Ranked roundup
The best series of the 2020s
25 ranked · updated June 2026
The 2020s have redefined television through bold animation, complex character studies, and genre-bending narratives that challenge our perceptions of heroism and identity. These fifteen series represent the decade's most compelling storytelling, blending high-stakes emotional arcs with innovative visual crafts that have captured the global cultural consciousness.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 100 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to series released in the 2020s.
Arcane
Christian Linke
Arcane earns the top spot through its unparalleled fusion of painterly animation and a devastating exploration of systemic inequality and fractured sisterhood.
Invincible
Invincible revitalizes the superhero genre by grounding its brutal, high-octane action within a deeply uncomfortable and realistic examination of toxic father-son dynamics.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen secures its place by masterfully elevating the shonen formula with dark, supernatural stakes and an exceptionally high standard for kinetic action choreography.
The Owl House
Dana Terrace
The Owl House stands out for its heartfelt commitment to inclusivity and the genuine emotional growth of its characters within a vibrant, imaginative fantasy world.
Hazbin Hotel
Vivienne Medrano
Hazbin Hotel uses its unique musical format to offer a refreshing, irreverent take on redemption and the possibility of change for society's most discarded outcasts.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End creates a profound, meditative experience by focusing on the quiet, lingering impact of time and memory after the grand adventure concludes.
Love, Victor
Elizabeth Berger
Love, Victor earns its recognition by offering an honest, relatable portrayal of the modern coming-of-age experience and the complexities of navigating one's sexual identity.
Heartstopper
Alice Oseman
Heartstopper excels through its gentle, earnest depiction of first love, proving that quiet, character-driven storytelling can be just as impactful as high-concept drama.
SPY x FAMILY
SPY x FAMILY perfectly balances high-stakes espionage with the warmth of a found family dynamic, creating a unique tone that is both thrilling and comforting.
The Last of Us
Neil Druckmann
The Last of Us is defined by its unflinching moral ambiguity and the raw, survivalist bond that forms between two broken people in a decaying world.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man distinguishes itself with a chaotic, visceral visual style that perfectly mirrors the desperate, debt-ridden existence of its protagonist in a world of devils.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation provides a complex look at the possibilities of second chances and the long, non-linear path required for genuine personal redemption.
The Queen's Gambit
Scott Frank
The Queen's Gambit captures the internal intensity of high-level chess, anchored by a powerful performance that explores the intersections of genius, addiction, and solitude.
Only Murders in the Building
Steve Martin
Only Murders in the Building succeeds by subverting true crime tropes through the charming, intergenerational chemistry of its leads and a sharp, comedic mystery.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo
It's Okay to Not Be Okay stands out for its brave exploration of mental health and the way damaged individuals heal through unconventional, romantic connections.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Lim Sang-choon
A standout among the best series of the 2020s.
Common questions
What are some highly-rated animated series from the 2020s?
The 2020s have seen exceptional animation, including the steampunk-inspired Arcane, the brutal superhero drama Invincible, the dark fantasy Jujutsu Kaisen, the magical series The Owl House, the musical comedy Hazbin Hotel, the meditative Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, the espionage comedy SPY x FAMILY, and the dark fantasy Chainsaw Man.
Are there any good LGBTQ+ coming-of-age dramas released recently?
Yes, several acclaimed series focus on LGBTQ+ themes and self-discovery. Notable examples include Love, Victor, which follows a student navigating his sexual orientation at a new school, and Heartstopper, which depicts the tender, evolving relationship between two teenage boys.
What are the best post-apocalyptic or dystopian shows of this decade?
For those interested in dystopian or post-apocalyptic settings, The Last of Us is a standout, depicting a brutal journey through a collapsed civilization. Additionally, Arcane explores a dystopian society divided by social decay and clashing magic technologies.