The world of animation has typically been reserved for younger viewers in the Western world, but the last decade has ushered in a big change with more and more adult cartoons. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, animation was largely a performative technique used by directors like Georges Mlis to achieve effects that were not normally possible in live action films. As time passed, entirely animated programs were made featuring characters like Felix the Cat, but things did not truly explode for animation until Disney entered the space in 1928 with the viral success of Steamboat Willie.

https://screenrant.com/best-adult-animated-shows-last-decade/