Overrated Animated Series Everyone Seems To Like

Animation has evolved from a medium primarily for children into a diverse landscape of storytelling that appeals to all ages. While many series achieve massive popularity and critical acclaim some viewers believe certain titles receive more praise than they deserve. This can happen due to nostalgia or cultural momentum or the specific tastes of a vocal fan base. Exploring these widely loved shows helps highlight the subjective nature of entertainment and the different ways audiences connect with stories.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–Present)

‘The Simpsons’ follows the life of a working class family in the fictional town of Springfield. This series revolutionized the adult animation genre and became a global cultural phenomenon during the early nineteen nineties. Critics often point to the tenth season as the beginning of a perceived decline in narrative quality and humor. Despite these criticisms the show remains on the air and continues to produce new content for a massive audience. It is frequently cited as one of the most influential television programs in history.

‘Family Guy’ (1999–Present)

‘Family Guy’ centers on the dysfunctional Griffin family and their anthropomorphic pet dog in Rhode Island. The show is known for its cutaway gags and frequent references to pop culture. Many viewers argue that the heavy reliance on shock humor and repetitive tropes has led to a lack of substance in later seasons. It was canceled twice by the network before being revived due to strong DVD sales and syndication ratings. The series continues to be a staple of adult animation despite mixed critical reception in recent years.

‘Rick and Morty’ (2013–Present)

‘Rick and Morty’ explores the interdimensional adventures of a cynical scientist and his grandson. The series gained a massive following for its high concept science fiction and dark humor. Some critics argue that the writing has become overly self aware and reliant on meta commentary in recent seasons. The behavior of the vocal fan base has also influenced the public perception of the show. Despite these debates it continues to be a major success for the network and a cornerstone of modern animation.

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ (1999–Present)

‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ features the adventures of a yellow sea sponge and his friends in the underwater city of Bikini Bottom. It is one of the most successful shows on Nickelodeon and has spawned multiple films and spin offs. Fans often divide the series into the pre movie era and the post movie era with many claiming a drop in writing quality after the first three seasons. Some viewers find the characters to be increasingly exaggerated and the humor to be less sophisticated than in the early episodes. It remains a dominant force in children’s media worldwide.

‘South Park’ (1997–Present)

‘South Park’ follows four young boys and their bizarre experiences in a small Colorado town. The show is famous for its quick production turnaround and topical social satire. Some viewers feel that the show has become too focused on current events at the expense of its original character driven charm. Others argue that the centrist political stance of the creators can feel dated or repetitive after more than twenty seasons. The series continues to push boundaries and remains a significant part of the cultural conversation.

‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)

‘Adventure Time’ tells the story of Finn the Human and Jake the Dog in the post apocalyptic Land of Ooo. It is praised for its imaginative world building and the evolution of its lore over eight years. Some critics believe the show became overly complicated with its mythology and lost the simple charm of its early adventures. The sheer volume of episodes can make it difficult for some viewers to maintain interest in the overall narrative. It is credited with influencing a new generation of creators in the animation industry.

‘Steven Universe’ (2013–2019)

‘Steven Universe’ focuses on a young boy who lives with three magical aliens known as the Crystal Gems. The series is widely celebrated for its inclusive themes and emotional maturity. Some viewers argue that the pacing is inconsistent and that the redemption arcs for certain villains were handled too quickly. The heavy focus on lore and interpersonal relationships can be polarizing for those looking for more traditional action. It remains a beloved series for its positive messages and unique musical scores.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ follows Aang as he attempts to master all four elements and bring peace to a war torn world. It is frequently cited as one of the greatest animated series of all time due to its character development and world building. Some critics argue that the early episodes are too juvenile and that the humor does not always land for older viewers. Despite these minor complaints the show maintains a massive and dedicated fan base. Its legacy continues through various comics and a live action adaptation.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

‘BoJack Horseman’ is a dark comedy drama set in a world where humans and animals coexist. The show is praised for its realistic depiction of depression and addiction and the dark side of fame. While many viewers consider it a masterpiece others find the unrelenting cynicism to be exhausting or repetitive. The series often experiments with different animation styles and narrative structures to tell its story. It concluded its run with significant critical praise and several award nominations.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

‘Naruto’ tells the story of a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village. The series is known for its intense action sequences and large cast of unique characters. One common criticism is the significant amount of filler episodes that do not contribute to the main plot. Some viewers also find the protagonist to be occasionally grating or the power scaling to be inconsistent over time. It helped popularize anime in the western world during the early two thousands.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

‘One Piece’ follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the ultimate treasure. The series is celebrated for its world building and long form storytelling spanning over one thousand episodes. Some critics and viewers find the pacing to be problematic especially during the later arcs of the show. The sheer length of the series can also be a significant barrier for new fans who may feel the investment is too high. It remains one of the highest selling manga and most popular anime franchises in the world.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996)

‘Dragon Ball Z’ focuses on the adventures of Goku and his allies as they defend the Earth against various powerful villains. It is credited with popularizing the shonen genre and features iconic transformations and fight scenes. Critics often point to the excessive length of battles and the repetitive nature of the plot as weaknesses. Some viewers feel that the power levels become so high that the stakes lose their meaning. The show continues to be a massive cultural icon with ongoing sequels and merchandise.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019–Present)

‘Demon Slayer’ follows a young man who becomes a demon hunter after his family is killed. The show is famous for its high quality animation and visually stunning fight scenes produced by Ufotable. Critics of the series argue that the plot is generic and follows standard tropes without much innovation. While the visual presentation is exceptional some believe the character development is not as deep as its peers. The franchise has broken numerous box office records and remains a dominant force in the industry.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

‘Attack on Titan’ depicts a world where humanity lives within walled cities to protect themselves from giant man eating creatures. The series is known for its dark tone and political intrigue and shocking plot twists. Some viewers felt that the final arcs of the story were convoluted or that the ending was unsatisfying compared to the build up. The pacing of the anime release schedule also caused frustration for fans over the years. It remains one of the most popular and discussed anime of the last decade.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–Present)

‘My Hero Academia’ is set in a world where most people have developed superpowers known as Quirks. The story follows Izuku Midoriya as he trains to become the greatest hero at a specialized high school. Some critics argue that the series relies too heavily on established superhero tropes and lacks a unique identity. Others find the large cast of characters leads to many being underdeveloped or forgotten in later seasons. It continues to be a major success in both Japan and international markets.

‘Arcane’ (2021–Present)

‘Arcane’ is based on the League of Legends video game and explores the origins of several iconic characters. It received universal acclaim for its stunning animation style and mature storytelling. Some viewers who are not fans of the game find the hype surrounding the series to be slightly exaggerated. Critics who find it overrated might point to the familiar tropes of class struggle and sibling rivalry. Despite these views it is widely considered a benchmark for video game adaptations.

‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)

‘Castlevania’ is a dark fantasy series based on the classic video game franchise of the same name. It follows Trevor Belmont as he fights against the forces of Dracula to save Wallachia. Some viewers find the dialogue to be overly edgy and the pacing in the middle seasons to be slow. Others argue that the show deviates significantly from the source material in ways that do not always benefit the story. The series concluded its run and paved the way for a sequel series on the same platform.

‘The Legend of Korra’ (2012–2014)

‘The Legend of Korra’ is the sequel series to ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ and follows the next Avatar in a more modern world. It is praised for tackling complex themes like politics and identity and trauma. Many fans of the original series find the new characters and setting to be less compelling than those in the first show. Some critics argue that the production issues behind the scenes led to inconsistent writing and character arcs. It remains a significant part of the franchise with a dedicated following of its own.

‘Bluey’ (2018–Present)

‘Bluey’ follows the adventures of a Blue Heeler puppy and her family in Australia. It has received global acclaim for its depiction of modern parenting and childhood imagination. Some adult viewers suggest that the show is over praised by older audiences who may be projecting their own experiences onto simple stories. The series is often cited as a benchmark for quality in preschool programming due to its emotional depth. It has become a massive commercial success with a wide range of merchandise.

‘Bob’s Burgers’ (2011–Present)

‘Bob’s Burgers’ centers on the Belcher family and their struggling burger restaurant. The show is known for its quirky humor and musical numbers and wholesome family dynamics. Some viewers argue that the series has become formulaic and that the characters have lost some of their original edge. Critics who find it overrated might point to the repetitive plot structures used in later seasons. It remains a consistent performer for the network and a favorite among fans of adult comedy.

‘Big Mouth’ (2017–2024)

‘Big Mouth’ is an adult animated series that explores the horrors and awkwardness of puberty. It is praised for its frank discussions about sexuality and mental health. Many viewers find the art style to be unappealing and the humor to be excessively crude or uncomfortable. Some critics argue that the show focuses too much on shock value rather than genuine character growth. Despite the controversy it has been a long running success for its streaming platform.

‘Invincible’ (2021–Present)

‘Invincible’ follows Mark Grayson as he discovers his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. The show gained notoriety for its extreme violence and subversion of typical superhero stories. Some viewers find the animation quality to be inconsistent compared to other high profile series. Others argue that the plot relies too much on shock factor to keep the audience engaged. It is based on the comic book series of the same name and has been renewed for multiple seasons.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

‘Cyberpunk Edgerunners’ is a standalone series set in the world of the video game Cyberpunk 2077. It follows a street kid trying to survive in a technology obsessed city of the future. The show was praised for its vibrant animation and tragic story. Some critics argue that the characters are archetypal and that the plot moves too quickly for significant emotional investment. It is credited with revitalizing interest in the original game following its troubled launch.

‘Gravity Falls’ (2012–2016)

‘Gravity Falls’ tells the story of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines spending the summer with their great uncle in a mysterious town. The show is beloved for its hidden secrets and overarching mystery and character development. Some viewers find the humor to be occasionally hit or miss and the first season to be slow compared to the second. Critics who find it overrated often suggest that its cult status makes it seem more profound than it is. It concluded on the creator’s terms after two highly successful seasons.

‘Futurama’ (1999–Present)

‘Futurama’ follows Fry as he wakes up in the year three thousand after being cryogenically frozen. The series is known for its clever writing and scientific jokes and emotional resonance. Some fans feel that the multiple revivals have diluted the impact of the original run. Critics argue that later episodes rely too much on topical humor that dates quickly compared to the timeless early seasons. It remains a favorite among science fiction fans and continues to produce new episodes.

‘American Dad!’ (2005–Present)

‘American Dad!’ centers on Stan Smith and his family which includes an alien named Roger. Initially seen as a clone of ‘Family Guy’ the show eventually developed its own surreal and character driven identity. Some viewers find the shift into more bizarre storylines to be a departure from the show’s original satirical premise. Critics argue that the series has outlasted its prime and now relies on repetitive character tropes. It has maintained a steady audience and found a new home on cable television.

‘King of the Hill’ (1997–2010)

‘King of the Hill’ focuses on the daily lives of the Hill family in Arlen Texas. The show is praised for its grounded humor and realistic characters and social commentary. Some viewers find the slow pace and dry humor to be boring compared to other more energetic animated sitcoms. Critics who find it overrated might argue that the characters are often too unlikable or stubborn to be engaging. A revival of the series is currently in development for a new audience.

‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ (1993–Present)

‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ features two socially awkward teenagers who spend their time watching music videos and making crude jokes. The show became a symbol of the nineteen nineties and was both praised and criticized for its portrayal of youth culture. Some viewers find the repetitive nature of the humor to be tiring and lacking in depth. Critics argue that the show’s reliance on stupidity as the main gag limits its long term appeal. It has seen several revivals including recent episodes that place the duo in modern settings.

‘The Ren & Stimpy Show’ (1991–1996)

‘The Ren and Stimpy Show’ is known for its grotesque animation and surreal humor. It pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in children’s television during its initial run on Nickelodeon. Some viewers find the visual style to be repulsive rather than creative or funny. Critics argue that the show prioritized shock value over coherent storytelling or character development. It remains an influential piece of animation history despite its controversial reputation.

‘Phineas and Ferb’ (2007–2015)

‘Phineas and Ferb’ follows two brothers as they build elaborate inventions during their summer vacation. The show is praised for its catchy songs and clever writing and formulaic structure. Some viewers find the repetitive nature of the episodes to be tedious over time. Critics argue that the characters lack depth because they are defined by their roles in the recurring plot formula. It remains one of the most popular franchises for the Disney Channel and has inspired several films.

‘Kim Possible’ (2002–2007)

‘Kim Possible’ features a high school girl who balances her life as a student with her role as a secret agent. The show was a major success for Disney and is remembered for its strong female lead and witty dialogue. Some viewers feel that the show relies too heavily on early two thousands trends that have not aged well. Critics might argue that the villains are often too incompetent to provide a real sense of stakes. It remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up during its original run.

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ (1998–2005)

‘The Powerpuff Girls’ follows three superpowered sisters created in a laboratory as they fight crime in Townsville. The series is celebrated for its unique art style and blend of action and humor. Some viewers find the later seasons and the modern reboot to be lacking the charm of the original episodes. Critics who find it overrated suggest that the show is more style than substance. It remains an iconic part of the Cartoon Network lineup and a staple of pop culture.

‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ (1996–2003)

‘Dexter’s Laboratory’ centers on a boy genius with a secret lab and his annoying sister Dee Dee. The show is known for its distinct visual style and clever slapstick humor. Some viewers believe the series declined after the original creator left the project. Critics argue that the later episodes lost the sharp writing and character dynamics that made the early seasons successful. It is still considered a classic of the nineties era of animation.

‘Pokémon’ (1997–Present)

‘Pokémon’ follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master. The series has been a massive global success and helped launch one of the most profitable media franchises in history. Some viewers find the long running narrative to be repetitive and frustrated by the slow progression of the main character. Critics argue that the show is primarily a marketing tool for the video games rather than a stand alone story. It recently concluded Ash’s story to make way for a new generation of characters.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

‘Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’ is an adaptation of the manga series focusing on two brothers seeking the philosopher stone. It is widely considered one of the best anime of all time due to its tight pacing and emotional stakes. Critics who find it overrated often point to the humor which sometimes clashes with the serious tone of the story. The series explores themes of sacrifice and morality and the consequences of human ambition. It remains a top rated title on various fan community websites.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

‘Death Note’ follows a high school student who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. The series is famous for its psychological battle of wits between the protagonist and a brilliant detective. Some viewers feel that the quality of the story drops significantly after a major character death in the middle of the series. Critics argue that the ending is rushed and less satisfying than the initial setup. It is often recommended as a starter anime for new fans.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997)

‘Sailor Moon’ features a group of magical girls who protect the Earth from various evil forces. It is credited with popularizing the magical girl genre in the West and remains a cultural icon. Some viewers find the repetitive monster of the week format to be tedious. Critics argue that the animation quality in the original series is inconsistent by modern standards. It has received a more faithful reboot in recent years to satisfy fans of the original manga.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998–1999)

‘Cowboy Bebop’ follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through space in the year twenty seventy one. The series is praised for its jazz influenced soundtrack and stylish direction and mature themes. Some viewers find the episodic nature of the show to be less engaging than a more serialized narrative. Critics who find it overrated might argue that its cool factor outweighs its actual plot depth. It remains a highly influential series that blended western and eastern storytelling.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ is a mecha series that explores the psychological struggles of its young pilots. The show is famous for its deconstruction of genre tropes and its complex and controversial ending. Some viewers find the protagonist to be overly frustrated and the philosophical themes to be pretentious. Critics argue that the show’s production issues led to a confusing narrative that requires outside reading to understand. It continues to be a subject of intense debate among fans and critics alike.

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–Present)

‘The Dragon Prince’ is a fantasy series set in the land of Xadia where humans and elves are at war. It is praised for its inclusive cast and epic world building from some of the writers of ‘Avatar’. Some viewers find the animation style and frame rate in the first season to be distracting. Critics argue that the plot follows very familiar fantasy archetypes and lacks a unique voice. It has continued to expand its lore over several seasons on its streaming platform.

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ (2018–2020)

‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ is a reboot of the classic nineteen eighties series. It focuses on Adora as she leads a rebellion against an evil empire and discovers her magical heritage. The show is celebrated for its diverse characters and complex relationships. Some viewers find the humor to be too modern and the art style to be a significant departure from the original. Critics who find it overrated often point to inconsistent pacing in the middle seasons.

‘Star vs. the Forces of Evil’ (2015–2019)

‘Star vs. the Forces of Evil’ follows a magical princess from another dimension who lives with a human family on Earth. The show transitioned from a fun episodic comedy to a more serious lore heavy drama. Some fans were disappointed with the direction of the final season and the resolution of the main character relationships. Critics argue that the world building became too convoluted for its own good by the end. It remains a notable part of the modern era of Disney animation.

‘Regular Show’ (2010–2017)

‘Regular Show’ follows a blue jay and a raccoon who work as groundskeepers at a local park. The series is known for its eighties references and surreal plot escalations. Some viewers find the formula of a normal day turning into a cosmic disaster to be repetitive. Critics argue that the characters are often too lazy or unlikable to root for in many episodes. It is remembered for its unique tone and its appeal to both children and young adults.

‘The Fairly OddParents’ (2001–2017)

‘The Fairly OddParents’ centers on a boy who has two fairy godparents to grant his every wish. The show was a massive hit for Nickelodeon and ran for many years. Many fans believe the series suffered from a significant decline in quality after the introduction of new characters in later seasons. Critics argue that the humor became louder and more frantic as the show progressed. It has recently seen attempts at revivals and reboots for a new generation.

‘Danny Phantom’ (2004–2007)

‘Danny Phantom’ follows a teenager who gains ghost powers and uses them to protect his town. The show is praised for its action sequences and the development of its central cast. Some viewers find the dialogue to be dated and the plot structures to be very predictable. Critics who find it overrated might suggest that the show is more fondly remembered for its concept than its execution. It remains a cult favorite that fans often hope will receive a revival.

‘Batman: The Animated Series’ (1992–1995)

‘Batman’ is widely considered one of the best depictions of the Dark Knight in any medium. It is famous for its dark art deco style and its sympathetic portrayal of villains. Some critics argue that the episodic nature means that many episodes are forgettable fillers. Others find the pacing to be slower than what modern audiences might expect from a superhero show. It remains the gold standard for many fans of the character and the genre.

‘Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!’ (1969–1970)

‘Scooby-Doo’ follows a group of teenagers and their talking dog as they solve mysteries involving supposedly supernatural creatures. The show established a formula that has been used in dozens of spin offs and movies over several decades. Some viewers find the repetitive nature of the plot and the predictable reveals to be uninteresting. Critics argue that the show’s longevity is based more on brand recognition than narrative quality. It remains a staple of children’s programming and a cultural icon.

Tell us which animated series you find to be the most overrated in the comments.