16 Hilarious Cartoons That Adults Should Be Watching

Essential watching for any adult who refuses to grow up.

1. Big Mouth

Netflix

Big Mouth follows a bunch of kids navigating their way through puberty. From wet dreams to periods, to drugs — no topic is safe from getting the hilariously cringey Big Mouth treatment. If you watch it you'll be laughing your head off while thanking your stars that puberty is a thing of the past for you.

2. Bojack Horseman

Netflix

Bojack is an alcoholic horse who’s been left jaded after falling from fame. This might not sound like your typical cartoon, but if you like satire and have a dark sense of humour, this is perfect for you. The six seasons are full of drama that’ll have you gripped.

3. The Powerpuff Girls

Cartoon Network

The Powerpuff Girls is ~technically~ a kid's cartoon, but who doesn't love action-packed adventure, witty jokes, and breaking gender stereotypes? Buttercup, Bubbles, and Blossom are the most relatable superheroes you'll ever see, and if you were a '90s kid, you'll love all the jokes that went over your head back then.

4. Rick and Morty

Adult Swim

The adventures of Morty and his scientist granddad Rick will keep you hooked and wanting to watch all three seasons in one go. It’s as ridiculous as it is ingenious, and you won’t be able to stop quoting Rick’s hilarious catchphrases.

5. Futurama

Fox

It’s almost 20 years old, but Futurama is just as good as it was when it first aired. It’s set in the 31st century where Fry, Leela, and Bender work at an interplanetary delivery company. Fry, a super lazy slacker who was accidentally transported to the future is one of the most relatable cartoon characters ever, and the whole show is full of hilarious adventures, as well as a few poignant moments that are very touching.

6. Adventure Time

Cartoon Network

Don’t be fooled by the colourful characters and cute aesthetic — this iconic cartoon is just as much for adults as it is for kids. Adventure Time follows Finn and his adoptive brother Jake who are on a quest to save the wonderful Land of Ooo. It’s primarily aimed at kids, but if you like exciting fantasy and epic adventure this is for you.

7. The Boondocks

Adult Swim

Based on a comic strip, The Boondocks follows the Freemans, a black family living in a white suburb. It’s a hilarious, intelligent satire that doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics like culture clash, social classes, and racial stereotypes. It finished in 2014 but there are four seasons for you to binge watch!

8. Superdrags

Netflix

Superdrags is the newest addition to the Netflix cartoon family and made its debut in November. The original version is in Portuguese and follows a group of department store workers who transform themselves into drag superheroes to defeat the evil drag lady Elza. If that premise alone doesn’t make you wanna watch, the dubbed version features the voices of drag stars Willam, Shangela, and Trixie Mattel. What more could you ask for?

9. Disenchantment

Netflix

Disenchantment is another newbie, and if you hadn’t noticed from the animation style, it’s another Matt Groening creation. It’s set in a medieval fantasy kingdom of Dreamland and follows the adventures of Princess Bean and her friends. If you’re a cartoon fan who also likes Game of Thrones you’ll absolutely love Disenchantment. There are only 10 episodes so far, but there’s a second season on the way!

10. Daria

MTV

Daria is a must-watch for anyone who’s gone through any kind of teenage angst or twentysomething existential crisis. Daria’s witty observations and wry one-liners will have you saying “same,” and the characters' outfits are great '90s fashion inspiration.

11. Bob's Burgers

Fox

The Belcher’s are a loving family who run a struggling hamburger joint while dealing with day to day mishaps. The whole family are individually hilarious, and their constant bad luck is endearing and relatable. Even though it’s aimed at adults, it’s as wholesome as it is funny, and you’ll fall in love with Bob, Tina, and the rest of the family in no time.

12. Steven Universe

Cartoon Network

Steven Universe is the first Cartoon Network animation created by a woman, but that's not the only thing that makes it great. It follows the half-alien Steven and the Crystal Gems — his three alien sisters, who are protecting the world from the evil Gems. It’s full of action and adventure and its animation style makes a must-watch for any anime fans out there.

13. Archer

FX

If you like James Bond and you also like cartoons, Archer is the perfect watch for you. It follows eight secret agents and is stacked full of adult topics and clever references. While it started off as a spy movie parody, each season reinvents itself with different themes, which really keeps you on your toes.

14. Spongebob Squarepants

Nickelodeon

I’m sure that during your childhood you watched at least one episode of Spongebob Squarepants, so I know you’ll agree it’s a classic that can be appreciated by both adults and children. All the jokes are still as funny and watching Patrick, Spongebob, and the rest of the gang is sure to give you your nostalgia fix.

15. F is for Family

Netflix

F is for family is set way back in the 1970s and based on the comedian Bill Burr’s own experiences of growing up in a dysfunctional lower-middle-class family. It’s got everything you’d expect from a cartoon set in the '70s — including a grumpy dad, a Tupperware selling housewife and a rebellious teenage son. Even if you weren’t around back then, F is for Family will make you nostalgic for a simpler time and is sure to give you lots of laughs.

16. And last but definitely not least, The Simpsons

Fox

The Simpsons is quite possibly one of the most well known and iconic cartoons of all time. The show has predicted some pretty big events, and most of the references are still relatable 30 years on. Even though the family go through some crazy adventures, the Simpsons are still one of the most relatable families in TV history. If you’re a big binge watcher, this one's for you — there's 646 episodes and counting!