Top 20 Most Adult Superhero Cartoons

With plenty of violence and mature themes, these superhero cartoons are definitely not meant for kids. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most mature animated movies and TV shows in the genre. We won’t be counting shows like “Batman: The Animated Series” that had adult themes but weren’t strictly made for older audiences. Also, beware of spoilers ahead. Our countdown of the most adult superhero cartoons includes “Invincible” (2021-), “Justice League Dark: Apokolips War” (2020), “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” Parts 1 & 2 (2012-13), “Hellboy: Blood and Iron” (2007), and more! Did we miss any of your gritty favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

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[WatchMojo]

Did we miss any of your gritty favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

[BigFella]

Todd McFarlane’s Spawn deserves the top spot on this list. The show literally pushed the boundaries for an animated series by showing things that were never seen in cartoons before, and boy did it deliver in every episode. I pray we get a continuation one day so Spawn can get a proper conclusion.

[lorneostronoff]

Keith David's voice work as Spawn was epic! That man's voice is iconic and drips evil with every inflection. No one has done it better.

[SMToonAsia]

Every video you make is always something that people love. I'm glad this show exists

[mr.decencykeepinitreal]

‘Todd MacFarlane’s Spawn’ became one of the best animated shows in the ‘90s.
Surprisingly, it won an Emmy.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[RetroJ]

Aeon Flux deserves at least an Honorable Mention. Love that series.

[enderethan]

Glad someone remembers the animated Hellboy movies they’re hella underrated and underappreciated imo.

[mr.decencykeepinitreal]

‘The Death of Superman’ is still one of my top 5 most favorite DCAMU movies.

[stoneandonly]

Keith David bordered the line of Shakespearian brilliance with his performance as Spawn. Even with the new generation of intense series that have come out, Spawn will forever stand alone. RIP Richard Dysart, who voiced Cogliostro for the animated series.

[mr.decencykeepinitreal]

All adult-themed, animated superhero shows are indeed meant for hundreds of thousands of older teens, young adults, 30-something-year-olds, and middle aged people alike.

[deandrephillips]

The Boys: Diabolical is AMAZING. I thought Return of the Joker would be up here as well. That was pretty dark.

[VaultHunterKiriko]

Damn I forgot about The Maxx. I loved that show as a kid.
This list is legit.

[Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Even though I don’t agree with all the changes they made to the Invincible show, I’m happy to see it’s making waves now like it used to.
And I love how, even as adult as the Harley series is, it also weirdly gives the best reasons why Batman shouldn’t merc his rogues. Most of them are reformed do-gooders in that series. Even the Joker. The Joker!

[emiebex]

Stripperella was surprisingly good. I'm surprised it didn't get more seasons.

[stephenwillis]

I found Spawn in a complete steelbook at an FYE probably 10 years ago. I'd never seen it but at $20 I couldn't resist. Don't regret it for a second 😊

[jaidan]

I don't know about y'all but the DCAMU was awesome! the amount of action and seriousness put into it was incredible.

[jamalvargas]

Harvey Birdman Attorney At Law (2000-2007;2018) and The Delta State (2004-2005) are the best ones out there In my opinion

[Cytron]

Spawn TAS was the first adult oriented cartoon show I ever ver saw. So glad its not forgotten.

[jamiethepug]

I remember watching the Awesomes in five days a year ago and being obsessed with it. It was so good and really under appreciated. It had good characters, writing, and an amazing voice cast from Saturday Night Live and Mad TV. I wish it can come back for another season or two💚.

[tylerhill]

Recently heard that Blumhouse is pushing for the upcoming Spawn to be released in 2025. I just hope that it is just as good if not better than the animated series and nothing like the 90s movie.