'For fans of "Adventure Time," "Owl House," "Gravity Falls," and more...': 21 Animated shows that go from childlike wonderment to heartbreaking life lessons

Elna McHilderson • Managing Editor

Aug 29, 2026 10:00 AM EDT

Oh, you thought this was a kid's show? LOL

Buckle up, besties: It's rainy this week, and all I want to do is binge-watch some comfort shows, so come join me! That, for me, means shows like Adventure Time, Over the Garden Wall, or Steven Universe. Currently, however, I'm taking my first dive into Owl House, and oh, man, am I INVESTED. Not everyone understands this kind of fandom. You know, the animated shows that look like children's shows—some are even labeled as children's shows—but are actually tackling very mature issues. You start the series full of giggles and silliness, but end with tears in your eyes and a heavy heart. Like, oh, Gravity Falls just ends like that? COOL.

TBH, I love facing the harsh realities of life through a whimsical lens. It makes it all less scary, even the shows with more horroresque themes like Maya and the Three or Haunted Hotel. Adults who don't get it just don't get it. I don't know how to make you understand, sorry. The best I can do is say it's like a funny person in therapy. You're talking about very difficult things, but you can't do it seriously, or else you'll cry or choke and won't be able to get it out. So you describe your inner demons through memes or witty one-liners, trying to make the weight on your heart feel a little lighter. And you know what? It works! Because once you are able to release it from the emotional lockbox inside of you, you start to feel better. Whether you do it through jokes or whimsical animated series!

So if you're a fan of these kinds of shows, here's a list of more of them out there that you may never have heard of! Enjoy your next comfort binge.

via pixelsbyari

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"Over the Garden Wall"

via tvscholar

A dark and fantastical series that follows two lost brothers through the woods with lots of twists and turns, and a star-studded cast. Perfect for spooky season!
"Hilda"

via finnmertoons

A little girl moves from her magical home into a normal neighborhood. However, she is far from normal and refuses to leave her magical ways behind. Can she combine her two worlds? She will definitely try.
"Summer Camp Island"

via finnmertoons

It's the summer camp every "weird" kid dreams of going to! With counselors who are witches and aliens, and beautifully written LGBTQ+ characters.
"Bee and Puppycat"

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via cartoonhangover

Just got fired? Same with this main character. However, she doesn't let it get to her. And after meeting a unique "Puppycat" she's able to get by with some fantastical and magical side gigs.
"Amphibia"

via thewebgeek18

At first, you might think this show is just for kids and the idea was created by throwing darts at a board. But don't let that stop you! If you stick with it, you will be rewarded with an extremely creative animated series that teaches some seriously difficult life lessons.
"Centaurworld"

via lanthart.choripan

How far will a warrior's loyal steed go to get back to their human? Through other worlds, timelines, and dimensions, according to this extremely creative animated series.
"Star vs. the Forces of Evil"

via mairtvcrave

A magical princess proves she is too immature to handle the immense power being passed down to her as a teenager. So her family sends her to Earth in hopes that she will grow up a little, and boy, does she!
"Infinity Train"

via cinematicbebop

Long story short, a teenager gets trapped on a magical train with no way out. Her adventures during her pursuit back home are what will getcha.
"Delicious in Dungeon"

via anitrendz

A Japanese manga series that follows a group of adventurers on a quest. However, in order to survive, they cook and eat the monsters they have to slay. This series will leave you LOLing, crying, and hungry.
"Tuca and Bertie"

via tiffanyhaddish

The ultimate besties animated series with a beautiful and unique artistic style. Just two girl-boss bird roomies, trying to figure out life together and on their own…
"De*d End Paranormal Park"

via mairtvcrave

A fun, dark, and magical series full of friendship, self-discovery, and ultimate LGBTQ+ representation. Also a great watch for spooky season!
"Steven Universe"

via editssseries

Another series that feels like it's just for kids in the beginning, but has a huge payout if you stick with it. Lots of twists, turns, and growing pains. If you have family issues, this show will definitely help you work them out in a more whimsical way.
"Maya and the Three"

via aph.ladybug_more9

A young warrior princess sets out on a journey to fulfill a prophecy that will save humanity. Or wait, is it a prophecy or generational trauma?…
"Common Side Effects"

via hbomax

A couple of scientists find a cure-all mushroom, but is humanity ready for that? Are they ready for the life-changing events that are about to happen with their discovery? Will our capitalist society even allow a cure-all to exist?
"Haunted Hotel"

via animationworldnetwork

Just a single mom trying to make the best of raising her family and running the hotel she inherited from her late brother. Funny thing, though: the hotel is haunted, and now she and her kid are super used to the ghosts… Or are they?
"She-Ra" (2018)

via pinknity

A newer spin on an '80s classic: She-Ra is more than just heated warrior battles and fun costumes. There are many heartbreaks along the way.
"Helluva Boss"

via helluva_hazbins

Basically, a couple of demons are trying to run a start-up down in the fiery depths. Obviously, this leaves room for lots of dark humor, but you won't be ready for the emotional rollercoaster it also puts you on.
"Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts"

via mairtvcrave

A post-apocalyptic series that follows a girl leaving her underground shelter for a new world above that she could never have imagined. Friends are made, heartbreaks are had, and you'll love it.
"Fired On Mars"

via firedonmars

So, fair warning, there is only one season of this, and not many fans were happy with how it left things… But if you want a good sci-fi series with dark humor and mind-blowing life lessons, this is the one for you.
"The Dragon Prince"

via dragon_prince_fan_acc

Magical beings are at war because, well, humans can be destructive for their own gain. However, a group of teens from opposing teams come together and discover a quest that might end the war for good. It's truly devastating and a great watch.
"The Amazing Digital Circus"

via animepianistgirl

A group of humans get trapped inside a circus-themed virtual world. Will the artificial intelligence end them, or help them grow? Maybe both!