On December 13th, fellow writer Jean Henegan published Pop Culture Maniacs‘ annual Top Ten TV shows list. I decided to put together my own list of my top ten animated series for 2023. I’ll be focusing only on Western animated series, not anime or films. Like Jean pointed out, this year, for television, was tumultuous, with the twin strikes of actors and writers through the summer and into the fall, leading to delays. However, this, generally, did not impact animated series, only live-action ones, for the most part. There are rumblings on social media of a possible strike by the Animation Guild when the union’s contract with Hollywood studios expires next year. Whether that comes to pass or not, the impact of this year’s strikes will undoubtedly impact future creatives in animation.
There are many shows worth putting in this list. I struggled with only choosing ten shows. However, I’m content with those which made it onto the list, reflective of my (sometimes) eclectic and animation-heavy tastes. Although I watched live-action series in this past year, like Jean, I didn’t watch enough of them for an entire list. This year was, as Jean pointed out, strange when it comes to entertainment. I see that as a positive. I look forward to the series upcoming in 2024 and 2025. The Disney animation powerhouse will lead the way, followed behind by other studios. As a warning, this review will discuss murder, blood, death, mental health, near-death experiences, gentrification, sexism, suicide, blood, torture, and abuse.
10. “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire – Streaming on Disney+“
This series, also known as Kizazi Moto, is laudable. Its the second animated series produced by a South African animation studio, Triggerfish, and an Africanfuturist animated film anthology series. It does not shy away from death, suicide, blood, and related themes. However, it is a bit hard to describe. Unlike other animated series, apart from Star Wars: Visions, it comprises ten short films, each from a different African perspective. They focus on different themes, such as ancestry, family, culture, gentrification, value of one’s life, confronting one’s fears, togetherness, godlessness, and acceptance. The sinew holding the series together is not strong.
Even so, each episode/film can stand on its own. Many provide a launching pad for future animated series. Some episodes/films reminded me of Steven Universe, Birdie Wing, Star Wars Resistance, Yasuke, Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, Tron: Uprising, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Elena of Avalor. However, each film/episode is unique and involved animators and creators I’d never heard of before. Hopefully this series provides opportunities for those creatives to share their talents beyond the African continent and connect to creatives in the U.S. and elsewhere.
9. “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder – Streaming on Disney+“
It seems almost ages ago since I watched The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. That feeling is not accidental. The entire second season aired over less than a month, from March 4 to April 1. In my review, I said it was unfortunate that the aforementioned ten episode season, wasn’t spread out across two months. That would make it easier to watch series and take in all that happens. Even so, the season is less glitzy than the first season, a benefit to the entire series.
On the one hand, I appreciated that this coming-of-age animated sitcom and adventure, a revival and soft reboot of The Proud Family, featured various openly gay characters, an interracial couple, and promoted racial togetherness. The series is not politically neutral. It has a strong focus on racial injustice, genealogy, Black history, family, Indigenous rights, problems with celebrity worship, family, paying people fairly, and friendship. On the other hand, only one of the protagonists is directly part of the LGBTQ+ community. Hopefully, this changes in the upcoming third season. There is an ongoing issue with colorism, as it relates to how certain Black and Brown characters are treated within the series, or repeating narrative set-ups.
8. “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur – Streaming on Disney+“
Of all the animated series I watched in 2023, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur vibed with me more than any other. Although it would have been better for the character to be aged up, for a young adult or mature series, I enjoyed it all the same. Not only was the diverse cast (which is majority Black and Brown characters) a plus, but so was the mix of old and new, and cool fight scenes. Apart from well-known voice actors, cast, and crew, and superb animation, like many recent Disney series, it endeavors to be dynamic, punchy, smart, enchanting, and comedic. The next season, which premieres in February 2024, will probably blow me away, again.
Like other Disney animations of late, representation is central to the show’s storyline. The 13-year-old roller-skating protagonist Lunella “Lu” Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) has no special abilities. Her brains are her superpowers. There’s also LGBTQ+ representation, including her non-binary classmate (Tai) and non-binary trans female classmate (Brooklyn). Lunella’s best friend, Casey “Case” Goldberg-Calderon (Libe Barer) has two dads, who are voiced by out gay actors (Wilson Cruz and Andy Cohen). Some ship Casey and Lunella togetheer. But, they are only friends in the series, not lovers.
7. “Villainous – Streaming on Max“
I never expected that 2023 would be the year that Villainous, a Alan Ituriel’s Mexican animated series also known as Villanos, would air on a streaming service. I had heard of this series, which mixes science fantasy, morbid humor, and comedy horror, before, but it was only available in Latin America and had not been released in the U.S., leading some fans to post their fandubs on YouTube. Those were no replacement for the official dub, which aired on May 23 of this year.
This series flips the script often employed in superhero fiction, similar to Helluva Boss. It focuses on the villainous Black Hat Organization, with intriguing camaraderie, contracted by other villains to “solve” their hero problems. This leads viewers to sympathize with the villains. The series mixes humor with violence and “course language” and pokes fun at itself. The season one finale has a “hero” being locked away for something a “villain” would do. The voice actors stand out. The themes of overcoming your inner dreams and lampooning popular Cartoon Network series, fit with entertaining characters, and wonderful character design and animation. Unfortunately, the cast is not very diverse and LGBTQ+ characters are non-existent. Hopefully, it gets a second season.
6. “Supa Team 4- Streaming on Netflix“
I only heard about Malenga Mulendema’s Supa Team 4 on a whim, on social media. I’m glad I did because Netflix continues to inadequately promote this series. Although I don’t always like computer-generated animations, this superhero action-comedy series remains one of my favorites for 2023. This series, produced by Trigger Fish Animation Studios, shares some characteristics with other teenage superhero series and classic 2000s series from the 2000s. The story is wholly Zambian and centers on four girls with different (and sometimes clashing) personalities: Temwe Chiti, Komana Mwinga, Zikomo “Zee” Phiri, and Monde Wamunyima. They are brought together by a former secret agent named Mama K.
Similar to other entries on this list, Temwe, Komana, Zee, and Monde feel obligated to keep their real identities secret. They have one of the coolest superhero transformations, with upbeat music and a distinctive flair. It is only rivaled by Sailor Moon, series within the Pretty Cure franchise, and magical girl works. Themes like environmental protection, family, work-life balance, value of art, and obsession with popularity are key. They face off against a villain who tries to steal the city’s electric power, while masquerading as a “Black empowerment” capitalist. The second season is premieres on December 21 and will continue centering African stories.
5. “My Adventures with Superman – Streaming on Max“
Some time ago, on social media, I heard about My Adventures with Superman. With Warner Bros. Discovery’s corporate shenanigans, I thought the series would be cancelled and never see the light of day. Luckily, that did not happen. Although I’m not a fan of Marvel Cinematic Universe and DCEU films, believing they are formulaic, pro-military, and otherwise detestable, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. My Adventures with Superman artfully mixes the romantic comedy, action-adventure, and sci-fi genres. Even Clark Kent transforms into Superman in a magical transformation partly based on Kaido Minami’s transformation into Cure Mermaid in Go! Princess Pretty Cure. This is the first time I’ve heard Pretty Cure was an inspiration for a U.S. series.
This anime-sque series shines through with a focus on identity, canon-compliant Lois/Clark romantic relationship, diverse cast (Jimmy Olsen is a Black man and Lois Lane is a Korean woman), trauma, social media, fighting injustice, and dimensional travel. There’s also supporting gay characters (Mallah and Brain), villains who try to trap Superman (Task Force X), and complicated family dynamics. There are unavoidable comparisons with Superman in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. The show crew includes former crew members of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Young Justice, The Legend of Korra, Glitch Techs, Kipo, Pantheon, and Final Space, and many talented voice actors. Hopefully, the second season is even better.
4. “Disenchantment – Streaming on Netflix“
The ending of Disenchantment this year was bittersweet. I have remained a fan of this mature animated adventure fantasy series, despite negative commentaries from online reviewers. I even penned reviews of Parts 1-3, Part 4, and most recently Part 5. Series creator Matt Groening is better known for The Simpsons and Futurama. This series can be strong, with trauma, murder, blood, death, mental health, near-death experiences, and other related themes. There’s even an episode which criticizes asylums as inadequate, implying that existing psychiatric care for those with mental illness punishes innocent people.
The fifth, and final part of the series, with cool and creative visuals, focuses around Princess Bean (voiced by Abbi Jacobson). She is unsure what to do with her life. She is conflicted on whether she should stay with her lover, a mermaid named Mora (voiced by Meredith Hagner), or oust her controlling and arrogant mother, Dagmar (voiced by Sharon Horgan) as queen of Dreamland. Ultimately, she decides to pursue the latter. The series emphasizes drama more than comedy, apart from some funny moments. This includes her traveling to a gender-equal industrial steampunk city, Steamland, to save her dad.
There’s also a romance between “Mop Girl” and a half-elf named Elfo, evil manipulative puppets, and open queerness. Bean realizes she has “electric” magic powers. Strong irreligious moments, like “God” being powered by an electric lightbulb, are bright points. There are some cringeworthy moments. The series ends with a nice bittersweet reunion between Bean and Mora. Both get a “happily ever after” while Elfo becomes ruler. In addition, there is a same-sex wedding between Odval and Sorcerio. Alva is stranded on the Moon with the Arch Druidess. The latter get what they deserved.
3. “Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake – Streaming on Max“
Back in summer 2019, when I started watching She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, one user told me in an online forum about Steven Universe, saying it had better LGBTQ+ representation. I happily watched the series and learned about Rebecca Sugar, a non-binary creator married to Ian Jones-Quartey (best known as creator of OK K.O.!: Let’s Be Heroes). Around that time I first learned about Adventure Time. I especially liked characters such as Marceline the Vampire Queen, voiced by the talented actress Olivia Olson. In the years since, I’ve remained a fan, and watched Adventure Time: Distant Lands with delight.
However, I only remember Adventure Time vaguely. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started watching this young adult animated series. Although Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake is accessible to anyone, in theory, it is truly made for fans who know the ins and outs of the Adventure Time world. I liked the anime references, relatability of protagonist Fionna Campbell, and Fionna’s journey through multiverse with her talking dog, Cake (voiced by Roz Ryan), and Simon Petrikov (voiced by Tom Kenny). Some characters from the original series reappear in this series, as do new characters, including Scarab (voiced by Kayleigh McKee).
I enjoyed the differences between each world they pass through, including how Princess Bubblegum and Marceline are depicted (continually with queer tension between them) and the racial diversity. The season one finale ends with a bang. Scarab tries to destroy the “unauthorized” world of Fionna and Cake, even after it becomes a canonized universe. Although the finale implied that the series was self-contained, without a season 2, the series was recently renewed. I am curious to see what happens next for Fionna and her friends. This renewal is a bright light of hope in a dismal animation landscape these days.
2. “Young Love – Streaming on Max“
Unlike every other series on this list, this mature animated comedy, a spin off from the short film, Hair Love, aired without much fanfare earlier this year. Young Love comes at a time that many Black-centered animated series are on streaming services. This series centers on three members of a tight-knit Black family in Chicago: a hair stylist named Angela Young (voiced by Issa Rae), an aspiring music producer and partner of Angela named Stephen Young (voiced by Kid Cudi), and their daughter Zuri Michaela Young-Love (voiced by Brooke Monroe Conaway). Their family strains come to the fore, especially when it comes to Angela’s parents.
Young Love, like The Proud Family reboot/revival, provides social commentary on many topics such as the sharing economy, sexist beliefs from men, gangs, social media influencers, homelessness, crowdfunding, anti-Black racism, pyramid schemes, video game addiction, gentrification, and marijuana smoking. All the while, comedy is part and parcel of the series, which has a strong slice-of-life vibe, and emphasizes the value of art and the creative process, even with many episodes having warnings for strong or coarse language, and occasional violence. While parental romance, family bonding, and rejecting religious belief in favor of spiritualism are not unique to this series, the next-to-last episode takes a bold stab at marriage itself.
Young Love concludes that love isn’t only possible through marriage. This contrasts from the marriage of convenience in Spy x Family, or the same-sex marriage either canonized (or believed as a headcanon) in yuri and yaoi anime or manga. There can be romantic friendships and romances without any legally binding life-long commitments. However, such depictions in popular culture are rare. The idea that unmarried/single people are abhorrent, bizarre, or “suspicious” is promoted instead. I hope that this series gets a second season, giving new/newish screenwriters, writers, and animators a chance to shine once more.
1. “RWBY – Streaming on Crunchyroll“
It was hard to choose which series would be number one on this list. This anime-inspired science fantasy action-adventure series joins the previous six series on this list, with a total score of five in animation, voice acting, music, and story. Although I may have been too generous with those ratings, the ninth volume/season of RWBY really blew me away, more than any other series. It remains more captivating than previous volumes. It has mature themes such as death, suicide, blood, torture, animal death, and physical (and emotional) abuse. Those themes are not treated lightly, and shown with care, as opposed to gen:LOCK.
This series centers on four protagonists (Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long) who are training to be warriors. The ninth volume has a classic conflict between good vs. evil, intricate storytelling, horror elements, character development, and strong visuals. The protagonists are stranded in the Ever After, a magical land. Even so, they still have their superpowers-of-sorts. The magic and sci-fi elements are often emphasized. Representation is stronger than ever. There have been LGBTQ+ characters before Volume 9, but the scene between Blake and Yang is a stand-out for 2023. Both realize their feelings for each other and kiss. Even so, Volume 9 could have been longer. RWBY should have more Black and Brown characters in the cast, at the very minimum.
Some predicted Warner Bros. Discovery’s bankruptcy, due to the corporate mismanagement resulting from CEO David Zaslav‘s actions since May 2021. This includes a HBO Max content purge (with some titles turned into tax write-offs), removal of many Warner Bros’ animated programs from streaming platforms, and cuts to Turner Classic Movies. Bankruptcy could put Rooster Teeth‘s RWBY into peril, unless Crunchyroll buys Rooster Teeth. Regardless of Rooster Teeth’s documented internal problems, such as sexual harassment, bad work conditions, and discrimination, a buyout is possible considering the existing Crunchyroll-Rooster Teeth relationship. After all, the film Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes and Huntsmen, released in two parts in April 2023 and October 2023, has been well-received.
Runners-Up
There are five series which are runners-up to this top-ten list. This includes My Dad the Bounty Hunter, with a collective score of 4.65 for seasons one and two, on Netflix, Unicorn: Warriors Eternal in Max, Star Wars: The Bad Batch on Disney+, Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+, and Futurama on Hulu. While I also reviewed Kiff (on Disney+) and Velma (on Max), both were mediocre series in my opinion. On the other hand, I watched rad series like Scott Pilgrim Takes Off!, Hailey’s On It!, and Scavengers Reign, which I enjoyed, and would recommend.
This contrasted with Gods’ School, an ongoing indie animated series. There are few currently airing indie animations, other than Helluva Boss, Godspeed (created by Olan Rogers of Final Space) pilot, Zeurel’s Monkey Wrench, EddsWorld, Bob’s World, Nora and Zin, and Swift Spark and the Defense Five. Some indie animations are in development, such as Far-Fetched, Lackadaisy, Lumi and the Great Big Galaxy, Defenders of Alodia, Mugshot & Pollen, and The West Patch. Others include Captain Zero, LimeLight, Sunnyside: Royals of Cora, Battle of the Bands, Wild Card, and Fighting All Odds. Although a “boom” or “renaissance” is debatable, more series are being produced today.
2024 will see Hailey’s On It! season one conclude, premiere of indie-ish Hazbin Hotel, and two Cartoon Network series: Invincible Fight Girl and Iyanu: Child of Wonder. The Ghost and Molly McGee season 2 will end. Velma season 2 will be released. Star Wars: The Bad Batch will end, as will Invincible season two. Primos will air, as will Stugo, X-Man 97, Creature Commandos, and Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. Possibly, Arcane season 2 will premiere, as will Ark: The Animated Series, Asterix, and Iwájú. 2024 portends to be a good year for animation no matter what, even if The Animation Guild strikes.
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