12 Best Netflix Original Animated Series for Adults, Ranked by Dark Humor

Netflix has become a powerhouse for animated series that push boundaries, especially for adults who enjoy sharp, edgy comedy. These shows blend biting wit, twisted scenarios, and bold themes, making them perfect for viewers who love humor with a dark streak.

I’ve ranked the 12 best Netflix original animated series for adults based on their dark humor, from the mildly cheeky to the outright grim. Each one delivers laughs while diving into themes that range from absurd to deeply unsettling, ensuring there’s something for every fan of twisted comedy.

12. Disenchantment (2018-2023)

Matt Groening’s ‘Disenchantment’ follows Princess Bean (Abbi Jacobson), a rebellious royal in a medieval fantasy world, joined by an elf and a demon. The humor leans on absurd situations and jabs at fantasy tropes, with a touch of darkness in Bean’s chaotic adventures.

While not as grim as Groening’s other works, the show’s cynical take on fairy tales and occasional morbid gags make it a fun watch. I enjoyed Bean’s sarcastic edge, though some jokes feel familiar. It’s a great starter for dark humor fans.

11. Q-Force (2021)

‘Q-Force’ centers on a team of LGBTQ+ spies led by Agent Mary (Sean Hayes), a gay James Bond type, tackling missions with crude, irreverent humor. The show dives into workplace chaos and identity with a playful, over-the-top vibe.

Its dark comedy comes from exaggerated spy antics and unapologetic queer jokes, though some bits feel forced. I laughed at the team’s wild dynamics, but the humor can be hit-or-miss. Perfect for fans of campy, bold comedy.

10. Human Resources (2022)

Spun off from ‘Big Mouth,’ ‘Human Resources’ focuses on the Hormone Monsters and other creatures managing human emotions. Aidy Bryant voices Emmy, a Lovebug navigating workplace drama with dark, raunchy humor.

The show’s take on mental health and relationships gets grimly funny, though it’s less consistent than its parent series. I found the bizarre creature designs and crude gags hilarious, making it a solid pick for fans of edgy workplace comedy.

9. Captain Fall (2023)

‘Captain Fall’ follows Jonathan Fall (Jason Ritter), a naive cruise ship captain unknowingly smuggling drugs for a cartel. The dark humor stems from his cluelessness amid violent, absurd situations, backed by a strong voice cast including Anthony Carrigan.

Some jokes lean too heavily on shock value, but the escalating chaos kept me entertained. I loved the contrast between Fall’s innocence and the gritty crime world. It’s a wild ride for dark comedy fans.

8. F Is for Family (2015-2021)

Set in the 1970s, ‘F Is for Family’ follows the dysfunctional Murphy family, led by Frank (Bill Burr), a gruff baggage handler. The show mixes raunchy humor with dark takes on family life, work stress, and societal change.

Its brutal honesty about domestic struggles can feel heavy, but the laughs are sharp. I connected with the nostalgic yet biting tone, perfect for those who enjoy grounded, grim comedy.

7. Aggretsuko (2018-2023)

‘Aggretsuko’ follows Retsuko, a cute red panda (Erica Mendez) who vents her office frustrations through death metal karaoke. The contrast between her adorable exterior and rage-fueled outbursts delivers dark, relatable humor.

The show nails workplace absurdity, though some episodes are lighter. I loved Retsuko’s metal meltdowns as a cathartic twist. It’s a unique gem for fans of quirky, dark anime.

6. Inside Job (2021-2022)

‘Inside Job’ is a conspiracy-fueled comedy about Reagan Ridley (Lizzy Caplan) working at a secret organization hiding global cover-ups. The humor blends sharp satire with absurd takes on lizard people and fake moon landings.

Its fast-paced wit occasionally outshines the plot, but the clever gags kept me hooked. I enjoyed the wild conspiracy jabs, making it a great fit for fans of irreverent humor.

5. The Midnight Gospel (2020)

Created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell, ‘The Midnight Gospel’ follows Clancy, a spacecaster interviewing bizarre beings across dying worlds. Its dark humor mixes trippy visuals with existential and morbid topics like death and reality.

The podcast-style format can feel dense, but the absurd laughs land hard. I was drawn to its blend of philosophy and dark comedy, ideal for those who like their humor mind-bending.

4. Love, Death & Robots (2019-Present)

This anthology series, created by Tim Miller and David Fincher, offers short animated stories blending sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy. Each episode varies in style, with twisted tales of rogue AI, monsters, and dystopian futures.

Some episodes are stronger than others, but the dark humor hits hard in the best ones. I was gripped by the variety and bold visuals, perfect for fans of eclectic, grim laughs.

3. Arcane (2021-2024)

Based on League of Legends, ‘Arcane’ follows sisters Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) in a gritty steampunk world. While known for action, its dark humor shines through Jinx’s chaotic, unhinged antics and biting dialogue.

The heavy drama can overshadow the comedy, but the sharp wit elevates it. I loved Jinx’s twisted humor against the dark backdrop, making it a must for fans of layered storytelling.

2. Rick and Morty (2013-Present)

‘Rick and Morty,’ created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, follows mad scientist Rick and his grandson Morty on wild sci-fi adventures. The dark humor tackles existential dread, family dysfunction, and cosmic absurdity with sharp wit.

Some episodes lean more absurd than dark, but the grim laughs are unmatched. I cracked up at Rick’s cynical one-liners and the show’s bleak take on life. It’s a classic for dark comedy lovers.

1. BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

‘BoJack Horseman’ follows a washed-up sitcom star (Will Arnett), a talking horse grappling with depression and addiction. Its dark humor blends Hollywood satire with gut-punching takes on mental health and self-sabotage.

The show’s mix of silly gags and raw emotion is masterful, though it can hit hard. I was floored by its ability to make me laugh and ache in the same breath. It’s the ultimate dark comedy gem.

Which of these Netflix animated series had you laughing through the darkness, or is there another dark-humor favorite I missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!