My Top 5 Favorite Animated Shows
So this was something I wanted to talk about. I love animation and watched it all the time growing up, so I'm glad that there are so many fantastic cartoons airing lately. These aren't just shows for children but are also for people who grew up watching shows like this. Now here are some Rules for this list.
- Anime is not allowed. I consider anime and cartoons very different from each other. I usually hold anime in an entirely different category so this rule doesn't affect much. It does prevent RWBY from appearing on this list, which is a show that I quite enjoy.
- Major Franchises are excluded. There are so many cool shows today, so I don't want to feel obligated to include shows on this list from my favorite franchise like transformers.
- There are a lot of cool web cartoons and series out there. I cannot exclude these shows.
this list is also subject to change based on how well the series is currently doing.
1. Miraculous Ladybug.
I love this show because it promotes so many good messages for kids of all ages. I could go on and on about what I like about the show from the action, animation, characters, the design and overall feel of I get from watching it. I have always thought a ladybug superhero would be cool, but the Miraculous Ladybug is better than I could've ever imagined. However, the reason why this is number 1 is that of the level of quality the series managed to obtain. The Miraculous Ladybug isn't flawless, but the show's strong points vastly overshadow it's weak points.
The main characters are so cute together and their dynamic work so well. The world is vibrant and colorful as well which makes every scene just come alive and look so beautiful. Each character gets their own development on the show as we see how the main characters relate to them and help them through their own problems. I love how amazing the students look and how friendly they are with one another (well mostly *ahem* Chloe).
I especially love how season 2 turned with even cooler villain designs. The Villains on the show can be a mixed bag. Some have cool powers but dumb designs or just act stupid, others are really cool and threatening. A lot of the Season 2 villains lean towards the threatening side, and they also managed to develop Hawkmoth's character this season as well. In season 1 Hawkmoth was very camp and motivations weren't entirely clear, but since then they showed just how cunning and manipulative he is, while also giving the audience a better understanding of his character and why he's does what he does.
Personally the only thing I found not liking in season 2 so far is the wait. However, since this season has no filler whatsoever, and advances the characters growth and developing relationships I'd definitley say it was worth the wait. I can see this show just getting better each season and the excitement I feel for each new episode is just tremendous.
Overall, I see Miraculous Ladybug as one of the best shows in young entertainment right now as it promotes healthy and positives messages to kids. It also helps that the people behind the project are really passionate about the show. Ladybug is personally one of the best new superheroes out there in that she never seems to stray from being a symbol of inspiration and strength to everybody.
2. Steven Universe
Steven Universe is an amazing show full of action, suspense, and most of all a lot of heart. The show revolves around the life of the young titular character as he is raised by a group of magical intergalactic rebels. The show deals with the theme of accepting others for who they are and just being kind to one another. This is what I like most about Steven Universe as it promotes the message accepting yourself for who you are and not being what anyone else wants you to be.
This is the kind of show that helps people learn how to empathize with others and to care for one another. It has amazing character development and builds an incredible universe that blends together elements of science fiction and fantasy together. There are plenty of deep and reflective moments in the show and plenty of twists that can be found as well.
Although I find this show to be a masterpiece I do admit it has some flaws. There are a lot of filler episodes that hint at future plot points so strongly I don't think it catches anyone off guard when we see them unfold. Season 1 especially has a problem with filler, but the show does get better as they introduce more interesting and compelling characters. I really enjoy watching the show and find it hard not to become invested in the story.
The characters are also really great. Garnet's strength, Pearl's resilience, and Amethyst's fun attitude make them fantastic people to look up to. I also love how characters like Lapis, Peridot, and Lars develop and improve as the show goes on. Their arcs show just how much people can grow and change. I find it amazing how powerful the show's overall messages can be and how it can help people grow. I think it's one of the best shows kids can watch.
3. The Dragon Prince
While relatively new, The Dragon Prince quickly earned a large fan base due to it's fantastic writing, likeable characters, and its ideals of leadership. I love how well the show is able to balance it's humor with the overall story and eternal conflicts. The show has some powerful messages and themes that make it must watch.
With the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender making the show I'm not surprised by how successful it is. The writers put just as much thought into this show as they did with that one, especially in the fantastical world development. Much like Avatar, the heroes have to go on a journey across this world to stop a war between their people. The show also mimics the appeal of avatar's bending technique in the unique system of magics that it set up and how this system has direct relevance to the plot.
The overall conflict is driven by magic and bigotry. I find that the show's use of different characters perspectives really helps drive this conflict and emphasize different ways how people react to it differently. The human princes are genuinely trying to what they think is best to avoid war and do what is right. In contrast, Viren craves the power to protect people and desperately try steal power that isn't his, while unintentionally promoting a circle of violence.
This show goes beyond the typical good and evil nature you usually see in action shows and paint each character in a unique light. Everyone is capable of good things, and bad things, but your actions don't define who you are. I'm really invested in each character's journey and where they wind up when the show is over. So I definitely recommend The Dragon Prince especially if you're a fan of Avatar, or just want to see a unique story about viewing a conflict through different perspectives.
4. Star Vs. The Forces of Evil
I had a feeling that I would like this show even before it premiered. It has great music, colorful characters, and amazing animation. I never know what this show is actually going to do or how it's going to handle a character. With a name like Star vs. the forces of evil I expected it to actually be a lot more black and white. However, around season 3 the show adds a lot more shades of gray tackling issue such as racism and corruption, which I found actually made the overarching narrative more appealing.
I enjoy Star's determination to do the right thing and how Marco supports her even when she doesn't always knows what that thing is. There is a genuine struggle over the character's relationship, public images, and how their actions affect people around them. These struggles make for interesting conflicts and creates unique motivations for the show's villains.
However, there are a few things I dislike about it. Star has the tendency to avoid her problems instead of facing them and this usually backfires on her. It wouldn't be as major a problem if she grew out of it, but I still see her making this mistake even in season 4. Another problem I have with the show is the lack of development for minor characters. Kelly, Jackie, Janna, and Ponyhead all are effected by this as they don't get much time for character development or us to learn about them.
Despite it's flaws Star vs. The Forces of Evil is still amazing show that I love watching. The world is absolutely gorgeous and the royal family history adds a unique twist to the show. If you're interested on a different kind of princess, or just want to see some kids having fun adventures in magical dimensions I totally recommend it.
5. OK KO
OK K.O. Lets be Heroes is a fun action show with awesome characters and an interesting overarching narrative. I personally love seeing K.O. and his friends journey to become stronger and improve themselves while also helping one another. It really creates a feeling of genuine friendship between them that not all shows can pull off.
I especially like how season 2 expands on the world and the values some of the heroes have. I like seeing how different experiences shape the characters differently and cause them to develop different skills and values. The villains on the show are fun as well in how they contrast to the heroes. The plaza heroes work hard to grow and improve themselves so they can better withstand powerful attacks, while the Boxmore bots are programmed and immature.
Overall, I really enjoy the show for how relatable it can be at times and just being a fun show about heroes and villains. Much of the previous shows (Steven Universe and The Dragon Prince) on this list are complicated with their messages show you very rarely get see fight scenes between characters. OK K.O. has tons of action that sees characters in evenly matched battles, overcoming high odds, or going through internal conflicts and I find that incredibly compelling.
