Set on the series' titular train, Infinity Train exists on a seemingly separate plane of existence in a barren wasteland. Humans with unresolved issues and trauma are called to the train in their time of need. The train helps anyone who boards it work through their problems via its mystical boxcars —where they're given the opportunity to confront their problems through series of different challenges and adventures.
Originally airing its first two seasons on Cartoon Network, Infinity Train moved to HBO Max, where it completed its third and fourth seasons. Each season follows and focuses on different sets of characters (though previous characters often still show up), and it explores how differently people react to the train and their own situations. Hailed for its character development, unique setting, and complex themes, it shares many similarities with other animated shows that are able to transcend their age demographics.
11 Victor & Valentino: Showcases Latin American Mythologies
Inspired by and featuring stories of Aztec, Olmec, and Mayan mythologies, Victor and Valentino follows its titular characters on supernatural adventures around their hometown. Half-brothers and polar opposites, the two often enlist the help of their grandmother, who is depicted as having an affinity for the supernatural (implied to be undead herself).
Mixing humor and supernatural action, the series puts Latin American culture at its forefront. The show has often been praised for giving less depicted cultures the spotlight —a goal that series creator Diego Molano set out to achieve from the start. Oftentimes, its episodes take much more complex and mythological stories and alter them to be more easily understood by younger audiences.
10 The Owl House: A Magical Adventure Breaking Boundaries
Debuting in early 2020, Dana Terrace's The Owl House immediately built a strong fanbase thanks to its fantastical setting and strong characterizations. The series follows a young girl named Luz Noceda after finding herself in a magical realm inhabited by demons and witches, befriending Edalyn Clawthorne (The Owl Lady), and resolving to study and learn magic.
Complete with interesting and well-developed world-building, poking fun at other less LGBTQIA+ friendly magic-related media, and a very adorable/annoying house demon named Hooty, The Owl House is shaping up to be a touching, boundary-pushing classic. Its second season is currently slated to start airing on June 12th, and the first season is entirely available on Disney+.
9 Over The Garden Wall: An Often Chilling & Fantastical Miniseries
A stand-alone miniseries, Over the Garden Wall was developed from and based on the short film Tome of the Unknown. Following the adventures of half-brothers Wirt and Greg after they get lost in a mystical forest and attempt to find their way home. It's noted for its outwardly cute appearance that masked its darker, more fantastical story.
Though rather short —consisting of 10 11-minute episodes— Over the Garden Wall manages to fit an amazing amount of storytelling in its runtime (without feeling rushed or cramped). Complete with a stellar voice cast that included Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, and Tim Curry, it makes for an enjoyable, rewatchable story.
8 Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Cult Classic Remains An Iconic Staple Of Animation
Arguably one of the most influential animated shows of all time, Avatar: The Last Airbender has enjoyed immense attention and success since its premiere, only growing ever more popular due to its upload to Netflix in May 2020. The series is set in a world divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. The show follows Aang, the Avatar, who acts as a peacekeeper, working to maintain balance and harmony between the four nations, and the physical and spiritual worlds.
Featuring a diverse cast of characters, interesting and mystical creatures, and following a narrative covering the horrors of war, genocide, colonialism, and imperialism, Avatar (and its sequel series: The Legend of Korra) captures the attention and the hearts of fans of all ages.
7 Amphibia: A Well Balanced Coming-Of-Age Story
Greenlit alongside The Owl House, Matt Braly's Amphibia is equally magical, both in premise and in quality. After friends Anne Boonchuy, Sasha Waybright, and Marcy Wu steal a whimsical-looking music box on Anne's birthday, the three are transported to the magical world of Amphibia, getting separated in the process. The story largely follows Anne as she attempts to reunite with her friends and return home, befriending a family of anthropomorphic frogs along the way —who in turn become like a second family.
The series intertwines self-evaluation, emotional abuse and manipulation, and plenty of humor with its overall narrative, making for an enjoyable viewing experience that all ages can appreciate. Its 2nd season finale will air on May 22nd on Disney Channel.
6 Steven Universe Future: Showcases The Original Series' Mature Themes More Explicitly
The sequel series to the wildly popular Steven Universe, Steven Universe Future follows an older and more mature Steven two years after the original series and almost right after Steven Universe: The Movie. Future finds Steven trying to figure out the rest of his life and grappling with the realization that he's been unable to fully process the trauma he experienced as a child.
While it's a continuation of its predecessor, Future can be viewed as its own stand-alone story. It does not shy away from the more complicated and darker aspects of Steven Universe's narrative and themes, making it a better fit for fans of Infinity Train.
5 Adventure Time: Distant Lands: Further Explores Themes The Original Series Only Touched On
Serving as a follow-up of sorts to the original Adventure Time, Adventure Time: Distant Lands is not so much as a sequel as it is a send-off to its characters. Though it features several returning characters throughout its episodes, Distant Lands also introduces and explores new characters and areas of the series previously unexplored by the show and the comics.
The show can also be viewed as an anthology series akin to Death, Love + Robots. Each episode focuses on an entirely different story set both before the events of the original series and following its finale. Furthermore, thanks to the boundaries the show pushed with its finale, Distant Lands can more easily explore its queer characters, namely Princess Bubblegum and Marceline.
4 Summer Camp Island: A Wholesome Journey Of Friendship & Humor Enjoyable At Any Age
Like Infinity Train, Summer Camp Island originally aired on Cartoon Network before moving to HBO Max. Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals and following an elephant named Oscar Peltzer and a hedgehog named... Hedgehog, the show follows them after the two are dropped off at a magical summer camp. While there, they experience many mystical events while learning magic.
The show is more wholesome than some of the other entries on this list, in the sense that there's not a lot of the more "darker" themes that many shows explore and introduce to their narratives. Charming and hilarious, it's definitely more of a relaxing show.
3 Teen Titans (2003): The Original Superhero Classic Remains Unmatched in Terms of Storytelling
Often seen as one of the best and most influential superhero shows of all time, the original and animated Teen Titans rivaled even the classic Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited in terms of popularity. Following the founding team of Robin (Dick Grayson), Starfire, Raven, Cyborg, and Beast Boy, the show was noted for its evolving approach to storylines and themes, maturing as it aired.
Notably, the show tackled many complex issues during its five-season run, including racism, trauma, death, and identity, balancing it with well-written dialogue, humor, and featuring the occasional comical and anime-inspired animation. Almost 20 years after its debut, it still holds up as a well-written, executed, and enjoyable series.
2 Tuca & Bertie: Offers An Often Heartwarming Comedy About Female Empowerment & Bonding
Straight from production designer and producer Lisa Hanawalt —whose signature style many recognize from BoJack Horseman— Tuca & Bertie is definitely the most mature show on this list. Following its titular characters, the series often explores heavy themes like sexual assault, anxiety, and trauma on top of its often over-the-top (and enjoyable) humor.
Initially a Netflix original, Tuca & Bertie was canceled by the studio after only one season, drawing the ire of fans and critics alike. Picked up by Adult Swim, the series' second season will premiere on June 13th, 2021.
1 Bonus: Infinity Train: Rewatching Could Very Well Save The Show
Since Infinity Train's third season started airing, its future remained largely dependent on viewership. Series creator Owen Dennis revealed that though he and his team had come up with ideas for multiple future seasons of the show, many of the crew had been laid off and had committed to other projects.
Marketing material for the series' fourth season promoted it as the final season of the show, but Dennis has clarified that had never been his intention and that he was open about continuing the series in the future if given the opportunity. The hashtag "renewinfinitytrain" has trended on Twitter multiple times, and fan devotion to the series has remained strong since the show's initial conclusion. Continuing to rewatch Infinity Train may very well bring about its renewal, so put it on repeat!