Adult animation has grown far beyond shock humor and chaotic comedy, with several series now delivering writing that rivals—and even surpasses—the acclaimed Rick and Morty. While Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland's sci-fi gem excels at fast-paced humor and multiverse mayhem, shows like BoJack Horseman and Invincible prove that emotional maturity and psychological depth can elevate the genre to new heights.
Here are five adult animated series that outshine Rick and Morty through superior writing, whether via devastating character arcs, socially grounded satire, or visually stunning storytelling.
BoJack Horseman (2014–2020)
Netflix's BoJack Horseman is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally intelligent works of fiction ever created. The series follows washed-up sitcom star BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett) as he desperately tries to reclaim relevance, dragging those around him into a story that begins as satirical entertainment but slowly reveals itself as a bruising drama about addiction, self-sabotage, and depression.
While Rick and Morty leans into existential humor and nihilism, BoJack Horseman forces audiences to confront raw emotion. Its characters face heartbreaking consequences and the painful act of letting go, offering a level of emotional accountability rarely seen in adult animation. The show never hides behind irony, making it a superior work of storytelling.
Invincible (2021–Present)
Prime Video's Invincible is far more than a colorful superhero romp. The series centers on teen Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), who inherits powers from his iconic father, Nolan/Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), only to discover that heroism comes with a devastating price. What begins as a familiar superhero narrative quickly evolves into a brutally emotional and narratively ambitious work.
Invincible surpasses Rick and Morty by tying power to consequence. Its brutal action and emotionally layered storytelling deliver stunning emotional realism beneath the superhero chaos, hitting viewers where it hurts most. For fans of animated superhero stories, this is a must-watch.
Blue Eye Samurai (2023–Present)
Netflix's Blue Eye Samurai is a visually stunning action series set in Edo-period Japan. It follows Mizu (Maya Erskine), a female swordswoman disguised as a man, as she hunts the men tied to her birth while crossing paths with Taigen (Darren Barnet), Akemi (Brenda Song), and Ringo (Masi Oka).
Beyond incredible action sequences, the show wields amazing emotional weight, making every character morally complicated. While Rick and Morty offers surprising depth beneath its chaos, Blue Eye Samurai surpasses it through sheer cinematic scope, emotional maturity, and extraordinarily crafted character depth. The script understands that escalation means nothing without human cost, making it a true work of art.
Primal (2019–Present)
Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal is a dialogue-free animated series that proves words are optional for exceptional storytelling. Set at the dawn of evolution, it follows a grieving caveman named Spear (Aaron LaPlante) and his unlikely bond with a dinosaur who also suffered a terrible loss. Together, they navigate a dangerous prehistoric world.
Primal beats Rick and Morty by demonstrating that a series can be profoundly moving without a single line of dialogue. It's an epic feat of visual storytelling, often called one of the most beautiful animated tales ever told. While Rick and Morty is clever with words, Primal is remarkably profound without them.
Undone (2019–2022)
Amazon's Undone matches Rick and Morty in multiverse and time-travel chaos but adds a deeply personal, psychological layer. The series follows Alma (Rosa Salazar), a woman who discovers she can manipulate time after a car accident, leading her to explore her family's past and her own mental health.
With its rotoscope animation and emotionally grounded script, Undone surpasses Rick and Morty by blending sci-fi concepts with raw human drama. It's a show that uses its fantastical elements to explore grief, trauma, and identity, offering a more intimate and mature take on reality-bending storytelling.
These five series prove that adult animation can be so much more than shock value. Whether through devastating character arcs, visual artistry, or emotionally mature narratives, they outshine Rick and Morty in writing and leave a lasting impact on viewers.
