, yet here I am now, discovering some new shows, talking about them in the process. I've come a long way since then.

Feel free to share your favorite animated shows of the 2010's in the comments, since I'm interested to hear. Who knows what the 2020's will bring? I only hope that more voices are heard and that more new shows continue to inspire future animators out there.