For older folks, it can be challenging to find a story-oriented animation that’s tuned to your tastes. Here are seven animated projects that older audiences can enjoy.
#1 Arcane (2021-2024)
Based on Riot Games’ “League of Legends” comes a beautifully crafted story centered around the bridge cities of Piltover and Zaun. “Arcane” is often remarked as the best animated project of all time, and upon first glance, it’s easy to understand why. With how good the animation is, and its gritty story, the show leaves no room for criticism.
“Arcane” follows a large cast of characters, each showcasing a different perspective of an age-old war between the clean and the filth. “Arcane” portrays class structure in a way that makes you empathize with both sides and become quickly conflicted when you’re forced to choose a side. In the end, there is no black or white, only the gray.
#2 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023-present)
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” contemplates the meaning of life and what makes life so special. The show follows an immortal elf fresh out of her most recent adventure, saying goodbye to her companions. In the series’ pilot, Frieren watches as those same companions grow old and gray, eventually dying off.
After meeting new people and going on new adventures, audiences watch as Frieren slowly starts to grapple with life, learning how to appreciate the little moments and find meaning in a life that’ll never end.
#3 Vinland Saga (2019-present)
Adapted from Makoto Yukimura’s manga, “Vinland Saga” is well known for its advocacy of peace in a chaotic world. The story follows real historical events, including the Danish invasion of England in the 11th century and the events that transpired afterwards, referencing the rise of King Canute as well as the Norse colonization of Vinland (North America).
The show is credited for its realism, but more so is characterized by its dark yet hopeful tone. Yukimura preaches a message of forgiveness over revenge and states how the decisions one makes will stick with them and define them for the rest of their lives.
#4 The Spider-verse Saga (2018, 2023, TBD)
The Spider-verse Saga is a three-movie trilogy featuring “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,” soon to be released. Both “Into” and “Across” commercialized the comic book-style of animation and changed the animation industry as we knew it.
The story pays homage to some of the comics’ most beloved and fascinating Spider-Man variants, telling a compelling coming-of-age story that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.
#5 Invincible (2021-present)
Serving a more realistic and emotionally compelling take on the superhero genre, “Invincible” offers a fresh perspective for long-time superhero fans. The show is animated in a very faithful comic-book format, having been carefully adapted from Robert Kirkman’s 2003 bestseller.
“Invincible” explores the meaning of being a hero and the prospect that not everyone can be saved. The show conveys twisted themes and draws a complex moral dilemma for its main characters.
#6 Loving Vincent (2017)
“Loving Vincent” serves as a biography of Vincent Van Gogh’s life, and is credited as the first film animated entirely in paint, true to Van Gogh’s unique style. The film explores Van Gogh’s death and contemplates the relationship between art and passion. “Loving Vincent” also explores the lack of credit artists are given, and attempts to pay tribute to a beloved artist.
#7 Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023)
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” reimagines the story told in the original comics and the live-action adaptation, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.” The story focuses on themes of decision-making and how it can be difficult to get things right the first time. “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” dives into the urge to run from one’s problems and the consequences of doing so.
