Cartoon television shows are not just aimed at children. There are several popular adult programs that would be worthy additions to your public library film collection. Consider these titles if you are looking to expand your adult and animation sections.
The Simpsons
Thanks to Matt Groening during the 1980s, cartoons were no longer seen as only a children's form of entertainment. Initially just a spin-off of Tracy Ullman’s show, The Simpsons went on to reshape the concept of animated parody by addressing everything that was deemed taboo and desecrating: dysfunctional family environments, the oppression of the middle-class workers, drug use, politics, and homosexuality—subsequently creating fans worldwide.
Beavis and Butt-Head
Who doesn’t remember the infamous duo, spewing acidic remarks from their couch while watching the most obscure music videos? How many of us have found out about Metallica and AC/DC by simply watching this show? A fair deal of Gen Xers and Millennials out there can easily relate to a scenario comprising a bong, snacks, and raunchy jokes. If you have never shouted “Cornholiooooo”, then where were you in the early ’90s?
Read our review of Beavis and Butt-Head
South Park
By far one of the most controversial and desecrating animated shows coming out of the mid-90s, South Park is a stop-motion phantasmagoria of politically incorrect jokes aimed at a long list of sensitive subjects. After 24 seasons released over the years, we have come a long way from the time when the characters used to sleep in their clothes and heavily relied on catchphrases.
Read our review of South Park
Family Guy
Flashbacks and 80s pop culture references are what make Seth McFarlane’s creation unique within its genre. Initially tagged as a rip-off of The Simpsons, the show caught everyone by surprise displaying whimsical and outlandish humor, making it pretty clear that Monty Python was one of McFarlane’s biggest influences growing up. The show has captured the imaginations of young adults worldwide, making its way within the internet and meme culture.
Read our review of Family Guy
Futurama
Matt Groening’s way of celebrating the new millennium has turned into one of the most popular dystopian animated shows that’s ever been on a tv screen. Far rowdier than The Simpsons could ever be during its first seasons, Futurama’s storyline follows Fry’s unplanned journey into the year 3000 made of flying cars, suicide boots, and assigned professions through an implanted microchip. No, in case you were wondering, this is not a drama, but rather the story of a mixed bunch of characters working as a space delivery crew and embarking on some of the most absurd quests you’ll ever witness within an animated universe.
American Dad
The title evokes the handbook definition of the quintessential American family, right? Which is quite the perfect decoy if the family in question was to hide an alien in their attic, all the while Stan—the CIA paterfamilias agent—tries his best to keep a low profile. Seth McFarlane twists the “all American family” formula by merging it with sci-fi, semi-conspiratorial elements, along with high school drama, housewife’s plights, and teenage angst.
Rick & Morty
Justin Roiland’s wanted to create a distorted parody of Doc and Marty from Back to the Future so he posted a few quirky animations on his Youtube channel without any particular expectations. Little did he know, his vision would turn into one of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of the mid-2010s, sweeping Millennials, Gen Z, and anybody who has a passion for sci-fi and spoofs by storm.