From claymation-inspired sitcoms to grotesque anthologies, 15 trippy animated series take viewers on a wild ride, ranked least to most bizarre

The California Raisins Revisited

Based on the claymation advertising characters and the special Meet the Raisins!, The California Raisin Show became an unusual entry in the crowded field of 1980s cartoons. Its move from claymation to 2D animation weakened its appeal, and the series ended after 13 episodes.

Decades later, the show has gained a new cultural appreciation as a time capsule of surreal 1980s style. Its distinctive tone has helped it find fresh interest long after its run.

Everyday Plans Go Cosmic

Regular Show mixes slacker comedy with supernatural and cosmic chaos. Its recurring setup follows Mordecai and Rigby as an ordinary activity rapidly spirals into much stranger events. The format powered eight seasons and led to a sci-fi finale. The series remains a cult favorite nearly a decade after it ended.

A Grotesque Stop-Motion World

Adult Swim’s The Shivering Truth is a stop-motion comedy horror anthology with a taste for the grotesque. Its unsettling images and surreal nightmares make it an unusual fit for viewers who enjoy disturbing animation.

The show’s visual approach is a major part of its appeal, though its style is not for everyone. Its distinctive work has prompted the view that it deserved more than its existing seasons.

Low-Fi Australian Psychedelia

The Big Lez Show began as a web series and built a devoted YouTube following. That success led to a spin-off commissioned by Comedy Central Australia. The Australian stoner comedy pairs deliberately low-fi animation with colorful, mind-bending humor. Seven years after its conclusion, it retains its psychedelic character.

A Thriller With Hallucinations

Common Side Effects is a recent Adult Swim series that combines a conspiracy thriller with social satire about corporate greed and Big Pharma. It has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The show also finds room for comedy and surreal, drug-induced hallucination scenes. Its unusual animation and atmosphere add to its mix of suspense and humor.