As a connoisseur of animated television shows, I must say that each one of these series has left an indelible mark on my animation-loving heart.
Through advancements in animation technology and software development, animated films and series are becoming increasingly intricate and stylish with each new production. The evolution of these technologies allows for a seamless blend of traditional hand-drawn methods with cutting-edge, computer-assisted and computer-animated techniques.
Every year, this transformative opportunity reshapes the art form in innovative ways, inspiring numerous productions to employ multimedia techniques for intricate, style-specific narratives. These stories reflect the diverse capabilities and rich potential of animation, contributing significantly to the broader spectrum of artistic expression.
The various artistic approaches showcased in this collection effectively aid in creating immersive worlds, revealing character nuances, and reinforcing the underlying themes across each series, resulting in intricate blends of styles and methods. Ranging from claymation and traditional 2D animation to hyperrealistic depictions, the stylistic choices of these ten shows have left a significant impact on the industry through their creativity and access to diverse tools.
10 Over the Garden Wall (2014)
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my feelings about the enchanting series “Over the Garden Wall,” created by Patrick McHale and Katie Krentz. This captivating journey follows two half-brothers, Wirt and Gregory, who find themselves lost in a mystical forest teeming with intriguing characters that both help and hinder their quest to return home. With Beatrice, a bird, as our guide, the brothers embark on an adventure that not only leads them back home but also helps them evolve into better individuals by confronting and overcoming their personal flaws.
What Makes the Style Unique
The animated series “Over The Garden Wall” draws heavily on the traditional, hand-sketched animation methods reminiscent of early works by Disney and Max Fleischer. Fleischer, renowned for his work on Betty Boop and Popeye, was a significant influence. Furthermore, the backdrops are designed to resemble Brunaille paintings, a style that gained prominence in the 17th century, characterized by various shades of brown as its only colors.
In a style reminiscent of hand-drawn art and featuring comforting, earthy browns, Over The Garden Wall crafts an inviting yet eerie ambiance that harmoniously complements the tale of the sibling duo.
9 Moral Orel (2005 – 2008)
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you about my personal favorite, “Moral Orel.” This series is a pitch-black satire that delves into the life of a young boy named Orel, who resides in a tiny, rigidly religious community. The town’s atmosphere is oppressive and stifling, with fundamentalism as its core, but addiction and depression also have a firm grip on its residents. In this challenging environment, Orel grapples with his understanding of morality. Produced by Dino Stamatopoulos for Adult Swim, the show boasts a talented cast, and it weaves together a captivating mix of comedic and tragic tales.
What Makes the Style Unique
Hailing from the same creative team behind “Robot Chicken”, “Moral Orel” showcases a much sweeter and cartoonish style of claymation. Instead of traditional clay, the characters’ heads are molded from clay and acrylic paint, while their limbs are crafted using fabric. To capture the small-town atmosphere, cardboard is also utilized.
This humble and childish style, in contrast with its subversively dark themes, creates a uniquely tragic quality to the show. The style also heavily departs from Dino Stamatopoulos’s own realistic style, as seen with Frankenhole and Anomalisa.
8 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 – 2008)
Produced and overseen by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a standout among Nickelodeon’s productions. Furthermore, it is also possible that it ranks among the greatest animated shows ever made, supported by its widespread popularity. The narrative revolves around Aang, the last airbender from the four elemental nations. Upon his discovery by the Fire Nation, Katara and Sokka aid Aang in realizing his destiny of mastering all elements and restoring harmony to the world.
What Makes the Style Unique
Avatar: The Last Airbender” draws heavily on anime aesthetics, but few shows match its level of detail in animation. For example, the various bending styles across the four nations are all animated uniquely, taking inspiration from genuine martial arts disciplines. This style blends anime and American animation methods, resulting in a distinctive cultural fusion that transcends the narratives and characters themselves.
7 Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)
Originating from the minds of Bruce Timm, Eric Radomaski, and Paul Dini, Batman: The Animated Series revolves around the crime-fighting vigilante known as Batman, who strives to protect Gotham City plagued by criminal activity. With Robin by his side, Batman engages in relentless battles against some of the most infamous villains in the series. The show also brought characters like Harley Quinn into the fold, a character now celebrated with numerous adaptations and spin-offs of her own.
What Makes the Style Unique
The visual style is heavily inspired by comic book art, featuring vivid imagery. Additionally, “Batman: The Animated Series” draws inspiration from both film noir and Art Deco aesthetics. Notably, it was the first Batman series to utilize computer assistance in its animation, rather than being entirely hand-drawn.
Instead of using white paper as usual, the team brought their backgrounds to life on black sheets. The contrasting light hues made the empty spaces stand out vividly, which significantly enhanced the show’s film-noir aesthetic.
6 Samurai Jack (2001 – 2017)
Created by animator Genndy Tartakovsky, Samurai Jack tells the tale of Jack, a samurai warrior who was forcibly sent into the future by the evil wizard/demon, Aku. Samurai Jack takes it upon himself to go back to the past and rebuild his father’s empire and solve all the problems caused by Aku. The show explores themes of perseverance while Jack follows the Bushido code and all its facets regarding justice, honor, and a number of other generous qualities, while also upholding a distinct style.
What Makes the Style Unique
Inspired by Japanese art, particularly Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and ancient scriptures, Samurai Jack boasts a distinctive and breathtaking aesthetic. These prints, popular from the 17th century onwards, captured the beauty of leisure and landscapes in Japan.
Stark, yet cohesive and smooth, color is also a major aspect of the show. White and other light colors are used for Jack’s character, while Aku and his abominations are dark reds, and this contrast is seen throughout the entirety of the show. Each frame in the show is guided by composition and contrast, making it one of the most influential shows on the list.
5 Adventure Time (2010 – 2018)
Under the guidance of animator Pendleton Ward, Adventure Time remains one of the most beloved animated series ever made. This captivating story revolves around Finn, a boy, and his magical canine companion, Jake, who embark on thrilling escapades and combat enemies in the fantastical world of Ooo and its diverse realms. Despite their intense battles and expeditions, the show consistently underscores the profound significance and sanctity of friendship.
Over a span of 10 seasons, the Cartoon Network series Adventure Time continues to leave a significant impact on the animation industry through its innovative designs, memorable characters, and imaginative storytelling.
What Makes The Style Unique
Adventure Time stands out due to its unique style, memorable characters, and imaginative environment creation. The designs, with their bright colors, striking lines, and fantastical settings, always impress with their vividness, boldness, and the unusual landscapes that house the characters. Each character is individually defined by their colorful design and personality, paving the way for other animated series.
4 Arcane (2021 – Present)
In the fictional world of League of Legends, the series Arcane focuses on the lives of Vi and Jinx as they live amidst the strained relationship between the prosperous city of Piltover and its underbelly, Zaun. The two cities, once united, now find themselves at odds, creating a backdrop for themes of political unrest, personal identity, and struggle in a world where harmony seems out of reach.
What Makes The Style Unique
Arcane, often recognized beyond its roots as a spin-off of League of Legends, is particularly renowned for its unique style. This style harmoniously blends 2D and 3D elements, giving it a hand-drawn appearance that overshadows traditional 3D models. The outcome is a visually rich, semi-realistic aesthetic. This cinematic approach has contributed significantly to the widespread popularity of Arcane, much like how Adventure Time influenced the animation industry. In essence, Arcane has established another benchmark for animation studios to aspire to.
3 Smiling Friends (2022 – Present)
The Adventures of Charlie and Pim: Smiling Buddies narrates the escapades of two inseparable coworkers, Charlie and Pim, at the Smiling Buddies firm. The mission of this unique company is to spread cheer and positivity, frequently in the most peculiar and absurd manners. From a despondent individual living with his mother to old Nick himself, the clientele of Smiling Buddies varies widely, with each tale growing progressively more absurdly heartwarming.
What Makes the Style Unique
The animation style of Smiling Friends bears a striking resemblance to the animated world of Gumball. Unlike most shows, this one features its main characters in a standard 2D computer-animated form, but the supporting cast is frequently depicted in diverse styles that span from claymation, rotoscope, and live-action designs. This blend results in a delightfully distinct and comical aesthetic, leaving viewers guessing what might happen next.
2 BoJack Horseman (2014 – 2020)
Titled “BoJack Horseman,” this series produced by Raphael Bob-Waksberg spotlights the life of a former ’90s sitcom star, now a horse named BoJack. The show offers a poignant exploration of themes such as addiction and mental health struggles, making it a unique blend of comedy and drama, or as some might say, a “surprisingly sad dramedy.” Beyond BoJack’s story, the series delves into the complexities of various characters grappling with mental health issues and the inevitability of mortality.
What Makes the Style Unique
BoJack Horseman‘s aesthetic leans heavily towards a minimalist approach, primarily utilizing 2D animation. Characters often only move their mouth or some limbs, and the emphasis isn’t on creating smooth, fluid movements. This simplistic style contrasts effectively with the show’s weighty dialogues, adding a touch of lightness and humor. The use of anthropomorphic characters allows for inventive and daring character designs that sometimes accentuate the show’s own absurdity.
1 Hazbin Hotel (2024 – Present)
Produced by YouTube content creator Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano, the animated series titled “Hazbin Hotel” takes place in the underworld and focuses on Charlie, the daughter of the devil, who endeavors to reform sinners and address the overcrowding issue that has become a major concern for Hell. Charlie encounters skepticism and opposition from many, including Alastor, who secretly encourages her project to entertain himself.
What Makes the Style Unique
Hazbin Hotel is widely recognized for its unique approach to animation, featuring an energetic style with bright colors and striking, frequently exaggerated designs. Drawing inspiration from various animation styles, notably Japanese anime, the series crafts a remarkably distinct world where diverse designs coalesce effortlessly. The characters often exhibit sharp features too, yet these are juxtaposed against their fluid movements.
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2024-09-09 00:02