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Recently, Oscars presenters Halle Bailey and Naomi Scott were criticized for implying that animation was something kids love and parents must endure. While this is far from accurate, it is true that many animated movies and shows are created solely with children in mind.
However, when animated content is created well, both parents and children can share in the magic that this medium can create. For shows that people of all ages can enjoy, we've got a few suggestions!
Adventure Time
A beautifully surreal set of adventures follows Finn, a human boy, and his brother Jake, a talking dog. Set in the land of Ooo, a distant version of earth where magic has taken over after a nuclear apocalypse, Adventure Time is filled with hilarity, excitement, and heartfelt moments.
While adults only briefly glimpsing the show may think it is solely geared towards children, Adventure Time is crafted with thoughtfulness and emotional maturity. Many episodes will actually resonate stronger with adults than kids, as they focus on themes surrounding raising children and accepting their independence. Widely adored, the series scores 8.6 on IMDb and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Gravity Falls
Quirky and lovable, Gravity Falls follows twins Mabel and Dipper as they spend the summer living with their great-uncle (Grunkle) Stan in the mysterious and fantastical town of Gravity Falls.
Filled with hilarious hijinks, emotional moments, and a compelling overarching mystery, Gravity Falls is the perfect show for the whole family to enjoy. The series has generated a wide fanbase of children and adults alike and scores 8.9 on IMDb and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
An action-packed fantasy adventure suitable for the whole family. Avatar: The Last Airbender tells the story of Aang, as he embarks on a journey to save to world from the tyrannical fire nation. Aang is the latest incarnation of the Avatar, a being capable of wielding all four elements, and together with a host of allies, he must embark on a journey of epic proportions.
With exciting action sequences utilizing magic and Kung Fu choreography, Avatar: The Last Airbender will certainly entertain those normally skeptical of cartoons. The show is widely loved and boasts an impressive 9.3 rating on IMDb and a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Avatar: The Legend of Korra
Avatar: The Legend of Korra is the sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender, follows Korra, the next Avatar, as she tries to maintain the peace created by her predecessor.
Geared towards slightly older children than The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra boasts unique villans, great fight choreography, and emotional resonance. The story will certainly engage children and adults alike, offers four seasons' worth of entertainment, and scores 8.4 on IMDb and 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Over the Garden Wall
Whimsical, fun, and beautifully animated, Over the Garden Wall is the perfect show to watch on a cozy autumn night. As they seek to find a way through a magical wood, brothers Greg and Wirt meet a host of friendly and fearsome characters and try to avoid the fabled Beast.
The show is created for children, but the engaging storyline and absurdist humor employed throughout make it a perfect watch for the whole family. This miniseries is critically acclaimed, with ratings of 8.8 on IMDb and 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and is certainly not one you want to miss.
Infinity Train
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Engaging and mysterious, Infinity Train follows 13-year-old Tulip and the dichotomous robot One-One as they explore a seemingly never-ending train in search of a way to get Tulip home.
With a perfect blend of creativity, fun, and action, Infinity Train will keep parents and children glued to their seats. With four seasons and ratings of 8.5 on IMDb and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Infinity Train is worthy of being your family's next TV adventure.
Regular Show
Jam-packed with wacky hilarity, Regular Show follows the adventures of Mordecai, blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon, as their shenanigans force them into wild adventures.
The show is meant for older children and adults as it includes large amounts of slapstick violence and crude humor. The show is rated 8.5 on IMDb, and is perfect for those looking for something light and goofy.
Batman: The Animated Series
Captivating, stylish, and faithful to its source material, follows Bruce Wayne as he protects Gotham City from a host of menacing villains.
Batman: The Animated Series remains one of the best depictions of The Dark Knight to date. The show received ratings of 9 on IMDb and 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and is a must-watch for parents and children who are fans of Batman, superheroes, or action-packed adventures.
Steven Universe
Unceasingly charming, Steven Universe follows the magical Crystal Gems and half-human, half-Gem Steven as they go on adventures and try to protect the universe.
The show is goofy, fun, and at times emotionally impactful. Suitable for children and parents, the show is sophisticated yet simple, and boasts scores of 8.3 on IMDb and 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Easily the best incarnation of the famous 60's mystery show. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated follows the adventures of the Scooby gang as they investigate ghost sightings in the town of Crystal Cove.
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated improves on its 60s predecessor by creating an overarching mystery that keeps viewers engaged and focuses more on character development than previous installments. The show scored 8.1 on IMDb and is perfect for parents who grew up watching the original.