How To Watch The Addams Family Movies & TV Shows In Order

The roots of “The Addams Family” franchise actually go much deeper than you might think. Over two decades before any Addams character appeared on screen, they were already making an impact in the pages of The New Yorker magazine. Charles Addams, a cartoonist, first introduced the family as a comic strip back in 1938. It wasn’t until 1964 that the “Addams Family” TV show premiered, which ultimately brought these unique characters into millions of homes around the world.

The comic series of Addams showcased the eerie and mysterious side of the Addams clan, who possess an unusual fondness for the bizarre and seemingly supernatural talents. Notably, these characters in the comics differ significantly from their on-screen counterparts. Although Addams himself never labeled his characters, as the Addams family grew in fame, adaptations of Addams’ work assigned them names.

The Addams Family has expanded well beyond its initial comic strip and television/film appearances. Today, the “Addams Family” franchise encompasses multiple TV shows, films, books, video games, a successful stage musical, and even fan-created projects like the YouTube series “Adult Wednesday Addams.” This sprawling empire offers a wealth of quirky additions to explore. Given that the on-screen adaptations have primarily driven the characters’ development, this guide will help you get up to speed by outlining how to follow the Addams Family story in order.

The Addams Family (1964)

1964 marked the debut of a black-and-white TV series, “The Addams Family,” which introduced us to the iconic characters we recognize today. Previously, only Wednesday and Morticia (portrayed by Lisa Loring and Carolyn Jones) had been named, but with this show, audiences were introduced to Gomez (John Astin), Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax), Uncle Fester (Jackie Coogan), Grandmama (Marie Blake), and Lurch (Ted Cassidy). This series, conceived by David Levy, aired for 64 episodes from 1964 to 1966. It’s safe to say that without this initial TV show, the extensive Addams Family franchise as we know it today might not have come into being.

The TV show expanded the popularity of the Addams family beyond what the initial comic strip achieved, mainly due to the series’ shift away from dark humor towards emphasizing the absurdity of the gothic Addamses cohabiting with conventional families. Additionally, the series introduced comedic characters such as Cousin Itt and the Thing, allowing them to stand out, which in turn altered the overall atmosphere that Charles Addams’ cartoons had established.

Scooby-Doo Meets the Addams Family (1972)

The original “Addams Family” comics had a humorous yet somewhat grim atmosphere, making it difficult to envision them teaming up with the “Scooby-Doo” crew. However, due to the television adaptation from the ’60s, the Addams family took on a more benign image, setting the stage for their eventual appearance in a “Scooby-Doo” episode titled “Wednesday is Missing.” Interestingly, the characters from this episode were designed based on their comic strip versions, and some actors from the original series lent their voices to these characters.

In this episode, the Scooby Doo team experiences car trouble right outside the Addams family mansion. Coincidentally or not, Wednesday (played by Cindy Henderson) has been abducted. Gomez (John Astin) and Morticia (Carolyn Jones) find a ransom note, which sets Scooby (Don Messick) and his crew on a mission to rescue Wednesday before it’s too late. This exciting storyline turned out to be the precursor for the 1973 animated “Addams Family” series, as it served as a sneaky way to introduce the show.

The Addams Family Fun-House (1973)

Among all the “Addams Family” productions that have been released throughout the years, “Fun-House” stands out as the most peculiar one. Unfortunately, this is the only production that you likely won’t be able to watch on your own. In 1973, writers Jack Riley and Liz Torres conceived a unique idea for a variety show featuring the Addams family as hosts. This show would have featured skits and musical performances, with Riley and Torres portraying Gomez and Morticia Addams respectively. The series would have re-cast the entire Addams family, except for Cousin Itt, who was set to be played by Felix Silla, reprising his role from the original 1960s series.

Sadly, the television show titled “The Addams Family Fun-House” never progressed beyond its initial episode. Despite various networks being approached, none were willing to air it, leaving this production as a minor note in the series’ timeline. Today, finding the pilot episode is quite challenging, though those who have seen it claim they understand why the show never flourished. One blogger described the pilot as the “most dismal interpretation of ‘The Addams Family’ ever produced.” Fortunately, another adaptation of “The Addams Family” was launched in the same year that “Fun-House” faltered, thereby preserving the franchise’s vitality.

The Addams Family (1973)

Shortly following their appearance in “Scooby-Doo,” the Addams family gained stardom by starring in their unique animated series. The 1973 show, called “The Addams Family,” utilized designs and art style similar to the crossover with “Scooby-Doo” that had introduced the Addamses only a year prior. Unlike the previous show, this version took the characters on an adventure across America in their compact and mobile “Creepy Camper,” which resembled the iconic mansion in miniature form.

It’s possible that the reason for the short-lived run of “The Addams Family” was due to its unique approach. Unlike other shows, it had each episode take the family to a new location. Following this initial 16-episode season, another animated adaptation didn’t come until nearly two decades later. Despite the show not being a huge success, it does boast one significant achievement: It featured Jodie Foster, who was only 11 years old at the time, lending her voice to the character of Pugsley Addams.

Halloween Night with the Addams Family (1977)

Reminiscing about the TV movie “Halloween with the Original Addams Family,” I find it fascinating that it serves as a boundary between two distinct phases of this captivating franchise. Airing in 1977, this film gathered most of the cast from the ’60s “Addams Family” series for their one and only on-screen reunion. It also functioned as an unofficial farewell to the entire franchise – a new “Addams Family” show or movie wouldn’t appear for nearly 15 years following this production.

The Halloween special narrative, unlike suggesting a melancholic reunion or a heartbreaking farewell, follows more of a typical plotline about the Addams family. At first, we witness the family preparing for Halloween, but their plans are hampered by some neighborhood burglars. The film further introduces Pancho Addams, Gomez’s brother who once had feelings for Morticia. When the thieves kidnap Gomez and aim to pilfer the Addams family wealth, Halloween takes a backseat as the family unites to safeguard their home.

The Addams Family (1991)

In the 90s, the Addams Family made a significant return to popularity, kickstarted by their first theatrically-released movie titled “The Addams Family,” which hit theaters in 1991. This film was met with mixed reviews from critics, but its financial success couldn’t be denied. The movie grossed more than $100 million worldwide on a budget of only $30 million, contributing significantly to the launch of numerous other projects focusing on the Addams family throughout the following decade.

In this film, Anjelica Huston portrays Morticia Addams, with Raul Julia as her husband Gomez, and a young Christina Ricci in the role of their daughter Wednesday. The narrative seems to draw some influence from “Halloween with the New Addams Family,” as it centers on a duo of thieves seeking to pilfer the family’s wealth. In this instance, the chief antagonist is Abigail Craven (Elizabeth Wilson), who orchestrates a scheme involving Gomez’s long-absent brother, Fester Addams (Christopher Lloyd). After an accident that left him with amnesia, she manipulates him to gain access to the family and locate their hidden fortune. The film successfully encapsulates the love between the characters as well as their affinity for darkness and violence. It’s suitable for families while subtly incorporating elements that only adults might appreciate. If you were to watch a single “Addams Family” production, this would be the one to choose.

The Addams Family: The Animated Series (1992)

In the same year that the Addams Family debuted on the big screen, they also resurfaced on television. “The Addams Family: The Animated Series” introduced a fresh animation style and primarily new actors to the series. Each character from the family was replaced for the animated version, but Gomez Addams was given voice by John Astin, who played Gomez in live action during the ’60s and ’70s.

This marks the second instance of an animated adaptation of the “Addams Family,” learning from the pitfalls of the series that aired three decades prior. In this new version, titled “The Animated Series,” the Addams family resides steadfastly in their mansion and frequently interacts with their ordinary neighbors and schoolmates. Similar to other adaptations we’ve analyzed thus far, “The Animated Series” moved away from the macabre humor that defined the original comic strip. However, it demonstrated that the franchise could thrive as a Saturday morning cartoon sitcom and was renewed for another season. The series ultimately ran for 26 episodes before being discontinued, but it was not the last “Addams Family” venture of the ’90s.

Addams Family Values (1993)

If you’ve been watching the “Addams Family” series in order, you might have observed that it doesn’t focus much on continuity. Mostly, each “Addams Family” movie or TV episode can be enjoyed individually, and as long as you know the Addams family characters, you can follow along without getting too confused. The 1993 film “The Addams Family Values” is the first true sequel, but it maintains a self-contained storyline even though it’s a continuation of the 1991 movie.

In the sequel of the 1991 film, all original cast members reappear. The story starts by introducing a new character, Pubert – Morticia and Gomez’s newly born son. To take care of the baby, the Addams family hires a nanny unknowingly, who turns out to be a serial killer named Debbie (played by Joan Cusack). Debbie has a habit of marrying wealthy men and then killing them, with Uncle Fester now becoming her target. While Wednesday and Pugsley are away at summer camp, the rest of the family must reunite in order to thwart Debbie’s evil plans. Although “The Addams Family Values” didn’t achieve the same box-office success as its first installment, it was still popular enough to maintain excitement for the “Addams Family” series.

Addams Family Reunion (1998)

Barry Sonnenfeld helmed the first two “Addams Family” films, while the third one from the ’90s was directed by Dave Payne. A significant shift occurred during the production process between “The Addams Family Values” and this movie. Sadly, Raul Julia passed away in 1994, and Warner Bros. and Saban joined forces to produce a live-action “Addams Family” TV series, marking a new chapter for the franchise.

The TV movie titled “Addams Family Reunion” served as both a special episode and an introduction to a potential new series. However, when Angjelica Huston and Christopher Lloyd declined invitations to reprise their roles from the original film, the creators opted for a fresh cast. Tim Curry stepped into the role of Gomez Addams, with Daryl Hannah taking on Morticia. Patrick Thomas portrayed Uncle Fester in this version, while Nicole Fugere and Jerry Messing played the children.

The plot revolves around the Addams family as they journey to a relative’s gathering, only for their plans to take an unexpected turn when they unwittingly attend the wrong event and become entangled in a murder scheme. Regrettably, the film titled “Addams Family Reunion” did not garner positive responses. Despite strong acting from the main characters, the movie was hindered by a messy screenplay and poor editing. Unlike some ’90s flops that remain watchable, “Addams Family Reunion” is not among them.

The New Addams Family

Following the failure of “Addams Family Reunion”, Warner Bros. and Saban adjusted certain aspects while still pushing forward with their plans for a TV series. This led to the creation of “The New Addams Family” which concluded the ’90s for the franchise. The show served as a modern take on the 1960 original series, and it brought back one familiar face: John Astin, known for portraying Gomez Addams, appeared in a recurring role as Grandpapa Addams. Meanwhile, Nicolo Fugere reprised her role as Wednesday from “Addams Family Reunion”, but the rest of the family were newcomers to the Addams lifestyle. Glenn Taranto took on the role of Gomez, Ellie Harvie portrayed Morticia, Brody Smith played Pugsley, and John DeSantis was cast as Lurch.

This television adaptation of “The Addams Family,” titled “The New Addams Family,” is widely considered the most comprehensive in terms of content, spanning over 65 episodes despite its premature cancellation in 1999, just a year after its debut. The series delved into lesser-known characters from the extended Addams family, such as Cousin Melancholia, while also dedicating significant screen time to Wednesday and Pugsley, particularly their escapades at the local public school. For fans of “The Addams Family,” this series offers a wealth of enjoyment, marking the close of yet another chapter in the family’s television history. Following this show, it would be another 20 years before we saw another “Addams Family” project.

The Addams Family (2019)

2019 marked the release of an animated feature film adaptation of “The Addams Family”, which was a fresh take on the classic series. Unlike previous productions, this version boasted an entirely new cast, making it one of the most high-profile projects within the franchise. The principal characters are portrayed by Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron as Gomez and Morticia, Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday, and Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley. Notably, the supporting cast also includes a host of well-known voices such as Nick Kroll, Bette Midler, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, and even Snoop Dogg.

Similar to “Addams Family Reunion,” even with a talented cast, it didn’t win praise from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, “The Addams Family” received a 46% approval rating, making it one of the most critically panned “Addams Family” productions ever. When we ranked all versions of the Addams Family, this one was almost at the very bottom. Despite unfavorable reviews, “The Addams Family” proved to be a blockbuster hit, earning over $200 million and setting a new franchise record. This box office success ensured that this incarnation of the Addams family would have another chance on the big screen.

The Addams Family 2 (2021)

When this franchise agrees to produce a sequel, it efficiently carries out the task. “The Addams Family 2” marks the second instance of a film in this series receiving a direct follow-up, and as before, all cast members reprising their roles for this new installment. In the spirit of the 1970s cartoon series, this movie has the Addams family embarking on a journey as Gomez and Morticia conclude that a vacation is essential to strengthen bonds with their expanding brood. Unsurprisingly, nothing proceeds according to plan, promptly resulting in the entire family squaring off against a deranged scientist bent on crafting human-animal hybrids.

Previously, when a tale centered around the Addams Family’s holiday was presented, it didn’t fare well, which seemed like a valuable insight for the franchise. However, “The Addams Family 2” received even harsher criticism from critics than the initial movie, garnering only a 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite earning over $100 million at the box office, it didn’t approach the success of the first film, likely explaining why this version of the Addams Family failed to expand into a trilogy.

Wednesday (2023)

It’s somewhat unexpected that it wasn’t until the 2020s that Tim Burton undertook his own Addams Family project, given their apparent perfect fit. Interestingly, Burton initially declined the chance to direct the 1991 film and almost helmed a stop-motion “Addams Family” movie in the 2010s, but that never materialized. However, after two close calls, he ultimately joined the team for “Wednesday” upon reading the script for the show’s pilot.

In essence, while the title hints at similarities, “Wednesday” on TV deviates significantly from the “Addams Family” films. Unlike the movies where all family members are present, this series primarily focuses on Wednesday, the eldest daughter. Gomez and Morticia send her to Nevermore Academy, an exclusive institution for children with supernatural abilities that they themselves attended. Struggling to adapt at Nevermore, Wednesday encounters more than just the typical teenage school drama; she also starts experiencing psychic visions that plunge her into a murder investigation. The series has been warmly received by both critics and viewers, prompting Netflix to announce a second season in January 2023, following the show’s immense popularity on their platform.

2025-03-10 19:32