Give me an example of an adult-oriented, mature western animated film or TV show

[MurderousToaster]

I'm trying to write an essay on how animated films and TV shows can be as mature as live action ones. The issue I am finding is that it's somewhat difficult to find adult-oriented, mature western animated shows and films (due to the whole "all animation is for children" thing in the west).

[HEADING=1]By mature, I do not mean it includes "mature humour". As a rule of thumb, most comedy will not count due to this.[/HEADING]

And, if at all possible, try to avoid anything too avant-garde. Just to clarify, again, western animation. I'm fine when it comes to other parts of the world. And adult is the other buzzword - I'd like something that's totally geared towards a mature audience. Yeah, Toy Story 3 was emotional, but I don't want something that's a kids' movie that can also appeal to adults.

EDIT: Needed to change that to a larger size since nobody seemed to be reading it.

EDIT 2: Made it really, really big now.

 

[Nulmas]

The first things that come to mind are Duckman and Ugly Americans.

 

[Matrixbeast]

That Spawn series?
Hulk Vs?
The Hellboy animated movies?

Sorry I'm bad at this. I haven't actually seen these series, so you can disregard them as you please.

 

[SckizoBoy]

The only one I can really think of is Aeon Flux... and the rest of what I have in my decrepit head are animes so... sorry... :s

 

[Queen Michael]

Persepolis is a good example.
The Animatrix is another one.
I dunno if Waltz with Bashir is western.

 

[RobotZombieNinja]

To avoid the obvious, (South Park)
Batman: The Animated Series.
If you don't believe me, watch an episode. It's hardcore.

 

[Sandernista]

To avoid the obvious, (South Park)
Batman: The Animated Series.
If you don't believe me, watch an episode. It's hardcore.

Second this.

Also Batman Under the Red Hood.

 

[TheIronRuler]

I'm trying to write an essay on how animated films and TV shows can be as mature as live action ones. The issue I am finding is that it's somewhat difficult to find adult-oriented, mature western animated shows and films (due to the whole "all animation is for children" thing in the west).

By mature, I do not mean it includes "mature humour". As a rule of thumb, most comedy will not count due to this.

And, if at all possible, try to avoid anything too avant-garde. Just to clarify, again, western animation. I'm fine when it comes to other parts of the world. And adult is the other buzzword - I'd like something that's totally geared towards a mature audience. Yeah, Toy Story 3 was emotional, but I don't want something that's a kids' movie that can also appeal to adults.

Southpark and the Boondocks are the top two that come into mind.
Trust me and watch the first episode of the Boondocks. You'll love it.

 

[StriderShinryu]

That's a tough one. There are definitely a number of shows that I would consider good enough to appeal to both kids and adults (most Disney material certainly falls into this category), but I can't think of many that are pretty much specifically for more mature audiences.

I've always liked Daria, though, so that's my suggestion.

 

[grahf616]

Since someone said Aeon Flux already I'll toss out The Maxx and The Head. The latter is a comedic series, but is a good watch. The Maxx though. Man, it's... you just have to watch it. It's hard to describe. But it's definitely not for kids.

 

[Knife]

Goddamnit escapist why do you send me to 404 for posting?

Anyway...maybe the Starship Troopers animated series? Its awesome and all but I'm not so sure whether it qualifies as adult/mature (I mean there's plenty of gore and death all around, but it is mostly action oriented and doesn't deal that much with philosophical/psychological issues).

Edit: Oh and also the 2 Heavy Metal animated films (although they are more in your face with nudity and violence and less about dealing with stuff maturely).

 

[Zetatrain]

Persepolis is a good example.
The Animatrix is another one.
I dunno if Waltz with Bashir is western.

"Waltz with Bashir" is an Israeli film I believe.

 

[Nooners]

Very, very tough yet intriguing topic....a number of things form the DCAU would work, my personal pick going to Batman Beyond.

 

[x-machina]

Spawn & The Maxx

EDIT Those are 2 different shows not one show called Spawn & The Maxx. Seriously the Maxx was amazing it does not get enough credit.

 

[TheIronRuler]

Persepolis is a good example.
The Animatrix is another one.
I dunno if Waltz with Bashir is western.

"Waltz with Bashir" is an Israeli film I believe.

You're correct, it is Israeli.
the point here is that it is western - No giant mechs, magicians using chi or magic girls.

 

[II2]

To quote myself, verbatim:

The animated series Aeon Flux fits the bill perfectly, and is one of the few western examples that pop to mind. Surrealist sci fi at it's best. Visionary work.

Also, published at the same time by MTV was the cartoon adaptation of the comic, The MAXX, which is very different, but no less compelling in it's own voice.

While both series have some well executed action scenes, they are cerebral shows of excellent quality, hard hitting and unsettling without succumbing to GRIM DARK. Loosely speaking AF looks more at huge scope ideas regarding the philosophical questions about humanity and technology from the point of view of the arch rival / lover protagonists, both anti heroes. The MAXX is much more of a gritty study of human relationships and imagination under extreme duress the the compounded levels of fractured emotional damage that make up the mosaic of a persons identity.

 

[CrimsonBlaze]

To avoid the obvious, (South Park)
Batman: The Animated Series.
If you don't believe me, watch an episode. It's hardcore.

Second this.

Also Batman Under the Red Hood.

Yes! Also, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. James Woods as Owlman is awesome!