Adventure Time
A great pick
Ages 7–13First shown 2010
Adventure Time follows two best friends: Finn (a 12-year old boy) and Jake (a wise 28-year-old dog with magical powers), and the surreal adventures undertaken by the duo as they traverse the mystical Land of Ooo. A world built for adventure, Ooo is filled to the brim with various landscapes for the two buddies to explore and bizarre characters to assist.
Our verdict
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
Calm and gentle No grating audio
Reviewers widely acclaim the show for its transition from a goofy adventure series into a profound coming-of-age story with significant emotional depth. The inventive animation and sophisticated writing are frequently highlighted as standout features that make the series equally appealing to children and adults. While it occasionally features dark themes and flawed characters, it is praised for handling these complexities with empathy and creativity.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
4out of 5
The series is highly praised for its nuanced exploration of complex emotional themes, including mental illness, trauma, and empathy. While the central protagonists model courage and a strong desire to do good, the show also features several realistically flawed or even toxic parental figures, which are used to explore how characters cope with disappointment and maturity. Some reviews note the presence of crude humor or violence, but generally find the moral growth of the characters to be the primary focus.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
5out of 5
This show has a significant adult following and is frequently described as being just as much for parents as it is for children. Reviewers highlight the sophisticated writing, deep emotional truth, and a layer of clever, sometimes surreal humor that operates on multiple levels. While a few viewers find the random nature of early episodes off-putting, most agree that its evolution into profound thematic territory makes it exceptionally rewarding for adults.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
5out of 5
The series is widely recognized for its high production standards, winning multiple Emmy and Peabody awards for its inventive storytelling and world-building. Commentary frequently highlights the distinctive 'rubberhose' animation style, naturalistic voice acting, and thoughtful sound design. Although some viewers find the early animation crude or the writing in certain seasons uneven, the consensus is that it is a work of significant artistic expression.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
While some early reviews compared the show's fast pace to a 'hyperactive sugar overdose' and noted occasional flashing colors or screaming, there is no consistent pattern of the show being described as overstimulating in a way that overwhelms the target age group. Modern commentary tends to focus more on its atmosphere and depth than on frantic pacing.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
No grating audio
Reviewers generally praise the audio quality and voice performances, noting that the creators specifically avoided high-pitched or shrill 'cartoony' voices in favor of a naturalistic tone. While one specific side character is occasionally cited as having an annoying voice for comedic effect, the overall audio experience is described as top-notch.
Where to watch
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DVD and Blu-ray
Streaming availability from Watchmode.
Last updated 14 October 2026.