The Ultimate Library: 21 High-IQ Shows Related to Rick and Morty
If you are looking for the best shows related to rick and morty, you need a curated library that filters for high-concept sci-fi and peak-nihilism humor. Here are 21 top-tier recommendations categorized by their specific 'Rick and Morty' energy:
- Solar Opposites (Hulu): Created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, this is the closest relative, focusing on an alien family stuck on Earth.
- Futurama (Hulu/Disney+): The original sci-fi sitcom ancestor with a higher emphasis on 'hard' science and emotional payoff.
- BoJack Horseman (Netflix): Matches the deep existential dread and internal character trauma beneath the surface of animated antics.
- Inside Job (Netflix): A workplace comedy that tackles conspiracy theories with the same frantic energy as a Rick Sanchez rant.
- Final Space (Various): An intergalactic space opera with a blend of absurd comedy and surprisingly high stakes.
- The Midnight Gospel (Netflix): Surreal, psychedelic adventures through different dimensions with heavy philosophical dialogue.
- Animals (HBO): Minimalist, nihilistic observations from the perspective of urban animals in a grime-soaked New York.
- Odd Jobs (Upcoming): Mike McMahan's newest project, a dystopian sci-fi series that fans should watch for in 2025.
- Smiling Friends (Adult Swim): Fast-paced, surreal humor that subverts animation tropes in every frame.
- The Venture Bros. (Max): A deep-dive into failure and subverted superhero tropes with dense, serialized lore.
- Invader Zim (Paramount+): The darker, more cynical precursor to modern sci-fi animation.
- Scavengers Reign (Max): For fans who love the weird alien ecology and 'biological' sci-fi elements of the series.
- Pantheon (AMC+): Serious sci-fi dealing with uploaded consciousness and global conspiracies.
- Close Enough (Max): Surrealist domestic comedy from the creator of Regular Show.
- Regular Show (Hulu): Low-stakes setups that escalate into cosmic, inter-dimensional chaos.
- Adventure Time (Max): Specifically the later seasons, which lean into lore, multiverse concepts, and existential weight.
- Bravest Warriors (VRV): Created by Pendleton Ward, featuring teen heroes in a bizarre, sci-fi future.
- Aqua Teen Hunger Force (Adult Swim): The gold standard for non-sequitur, chaotic Adult Swim humor.
- Star Trek: Lower Decks (Paramount+): A fast-paced, meta-referential take on sci-fi tropes from showrunner Mike McMahan.
- Disenchantment (Netflix): Matt Groening's fantasy take on the cynical, dysfunctional family dynamic.
- HarmonQuest (VRV): A Dan Harmon-led series that showcases his specific rhythmic comedy and love for RPG-style storytelling.
You know that feeling. You just finished the latest season finale and you are staring at the blank screen, the silence in your room suddenly feeling very heavy. You want that specific rush of a high-IQ joke landing perfectly alongside a reminder that the universe is cold and indifferent. You aren’t just looking for 'cartoons'; you are looking for a show that validates your skepticism while making you laugh at the absurdity of existence. Most lists will give you generic 'adult cartoons,' but we are looking for the specific DNA of a multiverse adventure. It is about finding that balance where the science is smart, the trauma is real, and the jokes are fast enough to require a second watch.
The Psychology of Nihilism and Multiverse Logic
The phenomenon of seeking out shows related to rick and morty often stems from a psychological need for intellectual stimulation paired with emotional validation. Fans are drawn to the 'High-Concept/Low-Brow' mechanism, where complex scientific theories like multiverse theory or quantum entanglement are used as backdrops for exploring human dysfunction. It creates a 'safety buffer' for the viewer—you can engage with terrifying concepts of nihilism because they are wrapped in a joke about a sentient pickle. This cognitive dissonance is what makes the genre so addictive for the 25-34 demographic.
From a developmental perspective, this audience is often navigating a transition into 'stable' adulthood while grappling with a global landscape that feels increasingly chaotic. Shows like Solar Opposites or BoJack Horseman provide a 'meta-commentary' on this experience. When we see Rick Sanchez destroy a universe because he’s bored, it mirrors our own desire to escape the mundanity of digital-era labor. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a form of externalized processing for our collective existential dread. By watching characters who are even more cynical than we are, we actually find a strange sense of comfort and belonging.
The Creator Sandbox: From Solar Opposites to Odd Jobs
If you want to understand why certain shows related to rick and morty hit harder than others, you have to look at the 'Harmon-McMahan-Roiland' circle. These creators share a specific comedic rhythm that is almost musical. For instance, Solar Opposites was designed with a key difference: it focuses more on the 'alien' perspective of Earth, rather than a human family’s perspective of the cosmos. This 'outsider' POV is a staple of the genre.
Then there is the upcoming project Odd Jobs, which promises to lean further into the dystopian sci-fi elements that fans crave. When choosing your next watch, look for these 'Creator Proxies.' If a show features a fast-talking lead who breaks the fourth wall or a plot that hinges on a scientific 'what if,' you are likely in the right place. The 'meta-layer' is non-negotiable—the show must be aware it is a show, just like you are aware you are a viewer scrolling through a watchlist at 2 AM.
Nihilistic Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Not all shows related to rick and morty are about space travel; some are about the inner space of the mind. HBO's Animals is a perfect example of 'low-stakes nihilism.' As noted by Mashable, it is a top-tier recommendation for fans who appreciate the darker, more grounded observations of human (and animal) nature. These shows work through 'Pattern Naming'—they point out the absurd behaviors we perform every day and label them as ridiculous.
This 'Meaning-Making' through comedy is a powerful tool for resilience. When a show like The Midnight Gospel discusses death and meditation while a character is being ground into meat in a simulated world, it helps the viewer sit with uncomfortable truths. The mechanism here is 'Safe Exposure.' You are exposed to the 'Shadow Pain' of your own existence in a way that is intellectually stimulating rather than emotionally overwhelming. This is why fans of this genre often report a higher tolerance for complex, non-linear storytelling—they have been trained to find the signal in the noise.
The Comparison Matrix: Triage Your Watchlist
Let's get practical. You need to know which show fits your current mood. Are you in a 'I want to see planets blow up' mood, or a 'I want to feel slightly better about my failing relationships' mood? Use this comparison matrix to decide.
| Show Name | Primary Vibe | Sci-Fi Level | Nihilism | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Opposites | Chaotic Alien Family | High | Medium | Hulu |
| BoJack Horseman | Emotional Damage | Low | Maximum | Netflix |
| Inside Job | Conspiracy Comedy | Medium | Low | Netflix |
| Futurama | Classic Adventure | High | Low | Hulu |
| Animals | Deadpan Observation | None | High | HBO Max |
This matrix helps you triage your watchlist. If you are a 'High-IQ' viewer, you probably care about internal consistency. Futurama actually has a mathematical theorem written specifically for one of its episodes. That’s the kind of effort that respects your time. Avoid 'copycat' shows that just have weird art but no underlying logic. You want a show that rewards you for paying attention, not one that just uses randomness as a crutch.
New for 2025: The Future of Adult Animation
As we head into 2025, the landscape for shows related to rick and morty is shifting toward 'Indie-Animation' and creator-owned platforms. While the big streamers are still the primary hubs, keep an eye on YouTube and independent pilots that are gaining traction. The 'Odd Jobs' announcement is just the tip of the iceberg for 2024-2025 updates.
- Creator Updates: Watch for Mike McMahan's Prime Video projects; he is currently the most active 'Harmon-adjacent' showrunner.
- Platform Shifts: Keep an eye on Hulu's 'Animayhem' block, which is becoming the new home for high-concept adult comedy.
- Trend Signal: We are seeing a move away from 'pure randomness' toward 'emotional serialized sci-fi'—think more Scavengers Reign, less Family Guy.
The 'Golden Age' of adult animation isn't over; it’s just getting weirder and more specific. If you've been feeling like you've 'seen everything,' you probably just haven't looked into the niche genre-benders yet. The 'void' is temporary—there is always another universe to explore.
FAQ
1. What show is most similar to Rick and Morty?
The most similar show to Rick and Morty is Solar Opposites on Hulu. It was co-created by the same creative team and shares the exact same art style, rapid-fire pacing, and high-concept sci-fi premise focusing on an alien family on Earth.
2. Is Solar Opposites related to Rick and Morty in the same universe?
Solar Opposites is not a direct spin-off, but it is a 'spiritual sibling' created by the same minds. While it doesn't share characters or a universe, it carries the same comedic DNA and aesthetic feel.
3. What are the best dark humor shows related to Rick and Morty?
If you enjoy the dark, cynical humor of Rick and Morty, you should definitely watch BoJack Horseman, Animals, and Smiling Friends. These shows prioritize subverting expectations and exploring the darker side of the human condition with a deadpan or surreal delivery.
4. Are there any good shows like Rick and Morty on Netflix?
On Netflix, the best alternatives for Rick and Morty fans are Inside Job, The Midnight Gospel, and BoJack Horseman. Each of these offers a mix of high-concept scenarios and mature, often existential themes.
5. Is Inside Job a good show for Rick and Morty fans?
Inside Job is a great choice because it mirrors the 'secret organization' and 'mad science' tropes found in Rick and Morty. It features a cynical female lead who feels like a more grounded, bureaucratic version of Rick Sanchez.
6. Which shows related to Rick and Morty focus on sci-fi and space travel?
For those who love the multiverse and space travel, Futurama, Final Space, and Star Trek: Lower Decks are essential viewing. These shows utilize the vastness of space to tell both epic and deeply hilarious stories.
7. What is the new show Odd Jobs by the Rick and Morty creator?
Odd Jobs is an upcoming dystopian sci-fi project by Mike McMahan, who was a writer and producer for Rick and Morty. It is expected to be a major new entry in the high-concept adult animation genre.
8. Why is it so hard to find shows related to Rick and Morty?
Fans often search for shows related to Rick and Morty because the series has a very specific 'voice'—a mix of extreme cynicism, scientific literacy, and meta-humor—that is difficult to find in standard television.
9. Is The Midnight Gospel similar to the philosophical side of Rick and Morty?
The Midnight Gospel is a highly recommended 'experimental' choice. It combines real-world podcast interviews with mind-bending, multidimensional animation, making it a perfect philosophical companion to Rick's existential rants.
10. What Adult Swim shows are most like Rick and Morty?
Adult Swim remains the primary hub for this style of content, offering classics like The Venture Bros and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, as well as newer hits like Smiling Friends that maintain the network's signature weirdness.
References
polygon.com — Rick and Morty showrunner reveals his new dystopian sci-fi 'Odd Jobs'
avclub.com — Solar Opposites' creators on the show's key difference from Rick and Morty
mashable.com — Missing 'Rick and Morty' or 'Bojack'? Try HBO's 'Animals'