When you hear the words “adult animation” you might think we’re talking about cartoon erotica, to which we’d say “get your mind out of the gutter.”

Although animation was originally marketed as an artistic medium for the youth, since its creation, animators have catered their work for mature audiences! Opening the door to possibilities unachievable by live actors, animation creates visually stunning worlds of storytelling as unique as their authors.

Adult animation has started to steal the spotlight. With streaming services making them more readily available, and producer-giants like Netflix launching their own animations such as Love, Death & Robots, the digital revolution has paved the way for animation to become a standard in regards to modern cinema.

Pulp has compiled a short list of animated films that we believe will open the doors of your creativity and hopefully give you a better appreciation for the world of these unique films.

Sit back, grab your favorite drink, and get lost in the unique worlds of animated storytelling.

1. Heavy Metal (1981)

2. A Scanner Darkly (2006) // Director: Richard Linklater

3. Akira (1988) // Director: Katsuhiro Otomo

4. The Windshield Wiper (2022)  // Director: Alberto Mielgo

5. Love, Death & Robots (2019-2022) // Producer: Netflix

6. Ghost in the shell (1995) // Director: Mamoru Oshii