With the rousing success of KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix, we got to thinking about all the brilliant original content the king of the streaming services puts out each year. Not only does Netflix house incredible movies and TV shows from around the world, both old and new, but the streamer also strives to create its own top quality films and series that you can’t really find anywhere else.
So, what are the best animated Netflix originals? We spotlight the top 15 best animated Netflix originals right here and rank them.
Honourable Mentions
15. Arcane (2021)
14. Orion and the Dark (2024)
13. Ultraman Rising (2024)
12. Blue Eye Samurai (2023)
11. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
10. Big Mouth (2017)
Again, don’t be fooled by the playful, lively animation style on the surface of Big Mouth; this is one of the most disgusting, explicit, and offensive shows on Netflix, and that’s why we love it so much. There’s no holding back with this series, which is not afraid to depict the wildest, most hilarious sexual capers. However, it’s all done to help normalise the experience of puberty, so it’s fine.
Admittedly, Big Mouth does start to lose its way after the first three or four seasons, but in its heyday, this was a show that could have rivalled the likes of South Park and Family Guy for pure shock factor.
9. The Sea Beast (2022)
Of a similar ilk to Nimona in many ways, The Sea Beast is another tale of monsters and men learning to live with one another for a common cause. Any kids who love pirates will be right on board with this movie from the off thanks to its nautical action, but like most animated stories, there’s so much heart at the core here.
The creature design in The Sea Beast is phenomenal and helps to elevate this Netflix original above your generic monster movie, while the voice work of Karl Urban is a treat, as always. Now, if Netflix could just make a sequel to this one, we’d be very happy indeed.
8. Nimona (2023)
Nimona started life as a graphic novel, but it’s easy to see why Netflix wanted to bring the story to the small screen in animation. This epic, imaginative story of monsters, knights, and magic is the kind of film that kids (and adults) will want to watch again and again for the sheer fact that there is just so much to enjoy about the quest at hand.
Nimona is something of a genre mash-up; largely rooted in fantasy, but also weaving elements of romance, action, and even monster movie vibes into a wonderful little package. Don’t be fooled, though; this short and sweet film packs a punch.
7. F is for Family (2015)
Whatever you do, do not let your children listen to a single word that comes out of Frank Murphy’s mouth. F is for Family is vulgar, profane, and damn good entertainment. Bill Burr lends his voice to the patriarch at the heart of this animated TV show, and if you’ve ever seen his stand-up shows, you’ll know exactly what to expect here.
Set in the 1970s, F is for Family leans into the stereotypes and societal quirks of the era to produce genuinely side-splitting comedy as Frank contends with the misery and mediocrity of everyday life.
6. My Father’s Dragon (2022)
Another animation house that teamed up with Netflix to great success is Cartoon Saloon. The studio previously released stunning 2D animated stories like Wolfwalkers and The Breadwinner, before getting the backing of Netflix to produce My Father’s Dragon.
Brimming with heart and emotion, and brought to life in typically beautiful and vibrant animation styles, this 2022 flick is not just a fun children’s adventure but also a meaningful study of friendship and family. With fantastic voice work and storytelling on a grand scale, My Father’s Dragon is a treat for all the senses.
5. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)
You just can’t go wrong with a bit of Wallace & Gromit, can you? The iconic duo have been delighting audiences since 1989, and they haven’t lost an ounce of their classic charm. With Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Aardman was able to inject new life into the characters while also honouring the legacy of Feathers McGraw, more than 30 years after his first villainous appearance.
The plasticine protagonists are a British institution, but that hasn’t stopped them from being beloved the world over, and the recent partnership with Netflix really helped new audiences find their quaint little stories.
4. Love, Death & Robots (2019)
Love, Death & Robots is not only the best animated TV show Netflix has ever produced, it is right up there as one of the most creative and intriguing series the streaming service has put together, full stop. What more would you expect when David Fincher has his talented paws all over this one?
The beauty of an anthology series, not least of all one that has now run for four seasons, is that there are so many different styles, stories, and themes to dive into. Love, Death & Robots has everything from gripping, violent thrillers to tender love stories and more meditative, thought-provoking sci-fi. It’s Black Mirror, but in cartoon form.
3. Entergalactic (2022)
Animation is often thought of as a medium for young moviegoers, but Entergalactic firmly dismisses that idea with its adult themes. Sex, drugs, heartbreak, and crime permeate every inch of this unique and imaginative story, with a dynamic animation style and catchy soundtrack put together by Kid Cudi.
It feels like Entergalactic was slept on at the time of its release, and it’s certainly a film that deserves more attention. Of all the Netflix originals on this list, this is the one that’s most likely to take you by surprise, and it’s also one that rewards repeat viewings, too.
2. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Equally as fun and colourful, but filled with far more action and adventure, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is an absolute riot. The whole family will enjoy this one and may even end up becoming a tighter unit as a result, too, thanks to the film’s endearing themes and messages.
As artificial intelligence and technology become more and more powerful and commonplace in our society today, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a playful twist on the likes of The Terminator and I, Robot, with the apocalyptic robot uprising proving no match for the titular family.
1. Klaus (2019)
Admittedly you can’t really watch Klaus all year long (although no one would be able to stop you), but when the most wonderful time of the year comes along, and you want to feel really festive, there are few better flicks than this Netflix original.
It’s a gorgeously animated, very sweet, and very funny Christmas movie that offers a fresh spin on the tale of Old Saint Nick. There’s plenty here for children to adore, with dazzling visuals and silly comedy, but there’s arguably even more for grown-ups to take from Klaus. If you’re not crying by the end of this movie, you’re broken inside.
Where To Watch The Best Animated Netflix Originals Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the UK, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
