As encouragements to self-quarantine continue and the semi-usefulness of Netflix Party prevails—the only real benefit is its shared pausing abilities—the question “WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO WATCH?” echoes through the minds of Netflix subscription holders as they binge-watch Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks films. Netflix has classics like “Bee Movie”, “Avatar the Last Airbender”, “Princess and the Frog”, “Tarzan”, “Chicken Little”, etc. Here are some animated series and films you may not know about!
1. BoJack Horseman [series]
In a world of coexisting people and anthropomorphic animals, the viewer is given an honest look at humanity through the perspective of BoJack Horseman (voiced by Will Arnett). BoJack is a depressed, entitled, washed-up celebrity who is constantly battling his desire to be good with his narcissistic and selfish tendencies. The dark comedy also tackles controversial subjects and displays the negative effects of Hollywood.
Okay, you’ve probably seen and (or) heard of BoJack Horseman. BUT, it’s my favorite show and I had to put it on here for the small demographic who hasn’t watched the entire series at least three times. This series has some of the best writing you’ll ever see on Netflix. It will make you cry laughing, question whether or not you’re a good person, and teach you things about yourself you never knew you needed to learn.
2. The Midnight Gospel [series]
Short, cosmic, and incredibly thought-provoking, “The Midnight Gospel” by Pendelton Ward (creator of Adventure Time) is a surreal, dark comedy-adventure set in the middle of an apocalypse. The protagonist, Clancy, goes to a new planet every day to find an interviewee for his space-cast where conversations on the connection between humanity and spirituality are explored.
If you’re looking for something you’ve NEVER seen before, watch this show. The most fascinating aspect of “The Midnight Gospel” is that it is essentially eight independent podcast episodes, woven into an animated narrative. Sometimes you even get flashes into the recording studio with podcast host, Duncan Trussell.
3. Tuca & Bertie [series]
Created by Lisa Hanawalt, the Production Designer of “BoJack Horseman” (hear me out, it’s a totally different type of show), the comedy “Tuca & Bertie” follows best, bird friends Tuca the lazy, cocky toucan and Bertie the nervous, go-getter songbird. It’s bright and fun art style makes the show feel eternally optimistic even when not-so-positive episodes are difficult to swallow. Plus the show stars two amazing comedians; Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong.
Netflix did this show so dirty by canceling a second season. But worry not! The show will be continued on Adult Swim in 2021.
4. My Life as a Zucchini [film]
“Ma vie de Courgette” or “My Life as a Zucchini” is a Swiss-French, stop motion, dramatic-comedy about a kid named Icare—nicknamed Zucchini—who accidentally kills his abusive, alcoholic mother. This is then followed by his placement at an orphanage where he finds love in friendship and a new definition of family.
Need to release some tears? Look no further, because this movie will have you big sad brother, but in an endearing way. The orphan’s background stories and character arcs are enough to get you emotional.
5. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts [series]
“Kipo” isn’t actually an adult animation, but there is so much GOOD in this show that I had to share. Kipo is a girl living in a post-apocalyptic world where her entire life has been spent underground with the rest of humanity. After being plunged into the aboveground, Kipo is encountered with a Wizard of Oz-like adventure where she meets other humans and beasts. Accompanied by fantastic folk, classical, and hip-hop music, the style of this show is immediately rendered unique.
With underlying messages of overcoming prejudice, learning to trust, and accepting change, this show is an almost perfect construction of a coming of age adventure.
6. I Lost My Body [film]
Another French film! “J’ai perdu mon corps” or “I Lost My Body” is a dramatic, adventure fantasy that follows a severed hand that escapes from its medical lab in search of its body. This story is paralleled by the narrative of Naoufel, who falls in fascination with a customer, Gabrielle, via apartment building intercom during a late pizza delivery.
Beautifully animated and slow to reveal, this film takes the viewer on a true journey with an ending that smoothly comes together even with various moving parts.
7. Beastars [series]
I’m slowly coming to realize the amount of animated talking animals that are on this list. And here is another one. “Beastars” a CGI Japanese anime set in a world of only anthropomorphic characters in highschool—battling with the differences between predator and prey (like Zootopia) after the murder of one of their classmates.
The most striking thing about “Beastars” is their accomplished traditional anime look through the methods of 3D Animation. Gorgeous to look at and slightly ridiculous at times, this show examines deep desire in its various facets.
8. The Breadwinner [film]
A look inside Taliban rule in Afghanistan, “The Breadwinner” shadows eleven-year-old Parvana who, as a girl, is limited in what she is allowed to do. After her father is arrested, Parvana cuts her hair and pretends to be a boy to be able to go outside and buy food for her family and save her father.
Informative, inspirational, and heartwarming, Parvana’s tale of adversity feels especially empowering as she overcomes seemingly impossible situations.
9. MFKZ [film]
MFKZ, a dark-sci-fi film by Guillaume Renard and Shojiro Nishimi. It centers around Angelino: self-described nobody, and his skull friend, Vinz, living in gang-ridden, ‘shit-hole’ Dark Meat City. His mundane life changes after a vehicle crash that leaves him with sudden razor fast agility, stellar strength, and a bad headache.
This one is at the bottom of the list because of its acquired taste. It’s cheezy, gory, and has a funky plot without a huge climax. However, there is definitely an audience for it if you’re looking for an action-packed gangster sci-fi.
Have thoughts? Questions? Dm me on Instagram @papayapoe