2021 saw some exciting new animated shows get released. While many animated series aired new and final seasons, places like Amazon, Netflix, and Disney+ took the opportunity to air new and exciting animated shows. While old favorites like Rick and Morty had strong showings, their fan bases have already been established.
Plenty of new animated shows were released in 2021 that enamored critics along with crafting new die-hard fanbases. Rotten Tomatoes is an easy measurement for critical reactions to shows, and the quality of animation on display in 2021 took almost all of them by surprise.
DOTA: Dragon's Blood — 75%
Based on the popular video game franchise DOTA, DOTA: Dragon's Blood follows the Dragon Knight Davion as he wanders into a town, only to be tasked with killing the dragon terrorizing the town. After entering the dragon’s lair he stumbles into a plot much larger than he could have realized as Slyrak, the elder dragon, merges his soul with Davions.
Studio Mir, known for shows such as The Legend of Korra and Voltron: Legendary Defender, were responsible for this animated adaptation. Critics were quick to point out the beautiful and fluid animation that has become a staple of Studio Mir. While the show was new watcher-friendly, for those that hadn't played the game, many critics felt the show was missing the rich lore that players had become accustomed to.
Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. — 88%
Before Marvel Entertainment was shut down, Hulu had begun production on several adult animated Marvel shows collectively titled The Offenders. Only two weren't canceled and one of the shows, Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. is the only one released at this point. The show follows the exploits of the leader of A.I.M. as he attempts to prove his legitimacy and not run A.I.M. into the ground.
Rotten Tomatoes critics were major fans of the stop motion animation on display in the adult animated show. While the humor often proved to be too much, its chaotic nature, and stellar voice cast, won over enough to garner an impressive 88%.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch — 88%
Spinning out of the final season of The Clone Wars, Star Wars: The Bad Batch follows a group of mutant clones called The Bad Batch after the events of Order 66 and the rise of the Empire. Now that the Republic doesn't exist, and the Empire doesn't want them, they have to learn where they belong in this new and ever-changing galaxy.
After the massive success of The Clone Wars season 7, it was only natural that Disney would create a spin-off series with the fan-favorite clones. The consensus of the critics lament David Filoni no longer being a part of the animated series, but its deep dive into Star Wars lore was plenty of fun for new and casual viewers.
Star Trek: Prodigy — 89%
With only five episodes released in 2021, before making room for Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Prodigy made an impressive showing for the new all-ages animated series. The series follows a rag-tag group of aliens in the Delta Quadrant as they stumble on the USS Protostar. After they're able to get it up and running, they make their escape with the help of a hologram Kathryn Janeway.
Star Trek: Prodigy immediately won fans and critics over with a strong season premiere. This all-ages Star Trek show was seen as a great jumping-on point for kids to watch Star Trek. Critics were eager to point out the beautiful animation and the alien designs as well as its balance of tone.
Masters Of The Universe: Revelation — 92%
Masters of the Universe: Revelation is Kevin Smith's spiritual sequel to the classic 80s show He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe. The series picks up after the events of the original show and restarts the fight between the heroes of Eternia and Skeletor's evil forces.
While the show initially received mixed reactions from audiences, critics were far more into it. Sporting some top-notch animation from Powerhouse Animation Studios, the show was seen as a refreshing take on the older series. Kevin Smith mentioned that he wanted the show to feel like it did when kids would watch the original and judging by the 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, it looks like he succeeded.
What If...? Season 1 — 93%
Just one of the many Disney+ Marvel Studios shows to be released in 2o21, What If...? flipped the script by being the first animated project from the studio. The series took an anthology approach to reimagine various events within Marvel Studio's Infinity Saga. Ranging from zombies to Captain Carter, What If...? had plenty of unique takes for longtime fans and critics to enjoy.
The critic consensus for the series highlights the beautiful animation and stunning action sequences. While critics didn't find much to chew on when it comes to building Phase 4 of the MCU, the series still won them over with intriguing new takes on familiar characters.
Star Wars Visions — 96%
Star Wars Vision is Lucasfilm's first anime project. The company went to various animation houses in Japan and let them go wild with whatever Star Wars story they wanted. It didn't matter if it was in continuity or not. As of now it doesn't look like another season will be greenlit but the first season was very well received.
Each episode utilizes a different anime style to create something unique to the Star Wars universe, and something familiar. Critics felt like Star Wars: Vision was the shot of adrenalin the galaxy far far away needed. The animation and wild and crazy stories were highlights that brought the series to an impressive 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Invincible — 98%
Based on the Robert Kirkman comic of the same name, Invincible mixes elements from the superhero comic to create a fresh experience for a long time and new fans alike. Following the adventures of Mark Grayson, whose powers have finally manifested, Invincible weaves a brutal story about family and superheroes.
The incredibly talented voice cast of a-list celebrities helped elevate the series. Steven Yeun and J.K. Simmon lead the cast, but the bold animation proved that this story couldn't be adapted any other way. Critics responded well to the series, pointing out these factors and the smart choices when made in adapting the story.
Arcane: League of Legends — 100%
Another Netflix animated series based on a popular video game, Arcane: League of Legends, ended up being a major surprise hit. Arcane: League of Legends serves as an origin story for two League of Legends characters. The two characters find themselves on opposing sides of a war that will decide the fate of their utopian city.
The animation on display in Arcane is the kind that you'd expect to see in a feature-length film like The Mitchells vs. The Machines and the voice cast perform their roles to exception. Critics were blown away by this type of video game adaptation, ranking it as one of the best.
Maya And The Three — 100%
From the creator of The Book of Life, Maya and the Three follows Maya, a spirited princess as she sets out to fulfill a prophecy. Jorge R. Gutierrez brings his signature animation style to Netflix to deliver a story about Maya saving humanity from some vengeful gods.
Critics responded very well to this series, as evident by its 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The animation and voice talent were specific highlights that were mentioned in almost every review. What set Maya and the Three apart was how it blended an adventure that both kids and parents could lose themselves in.