Anime fans can be pretty picky, but these cartoons will definitely pull in anime fans from all fandoms.

When it comes to animation, the Japanese-originated subgroup called anime contains a particularly passionate fandom, many of whom are always looking for another imaginative show to get lost in.

There's certainly no shortage of rich anime programs covering a range of genres and subject matter. Yet, there also exists the potential for fans of this unique style to seek to venture outside these parameters and explore new shows which are similar, yet distinct. As it happens, there are a number of cartoons which, while not officially given this moniker, were either inspired by or hold similar qualities to anime.

10 The Venture Bros.

Though Jackson Publick's The Venture Bros. is more reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons than anime, this amusing romp is similarly nuanced in terms of themes and visuals.

The colorful cast, based mainly on John Quest character reimaginings, sets the foundation for surprisingly deep character dramas mixed with some humor geared towards older audiences. This appealing blend of action, comedy, and drama definitely rings similar to prototypical anime traits.

Put simply, there's a reason this cartoon is one of Adult Swim's longest-running original shows.

9 Teen Titans

There's definitely some overlap when it comes to anime and superhero epics that Western audiences love. Cartoon Network's Teen Titans proves a great representation of this commonality, with its DC comic premise coupled with some colorful, detailed animation rife with action.

In addition to its anime sensibilities, 2003's Teen Titans can also be likened a The Venture Bros. alternative aimed at a younger audience, with its fusion of zany humor and adventure.

This series has become a staple of daytime programming on Cartoon Network, lasting into the present day with Teen Titans Go! and receiving a number of accolades.

8 Adventure Time

This similarly popular Cartoon Network show, Pendleton Ward's Adventure Time, taps into anime's sense of fantasy-laced adventure while injecting some wacky comedic flair. As is the case with much Japanese animation, this cartoon is also hand-drawn, producing an organic look with lavish settings.

While these commonalities are apparent, the show more directly draws inspiration from role-playing games a la Dungeons & Dragons. While its themes are geared towards a younger audience, this award-winning cartoon has captivated teens and adults with some memorable characters and imaginative settings.

7 Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)

The renowned space-fantasy Star Wars has seen a plethora of content on just about all fronts over the years and decades. Even the specific era of the Clone Wars - which were once just an alluded backstory - have provided the backdrops to much Star Wars content. In addition to a flashy CG series from 2008, this cartoon shines as an underrated action-adventure focused on this era of chaos.

Though it was short-lived, there's no shortage of thrilling action and depth in each of the 25 episodes, as we follow the turbulent events proceeding Revenge of the Sith. Using Lucas' fantastical universe as a backdrop, The Clone Wars makes for a compelling watch for fans of both anime and Star Wars.

6 Batman: The Animated Series

As is largely the case with anime, this DC Comics classic reinforces the notion that cartoons aimed at younger viewers can be just as fun and dynamic as their adult counterparts. Fox Kids' program showcasing the adventures of Batman has also managed to draw older audiences, with its intense action and darker themes.

This entertaining take on the classic superhero draws from the Burton films for influence, with its otherworldly elements and vintage, neo-noir vibes throughout.

This critically-acclaimed cartoon eventually earned four Emmys, including Outstanding Animated Program.

5 The Boondocks

Though this program contains some raunchy humor geared towards Adult Swim's audience, Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks holds a visual style that bears tremendous resemblance to anime.

It's rife with dynamic characters and relevant emotional narratives that touch on race relations, classism, and societal injustices, providing depth to go along with its rich aesthetic. Fans will recognize these similarities with Japanese anime, which also delves into some deep and dark topics.

It makes sense - as McGruder is on record for using anime and manga as inspiration for both this cartoon, and the equally compelling comic strip it's derived from.

4 Samurai Jack

Following the success of Dexter's Laboratory, animator Genndy Tartakovsky set to work on crafting a deeper, more action-laced show with darker overtones. It would draw influences from the martial arts drama Kung Fu in addition to samurai culture. The Cartoon Network hit known as Samurai Jack was the result.

The show centers around a Katana-wielding samurai who seeks to cross the boundaries of time itself and defeat a shape-shifting demon. The show's focus of combat, monsters, magic, along with its prominent dystopian plot, is definitely anime-esque thematically.

3 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)

Given this action show's Eastern themes and rich history spanning countless iterations, one would think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was an anime. You've got the premise of 4 powerful ninjas embarking on missions and taking on a slew of villains, led by a wise martial-arts instructor. The parallels are vast, though this is particularly the case with the edgier, more intense reboot from 2003.

The series is a bit of a departure from the more lighthearted zaniness of the '87 classic - stressing combat, character dramas, and an overall darker tone.

2 Castlevania

There are few Western-made cartoons that so authentically resemble anime visuals quite like this adult-themed show. Based on the similarly grim video game series by Konami, Adi Shankar's Castlevania captures the same aesthetic style, majestic motifs and cinematic qualities you'll often find in anime.

The show follows the escapades of Trevor Belmont as he fends off an army of demons, unleashed on the town of Wallachia by Dracula for having his wife burned to death.

Beginning humbly with a brief first season, this Netflix show has blossomed into a dark, emotional fantasy epic with nearly two-dozen gripping episodes.

1 Avatar: The Last Airbender

This iconic cartoon has managed to transcend its initial young demographic with its imaginative concepts, likable cast, and gripping story. This Nickelodeon animation evolved into a massive hit, spawning a film adaptation by M. Night Shyamalan and an upcoming live-action remake for Netflix. In addition to these offshoots, Avatar has brought an array of accolades and sky-high review scores.

The premise is at once easy to get into and captivating with its depth. It centers around a child named Aang, a sorcerer with the power to wield the quadfecta of featured elements - water, air, fire, and earth, which are represented by four themed kingdoms.

The adventures of Aang and friends provide a truly entertaining and majestic ride. This is strengthened by a rich, visually appealing aesthetic and heavy concepts like totalitarianism and self-realization.

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