10 Animated TV Shows That Are Perfect From Start To Finish

Even some of the best animated shows of all time have fluctuated in quality throughout their duration, but these absolute masterpieces were perfect from start to finish. With animated projects being more and more appreciated over the years, we have plenty of ongoing gems such as Invincible, The Legend of Vox Machina, and X-Men 97, just to name a few.

However, while it’s unclear how or when these shows will end, some completed projects have set the bar for maintaining such incredibly high standards. Not only are they among the best animated shows ever made, but these 10 projects rarely had a bad episode, remaining consistently excellent throughout their entire run, hence why they’re remembered so fondly.

Adventure Time

2010-2018

Having run for almost a decade, Adventure Time dominated Cartoon Network in the 2010s, and it never failed to impress viewers. What started as a seemingly silly and quirky cartoon developed into one of the best animated stories of the 21st century, containing plenty of laughs, alongside some mature and emotional moments.

As the welcoming title suggests, Adventure Time is far more fun than serious, but that never prevented the series from having some huge arcs and memorable outings that made the IP so iconic. Even Adventure Time‘s worst episodes haven’t harmed its incredible legacy, and its ever-lively narrative remained interesting from beginning to end, making it an all-time great.

2009-2010

While Edward and Alphonse helped give Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood heart and direction, the plethora of fantastic characters kept the anime gripping from start to finish. The unique plot was beautifully adapted from manga into animation, and there is almost always something going on to keep viewers interested, as evidenced by its countless phenomenal fight sequences.

Unlike many of the bigger anime, there is little to no filler due to the series being just over 60 episodes long, with each one earning its place. This all culminates in a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and while some of its competitors may be more popular, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood is undoubtedly one of the most consistent anime shows ever created.

Samurai Jack

2001-2017

Samurai Jack was one of the boldest cartoons around in the early 2000s, as despite airing on Cartoon Network and being marketed towards a younger audience, it was pretty mature for its time. Watching Jack battle his way to confronting Aku remained compelling for season after season, making its cancellation in 2004 seriously heartbreaking, considering how strong the story was.

When the project finally returned in 2017 to finish Jack’s journey, fans naturally had reservations about reviving such a classic, given how long it had been. Fortunately, the modern episodes managed to surpass expectations and remain every bit as good as those early seasons, making Samurai Jack the sort of animated show that everyone should watch at least once.

Cowboy Bebop

1998-1999

One of the original classic anime, Cowboy Bebop was short and sweet, creating a perfect animated adventure. Based on a group of bounty hunters taking on intergalactic threats, the central protagonists bring plenty of swagger and style as they attempt to capture the most dangerous criminals in the solar system, constantly putting their lives on the line.

So many of Cowboy Bebop‘s best episodes are filled with high-stakes action and drama, while being surrounded by a killer soundtrack. The sci-fi western vibe only adds to how distinct the project is, and although the live-action remake couldn’t quite live up to the same standards, the beloved anime was practically flawless throughout all 26 episodes and revolutionized the industry.

Over the Garden Wall

2014

Alongside having one of the most eye-catching art styles of the last few decades, Over the Garden Wall blended a heartfelt story with some charming characters to create one of the most complete animated projects ever made. Mixing great humor with some surprisingly dark instances allowed the series to stand out and produce an almost irreplicable atmosphere.

With the show revolving around two brothers trying to find their way home from a mysterious forest, they encounter all kinds of oddities in this 10-episode adventure, with the narrative getting progressively more interesting with each new entry, culminating in a satisfying finale.

Refusing to overstay its welcome, Over the Garden Wall is a miniseries masterpiece that deserved every bit of praise it got, and there was never a dull moment throughout the award-winning project.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

2022

As video game adaptations go, they don’t get much better than Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Not only was it a love letter to its source material, but the anime told such a thrilling yet heartbreaking tale in such a short space of time, and it even brought new life to the video game it was based on.

Although the show is filled with violent and dystopian elements, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is really a romantic story between David and Lucy, who try to find happiness in one of fiction’s most unforgiving cities. The gorgeous soundtrack, stunning animation, and unforgettable plot proved so popular that Netflix is essentially giving viewers Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 through its follow-up project based on new characters.

Cyberpunk 2077‘s divisive reputation made it hard to imagine this band of netrunners and mercs would become so popular, yet Edgerunners absolutely nailed everything that makes the futuristic franchise so good, and it never wavers in quality, even for a single second.

BoJack Horseman

2014-2020

While other, more adult-oriented animated shows are far more mainstream, like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park, BoJack Horseman tells a continuous story without ever dropping off. Full of emotional moments, the series tackles heavy subjects with care and caution, many of which were as shocking as they were gutwrenching.

BoJack’s flaws are constantly on display, and the writers never shy away from holding him to account, creating one of the most complex protagonists in modern media. Some of BoJack Horseman‘s best episodes come right at the end, pulling off the perfect conclusion to an already immaculate story, and it’s hard to deny that the show is anything but amazing all the way through.

Batman: The Animated Series

1992-1995

There have been countless great animated superhero shows over the years, but Batman: The Animated Series is still one of the most talked about 30 years after its conclusion. It is a dark, gritty take on the iconic hero, yet it is also full of heartwarming scenes that illustrate why Batman is such an iconic figure.

Batman: The Animated Series gave us some of the best versions of The Joker and Harvey Dent, while even introducing now-famous faces like Harley Quinn. While there may be the odd weak episode here and there, BTAS is as close to perfection as you can get when it comes to such a long-running animated show, fully earning its immortal reputation.

Arcane

2021-2024

Very few people would’ve anticipated a League of Legends adaptation being so popular, but Arcane absolutely blew viewers away when it debuted. The Netflix show followed this up with a masterful second season, somehow finding a way to make its wide roster of characters all feel important while telling a bleak yet compelling story throughout.

Although IMDb ratings aren’t everything, they usually provide a solid reflection on public opinion, with all 18 episodes scoring an 8.5 or above. Some people did find Arcane season 2’s ending to be a little rushed, arguing that a third season could’ve made it better, but that’s a testament to the show’s quality.

With its biggest criticism being that it should’ve gone on longer, Arcane is the definition of an animated show that is perfect from its very first scene to the last, and there is only one show that tops it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

2005-2008

Alongside being widely regarded as the best animated show of all time, Avatar: The Last Airbender is even debated among the best shows of all time, period, and for good reason. The plot follows Aang, Katara, and Sokka attempting to stop the Great War, with Aang slowly becoming stronger and stepping up as the Avatar.

The group frequently encounters new allies and threats, discovering more about themselves and each other in a charming, feel-good tale. Despite releasing in the mid-2000s, ATLA‘s stunning animation still holds up today, as does its excellent writing that sees each character become a crucial part of ending the Hundred Year War, with those final few episodes being true masterpieces.

It could be argued that the series has a few filler episodes that detract from the main journey, but they remain entertaining regardless. Overall, Avatar: The Last Airbender rarely has a negative moment, and its universal appeal to people of all ages helps cement its status as a legendary show that provides the perfect animated experience.