About this blog:
I blog on random Pop Culture subjects. I also post Top 13 Lists. I could do a cliched Top 10 like everyone else, but then I'd be just like everyone else.


Wednesday, May 19, 2010

"Top 13 Adult-oriented Cartoons"

This list only contains animated cartoons that aired as regular series on TV in the US. They are cartoons that either target adult audiences, or have content within their episodes that only mature audiences would “get”. I based the list on creativity, quirkiness, humor, and entertainment value, not commercial success or longevity.

Top 13 Adult-oriented Cartoons
13. The Simpsons- This is the only one receiving consideration for longevity. The early episodes were kind of raw, and the later episodes are desperate for new ideas, but the seasons in the middle were very creative, humorous, and entertaining. Extra points for the line "I bent my wookie!"

12. Ren & Stimpy- Hilarious classic! Ren's great! And how great was the Slinkyesque "Log" jingle!

11. Daria- Most people didn't get the dry humor, but I certainly did! Daria is basically an animated female version me.

10. Space Ghost Coast to Coast/Cartoon Planet- Great reinventing of old cartoon characters. The Brak songs on Cartoon Planet are unbeatable entertainment. These shows are the reason Adult Swim exists.

9. The Tick- One of the most humorous cartoons ever. Hilarious main character, and creative side characters such as American Maid, Sewer Urchin, Bipolar Bear, and The Breadmaster.

8. Dr. Katz- Again, most people missed out on the hilarious dry humor, and were turned off by the slow pace. The exploits of Dr. Katz's slacker son Ben, and the therapy sessions with comedians such as Dom Irrera, Ray Romano, and Dave Attell are classic quirky humor for the mature mind.

7. Duckman- Hilarious, absurd, and very adult-oriented cartoon gem starring Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander, following the always immoral exploits of a Private Eye Duck, his dryly hilarious sidekick Cornfed Pig (brilliantly voiced by Gregg Berger), and Duckman's wacky family. A must see program, but without the kids.

6. Bevis & Butthead- Fire! Fire! One of the naughtiest and funniest adult-oriented cartoons of all time. The plots aren't great, but the segments where they commentate music videos are classic entertainment at it's finest. Extra points for spawning Daria.

5. The Critic- Jon Lovitz at his comedic best since his classic days on Saturday Night Live. One of the world's most underrated comedians delivered a very humorous and entertaining cartoon, with tons of great Pop Culture references, and laugh out loud slacker plots.

4. Family Guy- By far one of the most entertaining and creative cartoon series ever. Great characters, hilarious plots, and a plethora of wonderful Pop Culture references make this show hard to beat.

3. Aqua Teen Hunger Force- How can anyone not love this bizarrly hilarious program, filled with absurdly lovable characters? I guess not everyone "gets" the humor. Meatwad, Shake, Carl, and The Mooninites are some of the most enjoyable characters of all time, and their loony adventures leave me rolling on the floor. Besides, they're #1 in the hood, G.

2. Animaniacs/Pinky & The Brain- Hilarious and very creative cartoons from Warner Brothers.
Animaniacs is basically the hoodlum little brother of Tiny Toons, who pushes the envelope even further. As if the sheer wackiness wasn't enough entertainment, they really tried hard, and succeeded in sneaking a lot of double entendre past the censors. There were silly examples like telling Pablo Picaso, "There's p p on your shirt!", and much more shocking lines like saying to the dictator of Anvilania, "Ok Mr. Tator, or should I call you Dic?"
Pinky and The Brain is flat out brilliant, hilarious entertainment. Very creative, intelligent humor. The many absurd answers Pinky gives to the oft repeated question "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" are some of the most precious gems of all cartoondom.

1. Looney Toons/Merrie Meoldies- Simply the best cartoons ever! These childhood favorites we all grew up on are hilarious to child and adult alike. There were so many double entendres and adult themes presented in the zany antics of slightly insane characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Wile E. Coyote, and the rest. These toons featured some of the greatest characters ever created, and some of the best animation and writing of all time. Most modern cartoons were heavily influenced by these very creative and funny classics. No other program has eclipsed their greatness, nor do I think any ever will.

Honorable Mention:
(I'm not thrilled with this list. Please comment your suggestions.)
AEon Flux
Cadillacs & Dinosaurs
Courage the Cowardly Dog
Dave The Barbarian
Ed, Edd, & Eddie
Family Dog
Freakazoid!
Growing Up Creepy
MTV’s Oddities: The Head & The Maxx
Spongebob Squarepants
Tiny Toons
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack

©2010 Denim McDemus

1 comment:

  1. though it is a family guy spinoff, the cleveland show deserves at least an honorable mention.

    ReplyDelete