Best Animated Streaming Series
Animated streaming series are television shows created using animation techniques and distributed via online streaming platforms. These series cater to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, and cover various genres including comedy, drama, fantasy, and science fiction.
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In recent years, the popularity of animated streaming series has surged due to the flexibility and creative freedom they offer. Unlike traditional TV, streaming platforms do not have stringent time slots or content restrictions, allowing creators to experiment with unique storytelling methods and intricate character development. Series like "BoJack Horseman," "Rick and Morty," and "Castlevania" have garnered critical acclaim for their innovative narratives and complex themes. The ability to binge-watch entire seasons also enhances viewer engagement, fostering dedicated fan bases and active online communities. Moreover, the advancements in animation technology have enabled higher-quality visuals and more detailed world-building, making animated streaming series a significant and influential part of contemporary entertainment.
NetflixView AllNetflix - Streaming service offering movies, series, and original content.
Disney+View AllDisney+ - Streaming service offering Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
HuluView AllHulu - Streaming service offering TV shows, movies, and original content.
Amazon Prime VideoView AllAmazon Prime Video - Amazon Prime Video: Streaming movies, TV shows, and original content.
HBO MaxView AllHBO Max - Streaming platform with movies, TV shows, and original content.
Apple TV+View AllApple TV+ - Apple TV+ is Apple's premium streaming service for originals.
CrunchyrollView AllCrunchyroll - Anime streaming service with vast library and simulcasts.
FunimationView AllFunimation - Leading anime streaming and distribution service.
Paramount+View AllParamount+ - Streaming service offering movies, shows, and live sports.
PeacockView AllPeacock - Colorful bird with iridescent tail feathers displaying courtship.
Best Animated Streaming Series
1.
Netflix
Netflix is a leading global streaming service that offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. Founded in 1997, it transitioned from a DVD rental service to a streaming platform in 2007. Netflix is known for its user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, and critically acclaimed original productions like "Stranger Things" and "The Crown." Available in over 190 countries, it has revolutionized how people consume entertainment by providing on-demand, ad-free viewing experiences.
Pros
Large content library- Original programming
- Ad-free experience
- Offline downloads
- User-friendly interface
Cons
Increasing subscription costs- Regional content restrictions
- Content rotation
- Internet dependency
- Limited classic films
2.
Disney+
Disney+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by The Walt Disney Company, offering a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Launched in November 2019, it features a mix of classic films, animated series, and original programming exclusive to the platform. With user-friendly navigation and options for offline viewing, Disney+ has quickly become a popular choice for family entertainment, providing both nostalgic favorites and new, innovative content.
Pros
- Extensive content library
- affordable subscription
- exclusive originals
- family-friendly
- offline downloads.
Cons
- Limited regional availability
- frequent content removal
- additional Premier Access fees
- no live TV
- requires internet for streaming.
3.
Hulu
Hulu is a leading streaming service offering a diverse library of TV shows, movies, and original content. Launched in 2008, it features current and past episodes from major networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox, as well as exclusive series and films. Subscribers can choose from ad-supported and ad-free plans, with options to add live TV and premium channels. Known for its user-friendly interface, Hulu provides a tailored viewing experience for a wide audience.
Pros
- extensive content library
- live TV option
- original programming
- affordable pricing
- customizable plans
Cons
- frequent ads
- limited offline downloads
- regional restrictions
- additional cost for ad-free
- inconsistent content updates
4.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a popular streaming service offered by Amazon. It provides subscribers with access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including critically acclaimed series and films. Available on multiple devices, it allows for offline viewing and supports various viewing preferences like HD and 4K. As part of an Amazon Prime membership, it offers both convenience and value, enhancing the overall entertainment experience for users worldwide.
Pros
- extensive library
- original content
- offline downloads
- multiple device support
- no ads
Cons
- additional costs for some content
- interface can be clunky
- limited new releases
- region restrictions
- less social features
5.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a premium streaming service launched by WarnerMedia, offering a vast library of content that includes HBO's acclaimed series, Warner Bros. films, exclusive Max Originals, and a wide range of additional programming. It features popular titles like "Game of Thrones," "Friends," and new releases, catering to diverse audiences. With a user-friendly interface and high-quality streaming, HBO Max competes with other major platforms, delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience for subscribers.
Pros
- extensive content library
- high-quality original series
- simultaneous theatrical releases
- multiple user profiles
- downloadable content
Cons
- higher subscription cost
- limited international availability
- inconsistent app performance
- ads on cheaper plans
- complex user interface
6.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by Apple Inc. in November 2019. It offers a growing library of original content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries across various genres. Known for high production values, the platform features acclaimed series like "The Morning Show," "Ted Lasso," and "For All Mankind." Apple TV+ is accessible via the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, and other streaming devices, aiming to compete with other major streaming services.
Pros
- High-quality original content
- affordable subscription
- ad-free experience
- availability on multiple devices
- family sharing.
Cons
- Smaller content library
- limited third-party content
- requires internet connection
- no live TV
- less regional content.
7.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is a leading streaming service specializing in anime, manga, and Asian dramas. Launched in 2006, it offers a vast library of licensed content, including popular series and simulcasts of new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. With a global community of over 100 million registered users, Crunchyroll provides both free ad-supported streaming and premium subscription options for an ad-free experience and additional perks. It has become a cornerstone for anime fans worldwide.
Pros
- Extensive anime library
- Simulcasts
- User-friendly interface
- Ad-free premium option
- Multi-language subtitles
Cons
- Free version has ads
- Limited offline viewing
- Regional restrictions
- Occasional streaming issues
- Pricey premium plans
8.
Funimation
Funimation is an American entertainment company specializing in the dubbing and distribution of East Asian media, particularly Japanese anime. Founded in 1994 by Gen Fukunaga, it played a significant role in popularizing anime in North America. Funimation offers a streaming service with a vast library of anime titles, both dubbed and subtitled, and is known for high-quality translations and speedy releases. In 2021, it merged with Crunchyroll, further expanding its reach and influence in the anime industry.
Pros
- Extensive anime library
- Simulcast availability
- Dubbed options
- High-quality streaming
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited international availability
- Ads in free tier
- Occasional streaming issues
- Higher subscription cost
- Limited non-anime content
9.
Paramount+
Paramount+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by ViacomCBS, offering a vast library of content from networks like CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Channel. It features exclusive original series, live sports, news broadcasts, and a wide range of movies. Paramount+ also provides access to both current and classic TV shows, catering to diverse entertainment preferences. With its expansive content catalog and user-friendly interface, it aims to compete with other major streaming platforms.
Pros
- Extensive library
- exclusive originals
- live sports
- affordable plans
- user-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited international availability
- frequent ads on cheaper plans
- occasional streaming issues
- less popular than competitors
- limited 4K content
10.
Peacock
Peacock is a streaming service launched by NBCUniversal in July 2020. Named after the NBC logo, it offers a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and exclusive originals. Subscribers can access a broad library of movies, TV shows, news, and sports, including popular NBC series and Universal films. Peacock offers both free, ad-supported tiers and premium subscription options, catering to various viewer preferences. Its diverse content and flexible pricing make it a competitive player in the streaming market.
Pros
- Affordable subscription plans
- large content library
- next-day access to NBC shows
- live sports coverage
- user-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited free tier content
- ads in lower-tier plans
- occasional buffering issues
- not available worldwide
- inconsistent original content quality