Forget the morning cereal and Saturday cartoons; it’s time to explore the darker, more twisted side of animation. So, grab a comfy blanket (for hiding, obviously), switch off the lights, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the best horror cartoons out there. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of chills, thrills, and mind-bending adventures that redefine the boundaries of animated storytelling.
Let’s Unleash the Cartoon Hounds!
Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
Gravity Falls weaves a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, and surreal comedy, crafted by the talented Alex Hirsch. This American animated television series, airing on Disney Channel and Disney XD, stands as a true gem in horror cartoon storytelling. The tale unfolds during the thrilling summer adventures of 12-year-old twins Dipper (voiced by Jason Ritter) and Mabel Pines (voiced by Kristen Schaal). Sent to the enigmatic town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, they find themselves under the guardianship of their great-uncle, or “Grunkle” Stan (voiced by Hirsch). Stan operates a tourist trap known as the “Mystery Shack,” adding an extra layer of intrigue to their stay.
The series, which premiered on June 15, 2012, and concluded on February 15, 2016, is renowned for its clever writing, memorable characters, exceptional voice acting, and engaging animation. It’s particularly praised for its humour and appeal to multiple generations. Throughout its run, “Gravity Falls” won numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards, three Annie Awards, and a BAFTA Children’s Award. Also, it was Disney XD’s highest-rated show in 2015 and early 2016.
The inspiration for “Gravity Falls” came from Hirsch’s own childhood experiences and his relationship with his twin sister. He infused many of his real-life experiences into the show, making it relatable and authentic. The character of Dipper, for instance, is based on Hirsch’s own childhood, while Mabel is inspired by his sister, Ariel. The series is also notable for its influence on many animated shows that followed it.
“Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” (2010-2013)
Embarking on a unique and thrilling journey within the Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated distinguishes itself with a captivating blend of mystery, comedy, and drama. The series, spanning from April 5, 2010, to April 5, 2013, takes its place as the eleventh entry of the Scooby-Doo media franchise crafted by Hanna-Barbera. A noteworthy departure from tradition, it holds the distinction of being the first in the series not originally aired on Saturday mornings. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation specifically for Cartoon Network UK, the series marks a significant evolution in the timeless Scooby-Doo legacy.
The series takes us back to the early days of Scooby and the gang in their hometown, Crystal Cove, the self-proclaimed “Most Hauntedest Place on Earth.” What sets “Mystery Incorporated” apart is its serial format with an ongoing story arc, featuring many dark plot elements treated with near-total seriousness. This approach, combined with ongoing relationship drama among the characters, marked a significant departure from previous Scooby-Doo series. It’s also the first series in the franchise to feature real ghosts and monsters since “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo.”
“Mystery Incorporated” pays homage to the horror genre, drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, including horror film classics like “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” modern films such as “Saw,” the television series “Twin Peaks,” and the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The series also incorporates elements of Babylonian mythology, exploring concepts like the Anunnaki and Nibiru.
Constantine: City of Demons (2018)
Constantine: City of Demons stands as an enthralling American animated web series. Drawing inspiration from the DC Comics character John Constantine, a formidable demon hunter and occult detective, this series loosely adapts the graphic novel “Hellblazer: All His Engines” by Mike Carey and Leonardo Manco. Seamlessly integrated into the DC Animated Movie Universe, it forges a connection to the 2017 animated film “Justice League Dark.” This narrative linkage enhances the depth and continuity of the overarching storyline, creating a seamless and immersive experience for fans of the mystical and the macabre.
The series features the voice of Matt Ryan, who reprises his role from the live-action series as John Constantine. Initially released as five separate episodes on the streaming platform CW Seed on March 24, 2018, “City of Demons” was later compiled into a feature-length film released on DVD and Blu-ray on October 9, 2018, and completed as two episodes on CW Seed on January 17, 2019. It is the 34th film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series.
Developed by Warner Bros. Animation, Berlanti Productions, and Blue Ribbon Content, the series was written by J.M. DeMatteis and directed by Doug Murphy. The series aimed to be darker than the live-action series, staying closer to the Hellblazer comics published by DC’s Vertigo imprint.
“Constantine: City of Demons” presents a different take on characters and plot points compared to the live-action series, with J.M. DeMatteis clarifying that it’s not a continuation of “Constantine” but exists in the same universe as “Justice League Dark.” The series has been praised for its distinctive animation, engaging battles, and top-notch vocal performances, offering a grisly yet captivating portrayal of the iconic DC Comic ‘hero.’
Gargoyles (1994-1997)
Gargoyles is a remarkable animated television series that stands out for its urban fantasy, mythological, and science fantasy themes. Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, the series originally aired from October 24, 1994, to February 15, 1997. It is particularly noted for its dark tone, complex story arcs, and melodrama, employing character arcs and Shakespearean themes throughout its narrative.
The series centres around a species of nocturnal creatures known as gargoyles, which turn to stone during the day. These gargoyles, originally from medieval Scotland, find themselves in modern-day New York City after spending a thousand years in an enchanted petrified state. In New York, they take on the role of the city’s secret night-time protectors.
“Gargoyles” garnered acclaim for its storytelling, drawing favorable comparisons to other esteemed series such as “Cybersix,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” and “X-Men.” Building upon its animated success, the show’s narrative found new life in a comic book series with the same title, produced by Slave Labor Graphics from 2006 to 2009. Subsequently, Dynamite Entertainment revived the storyline in 2022. Looking ahead, a live-action reboot for Disney+ was officially announced in 2023, signaling a promising continuation of the Gargoyles saga.
Mummies Alive! (1997)
In the realm of 1990s pop culture Mummies Alive! stands out as a notable contributor to the “mummymania” trend. Crafted by DIC Productions L.P. and Northern Lights Entertainment, this animated series graced the airwaves for a single season in 1997. Traversing through the sands of time, the narrative unfolds in both ancient Egypt and modern-day San Francisco, seamlessly weaving a captivating tale of magic, guardianship, and adventure.
The story begins with an evil sorcerer named Scarab killing the pharaoh’s son, Prince Rapses, in an attempt to become immortal. For his crime, Scarab is entombed alive. He then comes back to life in the modern world. He resumes his quest for immortality by searching for Rapses’ reincarnation, a boy named Presley Carnovan living in San Francisco. To protect Presley, Rapses’ bodyguards, Ja-Kal, Rath, Armon, and Nefer-Tina, along with Rapses’ cat, Kahti, are awakened from the dead. They transform into powerful guardians using the power of Ra, each aligned with the spirit of an Egyptian god: Ja-Kal with a falcon, Rath with a snake, Armon with a ram, and Nefer-Tina with a cat.
The series is known for its action, adventure, mystery, suspense, comedy, and paranormal elements. The mummies, upon uttering “With the strength of Ra!”, gain magical armour and powers to combat superhuman evildoers. However, their strength is finite and requires rejuvenation in their sarcophagi. The show also features various gods and spirits from Egyptian mythology, often summoned to the modern world as part of Scarab’s schemes.
“Mummies Alive!” was initially aimed at an older audience but shifted its focus to children audience during production. The series ran for 42 episodes, with the last two episodes linking together to conclude the show. Despite plans for a second season, it was cancelled due to low ratings.
Count Duckula (1988-1993)
Count Duckula is a British children’s animated comedy horror television series, notable for its blend of black comedy, dark fantasy, and horror elements. Created by the British studio Cosgrove Hall Films and produced by Thames Television, it aired from September 6, 1988, to February 16, 1993, spanning four series with a total of 65 episodes. The show is a spin-off from “Danger Mouse,” another series by the same studio, where an early version of Count Duckula was a recurring villain.
The series revolves around Count Duckula, a unique incarnation of the vampire duck, distinguished by his vegetarianism. Unlike traditional vampires, Duckula is more interested in juicy carrots than hunting for victims, much to the dismay of his servant Igor. The show’s humor and storylines often revolve around Duckula’s misadventures in search of wealth and fame, aided by the castle’s ability to teleport around the world. Regular themes include Igor’s attempts to turn Duckula into a proper vampire and confrontations with Duckula’s nemesis, Doctor Von Goosewing.
In the ever-unfolding series, each resurrection brings forth a new incarnation of Duckula, equipped with little to no memory of its past life. This distinctive twist in the storyline enables every Duckula iteration to craft its own distinct personality and interests. The current manifestation of Duckula, characterized by a short green stature and black parted hair, dons the classic vampire evening wear. Speaking with a hybrid British-American accent, he encapsulates a modern perspective, consistently wrestling with the expectations associated with the traditional vampire image.
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy (2001-2007)
In the realm of animated television, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy emerges as a creation by Maxwell Atoms for Cartoon Network. Seamlessly blending elements of the supernatural, black comedy, and slapstick humor, the show originally aired from August 24, 2001, to November 9, 2007. Over its run, spanning six seasons, the series unfolded with a total of 84 episodes, leaving a lasting mark on the world of animated entertainment.
The series centers around two main characters: Billy, an extremely dimwitted and happy-go-lucky boy, and Mandy, a cynical and remorseless girl. Their lives take an extraordinary turn when they win a limbo game against the Grim Reaper to save Billy’s pet hamster. As a result, Grim, the mighty Grim Reaper, becomes their reluctant “best friend forever.” Grim possesses supernatural items, spells, and abilities that often lead Billy and Mandy into bizarre and otherworldly adventures.
The show began as a segment on “Grim & Evil,” from which it was spun off, along with the sister series “Evil Con Carne.” “The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy” is known for its dark humor and unique take on the supernatural. The series won two Emmy Awards and one Annie Award during its run and was also adapted into a video game and various licensed merchandise.
In the dim shadows of horror TV shows, this is merely the starting point. Brace yourself for the upcoming sequel, where we unearth more spine-tingling horror cartoons, blending the sinister dance of fear with the relentless pulse of competition. Stay tuned for Part 2, where the darkness deepens, and the unsettling journey takes another blood-curdling twist.
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