One might assume Disney’s animated shows are strictly geared toward younger audiences, but there are several shows that adults can enjoy, too. The shows aren’t meant solely for adults and are still tame, as Disney is likely aware younger audiences will still be tuning in. Recentanimated Disney shows inspired by movieslikeMonsters at Workor reboots of older series such asDuckTalescan be enjoyed by older audiences for their nostalgic elements, but they aren’t necessarily trying to draw in adult viewers.
Animated Disney series aimed toward older audiences are a bit more serious and focus on telling a story that builds throughout a season, rather than simply trying to teach viewers important life lessons. Shows likeTron: UprisingandStar Wars: The Bad Batchare based on characters and stories from popular live-action franchises adult audiences are largely familiar with. Othershows such asGargoylesandGravity Fallsare appreciated by older audiences for their built-in lore and dark themes. Regardless of whether an adult viewer is looking for more thrilling action sequences or a well-crafted mystery, there is an animated Disney series for everyone.
10Pepper Ann (1997-2000)
Relatable Adolescent Themes Still Strike A Chord With Adults
Considered to be ananimated series from the 1990s that still holds up,Pepper Annhas some mature themes older audiences can still connect with. The series is a playful version ofDariaand has a similar premise which sees its titular character navigating the ups and downs of her adolescent years. The character of Pepper Ann comes from a comic strip in a teen magazine known asYM. Though adult audiences are past the age of adolescent growing pains, the struggles addressed in the show are highly relatable.
WherePepper Anndiffers from other animated series is its commitment to addressing issues directly. Rather than masking its commentary under surface-level analogies,Pepper Annhighlighted relatable scenarios that were reflective of real-life experiences. Its authenticity makes it easier to rewatch as the years go by, and it’s an animated series that’s just as enjoyable for adults now as it was for them when they were growing up with the show.
9Amphibia (2019-2022)
A Fantasy Adventure Tale With Weighty Themes
Brenda Song provides her voice forAmphibia’s protagonist, Anne Boonchuy. At the beginning of the series, Anne and two of her friends find themselves lost within the titular world inhabited by anthropomorphic frogs. While trying to find her friends, Anne comes across a family of frogs whom she quickly bonds with.Amphibiatells a sweet coming-of-age story that sees Anne make friends and learn how to be a leader. Such messages are made for younger audiences around Anne’s age but are given enough depth to reach adult audiences as well.
Airing on Disney Channel for three seasons,Amphibiaearned frequent critical praise for its well-developed characters, who were relatable and full of emotional depth. Friendship is a significant theme throughoutAmphibia, but there’s something for everyone to take away from the series. From fantasy adventures to heartfelt portrayals of familial relationships, it’s no wonder whyAmphibiafound success with a variety of audiences.
8Tron: Uprising (2012-2013)
Set Between The Popular Tron Films
Set within theTronuniverse,Tron: Uprisingtakes place between the original 1982 film andTron: Legacyfrom 2010. The series is centered around Beck, who is trained by Tron and has his playful, reckless make-up transformed into that of a strong leader. Though the series only ran for one season,Tron: Uprisingstill includes well-written character development. The series is also remembered for its unique animation style that combines 2D animation and CGI, visually resembling animated shows likeAeon FluxandStar Wars: The Clone Wars.
Because of its cancelation,Tron: Uprisingnever gained quite the same fanbase as other serious Disney animated shows. Still, adult audiences will be glad to have spent time watchingTron: Uprising.Remnants of theTronfilms' action scenes and soundtrack are present throughout the animated series. Joseph Trapanese, who worked on the score forTron: Legacy, handled the series' music, incorporating a similar absorbing techno orchestral blend.
An Action-Packed Series Geared Toward Passionate Fans
Taking place after the events ofStar Wars: The Clone WarsisStar Wars: The Bad Batch. The Disney+ series follows the titular group after they become mercenaries for hire on the run from the Empire. Having consistently earned high critical scores on sites like Rotten Tomatoes, the strongest elements ofThe Bad Batchhas been noted as its animation style and voice acting. There are also a handful of thrilling action scenes in the series that keep audiences glued to their screens.
ThoughThe Bad Batchis suitable for younger audiences, adults are likely to have the best viewing experience asit’s a series that’s made for well-versedStar Warsfans. There is a hefty amount of lore built intoThe Bad Batchthat adults familiar with theStar Warsuniverse and characters will enjoy diving further into.
6Phineas And Ferb (2007-2015)
Animated Adventures That Appeal To All Ages
The days when summer break felt like a lifetime may be long gone for adults, but the adventures ofPhineas and Ferbstill manage to entertain older audiences. The series revolves around the titular brothers, who make the most out of their summer vacation by setting off on grand adventures and building their larger-than-life inventions.The series has a formulaic structure, but rarely doesPhineas and Ferbever feel repetitive. The adventures depicted in the series are imaginative and quickly paced.
Phineas and Ferbis often considered one ofthe best Disney animated shows ever made, and it appeals to a wide range of audiences. Adult viewers can enjoy the animated comedy for its pop culture references, witty script, fleshed-out characters, and sense of humor. The popularity and wide appeal ofPhineas and Ferbhave led to several crossovers with other franchises and a few TV and streaming films as well.
5Recess (1997-2001)
Complex Concepts Are Expressed Through Elementary School Students
WhileRecesstakes place on an elementary school playground, the series frequently addresses themes only adults can fully grasp.Recessfollows the lives of six elementary school students, each associated with a common archetype, like child prodigies and athletes. When the school children gather for recess, they act as their version of traditional society, operating with their own government and laws. With the rigid laws and societal norms in place, other characters take the opportunity to rebel and question authority.
The character dynamics inRecessreflect what adults are aware exists in real life. However, such dynamics are cleverly presented and are playful and entertaining enough for kids to enjoy as well.The subtle appeal to older audiences has allowedRecessto become one of the more popular animated seriesduring its late ’90s and early 2000s run. Following the series' success, theatrical and direct-to-video movies revolving aroundtheRecesscharactershave been released.
4The Owl House (2020-2023)
Full Of Diverse Characters And Mature Themes
Sharing several thematic elements with theHarry Potterfilm series is Disney Channel’sThe Owl House. The animated fantasy series centers around Luz, a teenage girl who stumbles upon another realm and begins learning magic from Eda, a witch. Because of films like those in theHarry Potterseries, fantasy stories have been popular with adults for quite some time.The Owl Househandles its magical components with great consideration and manages to blend familiar fantasy tropes with brand-new concepts.
The Owl Househas earned critical praise for its emotional depth, voice acting, and humor. Additionally, thoughits strong storytelling and immersive world-building separate the animated series from Disney’s others, it’sthe characters inThe Owl Housethat make it such a beloved series.The Owl Househas a strong LGBTQ+ representation and features a truly diverse and groundbreaking group of characters, including those who are non-binary and in same-sex relationships.
3X-Men ‘97 (2024-Present)
A Successful Revival Of The 1990s X-Men Series
Released just this year isX-Men ‘97, which is a revival of the animated series that premiered in 1992.X-Men ‘97features beloved charactersfrom the comics and continues a year after the original series finale. Much like the original animated show,X-Men ‘97fuses soap opera-style drama with thrilling action sequences and incorporates serious topics within its narrative. The social commentary within the show is made to reflect modern society, and it does so with great consideration.
Numerous reboots and revival series have been released in recent years, but only a few manage to impress audiences and prove they needed to be made.X-Men ‘97is one of them, asthe series is just reminiscent enough of the ’90s show while also including new character relationships and material to establish a promising futurefor the series. Adult audiences anxiously awaiting more ofX-Men ‘97can look forward to a confirmed second and third season within the next few years.
2Gargoyles (1994-1997)
The Rare Gritty Action Series From Disney
Much darker than anything that had come from Disney before was the animated seriesGargoyles. Earning many comparisons to grittier animated action series likeX-Men: The Animated Series,the titular characters inGargoylesawoke from their frozen state at night and acted as the protectors of New York City from various forces of evil. These threats often came in the form of supernatural creatures and created an expansive mythology that built throughout the series’ run.
Additionally, characters were given complex, often dark character arcs that adult audiences could revel in. Though younger viewers were tuned into the series,the intricate character arcs and inclusion of Shakespearean themes weren’t watered down, reassuring adults thatGargoyleswas just as much of a show meant for them.Gargoyleshas acquired a cult following throughout the years and the series’ lasting popularity has prompted a live-action reboot to be made for Disney+.
1Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
A Mysterious Adventure Series That Appeals To All Ages
One ofGravity Falls’ biggest accomplishments is its ability to appeal to almost all ages. The series follows Dipper and Mabel Pines, who are siblings spending their summer vacation with their uncle in the mysterious titular town. While audiences see the characters bond with their great uncle Stan and other residents of Gravity Falls, the larger paranormal mystery of the town slowly unfolds.Gravity Fallshas playful banter and humor among its characters that is sure to appeal to younger audiences.
Yet,Gravity Fallsepisodes are frequently darkas well, when Dipper and Mabel immerse themselves in the danger lurking throughout the town. Standalone episodes appeal to younger audiences, whilethe bits of lore dropped every now and then catch the attention of adults who are looking tosolveGravity Falls’ hidden mysteries.Gravity Fallsintentionally came to an end after two seasons and has been lauded by critics for its animation, humor, and writing.
