10 Best Animated Anthology TV Shows, Ranked

Animated shows can be some of the most imaginative programs on streaming and network television. They are often known for creativity in style, direction, and storytelling, which can be a breath of fresh air in the limited scope of live-action television, particularly the ones in the anthology format.

Anthology animated series with a new cast of characters and plot lines every new episode or season weren’t that common. However, in recent years, anthology animated series have grown in popularity, with shows like Netflix’s Love Death and Robots and those that build on existing IP, like Marvel’s…What If?. However, this episodic-based storytelling format can prove a challenge for some anthologies, which struggle to maintain viewers’ attention without a stable cast or unified storyline. The best animated shows in the anthology format not only attract a stable base of fans but perform well critically for their uniqueness in the market.

10

Cake (2019–2021)

Created by FX

FX’s adult comedy anthology, Cake, is a whimsically fun complication of comedic skits and short stories. This series features several different dark comedies, from animated to a mix of live-action elements. The short-lived show has yet to win any awards and has an average audience score on both IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, yet is a great casual watch for anyone wanting a laugh.

The series features a number of notable performances from recognizable names like Natasha Lyonne and Finn Wittrock. Cake is also an exciting showcase of different animation styles. For example, several episodes feature a blend of live-action, 2D cartoons, 3D animation, and claymation. Its themes cover hilariously relatable issues, like the need for self-care or the experience of social anxiety, making it a great animated show for adults.

9

Zootopia + (2022)

Created by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Zootopia + is the adorable new series that is a spin-off to the hit film, Zootopia. This series follows various side characters from the original film but in the same timeline as the events of the original film. By doing this, fans are able to recognize beloved moments from the film with the addition of extra context from smaller characters’ perspectives.

This mini-anthology series is a great family watch, each ending with an important life lesson, just like the moralistic underbelly of the original film. From Fru Fru the shrew to Chief Bogo, smaller characters are given more screen time in Zootopia+, adding to the fan service element that fuels Zootopia +.

The simplicity of this anthology doesn’t expand upon the universe of Zootopia in any significant way, which may be why the series has yet to win any critical awards. Rather, Zootopia + is a fun, light watch for those wanting to return to the world of the original film.

8

Strange Planet (2019–2021)

Created by Nathan W. Pyle, Dan Harmon

Strange Planet is a delightful anthology series based on the viral webcomic by Nathan W. Pyle. Each episode in the series revolves around a cast of alien characters who must deal with relatable human predicaments, learning a meaningful lesson in the end. The relatively new series has a high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but no awards.

For those searching for a wholesome watch, Strange Planet is a feel-good anthology worth checking out, with its cute cast of alien characters and comic-style animation. Its unique premise discusses themes of love and human connection in the least human place possible…an alien planet. Its subtle comedy makes it an easy watch for those in search of a low-maintenance anthology series. Not to mention, Strange Planet is produced by Dan Harmon (Community), and his collaboration with Nathan W. Pyle allows the show to stay true to the source material.

7

The Boys: Diabolical (2022)

Created by Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen and Simon Racioppa

The Boys: Diabolical is a brief anthology based on the hit television show, The Boys. This cartoon takes a slightly more comedic look at The Boys universe than its live-action counterpart, with the comedic genius of minds like Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg. Each episode tells the story of normal citizens who live among the supes of The Boys, as they are impacted by their Vought technology and Homelander’s team.

The series earned an Emmy and a high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which comes as no surprise considering the popularity of the live-action and different animation styles of each episode. For fans who want to see more from the show, this is a more lighthearted yet still twisted depiction with moments from the comics that don’t make it into The Boys. However, this series does not expand upon the complexities of The Boys as much as other anthologies may but instead acts as a supplement for viewing alongside the main show.

6

The Shivering Truth (2018–2020)

Created by Vernon Chatman

The Shivering Truth is a shockingly terrifying anthology produced for Adult Swim. This claymation animated anthology is a surrealist collection of horror stories that examine the nightmares of the human psyche. The Shivering Truth’s thought-provoking episodes earned it critical acclaim and a nomination at the Sundance Festival.

This anthology is certainly not for everyone but captivates fans of the show, who appreciate it for its unique claymation style, haunting visuals, and wacky plot lines, effectively making the viewer feel they are witnessing a nightmare. In other words, The Shivering Truth is truly one-of-a-kind, but its exploration into dark comedy is undoubtedly original. The niche target of its audience may be one of the reasons for the short life of the animated series. Beyond each episode’s unique premise, the show features a star-studded cast of actors like Michael Cera, Janeane Garofalo, and Zach Pearlman.

5

The Animatrix (2003)

Created by Lana and Lily Wachowski

A classic of its genre, Wachowski’s 2003 anthology The Animatrix still holds up. This anthology is built off of The Matrix franchise and tells multiple stories about characters from its universe, expanding upon the digital world of The Matrix and its beginnings. This collection earned high scores on both IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes with stories from different creators and studios.

This lesser-known IP-based anthology is notable for many reasons. Chiefly, the already mysterious world of the original franchise is given more canon connections through multiple episodes in Animatrix, which explore the creation of the Matrix and Neo’s future adventures with different characters who are still trapped in virtual reality. Like several other anthology series on the list, The Animatrix blends several styles, particularly of Japanese animation. Impressive animation artists such as Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop) make this anthology’s cyber-punk world captivating for viewers.

4

Infinity Train (2019–2021)

Created by Owen Dennis

Infinity Train is a Cartoon Network anthology that ran briefly, for three years. Owen Dennis’s original story follows Tulip, a young girl who finds herself transported to a post-apocalyptic world where she is trapped on a never-ending train with strange creatures/beings in each of its many universes. This highly imaginative series won for best cartoon at the Cartoon Base Awards and earned a whopping 100% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Though the series was short-lived, the unique worlds in each episode are riveting to fans of the show, as is the endearing anchor character of Tulip, who travels to each different world. Beyond its atmospheric soundtrack and stunning visuals, the show is philosophical, delving into the psychological and emotional troubles of Infinity Train’s main characters. In terms of anthologies, Infinity Train is an eccentric, hidden gem worth a watch.

3

Star Wars Visions (2021-)

Created by Lucasfilm Animation

Star Wars Visions is a great example of an anthology series that departs from its characteristic style while still honoring George Lucas’s original vision. In this Lucasfilm anthology adaptation, each episode features untold stories from characters across the galaxy of the Star Wars universe, but from the perspectives of studios from different cultures. Star Wars Visions has performed well with fans as well as critics, earning an Emmy and a nomination.

What distinguishes Star Wars Visions from other similar anthology spin-offs is its collaboration with major anime studios from around the world. For example, top studios, such as Aardman (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run) and Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell), create their unique spin on the Star Wars animated universe in their perspective episodes. Between its exciting additions to the Star Wars canon and diverse animation styles, this anthology is a unique watch.

2

Marvel’s…What If? (2021–2024)

Created by A.C. Bradley

Marvel’s…What If?, is one of the best examples of an anthology adaptation based on an existing IP. This series focuses on a different hero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, changing their role in its canon to create new stories based on these beloved characters. For example, Captain America‘s “Peggy Carter” is no longer the girlfriend of Steve Rogers, but Captain America herself.

This ambitious series has performed well with critics, naturally, earning wins in both the Emmy and Critics’ Choice Awards, and high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB. Because of What If?’s reliance on existing storylines and characters, it is no surprise that the series attracted fans of the Studio who were excited to see familiar faces but set in entirely new alternative universes. Not to mention, this anthology brings back star-studded cast members from their live-action projects.

1

Love Death + Robots (2019 -)

Created by Tim Miller

This Netflix anthology premiered in 2019 and quickly caught the eye of fans and critics. Love Death and Robots features a set of stories based on dystopian worlds that examine deeper themes concerning society, human nature, and technology. The science fiction series is one of the most critically acclaimed anthologies, with 5 Emmy wins and high scores on websites like IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes.

The series is known best for its ambitious animation style, with many episodes looking like a fusion between 3D animation and video game-inspired visuals. Led by a team of talented veterans in the business, such as David Fincher (Fight Club) and Tim Miller (Deadpool), the show is crafted well so that audiences remain engaged story-to-story. Love Death and Robots‘ best episodes like “Jibaro” and “Three Robots” explore societal issues, such as humanity’s propensity for greed and violence, in a unique and thought-provoking way.