The 15 Best Cartoons to Watch Right Now (2023) - Amusement Muse (2023)

Is there anything better than watching cartoons? Although many animated shows these days are aimed at kids, some of the best cartoons are great for all ages. Whether it’s gorgeous animation, witty dialogue, or lovable characters, there’s an animated series out there suitable for just about anyone.

If you’re looking for some good cartoons to watch in January 2023, we’ve got you covered with 15 of our absolute favorites. Each of these shows offer something unique and wonderful that will leave you bingeing episode after episode. Take a look at the best animated series and where you can stream them below.

Gravity Falls

Creator: Alex Hirsch
Total Episodes: 41
IMDb Rating:8.9

Created by Disney,Gravity Fallsis a masterpiece of mystery, adventure, and comedy. The story follows Mabel and Dipper, siblings who are visiting their great uncle in the forests of NW Oregon. Gravity Falls is more than just a town with a forest next to it, however, and the pair continuously uncover supernatural secrets hiding throughout the land. They encounter Gnomes, mermaids, and strangely geometrical gods while they stay at their Uncle’s Mystery Shack.

There are only two seasons of this show and they are both on Disney+. If you’re looking for an easy transition away fromAdventure Time, this is it. Take a look at our list of the bestcartoons like Gravity Fallsfor more like this.

The Owl House

Creator: Dana Terrace
Total Episodes: 43
IMDb:8.0

If you’re looking for a cartoon that falls between Gravity Falls and Harry Potter,The Owl Houseis an excellent option.

The story follows a young teenage girl named Luz who is accidentally sent to another world before her trip to summer camp. With the help of tiny demon and a rebellious mentor, she works towards becoming a full-on witch.

There are currently two seasons of this show streaming on Disney+ right now. We’ve found moreshows likeThe Owl Houseif you’re looking for similar cartoons to this.

Adventure Time

Creator: Pendleton Ward
Total Episodes: 289
IMDb Rating:8.6

If you’re not familiar with Adventure Time, it’s an off-beat and occasionally emotionally charged cartoon about a boy and his dog. Only the boy is one of the last humans in existence and the dog is magically stretchy. With the same voice actor as Bender (John DiMaggio) playing Jake the Dog, it’s a great series to dig into if you’re ready to move on from Futurama.

You can currently watch all 10 seasons ofAdventure Timeon Hulu and take a look at the spin-off mini-series available on HBO right now. We’ve also found some of the bestshows likeAdventure Timeif you want to dive even deeper.

Rick and Morty

Creators: Dan Harmon, Justin Roiland
Total Episodes: 49
IMDb Rating:9.2

Rick and Mortyhas consistently been one of thebest adult cartoonssince it first came out in 2013. It offers ridiculous comedic concepts, interdimensional travel, and a lot of adult themes not suitable for children. The main reason it’s similar toGravity Fallsis because of how well it blends the mundane with the absurd.

The story is fairly straightforward. Rick Sanchez is a genius inventor who has mastered interdimensional travel, space travel, and just about everything else mankind is potentially capable of. He and his grandson, Morty, go on ridiculous adventures that often result in complete chaos and deaths of some sort.

There are currently 6 seasons available and you can watch them all for free directly from Cartoon Network. You can also take a look at our list ofshows like Rick and Mortyfor more options like this.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Creators: Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko
Total Episodes: 62
IMDb Rating:9.3

Avatar: The Last Airbender is arguably one of the best cartoons of all time. With beautiful character arcs, engaging action, and just the right amount of witty dialogue, it’s a gorgeous piece of animation that everyone should watch.

The story follows Aang, a young Airbender who was gifted with the powers of the Avatar right before the world was launched into war by the Fire nation. He accidentally freezes himself in ice for over 100 years only to be reawakened by a pair of Water tribe siblings named Katara and Sokka who vow to help him restore balance to the world.

You can currently watch all 3 seasons of Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix right now, or take a look at our list of the best shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender for more like this.

Futurama

Creators: David X. Cohen, Matt Groening
Total Episodes: 41
IMDb Rating:8.4

If you haven’t already watched Futurama, then you need to do so immediately. From the creator of the Simpsons, Futurama is an animated comedy series that has produced some of the best jokes and memes of all time.

The story follows an average young man named Fry as he is accidentally cryogenically frozen and finds himself in the year 3000. Since his only real skill is being a delivery boy, he finds a place under his genius great-nephew on a galactic delivery team. With a cyclops, alcoholic robot, and crab doctor, this show has everything you could possible want.

There are 7 full seasons of Futurama to stream and you can watch them all of them are available on Hulu right now with potentially more new episodes on the way. You can also take a look at our list of the bestshows like Futuramafor more like this.

Steven Universe

Creators: Rebecca Sugar
Total Episodes: 43
IMDb:8.1

If you’re looking for a cartoon that has just the right mix of ridiculousness with a good-hearted message about family and friendship,Steven Universeis an excellent option for all audiences.

This animated series follows Steven Universe, a young boy who happens to be the intersection between a species of intergalactic warriors and humans. He fights to help save the universe and to help others overcome their difference while discovering his own unique powers.

You can currently watch 4 seasons ofSteven Universeon Hulu or take a look at the follow up series, Steven Universe Future on HBO Max. Take a look at our list of shows like Steven Universe for more options.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil

Creators: Daron Nefcy, David Wasson, Jordana Arkin
Total Episodes: 77
IMDb Rating:8.0

Another Disney cartoon,Star vs. The Forces of Eviltakes a unique spin on the princess genre. Despite a silly exterior, this animated show offers emotional depth you wouldn’t expect.

The story follows a young princess named Star who is just starting to master her own magical power — which we uses in some of the most ridiculous ways. Though she was originally born in a magical alternate universe, she makes her way to earth to stay with the Diaz family and fight monsters. Her best friend, Marco, is a careful young man who finds himself finally using his karate abilities to help her battle the forces of evil.

With 4 seasons streaming on Disney+, this series starts off incredibly silly and matures over time as the characters grow.

Final Space

Creator: Olan Rogers
Total Episodes: 36
IMDb Rating:8.3

Final Space is an animated space opera comedy is an excellent option for adults who enjoy certain levels of ridiculousness. The series follows a seemingly annoying space prisoner named Gary Goodspeed as he tries to save the planet. With excellent characters, dialogue, and just the right amount of violence,Final Spaceis an excellent cartoon.

What makesFinal Spaceso similar toAdventure Timeis how positive and heartfelt it feels at its core. The main character, while ridiculous, makes his way through difficult situations with the power of friendship and comedic timing.

With 3 seasons available on HBO Max, it’s worth diving into in 2023.

Regular Show

Creator: J.G. Quintel
Total Episodes: 245
IMDb Rating:8.4

Regular Show is irreverent and wonderful. Every episode seems to outdo the last with a sort of unexpected humor set into fairly normal situations.

The plot follows Mordecai and Rigby, two animal characters who are just trying to live their mediocre lives working at a golf course. Though the setting seems to be at least mildly based in reality, crazy, over-the-top situations happen to the pair every single day.

You can currently watch Regular show on Hulu if you have a subscription with the streaming service.

Hilda

Creators: Kurt Mueller, Luke Pearson, Stephanie Simpson
Total Episodes: 26
IMDb Rating:8.6

Hildais one of those cartoons that is seemingly just for kids until you start watching. The story follows a young girl named Hilda as she travels from her home in a vast magical wilderness to the busy city of Trollberg. With pleasant British accents and dangerous adventures, this is one of the absolute best cartoons you can watch in 2023.

With 2 great seasons and surprising depth, you’ll likely be left wanting more by the end of it. It’s one of thebest cartoons on Netflixright now.

Castlevania

Creator: Warren Ellis
Total Episodes: 22
IMDb:8.2

Based onCastlevania: Dracula’s Curse, the 3rd installment of the video game saga, this Netflix series hits all the right notes. It’s perhaps one of the best examples of how great it is whenvideo games become an anime series. ThoughCastelvaniais not officially an anime despite it’s appearances.

With plenty of action, mystery, vampires, and witty one-liners,Castlevaniais a must-watch whether you’ve played any of the the games or not.

Wakfu

Creators: Anthony Roux
Total Episodes: 71
IMDb:8.2

Though it often feels like aNetflix Original animein style and inspiration,Wakfuis actually French animated series based on a video game of the same name. The story is centered around a character named Yugo, a powerful being who has not yet discovered his full power. As the series progresses so do his abilities and friendships along the way.

There is a surprising depth to this series that you might not expect after the first couple of episodes. With 3 seasons currently available on Netflix, there’s a lot to unpack.

Bojack Horseman

Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Total Episodes: 77
IMDb:8.7

If you’re looking for an adult cartoon series that hits deeper than your average comedy,Bojack Horsemanis the Netflix original for you. It’s dark, witty, and dives into complex emotions with a humorous gaze

The story follows the life of a washed-up sitcom star who made his claim to fame back in the late 80s. Oh and he also happens to be a horse. This series shows the struggles of depression, addiction, and maintaining relationships.

Arcane

Creator: Christian Linke Alex Yee
Total Episodes: 9
IMDb:9.4

From the creators ofLeague of Legends,Arcaneis the latest and greatest video game show to arrive at Netflix. Set in the same universe of the game, it’s the first TV series created by Riot Games.

The story follows two sisters and two different cities. As unrest stirs between the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed slums of Zaun, sisters Vi and Powder make struggle to find their way in an ever-changing and dangerous world.

The first season is currently available on Netflix, with a total of 9 episodes. If you’re looking for morevideo game adaptations on Netflix, we’ve found those too.