Animation is a medium where the only limit is the creator's imagination, and some creators have used that freedom to craft shows that are gloriously, unapologetically weird. These are the series that make you question reality, that feel like a fever dream you can't shake, and that prove you don't need any substances to have a transcendental viewing experience. From Adult Swim's surrealist experiments to kids' cartoons that scarred a generation, here are the most trippy animated series ever made, ranked from merely odd to absolutely bonkers.
The Mildly Odd: Where It All Begins
Some shows ease you into the weirdness. The California Raisin Show (1989–1990) is a prime example. Based on the claymation ad characters, this 2D cartoon was a bizarre time capsule of '80s surrealism. It only lasted 13 episodes, but its funky, unapologetically strange vibe has aged like a fine wine, making it a fascinating relic for animation buffs.
Then there's Regular Show (2010–2017), a Cartoon Network classic that blends slacker comedy with cosmic chaos. Mordecai and Rigby start each episode doing something mundane, only for the situation to spiral into interdimensional madness. It's a formula that never gets old, and it's one of the best examples of how a show can be both hilarious and genuinely trippy without losing its heart.
The Surreal and the Unsettling
If you prefer your weirdness with a side of nightmare fuel, The Shivering Truth (2018–2020) is a stop-motion anthology that revels in the grotesque. It's not for everyone, but those who appreciate viscerally surreal animation will find it a masterpiece. Similarly, Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002) gave kids nightmares with its David Lynch-esque atmosphere and unflinching weirdness. It's a show that proves even children's programming can be a portal to the bizarre.
For a more recent take, Common Side Effects (2024–present) on Adult Swim is a conspiracy thriller that's also a social satire, but it never forgets to be fun. Its dreamlike tone and hallucinatory sequences make it one of the trippiest shows on TV right now, and it's already earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Full-On Psychedelic
Now we're entering the deep end. The Big Lez Show (2012–2019) is an Australian stoner comedy that started on YouTube and gained a cult following. Its low-fi animation and overt drug culture references make it a colorful, mind-bending ride that's as hilarious as it is bizarre.
And then there's Rick and Morty (2013–present), which needs no introduction. The show's blend of sci-fi absurdity, existential dread, and rapid-fire humor has made it a cultural phenomenon. While its quality has fluctuated, its best episodes are still some of the trippiest TV ever made.
The Absolute Pinnacle of Bizarre
At the top of our list are the shows that redefine what animation can do. Superjail! (2007–2014) is a visual assault on the senses, with its psychedelic colors, extreme violence, and nonsensical plotlines. It's a show that feels like a fever dream from start to finish.
And then there's The Midnight Gospel (2020), created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell. This Netflix series takes podcast interviews and sets them against surreal, apocalyptic animations. It's a philosophical trip that's both deeply profound and utterly bonkers, and it's a must-watch for anyone who wants to question everything.
Finally, we have Æon Flux (1991–1995), the original trippy animated series. With its avant-garde storytelling, bizarre characters, and dreamlike logic, it's a show that still feels ahead of its time. It's the kind of series that makes you wonder if you're watching a narrative or a series of interconnected hallucinations.
These shows, along with others like Adventure Time and BoJack Horseman, prove that animation is the perfect medium for exploring the weirdest corners of the human imagination. Whether you're looking for a laugh, a scare, or a full-on existential crisis, there's a trippy animated series out there for you.
