movies/tv Cartoons with deep themes/character development.

[CastletonSnob 3,079]

Are there any good cartoons that have deep, mature themes, and well-developed characters?

 

I mean, OTHER than MLP.

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

Steven Universe

 

Gravity Falls

 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

 

Hey Arnold!

 

Samurai Jack

[PoisonClaw 8,166]

Current or just in general? Cause the old Teen Titans delved into some dark territory at times, and a few of the titans had entire season long character arcs. The CGI show Reboot had much the same things as well. 

[cmarston1 5,959]

Avatar the Last Airbender

Legend of Korra

Gravity Falls

Steven Universe

Hey Arnold

Over the Garden Wall

Edited October 25, 2015 by cmarston1

[Glike 487]

Definitely Gravity Falls and Steven universe.

[Lagom 204]

If you’re open to other genres of animation, try anime! I can personally recommend Psycho Pass, that is set in a futuristic version of Tokyo, where people are judged by machines. It contains some character development, but it surely goes into darker and deeper themes. And definitely give movies such as ‘’Princess Mononoke’’, ‘’Ghost in the Shell’’ and ‘’Spirited Away’’ a chance (anything by Studio Ghibli can be recommended). 

 

If you want to, try perhaps Tim Burtons stop-animation movies. However Tim Burton is more famous for his art and style than stories, but he’s awesome neither less! 

Edited October 25, 2015 by Lagom

[Glike 487]

If you’re open to other genres of animation, try anime! I can personally recommend Psycho Pass, that is set in a futuristic version of Tokyo, where people are judged by machines. It contains some character development, but it surely goes into darker and deeper themes.

 

This. But if we're going the anime route, Parasyte is definitely a good choice for deep and dark, no questions asked.

[Silver Stream. 708]

Puella magi madoka magica

Steven universe

Gravity Falls

.....My Little Pony Friendship is Magic (I couldn't resist"

Avatar: The Last Airbender 

Young Justice (hate they canceled the show)

[MLPFanatic34 3,235]

- My Little Pony Friendship is Magic

- Hey Arnold

- Rugrats

- a lot of Disney movies have deep themes

[cuteycindyhoney 13,316]

As for full length animated films. "The Secret of NIMH" is tops on my list. It's actually two stories in one. It's a tale of the power of a mother's love, and also a story about science gone horribly wrong. As an adult science fiction fan, I can now appreciate the scientists of NIMH desperately trying to eradicate the terrible mistake they unleashed onto the world.    

[Sidral Mundet 1,666]

If anime counts then Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann for sure. 

[Odyssey 5,717]

The Avatar franchise would be my first pick when it comes to "mature cartoons". Heck, it's probably even safe to say that this franchise is more for an older audience and less for children. From relationship issues and politics, as well as war, both Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra aren't afraid to talk about controversial issues. A:TLA in particular is also considered one of the best cartoons of all time.

 

But I don't think that a cartoon with "mature themes" means it's automatically worth watching. Some shows that are "childish" can be just as interesting too. Not everything needs to be edgy.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Duchess

[Codelyy 1,289]

I would say Steven Universe

[Hovershy 3,815]

- Invader Zim <----- Definitely recommend

- Avatar

- Adventure Time

- Regular Show

[ShadOBabe 19,013]

Highly recommend Gravity Falls.

If we're talking a bit older, go for Batman the Animated Series, SWAT Kats, Samurai Jack, and ReBoot.

 

Though quick warning about ReBoot, you got to kind of get warmed up to it.

For one thing the first season had very heavy censor meddling, so it can be a little silly.

Also it was the first fully 3D animated ANYTHING. It came out before Toy Story. So the 3D rigs towards the beginning of the show look a little strange sometimes. But it's nothing you can't get used to. Even adds a little charm sometimes.

 

But after the first season, things really start taking off.

Edited October 26, 2015 by ShadOBabe

[Swift Marquis 327]

- Samurai Jack   

- Star Wars the clone wars :3

[Megas 27,834]

If we're just going by children's cartoons, both Avatar series and Hey Arnold would definitely be on the top of my list

[ManyANewDay_36 178]

Phineas and Ferb. I love MLP with all my heart, but there will never be a better cartoon than Phineas and Ferb. So sad that it had to come to a close...

[Lil Pip 775]

I'm not so sure that Rick and Morty has much development, like it absolutely does have at least some development, but the rest of the show tends to distract people from it, and it tends to be development in the form of getting over being disturbed. Its a very mature show.

 

Actually it doesn't have development much, i just like it XD so nvm sorry.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Lil Pip

[ShadOBabe 19,013]

- Samurai Jack   

- Star Wars the clone wars :3

 

Oooo, YES!! Cad Bane ftw!! <333

[Swift Marquis 327]

Oooo, YES!! Cad Bane ftw!! <333

OMG, i love Bane A LOT, can we be friends ? :3

[ShadOBabe 19,013]

OMG, i love Bane A LOT, can we be friends ? :3

 

HECK YEAH!! He's awesome. Even more bad@$$ than Vader imho.

Friggin' fight me, dissenters!! 

[darkwingmare 1,321]

I haven't seen any anime that had as deep character development and theme as Death Parade, so.. Death Parade.

And talking about cartoon, it would be Steven Universe indeed.