Most Watched Animated TV Series of 2025 (Must Add These To Your Watchlist)

From reimagined superhero sagas to powerful mythological tales and high-concept comedies, the best animated TV shows 2025 reflect the genre’s expanding reach and emotional depth. These series don’t just entertain—they challenge, provoke, and redefine what’s possible in animated storytelling. With binge-worthy plots, stunning animation, and characters that linger long after the screen fades to black, the most watched animated TV series of 2025 are setting new standards in viewership and impact.

This list dives into ten of the top animated TV shows 2025, highlighting the series that dominated the charts, sparked online conversations, and earned their spot in the animation hall of fame. Whether you're an animation enthusiast or simply looking for your next favorite show, these picks represent the very best of what animated TV shows 2025 had to offer. Let’s dive into the boldest, most-watched titles of the year.

1. Invincible (Season 3) – Prime Video

Returning with its third season, Invincible continues to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling and complex characters. The series delves deeper into the challenges faced by Mark Grayson as he grapples with his dual identity and the responsibilities that come with his powers. The show's blend of emotional depth and graphic action sequences has solidified its place as a standout in adult animation.​

The third season has been praised for its nuanced exploration of morality and the consequences of power. Viewers have lauded the show's ability to balance visceral action with heartfelt character development, making it a must-watch in 2025. Its consistent high ratings and growing fanbase underscore its impact on the animated television landscape.​

2. Devil May Cry – Netflix

Devil May Cry, the animated adaptation of the popular video game franchise, has quickly become a fan favorite. With its stylish animation and faithful representation of the game's lore, the series offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers. The show's success has already led to the announcement of a second season, promising to delve deeper into the universe's rich mythology.​Wikipedia

The series' dynamic action sequences and compelling character arcs have been highlighted as key strengths. Creator Adi Shankar's passion for the source material shines through, delivering a series that resonates with both gamers and animation enthusiasts alike. Its position as one of Netflix's most-watched shows in 2025 attests to its widespread appeal.​

3. #1 Happy Family USA – Prime Video

This adult animated comedy offers a unique perspective on the Muslim-American experience post-9/11. Through the lens of a suburban family, the series tackles themes of identity, prejudice, and resilience with humor and heart. Its blend of magical realism and poignant storytelling has resonated with audiences, making it one of the most talked-about shows of the year.​

Critics have praised the show's ability to address complex social issues while maintaining a comedic tone. The incorporation of early 2000s nostalgia adds depth and relatability, further engaging viewers. Its innovative narrative approach has solidified its status as a standout in 2025's animation lineup.​

4. Star Wars: Visions (Volume 3) – Disney+

The third volume of Star Wars: Visions continues to push the boundaries of the franchise by presenting diverse stories from various animation studios worldwide. This anthology series offers fresh perspectives on the Star Wars universe, blending traditional themes with innovative storytelling and animation styles. The upcoming spinoff, The Ninth Jedi, further expands the universe introduced in this volume.​

The series has been lauded for its artistic diversity and ability to infuse new life into the Star Wars narrative. By collaborating with international studios, Visions brings a global flavor to the beloved franchise, attracting both longtime fans and new audiences. Its success underscores the potential of anthology formats in expanding established universes.​

5. Win or Lose – Disney+

Pixar's first original series, Win or Lose, explores the events leading up to a middle school softball championship from multiple characters' viewpoints. Each episode offers a unique perspective, highlighting the complexities of adolescence and the importance of empathy. The show's heartfelt storytelling and distinctive animation have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.​

Audiences have connected with the series' authentic portrayal of youth experiences, praising its emotional depth and relatability. The innovative narrative structure allows for a multifaceted exploration of themes such as teamwork, self-doubt, and personal growth. Win or Lose stands as a testament to Pixar's storytelling prowess in the television format.​

6. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man – Disney+

This animated series offers a fresh take on Peter Parker's early days as Spider-Man, set in an alternate timeline where Norman Osborn mentors him instead of Tony Stark. The show's unique narrative and homage to classic comic book aesthetics have been praised for reinvigorating the Spider-Man mythos for a new generation.​

The series has achieved significant viewership success, becoming one of Disney+'s most-streamed titles in early 2025. Critics and fans alike have commended its engaging storytelling and high-quality animation, solidifying its place as a standout superhero series in the current television landscape.​

7. Common Side Effects – Adult Swim

Common Side Effects blends satire, science fiction, and social commentary to explore the absurdities of modern healthcare. The series follows a group of characters navigating a world where medical treatments have unexpected and often bizarre consequences. Its sharp wit and timely themes have made it a standout in adult animation.​

The show's unique premise allows for a creative exploration of contemporary issues, resonating with viewers seeking both humor and insight. Its distinctive animation style and thought-provoking narratives have contributed to its critical acclaim and growing popularity among adult audiences.​

8. Iyanu: Child of Wonder – Cartoon Network / Max

Based on the acclaimed graphic novels by Roye Okupe, Iyanu: Child of Wonder has quickly become one of the most celebrated and most watched animated tv series of 2025. The show follows a young girl in a reimagined, magical version of Nigeria who discovers she is connected to an ancient prophecy. As she uncovers her divine powers, she is thrust into a mythic battle between good and evil, blending traditional African folklore with high-fantasy storytelling.

Audiences and critics have praised Iyanu for its breathtaking animation, emotional depth, and much-needed cultural representation. With its vibrant visuals and deep-rooted mythology, it has been labeled one of the best animated tv shows 2025, especially for young audiences craving diversity in fantasy storytelling. By merging cultural authenticity with universal themes, Iyanu stands tall as a unique gem among the top animated tv shows 2025 and continues to garner international attention.

9. Wolf King – Netflix

A standout among the best animated shows released this year, Wolf King has captured adult audiences with its dark narrative and emotionally layered world-building. Set in a dystopian, post-collapse society where rival kingdoms vie for control, the show explores loyalty, war, and legacy through a character-driven lens. The protagonist, a reluctant heir to a fallen empire, becomes a symbol of resistance in a world torn by corruption and ancient supernatural forces.

The show’s complex character arcs and mature themes have drawn comparisons to Attack on Titan and Castlevania, helping it secure a loyal viewership and critical acclaim. Its animation style—bold, shadowy, and cinematic—sets it apart as one of the most watched animated tv series of 2025, particularly in the fantasy-drama category. Wolf King is a definitive entry in any list of the best animated tv shows 2025 for adults craving political intrigue, emotional stakes, and a bit of mythic horror.

10. Marvel Zombies – Disney+

Marvel continued to expand its animated multiverse in 2025 with Marvel Zombies, a dark, thrilling spin-off based on the beloved comic series and its earlier depiction in What If...?. In this bleak timeline, Earth's mightiest heroes succumb to a zombie outbreak, leaving a few uninfected characters to battle both the undead and their own moral limits. The combination of horror, superhero action, and psychological tension made this one of the most watched animated tv series of 2025 on Disney+.

Despite its grisly subject matter, Marvel Zombies earned praise for its rich storytelling and slick, stylized animation. It appealed to longtime MCU fans as well as those new to the franchise thanks to its standalone structure and genre-bending flair. As one of the best animated tv shows 2025, it represents Marvel's continued success in pushing its IP into experimental, audience-grabbing directions. With rumored spin-offs and future seasons, this gruesome hit is just getting started.

The Animated Renaissance of 2025

The animated tv shows of 2025 are proof that animation has not only entered a golden age—but a global renaissance. Whether exploring ancient legends, dystopian futures, middle school dynamics, or zombified superheroes, this year’s best animated tv shows 2025 have something for everyone. Streaming platforms have embraced diverse storytelling, bold themes, and experimental visuals, elevating animated series to the same level of prestige as live-action dramas.

From adult-targeted psychological thrillers like Wolf King and Invincible, to boundary-pushing worldbuilding in Iyanu and Marvel Zombies, to family-friendly innovation with Win or Lose and Spider-Man, the variety and ambition of 2025’s animation slate are unmatched. These most watched animated tv series of 2025 show us that audiences are hungry for layered, meaningful, and entertaining stories told through art. And with viewership numbers rising and more international collaborations on the horizon, the future for animated tv shows 2025 and beyond has never looked brighter.