10 Best International Animated Shows, Ranked

Animated shows are a treasured form of entertainment for people all over the world. With the genre being so incredibly adaptable, animated stories are continuously being told in many different languages and different styles. This doesn’t hinder the genre at all, allowing audiences globally to enjoy a mass variety of incredible animated series.

While America is well known for its amazing animation, other countries around the world offer a diverse and impressive selection as well. These animated series introduce new ideas and perspectives, winning over audiences globally. For those looking to expand their horizons, the best foreign animated shows are the best place to start.

10

‘Code Lyoko’ (2003–2007)

Country of Origin: France

This lovable French series made its debut in France in 2003, and in the United States on Cartoon Network in 2004. Code Lyoko follows a group of teen students’ battle against evil, world-threatening, AI in a parallel digital world known as Lyoko.

The series offered viewers fun action and even a hint of romance. Although there were viewers who found Code Lyoko to be on the slower side during its first season, its innovative plot, character development, and unique blend of 2D and 3D animation captivated audiences, allowing it to maintain its cult following into 2025.

9

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (1991–1992)

Country of Origin: France/Belgium

The Adventures of Tintin is based on the classic Herge comic series, initially debuting in France and Canada in 1991, and eventually, through several networks, made its way to the United States sometime in the early 90s. The show centers around a young reporter, known as Tintin, and his loyal canine companion, as they travel around the globe revealing conspiracies and solving mysteries.

The entertaining series gained viewers’ approval for its faithfulness to its original’s adventurous spirit. While there are some who saw a number of flaws in The Adventures of Tintin, there were a great many more who looked past that, captivated by its charm and noteworthy storytelling.

8

‘Shaun the Sheep’ (2007–2020)

Country of Origin: UK

Shaun the Sheep is a British stop-motion animated series that follows the mischievous but extremely clever sheep Shaun, as he leads his flock on a rural farm. The show brought its UK audience a comedic story in 2007, and later made its American debut on Disney Channel.

While Shaun the Sheep isn’t to everyone’s taste, due to the lack of any real dialogue, its universal humor and the public’s appreciation for its ability to transcend language barriers, earned it a sizable fan base.

7

‘Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir’ (2015–)

Country of Origin: France/South Korea

This French animation has gained a massive and continuously growing following. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir premiered in France in 2015 and in the U.S. on Nickelodeon in the same year. The series is set in the lovely city of Paris, following the young Marinette and Adrian, two teens who are capable of transforming into the superheroes Ladybug, and Cat Noir.

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir is loved for its brightly colored animation and its lovable characters. Although there are a few who believe that the show was initially slow-paced, and the episodes a bit repetitive, the series maintains its popularity with its charming characters and positive messages.

6

‘6teen’ (2004–2010)

Country of Origin: Canada

This is a bout of nostalgia all fans of teen TV can appreciate. 6teen is a Canadian-animated series that aired in 2004 and a year later in America on Cartoon Network. The series is set in a mall and centers around the lives of six teenagers, as they navigate romantic relationships, friendships, and jobs.

6teen is a lovable animation that offers relatable characters and resonates with teens globally. There were a few criticisms over some of the show’s unrealistic elements and stereotypical characters, but 6teen’s relatable themes and strong character development wholly surpassed its flaws.

5

‘Dragon Ball’ (1986–1989)

Country of Origin: Japan

This is another massively popular series that instills bouts of nostalgia. The Japanese anime first premiered in its country of origin in 1986 and began circulating on many platforms in the U.S. in 1989. Dragon Ball follows a young Goku, a martial artist on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls, and his encounters with many villains and allies along the way.

Although Dragon Ball saw many criticisms for its slow pacing and many filler arcs, the show’s popularity still led to many sequels. The series became an iconic cornerstone for the animated world, which ensured a loyal and massive fanbase.

4

‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ (2011–2019)

Country of Origin: UK

This British-American series is a chaotic bout of entertainment. The Amazing World of Gumball follows the misadventures of Gumball Watterson, a hilarious blue cat, and his quirky, equally hilarious family. The series premiered in both the UK and the U.S. in 2011 on Cartoon Network, captivating audiences with a satirical approach to everyday life.

The Amazing World of Gumball brings an innovative form of storytelling, drawing in audiences to its creative plot and humor. While some episodes are way over the top with their chaos, it is actually an endearing feature that many fans appreciate.

3

‘Winx Club’ (2004–2019)

Country of Origin: Italy

Winx Club was a magical treat to little girls everywhere after its very first episode. The Italian series aired in 2004 and later premiered in the U.S. on FoxBox that same year. The story centered around Bloom and her band of friends as they navigate their lives at Alfea, a College for fairies. There they experience the hardships of battle against malevolent forces that come in the form of rival college kids, and find love and friendship along the way.

The series attracted those drawn to magical themes. Winx Club produced a fun story with relatable elements. Amid the show’s interesting story is colorful animation that brought to life its characters and all the action the series held. Although there was a quality decline for the series, its empowering story is still beloved today.

2

‘Wakfu’ (2008–)

Country of Origin: France

Wakfu is a French-animated series that premiered in 2008 and was much later available to American fans on streaming platforms in 2018. The underrated animation follows young Eliatrope, Yugo (Fanny Bloc), and his journey to discover the mysteries of his origin, while protecting the world from wicked forces, alongside the friends he makes along the way.

Although many viewers did not appreciate Wakfu’s slow start, it rapidly gained favor with its unique story. The series holds a depth that surprises its audience, after many episodes of fun-filled and silly adventures. Wakfu is still growing in its popularity, but resonates so well with audiences of all ages that it won’t be long before the series acquires a much larger fanbase.

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1

‘Bluey’ (2018–)

Country of Origin: Australia

Bluey has gained an almost incomprehensible following since its debut in Australia in 2018. The series eventually premiered on Disney Jr in 2019, and follows the adventures of the sweet and playful pup, known as Bluey.

Bluey is known for its incredible lessons and achingly heartwarming moments. While the show mainly appeals to children, with its colorful animation, and silly antics of its characters, the series carries a hidden depth that is capable of moving adults and evoking strong emotions. Bluey’s universal themes ensure the show will last as a global hit, and its popularity will continue to grow.

NEXT: The Best Animated Series For Adults, Ranked