Best Soundtracks from Animated Series
Animated series have captivated audiences not only through their engaging stories and vibrant visuals but also with their unforgettable soundtracks. These musical scores and theme songs enhance the emotional depth of the narratives and help define the characters and worlds within these shows. From catchy tunes to orchestral compositions, the best soundtracks from animated series resonate with viewers of all ages, often leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
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One standout example is the iconic theme from "The Simpsons," composed by Danny Elfman, which has become synonymous with the show itself. Similarly, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" features a rich score by Jeremy Zuckerman and Benjamin Wynn that beautifully complements its epic storytelling and cultural elements. Another notable soundtrack is from "Steven Universe," created by Rebecca Sugar, incorporating heartfelt songs that explore themes of love and identity. The music from "Adventure Time," composed by Jeremy Shada and others, blends whimsical tunes with deeper emotional undertones, reflecting the series' unique blend of humor and pathos. These soundtracks not only enhance the viewing experience but also allow fans to connect with the characters and themes on a more profound level, showcasing the power of music in animation.
Avatar: The Last AirbenderView AllAvatar: The Last Airbender - Elemental nations unite to restore balance and harmony.
Steven UniverseView AllSteven Universe - Animated series about gems, friendship, and self-discovery.
Gravity FallsView AllGravity Falls - Mystery-filled animated series about twins in a strange town.
Adventure TimeView AllAdventure Time - Whimsical adventures of Finn and Jake in a magical land.
The Lion GuardView AllThe Lion Guard - Young lions protect the Pride Lands from various threats.
DuckTales (2017)View AllDuckTales (2017) - Adventure-filled reboot following Scrooge McDuck and his nephews.
She-Ra and the Princesses of PowerView AllShe-Ra and the Princesses of Power - Empowering reboot featuring friendship, magic, and battles against tyranny.
Big MouthView AllBig Mouth - Animated series exploring puberty and adolescent challenges humorously.
Over the Garden WallView AllOver the Garden Wall - Two brothers journey through a mysterious, enchanted forest.
Voltron: Legendary Defender.View AllVoltron: Legendary Defender. - Animated series featuring a team piloting giant robot lions.
Best Soundtracks from Animated Series
1.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
"Avatar: The Last Airbender" is an animated television series that follows the journey of Aang, a young boy who is the last surviving Airbender and the long-lost Avatar, a being capable of mastering all four elements: water, earth, fire, and air. Set in a richly developed world divided into four nations, the story unfolds as Aang, along with his friends Katara and Sokka, seeks to defeat the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. Themes of friendship, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil resonate throughout this critically acclaimed series.
Pros
Rich storytelling- diverse characters
- cultural depth.
Cons
Some pacing issues- limited adult themes
- may feel simplistic to older audiences.
2.
Steven Universe
"Steven Universe" is an animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar that aired from 2013 to 2020. It follows the adventures of Steven, a young boy who is half-human and half-Gem, a race of magical, gem-empowered beings. Steven lives with three Gems—Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—who protect Earth from various threats. The show explores themes of identity, love, and acceptance, blending humor and emotional depth. Its unique art style, diverse representation, and memorable music have garnered critical acclaim, making it a beloved series among audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Diverse characters
- strong themes of acceptance
- emotional depth
Cons
- unresolved
- mixed reception on certain character arcs
3.
Gravity Falls
"Gravity Falls" is an animated television series created by Alex Hirsch that follows the adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines, who spend their summer with their great-uncle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. The town is filled with supernatural occurrences and quirky characters, as the twins uncover secrets, solve mysteries, and confront various creatures and oddities. With its blend of humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments, the show explores themes of family, friendship, and the transition from childhood to adolescence, earning a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Pros
- Unique storyline
- strong character development
- humor
- mystery
- and appealing animation
Cons
- unresolved plotlines
- targeted mainly at younger audiences
4.
Adventure Time
"Adventure Time" is an animated television series created by Pendleton Ward that follows the whimsical adventures of a boy named Finn and his magical dog, Jake, in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. The show blends humor, fantasy, and emotional depth as Finn and Jake encounter a diverse cast of characters, including Princess Bubblegum, the Ice King, and Marceline the Vampire Queen. With its unique animation style and imaginative storytelling, "Adventure Time" explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the complexities of growing up, making it beloved by audiences of all ages.
Pros
- Creative storytelling
- unique characters
- emotional depth
Cons
- pacing
- some episodes may confuse younger viewers
5.
The Lion Guard
"The Lion Guard" is an animated television series inspired by Disney's classic film "The Lion King." The show follows Kion, the son of Simba and Nala, as he leads a group of young animals known as the Lion Guard. Tasked with protecting the Pride Lands and maintaining the circle of life, Kion and his friends—Bunga the honey badger, Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippo, and Ono the egret—embark on various adventures. The series emphasizes themes of teamwork, friendship, and environmental stewardship while introducing new characters and exploring the rich lore of the Lion King universe.
Pros
- Engaging storytelling
- diverse characters
- educational themes.
Cons
- Simplified plot
- less depth than original films
- mixed animation quality.
6.
DuckTales (2017)
"DuckTales (2017)" is a reboot of the classic animated series that originally aired in the late 1980s. This modern adaptation follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck, his grandnephews—Huey, Dewey, and Louie—and their friend Webby as they explore treasure-filled adventures and uncover family mysteries. The series is known for its vibrant animation, witty humor, and character development, bringing a contemporary twist to beloved characters. With a mix of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, "DuckTales (2017)" appeals to both longtime fans and new audiences alike, celebrating themes of family, bravery, and adventure.
Pros
- Fresh animation
- strong character development
- nostalgic appeal.
Cons
- Some fans miss original charm
- altered storylines may alienate purists.
7.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
*She-Ra and the Princesses of Power* is an animated series that reimagines the classic 1980s show. It follows Adora, a former soldier of the evil Horde, who discovers a magical sword that transforms her into She-Ra, a legendary warrior. As She-Ra, Adora leads a group of diverse princesses and rebels to fight against the oppressive Horde and its leader, Hordak. The series explores themes of friendship, identity, and empowerment, while showcasing strong female characters and their journeys of self-discovery and bravery in a richly developed fantasy world.
Pros
- Strong characters
- diverse representation
- empowering themes.
Cons
- Pacing issues
- some plot elements may feel rushed or underdeveloped.
8.
Big Mouth
"Big Mouth" is an animated coming-of-age series that explores the tumultuous journey of adolescence through the lens of humor and creativity. Set in suburban New York, the show follows a group of middle school friends navigating the challenges of puberty, relationships, and self-discovery. Each character is accompanied by a Hormone Monster, personifying their emotional and physical changes. With its candid portrayal of awkward moments and relatable experiences, "Big Mouth" addresses topics like sexuality, friendship, and identity, all while maintaining a sharp wit and unique animation style that resonates with both teens and adults.
Pros
- Unique humor
- tackles real issues
- diverse characters
Cons
- content
- not for everyone
- can be polarizing
9.
Over the Garden Wall
"Over the Garden Wall" is an animated miniseries created by Patrick McHale, which follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, as they journey through a mysterious and whimsical forest known as the Unknown. Set in a blend of early 20th-century Americana and fairy tale elements, the series explores themes of brotherhood, adventure, and self-discovery. Throughout their quest to find their way home, they encounter quirky characters, magical creatures, and haunting landscapes, all while grappling with the challenges of growing up. The show is celebrated for its unique art style, enchanting music, and poignant storytelling.
Pros
- Unique storytelling
- beautiful animation
- rich themes
Cons
- potentially confusing for younger viewers
- niche appeal
10.
Voltron: Legendary Defender.
"Voltron: Legendary Defender" is an animated series that reimagines the classic 1980s franchise. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the show follows a group of five young pilots who come together to form Voltron, a giant robot made up of five lion mechs. Tasked with defending the universe from the evil Galra Empire, the team, led by Keith, Lance, Pidge, Hunk, and Princess Allura, embarks on thrilling adventures while facing personal challenges and forging strong bonds. The series is praised for its stunning animation, character development, and rich storytelling.
Pros
- Strong character development
- diverse representation
- engaging storyline.
Cons
- Inconsistent pacing
- some plotlines feel rushed
- mixed reception on character arcs.