22 Night Time Cartoons That Are Extra Sweet
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These are definitely not for kids. In this list, we’ll look at animated movies that take cartoons to another, more grown-up, level.
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Not all animation is geared towards kids. Nor should it be. Cartoons are an alternate form of artistic expression that usually can’t be shown properly through a live-action adaptation. That’s what makes them so special and unique. Add in heavy subjects like the state of humanity, mystical beasts, and deviant behavior — and we’ve got more than a handful of after dark cartoon movies guaranteed to make you blush.
Despite the appeal for more animated films in this vein, the animation industry is still hesitant to produce them. Which makes sense since they need to make money. But history has shown, as seen with several entries in this article, that a low-budget cartoon movie done right can easily bring in loads of cash. While on the flipside of the coin, there are plenty of blush cartoon movies out there that are better off never being seen.
Most commonly assume that all after dark cartoon movies are anime, and there’s a bunch, but there’s plenty which have been made outside of Japan over the years too. From the trippy sounds of Pink Floyd to the deviance that is South Park, here are 22 after dark movies you might want to check out.
22 Going To The Future In Vampire Hunter D
If creatures of the night tickle your fancy, then the anime Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust might be the perfect after dark cartoon movie to watch. The story is about a futuristic human-vampire hybrid warrior. In the year 12,090, vampires are the rulers of the night, which Vampire Hunter D is helping to put an end. After the daughter of a rich man is kidnapped by a vampire, Hunter D is hired to find the girl and bring her back to safety.
Audience approved with an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes
Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust was released in 2000. Critics at The New York Daily News referred to the film as “Beautiful, witty and provocative,” and that it should “appeal to fans and non-fans alike.”
21 Canadian Classic: Heavy Metal
Released in 1981, Heavy Metal is an adult animated sci-fi-fantasy film directed by Gerald Potterton. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 61% of critics have given the film a positive review, with an audience score of 67%. According to one critic, it’s “juvenile, and dated, but Heavy Metal makes up for its flaws with eye-popping animation and a classic, smartly-used soundtrack.”
Produced by Ivan Reitman and Leonard Mogel, the film featured the voices of Rodger Bumpass, John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Alice Playten, and Harold Ramis. It also used the magazine Heavy Metal as a basis for the movie. Using the rotoscoping technique of animation, the production team would take shots of models and actors first. Then place them in an animated form within the film.
20 Top Adaptation: Appleseed Alpha
Based off the comic book by Masamune Shirow (who also wrote Ghost in the Shell), Appleseed Alpha is a computer animated science fiction film. Its story is about a young female soldier named Deunan and her cyborg partner Briareos. They survive within New York during post-World War 3 apocalyptic times, in which they search for humanities hope, the legendary city of Olympus.
If you’re looking for a slightly toned down after dark cartoon movie, Appleseed Alpha has a PG-13 rating. One critic wrote, “Thanks to the extensive motion and facial capture work on the project, the animation is a perfect balance of realism and science fiction-esque fantasy.”
While a non-critic states, “This follow up to the superb anime is faithful whilst keeping all the character of the original. Superb CG also makes this both a visual and audio treat.”
19 Mythical Battles With Wizards
Ralph Bakshi makes it on the list again. This time with the cult classic Wizards (1977). Set in the future, this animated tale is about a pair of twins who must fight for domination over the world. The good twin wants to save the Earth while the evil twin takes advantage of “the horrors of technology” that threaten to destroy everything.
While not gaining the same popularity as Fritz the Cat, Wizards has a score of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. Wizards had a limited release, but was successful in the theaters that showed it, helping to develop a global audience. According to Bakshi, “I didn’t get any criticism. People pretty much loved Wizards.” Bakshi wrote, directed, and produced this classic cartoon movie.
18 All Time Cult Classic: Akira
The cult classic Akira was released in 1988 and is still thought of by many as one of the greatest anime films of all time. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and based off the manga he wrote; the story takes place in 2019 following World War III. Akira is not for the lighthearted as its animation is intense throughout this dystopian style tale. It has serious undertones which still apply today, dealing with themes of survival, war, and humanity.
Rotten Tomatoes score of 90%
Akira was groundbreaking in its day as most anime films made in the 80s were notorious for saving money by using limited animation. Otomo changed the landscape by using pre-scored dialogue, super-fluid motion, and computer-generated imagery. Akira not only set the stage but was a driving force behind most modern-day animation.
17 Burred Lines In Perfect Blue
On the opposite end of the anime spectrum is Perfect Blue. This cartoon movie is about a Japanese idol group who retires from music to pursue an acting career. As one girl becomes a victim of stalking, she loses her perception of reality and fiction. The overall theme of the film deals with the blurred lines between fantasy and reality in a contemporary Japan.
Audience score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes
Perfect Blue won awards at the 1997 Fantasia Festival in Montréal, and at the Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal. Reviews were mixed in America, but a large part of that might have been due to cultural differences present in 1997. Critic Chris Stuckmann rated the film as, “A definite example that animated films can truly stimulate the mind, Perfect Blue is not for the faint of heart.”
16 Deviance At Its Best: South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
Throwing Disney under the bus while making fun of censorship and parenting, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut will forever remain a classic hit for the deviant. Raking in an audience score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, South Park continually pushes the envelope of what is considered “the norm.”
Directed by Trey Parker and released in 1999, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut was heavily influenced by season one’s episode titled “Death.” The overall story revolves around the parents of South Park protesting about the perceived negative influence the show has over children.
“After about the first year of South Park, Paramount already wanted to make a South Park movie,” stated director Trey Parker. “And we sort of thought this episode would make the best model just because we liked the sort of pointing at ourselves kind of thing.”
15 Down In Sausage Party
Produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Sausage Party is a raunchy comedy. The movie features an all-star lineup of voices like Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera, James Franco, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Paul Rudd, Nick Kroll, David Krumholtz, Edward Norton, and Salma Hayek. Critics praised this 2016 release, giving it a score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, only gave it a 50%.
Grossing over $140 million, Sausage Party took the title of being the highest grossing adult animated film of all time. Rogen invested over eight years trying to get the film launched since most film studios were afraid of the content.
14 Dream Like Reality In Waking Life
Written and directed by Richard Linklater, Waking Life premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. The after dark cartoon movie explores a wide range of philosophical issues including reality, dreams, consciousness, the meaning of life, free will, and existentialism. Waking Life’s story is centered on a young man who wanders through a succession of dream-like realities where he encounters individuals who engage in insightful philosophical discussions.
Rotten Tomatoes score of 87%
For the technical geeks, Waking Life was completely rotoscoped, although “it was shot using digital video of live actors with a team of artists drawing stylized lines and colors over each frame with computers, rather than being filmed and traced onto cells on a lightbox.”
13 DC Scores With Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
Released in 2017 as a direct-to-video animated movie, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract scored well with audiences and critics. Featured as the twenty-eighth film in the DC Animated Universe, it’s a sequel to Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016). Rotten Tomatoes score of 80%Julian Roman of MovieWeb said it was a “marked improvement” over Justice League vs. Teen Titans.
“The film slickly integrates adult themes into its entertaining plotline. The Judas Contract is action packed and moves at a fast pace,” states Roman. “The Teen Titans are certainly on better footing here.” Its story is faithful to the comics, presenting plenty of action, drama, along with scenes that might make you blush. Having Dick Grayson (Nightwing) and Deathstroke share the same screen makes for a highly entertaining animated movie.
12 Groovy Tracks In Cowboy Bepop: The Movie
Based on the 1998 anime series, Cowboy Bepop: The Movie is a Japanese action based classic. Nominated for the Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Animated Film, Cowboy Bebop features an awesome soundtrack with a compelling and riveting story. The music is a wild mashup of jazz, Arabic, rock, opera, and western. Overall, the film grossed a little over 3 million worldwide (back in 1998).
Audience score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
Known in Japan as Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, the film is directed by Shinichirō Watanabe with music by Yoko Kanno. The movie takes place in 2071 on Mars, after Earth was all but deserted following a major catastrophe, with a wild bunch of characters who are all legalized bounty hunters.
11 New Version Of Batman: The Killing Joke
Slated as the twenty-sixth film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series, Batman: The Killing Joke took Batman to a whole different level. While it didn’t score very well on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 48%, it certainly earned its R rating. From the torture of Commissioner James Gordon to Batman and Joker sharing a laugh, you’ll never see Batman in the same light again.
There’s also a romantic scene on a rooftop between Batman and Batgirl.
Directed by Sam Liu and written by Brian Azzarello, Batman: The Killing Joke earned 4.4 million in a straight to DVD release. Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy were praised for their voiceover work of Joker and Batman. But fans were divided regarding how the adaptation paid tribute to the source material.
10 Honorable Mention: Devilman Crybaby
Released through Netflix in January 2018, Devilman Crybaby is a series which plays out like an extended movie. Critics and audiences alike have been raving about its deep underlining messages mashed in with intensity.
Rotten Tomatoes score of 85%
If Pink Floyd the Wall was mixed with Clockwork Orange, the likely result would be Devilman Crybaby. It’s disturbing, powerful, and gut-wrenching — all at the same time. It also deals with serious core issues like the status of humanity and the end of life. Be prepared to shed a tear or two. This series is guaranteed to shock and keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
9 What?! Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Based on the Adult Swim animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, this animated comedy is a low-budget flick that will have some rolling their eyes while others laughing uncontrollably. Audiences gave it a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes while critics slashed at it with a low 48%.
Directed and written by the television shows creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis, Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters grossed $5.5 million with a $750,000 budget. Negative reviews for the film were contributed to a generational gap issue, noting most of the older critics disliked the movie. Overall, the story is meaningless. It’s mostly deviant humor meant to take one’s mind off real life. This movie is great to watch with friends, or if you’ve been out on the town all night and want to relax afterwards.
8 Going Old School With Fritz The Cat
Loosely based on the Fritz the Cat comic strips by Robert Crumb, this movie is not for the weak of heart. Directed by Ralph Bakshi, the film focuses on a cat who explores the ideals of hedonism and sociopolitical consciousness. Released in 1974, the movie grossed over $90 million worldwide on a simple $850,000 budget.
Robert Crumb was only a teenager when he created the character Fritz the Cat. He went on to self-publish, getting entries with comic style magazines. When he first created the strip, it was simply for his older brother Charles. Not long after, Crumb was the focus of an underground comic movement. Of all his created characters, Fritz would become the most widely known and recognized.
7 Laugh It Up With Family Guy Presents: Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story
If you’re looking for an animated movie that critics refused to watch but audiences loved, then look no further because Family Guy Presents: Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story is what you’ve been looking for. Released as a direct-to-DVD in 2005, Fox later aired the film (censored) as three separate episodes for the Family Guy season 4 finale in 2006.
Audience score of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes
The premise of the movie is that Stewie is trying to find who he thinks is his real dad after seeing him on TV. He goes to San Francisco, only to find that the man he thought was his father, is actually him from the future. The cast list for this movie contains dozens of high profile actors, either making fun of themselves or others.
6 Classic Book: A Scanner Darkly
Based on the novel by Philip K. Dic, A Scanner Darkly is an animated science-fiction thriller that was directed by Richard Linklater. The film stars a bunch of big name actors like Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey, Jr., Woody Harrelson, and Winona Ryder. Even Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney got in on the action as executive producers.
Audience score of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes
A Scanner Darkly is a tale set in a future world where America has lost the war on intoxicants. Fred, an undercover cop, is an agent hooked on the popular Substance D, which causes its users to develop split personalities. Fred, is also Bob, a notorious dealer. Along with his superior officers, Fred sets up an elaborate scheme to catch Bob and tear down his operation.
5 Worth It: Ghost In The Shell
No, not the live-action version (which honestly wasn’t horrible, but not great either). This is the original Ghost in the Shell animated movie. Based on the manga by Masamune Shirow and directed by Mamoru Oshii, this cartoon science fiction film is top-notch.
Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%
Often considered one of the greatest anime films of all time, most loved the film’s visuals which were achieved through a combination of traditional cell animation and CGI animation. Which is cool considering the movie was released in 1995. Ghost in the Shell is riveting and provocative, capturing one’s senses while taking the viewer into a wild science fiction-based future. While not the movie for everyone, this after dark cartoon movie will likely entertain and make you blush. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
4 Yeah! Beavis And Butt-Head Do America
Mind numbing entertainment can sometimes be the necessary treat for an after dark cartoon movie. Beavis and Butt-Head Do America fills that void with classic humor found in the original television series written by Mike Judge. Despite its moderate Rotten Tomatoes score of 72%, the film entertains and provides plenty of cheap laughs.
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996) grossed a whopping $63 million in the US, becoming the largest December box-office opening at the time. Bruce Diones from the New Yorker sums it up best when he states, “Its idiocy is irresistible.” Mike Judge stated production of the film was very “ad hoc” and had some difficulties progressing due to most of the staff’s television background. But they still pulled it off and it will forever be remembered.
3 Hitting Pink Floyd: The Wall
Depending on one’s mood, Pink Floyd: The Wall is a powerful animated movie containing the entire Pink Floyd The Wall album within its soundtrack. Written by Pink Floyd vocalist and bassist Roger Waters, the film deals with a rocker whose being driven into insanity by the death of his father, along with several depressing moments that have occurred throughout his lifetime.
Audience score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
Driven primarily by the music with little to no dialog, the movie is a combination of live-action and animation. Note, this film is not for the weak of heart. The images are graphic while dealing with serious issues that often get swept under the rug. The animated moments within the movie were created by political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe.
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