If you're an adult animation fan, 2025 has already delivered (and is continuing to deliver) some standout content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Max, and Hulu. Whether you’re into dark fantasy, existential comedy, action-packed adventures, or offbeat satire, there’s something new to add to your watchlist. This blog post dives into the best new adult animated series in 2025 on these platforms. We’ll explore what makes each series unique, what to expect, and tips on choosing what to watch first.

We’ll cover:

Top new series on Netflix

What’s fresh on Max

Hulu’s latest offerings

What themes/trends are emerging

How to pick shows that match your taste

Let’s get animated.
 

 Devil May Cry

Premise & style: Based on the Capcom video game franchise, Devil May Cry (2025) follows demon-hunter Dante in a modern urban fantasy setting. The series blends action, horror, supernatural elements, and stylish combat. 
Wikipedia

What sets it apart: The animation is produced by Studio Mir, known for high quality visuals. It leans into mature themes—demons, existential stakes, moral ambiguity. It’s not just fan service; the storyline emphasizes character arcs amid supernatural turmoil. 
Wikipedia

 Long Story Short

Premise & style: Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg (famous for BoJack Horseman), Long Story Short is a comedy-drama that uses a non-linear timeline to explore a middle-class Jewish family. It premiered on August 22, 2025. 
Wikipedia

Why it appeals: The show weaves humor and heart, using unique storytelling structure. If you like shows that play with time, relationships, and introspective humor, this is a strong pick. 
Wikipedia

 Splinter Cell: Deathwatch (Upcoming)

What we know: Based on the Tom Clancy Splinter Cell video game franchise, Deathwatch is an espionage anime-style adult animated series set to release on Netflix October 14, 2025. 
Wikipedia

What to expect: Intrigue, spy craft, action, and perhaps a darker, grittier tone. If you’re into covert operations, morally grey characters, and high tension, this is one to watch. 
Wikipedia

 Wolf King

Fantasy epic: Based on the Wereworld novels by Curtis Jobling, Wolf King is an animated epic fantasy adventure. It has supernatural elements, monster lore, and adventure. 
Wikipedia

Its arc: The first season dropped March 2025. The second (and final) season premiered September 2025. It offers a full story arc, which is nice if you prefer not to be left hanging. 
Wikipedia
 

Max: Edgy Animation & Dark Satire
 

 Lazarus

Premise & themes: Created by Shinichirō Watanabe (of Cowboy Bebop fame), Lazarus (2025) is a sci-fi anime series about a global crisis caused by a miracle drug that starts killing users after a time, and the effort to find a cure. It engages with real-world issues (public health, bioethics) while delivering stylish action and thoughtful storytelling. 
Polygon

What you’ll get: High production values, sleek animation (MAPPA studio involved), a moody tone, and ethical dilemmas. If you like anime that makes you think and feel, pretty strong here. 
Polygon
 Common Side Effects

What & where: Common Side Effects is an adult animation/comedy on Max, released in 2025. 
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Story hook: Former classmates Marshall and Frances uncover a conspiracy to destroy a mushroom that can cure all the world’s diseases. So it has conspiracy thriller + absurd comedy vibes. 
HBO Max
 

 Standing By

What is it: Standing By is a new 2D adult animated afterlife comedy on Hulu. Premiered August 8, 2025. 
Animation Magazine

Tone & appeal: It deals with mortality, foibles of human beings, but does so in comedic, quirky, and imaginative ways. If you like your philosophical thoughts served with a side of laughs, this fits well. 
Animation Magazine

 Other Hulu shows & revivals (What to watch)

Revival of King of the Hill has made waves with viewership numbers and nostalgia. 
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Hulu also continues to carry popular adult animation like Rick and Morty, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, etc., but the new originals are where the signal is strongest for what’s next. 
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 Genre Mashups & Hybrid Storytelling

Many of the best new series are blending genres — horror + fantasy + action (e.g. Devil May Cry), comedy + existential drama (Long Story Short), action + ethical sci-fi (Lazarus). This shows a trend towards layered storytelling that appeals to viewers who want more than just laughs or action.

 Moral Complexity & Real-World Resonance

Shows like Lazarus engage with pressing real-world issues (public health, consequences of unchecked science). The heroes are imperfect. The villains are not purely evil or cartoonishly bad. This moral ambiguity is becoming more common.

 Visual Style & Animation Quality

Streaming platforms are investing more in animation studios known for high fidelity (Studio Mir, MAPPA, etc.). There’s more diversity in art styles — some shows go glossy / anime detailed, others go stylized, surreal, or indie aesthetic. It’s no longer enough for the story alone; visuals matter.

 Nostalgic Revivals vs. Fresh Voices

While some shows are revivals (King of the Hill), there’s also new creative voices (e.g. Bob-Waksberg with Long Story Short) pushing boundaries. Nostalgia attracts viewers, but originality is pushing the medium forward.

How to Choose What’s Right for You
 

 Identify Your Preferred Genre & Tone

If you like action/adventure with supernatural or fantasy, try Devil May Cry or Wolf King.

For satirical or absurd comedy with philosophical undertones, Standing By or Long Story Short.

If you enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi, Lazarus or Common Side Effects might hit the mark.

 Check Maturity Rating & Content

Adult animation isn’t all equal: some shows are TV-MA, others TV-14, some include graphic violence or dark themes, others are milder. Make sure you pick based on how heavy or light you want your viewing.

 Consider Episode Count & Commitment

Some series (e.g. Wolf King) are limited seasons; others are ongoing or have non-linear storytelling that might demand attention. If you want something you can binge or finish quickly, lean toward shows with fewer episodes or that have complete story arcs.

 Watch Trailers & Pilot Episodes

Often the pilot gives you a good sense of tone, pacing, animation style, character chemistry. If the opening doesn’t grip you, it’s okay to move on. Streaming services often let you preview first episodes without finishing a full season.
 

What’s Coming Soon or Worth Watching Before They Drop
 

Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is one to look forward to on Netflix in October 2025. Espionage, action, franchise fans will probably be excited. 
Wikipedia

Keep an eye on announcements from Netflix’s animation slate—more adult comedies are in the works per their Tudum articles. 
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Hulu may bring more afterlife-themed or philosophical shows given Standing By’s reception.
 

Quick Comparison: Netflix vs Max vs Hulu
 

Platform Strengths in 2025 Adult Animation What It Does Best
Netflix    Broad genre spread: fantasy, supernatural, action, comedy; high production values; big franchises.    For those who want cinematic quality, varied tone, and shows that push boundaries.
Max Edgy sci-fi, darker themes, social commentary. Visual quality is strong, especially in anime style.Great if you like philosophical questions, speculative fiction, and bold narratives.
Hulu Comedy, satire, quirky voices; revivals; shows that experiment with tone but with lighter emotional weight. Ideal when you need something funny, existential but not always heavy, or nostalgic.