As the seasons start to heat up so does the world of animation.
This year has brought an exciting lineup of animated shows that cater to a wide variety of tastes whether you are into superheroes, sci-fi thrillers, or dark comedies.
Here is a look at some of the best animated series released this year, perfect for summer binge-watching sessions.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man: A New Take on the Iconic Hero
This year Spider-Man fans were treated to a fresh take on Peter Parker’s origin story with “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” now streaming on Disney+.
The series follows Peter on his journey to becoming a hero, offering an intimate and personal look at his early days.
What makes this series stand out is its unique animation style, which celebrates the character’s comic book roots.
With vibrant colors, dynamic action, and a storyline that focuses on Peter’s emotional growth, this show brings a fresh energy to the beloved Spider-Man narrative. The show’s combination of nostalgia and modern sensibility makes it a must watch for long-time fans and newcomers.
Common Side Effects: Dark Humor and Unexpected Twists
Adult Swim’s “Common Side Effects” is a wild ride through the world of magic mushrooms, conspiracy theories, and government secrets.
Premiering this year, the show follows Marshall and Frances, two former high school lab partners that accidentally discover a mushroom with healing powers.
What begins as a lighthearted experiment soon evolves into a dark, complex tale of drug cartels, big pharma, and government cover-ups.
With sharp wit and offbeat humor, Common Side Effects combines outrageous storytelling with a serious undercurrent of social commentary, making it an ideal pick for viewers who enjoy a blend of comedy and intrigue.
Invincible: Season 3 more Action and Emotional Depth
“Invincible” returns for its third season on Prime Video, and it’s more intense than ever. Mark Grayson, now a Viltrumite human hybrid, continues to face challenges as he balances his heroic identity with his personal life.
Season 3 grapples with his responsibilities as a hero while dealing with the emotional toll of his powers and the complex relationships in his life, adding more layers to Mark’s character and pushing the boundaries of the show’s thrilling action sequences.
The series remains a standout in the superhero genre, offering breathtaking battles and a mature, nuanced take on the cost of heroism.
If you have been waiting for a deeper dive into the world of “Invincible,” this season will not disappoint, also having a killer finale.
Pantheon: Sci-Fi with Heart and Moral Dilemmas
Season 2 of “Pantheon” on Netflix continues the story of Maddie Kim, a teenager who discovers her deceased father is now an Uploaded Intelligence (UI).
Along with Caspian Keyes, another UI, she embarks on a dangerous mission to grant digital immortality to UIs, while other AIs have their own plans for power.
This season dives deeper into questions of ethics, immortality, and artificial intelligence, all set in a visually stunning world.
For sci-fi and speculative fiction fans, “Pantheon” offers thought-provoking exploration of technology’s potential and consequences.
Solo Leveling: Power, Monsters, and Jaw-Dropping Action
Season 2 of “Solo Leveling” on Crunchyroll has arrived, and it’s packed with even more action, suspense, and excitement.
Sung Jin-woo, now the Shadow Monarch, faces greater dangers in the Red Gate arc, fighting powerful monsters while uncovering deep, dark secrets.
This season builds on the epic battles and character development of the first, delivering high-energy sequences and plot twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
This show is a must watch if you are a fan of intense action and powerful protagonists.
With these exciting animated series hitting the screen in 2025, the summer binge watching sessions are set.
