Adult animated shows are some of the most popular and successful programs in television history. The Simpsons is the longest-running TV show of all time, with more than 700 episodes starting in 1989. Rick and Morty and Bob's Burgers have won Emmy Awards, gained cult followings, and remain some of the most-watched shows to date. Adult animation is a genre that has undoubtedly captivated the masses for its edgy humor and slapstick comedy.
Sometimes, successful adult animated TV shows go on to have their own feature length-film, gaining the opportunity to tell their stories in a longer format. Whether these movies go straight to DVD or earn their place in theaters, there is no doubt that devoted fans and casual viewers alike can find enjoyment in these zany productions.
Here, we look at a few adult animated television shows that got their own movies and explain the plot points that make these films so unique.
10 Futurama
Futurama began its television run in 1999. Audiences were introduced to the Planet Express gang and followed the main character Fry, a dimwitted but kindhearted guy who gets transported to the year 3000 after accidentally stepping into a cryogenic machine. The series has since gone on to create over one hundred episodes, with its 11th season scheduled to premiere in 2023.
In 2009, Futurama received four feature-length films, all of which ended up being split up into episodes and airing as the show's fifth season: Bender's Big Score, The Beast with a Thousand Backs, Bender's Game, and Into the Wild Green Yonder.
9 Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters sees Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad face off with an immortal, all-powerful piece of exercise equipment. Named the Insanoflex, the piece of exercise equipment comes with a warning that assembling it will cause the end of life as they know it.
When the Insanoflex is eventually brought to life, the crew must fight to take down the threat and save the world from imminent destruction. Though the Aqua Teen Hunger Force premiered in Adult Swim in 2000, their 2007 feature-length film debuted in theaters and has since become the 12th highest-grossing R-rated animated film of all time.
8 Beavis and Butt-Head
Beavis and Butt-Head premiered in 1992 and introduced the world to the two titular dunces. Known for being dimwitted and at times obnoxious, the duo's interactions never quite come across as entirely normal. Just three years after its original release, Beavis and Butt-Head got their own feature-length film in 1996.
In Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, the pair's television set is stolen in the opening act. While hunting for a replacement, they meet a man named Muddy Grimes who mistakes them for hitmen. Soon, Beavis and Butt-Head travel across the county in order to "do" Grime's wife, not knowing that what he really ordered is for them to kill her!
7 Daria
Originally introduced in another adult animated TV show, Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria Morgendorffer got her own spin-off show called Daria. Known for her stoic and sarcastic nature, Daria captivated audiences with her hysterical cynical attitude. In 2000, Is It Fall Yet? was released on DVD and VHS to excited fans.
It's summer, and Daria hopes to just sleep in and hang out with her boyfriend. However, her plans to do nothing are foiled by her mother who forces her to take on a summer job as a counselor at a children's camp. As the summer progresses, Daria learns to connect with a camper named Link, questions her current relationship with a man named Tom, and even helps her friend overcome rejection.
6 Bob's Burgers
The Belcher family has captivated audiences since the first episode of Bob's Burgers in 2011. Made up of Bob, Linda, Louise, Gene, and Tina, the wacky Belcher family owns and operates a local burger joint. Eleven years after its debut, The Bob's Burger Movie premiered in theaters. When a massive sinkhole threatens to shut down the burger joint, the family must spring into action in order to keep their prized business above the ground.
As one of the newer movies on this list, The Bob's Burger Movie has seen generally positive reviews and has helped the show gain more attention. The film uniquely includes various musical numbers and songs that add to the movie's comedic and entertainment values. Only time will tell if this squad gets another feature-length film!
5 Drawn Together
The 2010 film The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! follows the gang as they learn their television show is canceled. When they learn that they've been replaced in favor of another raunchy show, the housemates devise a plan to get their show back on the air and understand the reasons why they were scrapped.
The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie! satirizes other adult animated shows and comments on the nature of obscene television shows that are only considered worthy if they make some kind of point. The gang even sets off for Make-a-Point Land in order to improve their show and please the network heads. The film is as hilarious as it is clever and revives the cast of the original TV series which was canceled three years prior to the release of the film!
4 King of the Hill
Premiering in 1997, King of the Hill is unlike some of the other slapstick, obnoxious shows on this list; instead, the show follows an average American family, the Hills, as they live what seems like a pretty average life. The main character, Hank, is a propane salesman who is the patriarch of his family and often, takes a leadership role among his friends. Created by the adult-comedy vet Mike Judge, King of the Hill had a successful initial run that lasted over 10 years.
King of the Hill: The Movie was meant to serve as the series finale to the show and follows the Hills after Hank accidentally puts the town in danger. When they are forced to leave Texas, Hank tries his hand at other professions in order to earn some money. In the end, he realizes his true love of selling propane and vows to find a way to be accepted back into his Texas community.
3 Family Guy
Seth MacFarlane's hit show, Family Guy, follows the Griffin family, consisting of Peter, Lois, Chris, Meg, Brian, and baby Stewie. Stewie is one of the main characters and is known for his random British accent and super-smarts that he tends to use for evil rather than good. As a fan-favorite character, it makes sense that Stewie would get his own feature-length film that chronicles the most important moments of his life
The 2005 film, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story, is a direct-to-video film. Here, Stewie experiences a near-death experience that pushes him to become a good boy rather than pursue his evil tendencies. As typical Griffin shenanigans ensue, Stewie and Brian have a chance encounter with the Stewie Griffin of the future and must decide what the right course of action is.
2 South Park
South Park is known for being one of the most obscene and controversial shows on television. Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are known to test the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable to be put on the air and frequently challenge the status quo. The series began its run in 1997 and introduced viewers to the wild town of South Park, Colorado, filled with a collection of truly absurd characters. The main boys are Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, who are fourth-grade students at the local South Park Elementary.
In South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, the boys go to see a movie that is based on their favorite television characters Terrence and Phillip. Terence and Phillip, who happen to be Canadian, receive an onslaught of backlash from concerned parents. Soon, the town demands the United States wage war on Canada, eventually provoking Satan to join the battle and threaten world peace!
1 The Simpsons
The Simpsons is one of the longest-running shows on television. The show follows the titular family in the town of Springfield and includes Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. As the main character, Homer is known to be slightly dimwitted but has a heart of gold, caring for his family as best as he can.
In 2007, the family got their own feature-length film, The Simpsons Movie, which was released to theaters for anticipating audiences. When pollution begins to destroy the town of Springfield, the safety of the town's residents is put at risk. Soon, the gang flees to Alaska to restart their lives alongside Homer's new pet pig. However, Homer soon realizes the consequences of his actions and sets off on an adventure to save his home from the trouble he caused.