Animated Series: Best Shows, Stories, and Books That Inspired Them

When you think of an animated series, a form of visual storytelling where characters and worlds are drawn or digitally created to move across screens. Also known as cartoon series, it’s not just about colorful characters—it’s a medium that lets writers explore deep themes, complex emotions, and wild ideas without the limits of live-action. Think of shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender or BoJack Horseman. These aren’t just cartoons. They’re layered narratives that deal with grief, identity, power, and redemption—just like the best books do.

Many animated series, a form of visual storytelling where characters and worlds are drawn or digitally created to move across screens. Also known as cartoon series, it’s not just about colorful characters—it’s a medium that lets writers explore deep themes, complex emotions, and wild ideas without the limits of live-action. draw their roots from books. The epic world of fantasy series, long-running fictional narratives with magic, mythical creatures, and grand quests. Also known as epic fantasy, it’s a genre that thrives on world-building and moral complexity like The Lord of the Rings shaped how animated shows build their universes. Shows like Avatar or The Legend of Korra borrowed structure, tone, and even character arcs from these books. Meanwhile, Netflix thriller series, suspense-driven shows on Netflix that use tension, mystery, and psychological depth to hook viewers. Also known as streaming thrillers, they’ve pushed the boundaries of what animation can do in adult storytelling like Undone or Love, Death & Robots prove animation isn’t just for kids—it’s a tool for raw, adult narratives that live-action struggles to pull off.

What makes an animated series unforgettable? It’s not the animation style. It’s the story. The best ones feel real—even when the characters are talking animals or floating spirits. They give you characters you care about, worlds you wish you could step into, and endings that stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether it’s a quiet coming-of-age tale or a high-stakes battle between gods, the same rules apply: strong characters, clear stakes, and emotional truth.

Below, you’ll find posts that dig into the books behind these shows, the storytelling secrets they share with novels, and why some animated series have become more influential than their live-action cousins. You’ll see how a book review site like Goodreads helps fans track their favorite animated adaptations, how cultural narratives shape the themes in these shows, and what makes certain animated stories stick around for decades.