10 Cartoons That are Entertaining for Adults

Animaniacs

This show may have been the king of subtext, and was certainly one of the more secretly adult-oriented cartoons of its day when you look back on it. The reason it tended to get away with some of its more adult-themed jokes was due to wittiness, which was often hidden in plain sight. Plus, the show's tendency to reference movies and television before its time struck more of a chord with adults than children anyways.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is probably the most tame show on this list in terms of being on the border of unsuitable for children of all ages, but at the same time, it is anything but boring or childish for an adult to watch. In fact, it had just the right mix of humor, heart, action, and amazing visuals to appeal to just about anyone.

Adventure Time

Of all of the cartoons on this list that are currently still airing new episodes, this one is easily the favorite among adults. Like "Regular Show," the series airs short, 11-minute episodes that are often shown back-to-back on Cartoon Network to fill a half-hour time slot, and is riddled with humor for adults and children alike. To make it even better, John DiMaggio (Bender from "Futurama") voices the character Jake the Dog.

SpongeBob SquarePants

Although the adult appeal of the series dropped off in later seasons according to many, back in its heyday the show was "soaked" in innuendo and subliminal messages that adults would understand, yet kids would still find silly and fun. However, the true example of the show obviously appealing to adults is that it was canceled and revived not once, but twice. We're pretty sure children don't have that kind of clout. Plus, it was created by a guy who worked on the next show on our list right before it.

Rocko's Modern Life

The best way to showcase the broad appeal of a show like "Rocko's Modern Life" would probably be to show it to someone who never watched it as a child, and see what they think of it. Odds are they would love it. Its off-the-wall, gross out, borderline inappropriate humor made it a series that rivaled only the next entry on this list in terms of cartoons that were banned in many homes when they aired.

The Ren & Stimpy Show

"The Ren & Stimpy Show" pushed the envelop in more ways than we can count, and was the influence for adult-oriented humor in children's cartoons even to this day. Its use of grotesque close-ups, nearly impossible to misinterpret sexual innuendo and violence, while controversial, was groundbreaking. Some would even say this show was way ahead of its time. It certainly toes the line between children and adult appeal looking back on it now.

Tiny Toon Adventures

It's safe to assume that any children's television show that had episodes pulled after their first airing was probably not just for kids. This show was every bit the next generation of "Looney Tunes," and not just in premise. Much like its predecessor, the show had broad appeal. And much like the previously mentioned "Animaniacs," it was no stranger to pop culture references adults would understand perhaps better than children. Just ask Jerry Seinfeld.

The Tick

Look no further than the source here. Creator Ben Edlund, who created the character originally as a comic book spoofing comic books, isn't exactly someone you would call a children's writer. In fact, some other writing credits of his include shows like "Firefly" and "Supernatural." Furthermore, this animated series spawned a short-lived, adult-themed live-action series. Clearly the material here was not only meant for children (even though adults who might enjoy it are probably a bit on the dorky side).