Best Non-Japanese Animated Series

In these days, Eastern or Japanese animation might be dominating the animation field. Yet the guys from the west are also trying their best to match the pace of Japanese animation. So here is a solid lineup of non-Japanese animated series that slap hard and prove anime ain’t the only animation running the game. These shows pack action, storytelling, and vibes that absolutely slap.

1. Castlevania (Netflix)

This one’s pure gothic fantasy goodness — vampires vs humans with Trevor Belmont, a sarcastic drunk hunter who somehow holds it all together. Add in Sypha’s magic, Alucard’s tragic charm, and some insane choreography; you’ve got yourselves a dark tale of survival, horror and betrayal. The dialogue hits just as hard as the action.

Vibes: brooding, gore and gothic — like a metal album cover that came to life.

2. Invincible (Prime Video)

Starts of like a wholesome superhero coming-of-age but quickly dives into jaw-dropping brutality. Mark Grayson just wants to be a hero like his dad, but secrets and insane plot twists make his journey anything but typical. superhero tropes get shredded into something raw and emotional.

Vibes: bright & colorful on the outside, gut-punch grim on the inside — saturday morning cartoon dipped in R-rated chaos.

3. Arcane (Netflix)

Visually? a masterpiece. Story? brutal yet intimate. it dives into class struggle, sibling drama, and the corruption of power, all painted with mind-blowing animation. Vi and Jinx’s relationship is the messy, emotional heart of it. Even non-gamers can vibe hard with it.

Vibes: stylish, emotional, and tragic — like a emotional painted mural with cyberpunk graphics.

4. Primal (Adult Swim)

No words, just raw primal storytelling. a caveman and his unlikely dino companion navigating a merciless world. The lack of dialogue forces you to feel everything — grief, rage, tenderness. Every episode is a punch to the gut.

Vibes: savage, haunting, raw nature-core — like staring at cave paintings that suddenly move.

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender (Nickelodeon)

One of the most balanced animated shows ever — goofy humor, heartfelt lessons, deep lore, and legit war drama. Aang’s growth from silly kid to world savior is timeless. Zuko’s redemption arc is the gold standard. Think Naruto but Western.

Vibes: wholesome but layered — saturday morning cartoon that secretly teaches you philosophy.

6. The Legend of Korra (Nickelodeon)

Takes the Avatar formula and ages it up. Korra is fiery and flawed, facing political revolutions, spiritual awakening, and her own inner battles. it’s darker and edgier, with a more modernized world that feels alive.

Vibes: bold, modern, messy — like a yoga session with explosions in background.

7. Love, Death & Robots (Netflix)

A buffet of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short stories, each with its own unique art style. Some are emotional, some are terrifying, some are just plain wild. it’s like getting a box of chocolates where half might blow your mind and half might leave you with a bitter taste.

Vibes: trippy, experimental, futuristic — unpredictability mixed with several emotions.

8. Harley Quinn (HBO Max)

A wild, raunchy comedy that actually sneaks in heart. Harley breaks free from joker and tries to run her own villain crew, while tackling friendships, romance, and the madness of gotham. It pokes fun at superhero clichés but also delivers good arcs.

Vibes: chaotic, cheeky, unapologetic — like a glitter bomb went off in gotham.

9. The Dragon Prince (Netflix)

Fantasy adventure with humor, magic, and political tension. it’s got lighthearted moments but doesn’t shy away from betrayal and war. The creators slowly build the world until you’re fully invested in humans, elves, and dragons.

Vibes: adventurous, quirky yet full of weight — like dungeons & dragons run by your funniest friend.

10. Young Justice (DC / HBO Max)

Not your typical superhero sidekick story — it digs deep into character growth, secret missions, and the toll of being a young hero. Each season raises the stakes, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and legacy. Underrated gem with emotional punch.

Vibes: sleek, serious, heroic — spy thriller energy but with capes.

Honorable Mentions:

• Samurai Jack
• The Boondocks
• RWBY
• Blood of Zeus
• The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf
• Gen:LOCK
• Tron: Uprising
• Creature Commandos

💭 Have you watched any of the shows mentioned above? If yes, than make sure to let us know how you feel about them and also let us know if you have any recommendations of underrated Non-Japanese animation works that are not mentioned in the list.