35 Best Adult Animated Movies: Cartoons for Grown-Ups

35 Animated Movies That Are Anything But Kid Stuff!

Beyond Cartoons: Why Adult Animation Reigns Supreme

Animation isn't just for kids! That's a seriously outdated idea. Animation's been a big player since the early days of cinema; those early Disney Movies captivated audiences everywhere and those things totally demonstrated just how much value there really was even from a time period which was only focused on still pictures. But Animation also had this hidden side, and many stories are clearly meant only for adults – using that visual storytelling flair for themes and concepts that simply can't work well within more restrictive kids' content.

Many animated movies work brilliantly across age groups; with adults enjoying things that children might completely miss out on – especially through themes explored. However, we often get those cases that contain mature themes such as violence, sexuality, complex concepts around identity – those kinds of mature aspects wouldn't really be appropriate or suitable for more family-friendly titles that would target that much larger audience segment. It's about more sophisticated storytelling for adults!

Also Read: 10 Movie Recasts That Just Didn't Work: From Batman to The Joker

Top 35 Animated Movies That Are For Grown-Ups ONLY

Batman the Killing Joke movie Poster Image

35. Monster House (2006): A Seriously Creepy Cult Classic

This 2006 film is now a cult hit; a testament to just how awesome Animation really is! Initially overlooked, it’s surprisingly scary; with a genuinely thrilling plot involving those terrifying developments found early within the narrative arc. The adult humor, alongside its very scary story means many adults, and horror fans, consider this a top-tier animated horror pick!

34. The Simpsons Movie (2007): Springfield Mayhem for Grown-Up Fans

This movie captures what made The Simpsons so famous; adding in those more intense jokes never allowed on television. While it's rated PG-13, those biting comments which only adults might really understand, those clever gags and its insanely great storyline will be a delight for Simpsons fans everywhere! Even non-fans will appreciate the insane storyline and laugh at all the jokes.

33. Ronal the Barbarian (2011): A Hilarious Heavy Metal Fantasy Parody

Ronal the Barbarian (a Danish movie), parodies fantasy – its adult humor shines thanks to the numerous references toward heavy metal and its very unique culture. This movie’s amazing creative ideas are easily seen – plenty for animation fans to adore, demonstrating clever use of satire combined with genuinely brilliant character designs.

32. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson's Quirky, Adult Masterpiece

Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is initially made to seem as though its target audience is much younger! While suitable for kids, many themes (like adult anxieties around legacy and getting old) work fantastically for grown-ups. The dry wit and more mature ideas make this far more effective. Its sophisticated approach completely works perfectly for adults! It really makes this a truly unexpected success.

31. Batman: The Killing Joke (2016): Dark, Gritty, and Utterly Adult Batman

Many animated DC movies are made for adults; but this 2016 adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel stands out entirely! It uses really raw portrayals; this includes intense and graphic depictions of violence and implied sexual assault that showcases just why this might not be for the kiddies. The amazingly well-produced animation and those amazingly nuanced portrayals of Batman and Joker make it great. Even non-fans will love it!

30. When the Wind Blows (1986): A Hauntingly Realistic Nuclear Apocalypse

This surprisingly harrowing film displays those intensely negative consequences surrounding a nuclear apocalypse; focusing on the elderly Bloggs couple struggling after that catastrophic event, creating intensely realistic fears and realities experienced only through these dark situations. Even though its visuals and stylistic approach might appear extremely simplistic to viewers expecting intense details and graphical representation in animation today – the creators use a seemingly simple approach that makes viewers think – it isn’t easy.

29. 9 (2009): Post-Apocalyptic Survival with an Existential Twist

9’s marketing suggested a kids’ film! It's far from that! The 2009 animated flick features an array of inch-high automatons who are fighting those insane robots; creating surprising emotional effects with seemingly unassuming characters, giving this incredibly compelling post-apocalyptic survival drama. It’s dark, creative and completely unforgettable. Themes go deeply and would not work for children; making it very suitable for adults.

28. The House (2022): An Eerie Anthology with Deep Thematic Resonance

The House, from Netflix, features multiple bizarre tales linked through a house. The multiple settings and different worlds demonstrate this incredible skill with using diverse visual design, yet producing deeply linked thematic statements. That animation’s impressive too. Insanity, wealth, happiness—these deep aspects work remarkably well. It totally rewards repeat viewings, highlighting many aspects of those well-crafted, unique storytelling that work even without high graphic demands.

27. The Spine of Night (2021): Hand-Drawn Dark Fantasy at Its Finest

This is a truly ambitious attempt to return to that very distinct kind of animation art! That hand-drawn style, made using rotoscoping is impressive! This 2021 film’s intensely dark fantasy tale is a fitting homage to its inspirational sources; showcasing how dark fantasy can create some absolutely creative yet stunning and complex story. This is an amazingly creative effort – well worth checking out.

26. A Scanner Darkly (2006): Rotoscoped Surrealism and Dystopian Drug Paranoia

Another rotoscoped masterpiece, that incredibly memorable 2006 adaptation uses its animated medium to fully embody that intense surreal, and incredibly thought-provoking story based on the legendary writer Philip K Dick. It’s set in 2013 (which was actually futuristic at the time!) showing an America struggling with an epic drug epidemic. This deep societal critique alongside that mind-bending twist means you’ll be discussing it long after!

25. I Lost My Body (2019): A Heartfelt Journey Across Paris (With a Severed Hand!)

This French animated masterpiece showcases just how surprisingly effective surreal animated storylines can become. This heartfelt tale—a severed hand making its way through Paris, seeking reunion—uses unexpectedly charming animation. It has immense storytelling capabilities. Its deep exploration of complex human relationships really sets it apart – the emotional story ultimately delivers!

24. Mad God (2021): Stop-Motion Nightmares Thirty Years in the Making!

Mad God shows just how insanely great stop-motion is; This 30-year project created through stop motion animation techniques is genuinely awe-inspiring, with visuals that easily meet and surpass anything achievable in modern CGI animation. It's totally dark and totally worth a watch for anyone interested in insane, nightmarish landscapes filled with bizarre characters!

23. Wolfwalkers (2020): A Stunningly Illustrated Irish Fantasy Adventure

Cartoon Saloon's Wolfwalkers is amazing fantasy—it’s utterly magical, beautifully animated (that stunning 2D art!), and utterly suitable for adults rather than the targeted audience during its marketing and promotions stage. That amazing and charming plot uses a surprisingly beautiful narrative; yet its deep storytelling creates another emotionally moving experience.

22. The Wind Rises (2013): Studio Ghibli's Poignant Historical Drama

Studio Ghibli’s beautiful animation excels. That historical drama, The Wind Rises gives a thought-provoking take on Jiro Horikoshi—the legendary Japanese engineer who designed wartime planes. Its use of art makes it compelling; adding in many artistic touches. This isn't your average anime fare!

21. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022): A Darker, More Mature Take on a Classic Tale

A still of a warrior on the ground pleading for his life from the 2011 adult animated movie Ronal the Barbarian Image

This version of Pinocchio is quite unique. Its artistic style alone is what sets it apart entirely. Set in Fascist Italy, this darkly comedic stop-motion adaptation's intense themes, visuals and surprising story points make this absolutely worthy. It totally reimagines this tale and this one alone earned del Toro another Oscar!

20. Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996): The Movie That Launched a Meme Empire

This film was legendary! A true pioneering work in adult animation– it took the MTV series's humor to the big screen. This is why memes were created long before those online sharing forums! The sequel was more recently added and is incredibly impressive, demonstrating the great power and lasting value that this unique series generated; making its original impact into the animation scene still valid and entirely suitable!

19. The Lord of the Rings (1978): Ralph Bakshi’s Groundbreaking (and Incomplete) Adaptation

This animated Lord of the Rings adaptation (the first!) remains an infamous title. This film, despite that lack of ending; became a cult classic, showing that incomplete products don’t necessarily lose popularity! The original visuals still heavily impacted Peter Jackson's adaptation and this title remains wildly enjoyable.

18. Ghost in the Shell (1995): A Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Ghost in the Shell is simply amazing cyberpunk! Its stunning combination of cel and CGI was really, really great; it predates many newer efforts in sci-fi which tried similar themes but often lacked that technical polish; this made this amazing 1995 film impressive on technical merit and compelling due to its themes of transhumanism; showcasing incredibly advanced storytelling elements in its era.

17. Mary and Max (2009): Stop-Motion Storytelling With Serious Heart

Mary and Max (a claymation film), balances that cute animation style with truly heavy-hitting subject matter: loneliness, mental illness, and addiction! Its poignant friendship story between two misfits – this surprisingly heartbreaking emotional ending is very unforgettable; making its initially charming storytelling into an incredible, thought-provoking cinematic experience which is worth rewatching.

16. Grave of the Fireflies (1989): A Devastating WWII Story

This is easily one of the saddest films ever; highlighting how deeply impactful World War II was upon those completely unaware. This animated film shows a heartbreaking story from Japanese civilians; focused upon the incredibly harsh treatment of children. It remains deeply impactful despite a lukewarm reception, making this a cinematic experience that deserves reassessment even decades after its initial release. Its power endures, remaining immensely moving.

Also Read: Sauron: Exploring The True Form Of The Lord Of The Rings' Villain

Conclusion: Animation for Adults Isn't a Niche—It's a Universe!

When the Wind Blows 1986 Film Poster Image

This list clearly showcases how incredible the animation field has become. That initial limitation in animation and the early association between this kind of medium and child-focused stories no longer remain valid: It's far more than cute cartoons, this diverse field delivers powerful emotional experiences. Those films that use more artistic choices than the technically intensive use of CGI-related animation also highlights the immense storytelling skill involved; making even that older style far more suitable for creating more thoughtful content and for reaching audiences who might not be specifically targeting viewers of high production films. Dive into the world of mature animation; there's more incredible storytelling waiting!