20 Adult Animated Shows Like Invincible

Summary Invincible's success has proven there is a high demand for adult cartoons with mature themes and complex jokes usually seen in live-action shows like The Boys.

There are numerous animated shows like Invincible available, from classics like Metalocalypse and Samurai Jack to modern hits like Rick & Morty and Archer.

These shows, such as Metalocalypse and Blood of Zeus, feature violence, gory imagery, and crass humor, catering to viewers who enjoy the more adult and violent aspects of Invincible.

Invincible was an enormous success for Amazon Prime Video, and while the Robert Kirkman adaptation spawned multiple seasons and a spinoff, many viewers are still left with a taste for more shows like Invincible. The success of the animated ultra-violence and adult humor of Invincible has proven there is room for these shows outside niche platforms like Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, where they have lived for years. Invincible helped prove there's a high demand for adult cartoons with mature themes, violence, and complex comedic and comic-book-themed jokes usually reserved for live-action shows like The Boys.

From crass humor to bloody imagery, cartoon series aimed at mature audiences have grown increasingly brutal over the years, with superhero coming-of-age series Invincible being among both the most popular and the most adult. The Amazon Prime Video show isn't alone in the genre, though, and there are plenty of classic and modern adult animated shows like Invincible. From classic Adult Swim series like Metalocalypse and Samurai Jack to contemporary hits like Rick & Morty and Archer, there are many gory, violent, and cursing-filled cartoons like Invincible for those still left wanting after the Amazon Prime Video series.

20 Metalocalypse (2006-2013)

The Greatest Metal Band Of All Time Must Stop Armageddon

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Adult Swim's 2006-2013 series Metalocalypse hits many of the same notes for viewers who enjoy the more violent and adult aspects of Invincible. Metalocalypse is an adult-animated series about Deathklok, the biggest heavy metal band on the planet — so big that they're worth more than most small countries, and thousands of fans willingly die at their concerts, with no consequence for Deathklok themselves. They also have an excellent task ahead of them: to stop the prophesied heavy metal armageddon — the "Metalocalypse" — that will destroy the world.

Metalocalypse combines dark comedy with brutal action, mirroring the tone and intensity of Invincible. The show explores themes of power, fame, and the impact of celebrity culture wrapped in the trappings of a grotesquely exaggerated metal world. The animation style is distinctive, employing thick, bold lines and a somber color palette to reflect the grim and gory subject matter. The original series was followed by two movies, the most recent being 2023's Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.

Metalocalypse is available to stream on Max.

19 Blood Of Zeus (2020-Present)

Netflix's Tale Of Greek Gods Shares A Lot Of Themes With Invincible

Blood of Zeus is an adult-animated series that follows the original character, Heron, the demigod son of Zeus, who must save Olympus and Earth. Blood of Zeus claims to be a prologue of sorts to many classic Greek tales. The level of bloodshed and violence makes it far closer to a movie like 300 than animated features like Disney's Hercules. The violence makes it one of the many adult animated shows like Invincible and the plot of the son of a powerful god forced to take action to save the world has many similar themes to Mark's journey.

Blood of Zeus captures the epic scale of celestial battles and dives deep into the complex relationships and betrayals among gods, much like the interpersonal drama in Invincible. The series uses rich, vibrant animation to bring these ancient myths to life with a modern twist, emphasizing the harsh realities and moral ambiguities faced by its characters.

Blood of Zeus is available to stream on Netflix.

Blood of Zeus Release Date October 27, 2020 Cast Jason O'Mara Seasons 1

18 The Legend of Vox Machina (2022-Present)

An Adult Animated Dungeons & Dragons Adventure

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One of the best animated shows like Invincible can be found right alongside it on Amazon Prime Video — The Legend of Vox Machina. The series is based on a Dungeons & Dragons campaign streamed by the online role-playing group Critical Role, about a team of eight heroes who must band together to save the realm of Exandria. While the fantasy setting is different, the bloodshed and crass adult humor make Invincible and The Legend of Vox Machina feel incredibly alike in places.

The humor in Vox Machina often serves as a counterbalance to its darker themes, providing levity amidst intense scenes of conflict and danger. Furthermore, the show's commitment to faithfully depicting the Dungeons & Dragons source material brings a unique authenticity that appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers, creating a rich, immersive world that mirrors the multi-layered universe of Invincible.

The Legend Of Vox Machina is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

17 Vinland Saga (2019-2023)

A Viking Warrior Must Overcome His Father's Legacy

Vinland Saga is an adult-animated series that takes place in the Viking era, and much like Invincible, it is a violent tale centered around a young male antagonist living in their father's shadow. Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, a young warrior who becomes a Viking after his father Thors' death. The story shares many themes with Invincible and is also incredibly violent and bloody, with some dark and disturbing moments for Thorfinn that rival even those Mark endures.

The first season of Vinland Saga saw Thorfinn seeking revenge for his father's murder, and the second saw him as an enslaved man who had given up hope for his future. Vinland Saga delves deep into the exploration of revenge, redemption, and the brutal realities of war, paralleling the intense personal and physical conflicts Mark faces in Invincible. The series is renowned for its historical accuracy blended with dramatic storytelling, offering a gritty and raw portrayal of the Viking age.

Vinland Saga is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

16 Agent Elvis (2023-Present)

The King Of Rock N' Roll Becomes A Government Spy

Agent Elvis ended up being a surprise hit for Netflix and shares many similarities with Invincible despite being lighter on the bloodshed. The series is based on rumors rampant during the height of Elvis' fame — that he wanted to become a secret agent. Agent Elvis follows what would have happened if the government took him up on the offer. The series had some very ludicrous moments, including pairing Elvis with a drug-addicted chimpanzee named Scatter. With Matthew McConaughey, Johnny Knoxville, Don Cheadle, and SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny, in the voice roles.

The violent animated series has many impressive fight scenes like Invincible and shares its dry, almost-satirical wit. Agent Elvis combines the absurdity of its premise with a sharp, satirical edge, making it a standout in the realm of adult animated series. The show captures the eccentricity of its titular character, thrusting the iconic singer into an unexpectedly thrilling life of espionage. This blend of historical persona and fantastical storytelling parallels the unique take on superhero life in Invincible.

Agent Elvis is available to stream on Netflix.

15 Archer (2009-2023)

The Long-Running Spy Series That Pushed Boundaries On R-Rated Humor

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One of the most popular adult animated series that hits similar notes to Invincible is the spy-comedy Archer, a show that continuously redefined itself throughout its run. It is different from Invincible in a few ways, as Sterling Archer is a secret agent and the entire series plays as a comedy. However, what they have in common is smart writing, as well as some violent and adult storylines centered around drugs or sexual content.

While Invincible has harsher violence, and Archer has a lot of death and killing played for laughs, the two shows are definitely among the most prominent adult series that aren't geared toward younger viewers. Archer excels in its unique blend of sophisticated humor and espionage drama, creating a satirical take on the spy genre that parallels the subversive approach Invincible takes with superheroes. The series is characterized by its witty dialogue, complex wordplay, and absurd situations that often reflect deeper societal critiques, much like Invincible's sharp narrative undertones.

Archer is available to stream on Hulu.

Archer Release Date December 28, 2010 Cast Lucky Yates , Aisha Tyler , Adam Reed , Amber Nash , H. Jon Benjamin , Chris Parnell , Judy Greer , Jessica Walter Seasons 14

14 The Boys Presents: Diabolical (2022)

The Animated Spinoff Brings That Brings The Boys To Invincible's Format

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The Boys shares much in common with Invincible, both geared toward adult comic book fans. Both are violent and have superheroes who actually were villains. With the success of TV shows like Invincible on Amazon Prime Video, it wasn't much of a surprise to see The Boys go animated as well. The Boys Presents: Diabolical was an animated anthology series with eight 14-minute episodes. Not every episode is tied to the main The Boys storyline, but the hilariously dark world remains the same — and every episode is just as adult and full of bloodshed as Invincible.

The Boys Presents: Diabolical leverages the animated format to explore new depths of its darkly comic universe, echoing how Invincible utilizes animation to amplify its storytelling. This anthology series features varied artistic styles across its episodes, each contributing unique visual and thematic interpretations of The Boys' universe. Like Invincible, Diabolical delves into the morally ambiguous actions of its characters, presenting a critique of superhero culture through a lens that is as cynical as it is entertaining.

The Boys Presents: Diabolical is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

13 Hit-Monkey (2021-Present)

Marvel's Ultra-Violent Tale About A Snow Monkey With A Grudge

The plot of Invincible was unique for a comic book series, with a group of heroes betrayed by their world's Superman equivalent, who, it transpired, was actually the scout for an invading alien race. Unique as it is, however, Invincible's story seems normal compared to the Hulu Marvel series Hit-Monkey. After a hitman hiding in the jungle with a group of Japanese snow monkeys is slaughtered along with his simian family, one surviving monkey — the titular Hit-Monkey — sets out, using what he learned from the hitman to seek vengeance.

Hit-Monkey stands out with its extraordinarily unique premise, blending elements of revenge, noir, and dark humor within the superhero genre. Like Invincible, the series taps into a deeper narrative vein, exploring themes of vengeance and justice through the eyes of its non-human protagonist, which adds an intriguing twist to the typical hero's journey. Hit-Monkey is also packed with slick animated fight scenes that are incredibly violent.

Hit Monkey is available to stream on Hulu.

12 The Venture Bros. (2003-2018)

The Long-Running Homage To Sci-Fi And Comic-Books Of The 1960s

Invincible is an animated series based on a comic book that shows a genuine love of classic superhero stories but with a twist. The Guardians were clearly an homage to the Justice League, with Omni-Man as this world's version of Superman. Much like Invincible, The Venture Bros. clearly paid homage to classic cartoons of the 1960s as well as comic books. Both also feature unconventional family units involved in world-altering adventures.

While the tone of The Venture Bros. is far less severe than Invincible, both cater to those looking for an adult animated show that riffs on sci-fi and comic book tropes. The Venture Bros. skillfully combines parody, nostalgia, and sharp wit to reframe classic adventure and superhero tropes, presenting a richly layered narrative that, like Invincible, offers a modern take on familiar themes. While the series primarily indulges in humor, its narrative complexity and character development echo the depth found in Invincible.

The Venture Bros. is available to stream on Max.

The Venture Bros. Release Date August 7, 2004 Cast Doc Hammer , Patrick Warburton Seasons 7

11 M.O.D.O.K. (2021)

Patton Oswalt's Hilariously Adult Take On A Classic Marvel Villain

A show like Invincible that brings similar adult themes to a comic-book setting is the easter egg-filled M.O.D.O.K. — although the tone and animation style are altogether different from the Amazon Prime Video Robert Kirkman adaptation. M.O.D.O.K. is another adult-oriented Marvel Comics adaptation on Hulu, with Seth Green and the team behind Robot Chicken as showrunners. This Marvel adult animated series has the same sensibilities as Robot Chicken while putting the classic Marvel villain into a situation where he loses his beloved AIM and struggles to keep his family together.

M.O.D.O.K. offers a refreshingly comedic perspective on the life of a supervillain, merging traditional comic book elements with irreverent humor and adult themes, akin to Invincible's more mature take on superhero lore. While Invincible presents a dramatic narrative with deep character exploration, M.O.D.O.K. focuses on the absurdity and challenges of balancing villainy with family life.

M.O.D.O.K is available to stream on Hulu.

10 Samurai Jack (2001-2017)

An Emotionally Deep Tale Of A Time-Displaced Samurai

Invincible begins lightly, and it's only at the end of the first episode that the mature themes reveal themselves. In a way, Samurai Jack is the same. For four seasons, the series is about a samurai trying to return to the past after being stranded in the future, which was relatively tame. Then, season 5 let loose with a graphic and amazingly well-told revival that embraced a mature feel after a light start.

While it's not as violent or filled with adult content as Invincible, the dark themes on Jack's journey have just as much depth as Mark's, much of which will go over younger viewers' heads. Samurai Jack is a compelling exploration of themes such as honor, sacrifice, and destiny, using its unique animation style and storytelling techniques to delve into deeper, more mature topics.

Samurai Jack is available to stream on Max.

Samurai Jack Release Date August 10, 2001 Cast Phil LaMarr , Mako Seasons 5

9 Rick & Morty (2013-Present)

The Adventures Of Rick Sanchez And Morty Smith Share A Lot With Invincible

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Rick & Morty is one of the most popular adult animated shows of the 2010s and has many similarities with Invincible. The bizarre adventures of a genius grandfather and his naive grandson have become a global phenomenon. Although different in genre from Invincible, the two series share a great sense of dark comedy between them. From slicing people in half to beating down heroes without mercy in strangely humorous fashions, both share some incredibly gory moments and feel similar in nature even while the genres are worlds apart — and Rick & Morty's superhero parody team, The Vindicators, definitely heighten the kinship.

Rick & Morty thrives on its blend of irreverent humor, existential angst, and unapologetically dark storytelling, creating a unique viewing experience that echoes the thematic depth and mature content of Invincible. Both series explore the darker sides of their respective genres, utilizing violence and moral ambiguity to challenge their characters and audience alike. Rick & Morty often parodies and deconstructs traditional sci-fi and superhero tropes through its episodic adventures, much like Invincible critiques and redefines the superhero narrative.

Rick & Morty is available to stream on Max.

8 Undone (2019-Present)

A Young Woman's Quest To Uncover The Mystery Of Her Father's Death

Undone follows Alma, a young woman who discovers she has reality-warping and time-travel abilities following a car crash, which she then uses to solve the mystery of her father's death. Undone and Invincible share a superpowered mystery theme, although from different angles. While Undone explores a father's death, Invincible dives into why Omni-Man killed the Guardians of the Globe. While there are obviously apparent similarities between their father-focused and superpower-themed stories, both series also have notably beautiful animation that lifts them to new and exciting heights.

Undone uses its innovative animation technique, rotoscoping, to create a visually stunning and fluid representation of Alma's fragmented perception of reality. This unique visual style not only enhances the storytelling but also deeply immerses viewers in Alma's psychological and emotional journey. Similarly, Invincible employs a more traditional yet vibrant animation style that effectively showcases the intense, dynamic action sequences and the emotional depth of its characters. Both series use their distinctive visual approaches to elevate the narrative, allowing for a more profound engagement with the themes of power, responsibility, and the complexities of familial relationships.

Undone is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Undone Release Date September 13, 2019 Cast Constance Marie , Daveed Diggs , Angelique Cabral , Rosa Salazar , Bob Odenkirk , Siddharth Dhananjay Seasons 2

7 Big Mouth (2017-Present)

An Unbelievably Raunchy Animated Coming-Of-Age Tale

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Invincible is an animated coming-of-age story that has some raunchy moments and adult humor. Big Mouth does too, but without the superhero shtick - although it's far from a show grounded in reality. Big Mouth is a look at several teenagers going through puberty while plagued by Hormone Monsters. Both superpowers in Invincible and the Hormone Monsters, ghosts, and everything else fantastical in Big Mouth make for a great mix of coming-of-age plotlines with outlandish elements — delivered in the unique way only animation can.

While Big Mouth focuses more explicitly on sexual maturation and the awkwardness of teenage years, its humor and insights resonate on a universal level, much like the more serious and dramatic moments in Invincible that deal with Mark's maturation into adulthood amidst extraordinary circumstances. The animation styles of both shows, though different, serve their narratives effectively—Big Mouth with its bold, colorful designs that reflect the vivid emotional landscape of its characters, and Invincible with its more detailed and realistic style that underscores the gravity and brutality of its world.

Big Mouth is available to stream on Netflix.

6 Final Space (2018-2021)

Storylines that defy expectations with the intriguing and weird characters of Invincible, such as Monster Girl, Rex Splode, or even the villainous Mauler Twins, propel the series forward. Final Space has the same feel at its heart, shown throughout its episodes, all of which are both bombastic and character-driven. It follows an astronaut named Gary encountering aliens and interdimensional beings. From Mooncake, a universe-destroying green blob to Little Cato, a humanoid cat who's voiced by Steven Yeun.

Just like Invincible, the bizarre yet lovable characters of Final Space each make the series pop in their own way. Final Space blends humor, heart, and high-stakes sci-fi adventure in a way that captures the spirit of engaging character development and dynamic storytelling found in Invincible. Each character in Final Space, from the innocently destructive Mooncake to the complex and evolving Little Cato, brings a unique dimension to the series, much like the diverse cast of Invincible.

Final Space is available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

Final Space Release Date February 26, 2018 Cast Tika Sumpter , Coty Galloway , Steven Yeun , David Tennant , Caleb McLaughlin , Fred Armisen , Ron Funches , Olan Rogers , Tom Kenny , Keith David , Andy Richter , Vanessa Marshall , Jane Lynch , John DiMaggio , Claudia Black , shannon purser , Ron Perlman , Gina Torres , Ashly Burch , Conan O'Brien Seasons 3

5 Primal (2019-Present)

Ultra-Violent Prehistoric Tale From The Mind Behind Samurai Jack

Typically, brutal and vicious violence has defined what it means to be an adult cartoon series. Invincible more than happily took advantage of that by the end of the first episode. Other series did the same, such as Primal. Created by animation mastermind Genndy Tarkovsky, Primal is the story of a caveman and dinosaur roaming a prehistoric world and battling for survival. Chock-full of gore and brutal yet beautifully animated action, characters, and settings, Primal includes in-depth and emotional storytelling within its blood and viscera, making it an incredibly similar show to Invincible in many ways.

The show's narrative, largely devoid of dialogue, relies heavily on powerful visual storytelling to convey the complex emotions and dramatic struggles of its characters, a caveman and a dinosaur, as they navigate a harsh, unforgiving world. This approach to storytelling shares similarities with Invincible, where the violence serves not merely as shock value but as a critical element that shapes the protagonist's journey and the series' overall narrative arc. Both shows push the boundaries of their respective genres—superhero and prehistoric fantasy—to offer audiences a deeper, more resonant experience.

Primal is available to stream on Max.

4 Castlevania (2017-2021)

Netflix's Animated Video Game Adaptation Gets Just As Violent As Invincible

Nothing says bloody or brutal, quite like vampires getting decapitated or blown up. TV shows like Invincible deal with a fantastical world where heroes exist and unbelievable bombastic violence happens daily, and Castlevania exudes the same attributes. In a world where Dracula has declared war on humanity, a sorceress, a monster hunter, and Dracula's son rise to the occasion to take on the monster. Traversing the land of Wallachia and dispatching one monstrous horde after another, Castlevania works superbly as a Netflix adult animation series and stands out as a solid video game adaptation.

The animation style of Castlevania is meticulously crafted, with detailed Gothic aesthetics that enhance the dark and foreboding tone of the series. This visual approach complements the show's thematic depth, mirroring the dramatic and often gruesome action sequences that are also a hallmark of Invincible. Both shows not only deliver on the action but also engage with deeper themes such as betrayal, redemption, and the nature of evil, making them resonate with audiences looking for more than just typical genre fare.

Castlevania is available to stream on Netflix.

Castlevania Release Date July 7, 2017 Cast Lance Reddick , Jaime Murray , Emily Swallow , Adetokumboh M'Cormack , Bill Nighy , Graham McTavish , Tony Amendola , Jason Isaacs , Jessica Brown Findlay , Matt Frewer , Toru Uchikado , Richard Armitage , Rila Fukushima , Alejandra Reynoso , Theo James , Ivana Miličević , Peter Stormare , James Callis Seasons 4

3 The Awesomes (2013-2015)

The Superhero-Parodying Of Invincible Without The Violence

If there's one thing Invincible has done well, it's show superheroes in a different light. Like a lot of Amazon series, it's all about displaying heroes in new and almost realistic ways. While it's done in a more serious tone in shows like Invincible, The Awesomes did the same on a more comedic scale. In the short-lived series of only three seasons, The Awesomes sees a new group of heroes trying to replace the old guard.

With all the hallmarks of a classic Adult Swim show, The Awesomes was an irreverent yet enjoyable series and take on superheroes. While Invincible utilizes its graphic content to deepen the impact of its storytelling, The Awesomes leverages witty dialogue, comedic timing, and absurd situations to critique and poke fun at superhero tropes, making it accessible to an audience that enjoys lighter takes on the genre.

The Awesomes is available to stream on Hulu.

2 Harley Quinn (2019-Present)

DC's Adult Animated Superhero Show Is Also About Self Discovery

Harley Quinn, DC's adult animated show about the titular antihero, is about a journey of self-discovery just like Mark Grayson's in Invincible. Although the two are incredibly different — Mark identifies as a hero, while Harley's constantly battling to prove she isn't one to the villains of the DC universe — their journeys have many parallels. Both are trying to find out who they are and how they fit in the world and, as they do, many shenanigans and mishaps unfold that only could in a world full of superheroes. The at-times surprisingly wholesome Harley Quinn characters only add to its intrigue.

The series showcases a mix of intense action and heartfelt moments, using its adult animation format to delve deeply into character development and relationships. The animation style of Harley Quinn is bold and colorful, reflecting the show's dynamic energy and emotional depth, which contrasts with Invincible's more grounded and occasionally darker palette. Both shows also infuse their narratives with humor—though Harley Quinn leans more into comedic absurdity—to balance the more serious themes of identity, loyalty, and consequence.

Harley Quinn is available to stream on Max.

Harley Quinn Release Date November 29, 2019 Cast Kaley Cuoco , Lake Bell , Alan Tudyk , Ron Funches , Tony Hale , Jason Alexander Seasons 4

1 Spawn: The Animated Series (1997-1999)

The Adult Animated Superhero Show That Destroyed Preconceptions

Todd McFarlane's Spawn focuses on Al Simmons - a deceased soldier who becomes an agent of Hell. Garnering praise for its action, voice acting, and dark and complex story, Spawn: The Animated Series paved the way for Invincible and many other adult animated series. The Spawn cartoon proved that violent adult stories based on superheroes don't just work in the animated format, they can thrive in it. Spawn was revolutionary in demonstrating how animation could convey complex, adult-oriented stories with a depth and intensity often reserved for live-action.

The series influence is evident in the way Invincible approaches its storytelling, integrating intense action scenes, intricate character development, and moral complexities. The animation style of Spawn, characterized by its moody, gothic aesthetic and fluid action sequences, adds a visceral dimension to its storytelling, enhancing the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the series. Of all the animated shows like Invincible, it is Spawn: The Animated Series that has contributed most to Amazon Prime Video's show thanks to its lasting legacy and impact on the relatively niche genre.