15 Best Animated Movies for Adults (That Aren’t Anime)
Animated films have a way of sparking imagination and diving into stories that live-action sometimes can’t touch. While many cartoons are kid-friendly, some are crafted with grown-ups in mind, tackling heavy themes or sharp humor that resonate with older audiences.
I’ve rounded up 15 animated movies that aren’t anime but are perfect for adults. These films, from dark comedies to emotional dramas, use animation’s creative freedom to tell bold, mature stories. Each entry highlights what makes the movie stand out and why it’s worth your time.
15. Sausage Party (2016)
This raunchy comedy follows a hot dog, voiced by Seth Rogen, who learns the grim truth about what happens to food after it leaves the supermarket. It’s a wild, R-rated ride packed with crude humor.
The film’s absurd premise hides a surprising jab at consumerism and belief systems. Its over-the-top style and voice cast, including Kristen Wiig, make it a guilty pleasure for adult laughs.
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s stop-motion classic follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who discovers Christmas and tries to mix it with Halloween. It’s a dark yet whimsical tale.
The gothic visuals and Danny Elfman’s haunting songs create a moody vibe that adults appreciate. Its blend of eerie and heartfelt makes it a timeless pick for grown-up viewers.
13. Anomalisa (2015)
Charlie Kaufman’s stop-motion drama centers on a lonely man, voiced by David Thewlis, who feels disconnected until he meets a woman in a strange hotel. It’s a quiet, introspective story.
The film’s raw look at isolation and human connection hits hard, with subtle animation that feels unnervingly real. It’s a slow burn that rewards patient, mature audiences.
12. Watership Down (1978)
Based on Richard Adams’ novel, this film follows rabbits fleeing their doomed warren after a grim vision. It’s a brutal, allegorical tale of survival with a stellar voice cast like John Hurt.
The hand-drawn animation softens the story’s dark themes of tyranny and loss, but it’s still heavy. Adults will catch the deeper political and social commentary woven throughout.
11. Heavy Metal (1981)
This anthology film, inspired by the sci-fi comic, jumps between stories of fantasy, horror, and adventure. It features a rock soundtrack and voices like John Candy.
Its bold visuals and mature content, from violence to nudity, make it a cult classic for adults. The uneven stories still deliver a nostalgic, rebellious vibe.
10. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Two conmen, voiced by Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh, stumble into a South American adventure seeking a city of gold. It’s a buddy comedy with sharp wit.
While kid-friendly on the surface, the clever dialogue and subtle adult humor shine for older viewers. The vibrant animation and Elton John’s music add extra charm.
9. Persepolis (2007)
Marjane Satrapi’s black-and-white memoir follows a young girl growing up during Iran’s Islamic Revolution. It’s a personal, unflinching coming-of-age story.
The stark animation style amplifies the emotional weight of war and rebellion. Adults will connect with its honest take on identity and freedom.
8. A Scanner Darkly (2006)
Richard Linklater’s rotoscoped sci-fi follows a drug-addled undercover cop, played by Keanu Reeves, in a dystopian future. It’s based on Philip K. Dick’s novel.
The surreal visuals match the story’s paranoid tone, exploring addiction and surveillance. Its heady themes and strong cast, including Robert Downey Jr., make it a thinker’s film.
7. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Wes Anderson’s stop-motion gem follows a clever fox, voiced by George Clooney, outwitting farmers. It’s based on Roald Dahl’s book but with a quirky adult spin.
The dry humor and stylish visuals appeal to grown-ups, while the story digs into family and rebellion. The voice cast, including Meryl Streep, is pure gold.
6. Waltz with Bashir (2008)
Ari Folman’s animated documentary follows an Israeli soldier piecing together memories of the 1982 Lebanon War. It uses a striking cutout style to depict trauma.
The film’s raw look at guilt and war’s horrors is unflinching, with animation amplifying the dreamlike pain. It’s a heavy, powerful watch for adults.
5. Loving Vincent (2017)
This oil-painted film explores Vincent van Gogh’s final days through a young man’s quest to deliver his last letter. It stars Douglas Booth and features stunning visuals.
Every frame mimics van Gogh’s art, pulling you into his troubled mind. Adults will appreciate the emotional depth and unique storytelling.
4. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
This quirky French film follows a grandmother chasing kidnappers who took her cyclist grandson. It’s mostly wordless, with wild visuals and a jazzy soundtrack.
The oddball humor and dark edge, from mobsters to bizarre settings, make it a cult hit for adults. Its creativity feels fresh and untamed.
3. Coraline (2009)
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, this stop-motion film follows a girl discovering a creepy alternate world. Dakota Fanning voices the brave, curious Coraline.
The eerie atmosphere and subtle horror resonate with adults, while the themes of temptation and family hit deep. It’s a chilling yet beautiful watch.
2. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s musical follows the South Park kids sparking chaos over a raunchy movie. It’s a sharp, R-rated satire with catchy songs.
The crude humor and biting commentary on censorship and culture make it a bold adult favorite. Its Oscar-nominated song ‘Blame Canada’ is pure genius.
1. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Nick Park’s claymation masterpiece follows inventor Wallace and his dog Gromit saving a town from a giant rabbit. It’s packed with charm and voices like Peter Sallis.
The clever wordplay and slapstick humor land perfectly for adults, while the warm story and detailed animation dazzle. It’s a cozy yet brilliant top pick.
Which of these animated films surprised you the most, or is there another adult cartoon I should check out? Drop your thoughts in the comments!