Becoming a serious movie buff involves appreciating cinema across genres, eras, and countries. The following list includes must-watch (IMHO) films (for adults) categorised to build a strong foundation in film history, influential works, and modern classics. I attempted to find free links ( Internet Archive and YouTube links) unles noted otherwise. Also, ratings may vary, check the stream as most are R-rated (Australia) and almost all listed films have adult themes. I have included the ratings as found. If in doubt, IMDb has a parent’s guide for most movie titles if you click on the rating. Check for your country.
Note: I am in Australia, which has its own Netflix, so it may not be on American Netflix. Similarily, some of the Stan titles may be on American Netflix. Check your country’s streaming platforms. Also, most (I won’t say all, but a lot) can be found as DVDs or Blue Rays at OP shops for a couple of dollars. Just sayin, they make a fabulous display if you have shelf space.
November 2025 Movie recommendations
Early Cryptid & Creature Films
1. Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) – Winsor McCay’s hand-drawn animated short about a gentle prehistoric creature. Though not a “cryptid” in folklore, it established the sympathetic monster trope.
2. The Lost World of Sinbad (1963, Japan) – A Toho adventure featuring mythic beasts and supernatural guardians, inspired by Arabian folklore rather than literature.
3. King Kong (1933) – Though later novelized, Kong was an original screenplay, not adapted from a book. It set the pattern for giant mysterious creatures from hidden worlds.
4. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) – An original Universal concept. The amphibious “Gill-man” was inspired by Amazonian folklore but created for film.
5. The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953) – Based loosely on Ray Bradbury’s short story The Fog Horn, but the film’s creature (a thawed prehistoric reptile) became the model for atomic-age cryptids, influencing Godzilla.
6. Godzilla (1954, Japan) – The original film was not adapted from a book; it grew from Japan’s cultural trauma post-Hiroshima and oceanic myths of sea monsters.
7. The Giant Claw (1957) – A bizarre, original-screenplay cryptid film about an antimatter-bird from space, representing Cold-War paranoia.
8. The Blob (1958) – Completely original concept. A shapeless, consuming alien organism embodies small-town paranoia and the fear of the unknown.
9. Mothra (1961, Japan) – Originated from a Japanese short story The Luminous Fairies and Mothra but was heavily re-imagined for film, becoming an independent mythological figure.
10. The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) – A pseudo-documentary based on local Arkansas sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature. One of the first “docudrama” cryptid films and a direct influence on later Sasquatch media.
October 2025 Movie recommendations
Dystopian films not based on books
- Gattaca(Amazon Prime)(1997) Rated PG-13: In a futuristic society driven by eugenics, a genetically “inferior” man assumes the identity of a superior one to pursue his dream of space travel.
My $.02 – Gattaca is a quiet, elegant dystopia. The society it depicts is obsessively ordered, with genetic engineering dictating every opportunity and every judgment. Vincent, born “inferior,” must steal another man’s identity to chase his dream of space travel, but the film isn’t just about clever tricks and tension — it’s a meditation on determinism, ambition, and human resilience. Watching it, you realize that even in a world engineered for perfection, desire and spirit cannot be coded or constrained. And it has its own soundtrack, which means it must be a classic! - Children of Men(Amazon Prime)(2006)Rated R: Set in a near future where humanity faces extinction due to widespread infertility, a cynical bureaucrat must protect a miraculously pregnant young woman.
My $.02 – Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men is bleak in a way that sticks in your chest. Humanity has stopped reproducing (doesn’t matter why), governments have collapsed into authoritarian chaos, and refugees crowd every border. The story of Theo protecting a miraculously pregnant woman is a study in hope against despair, a reminder that even in a dying world, the smallest sparks — trust, courage, compassion — can ignite meaning. The film’s long, unbroken shots make the dystopia feel immediate, claustrophobic, and frighteningly real. (Hidden Treasure) - District 9 (Stan)(2009) Rated R: A unique take on dystopian themes, this film uses the story of alien refugees stranded on Earth to explore themes of segregation, xenophobia, and corporate control in a near-future Johannesburg.
My $.02 – District 9 flips the usual alien-invasion narrative into a mirror for human cruelty. Stranded extraterrestrials in Johannesburg are treated as second-class citizens, forced into squalor while a corporate-military complex controls their lives. The mockumentary style makes the satire sting: apartheid, xenophobia, bureaucracy, and corporate exploitation all collide in a near-future cityscape. The film reminds us that dystopia isn’t always about machines or bombs — sometimes it’s just about people treating others as less than human. - A.I. Artificial Intelligence (Amazon Prime)(2001)Rated PG-13: A robot boy designed to love is left in a dystopian world where his quest for acceptance and to become “real” leads him on an incredible journey.
- Minority Report(Amazon Prime)(2002) Rated PG-13: A futuristic society uses pre-crime technology to arrest murderers before they commit their crimes, but the system is thrown into chaos when its chief protagonist is accused of a future murder.
My $.02 – Minority Report imagines a future where crime is predicted before it happens, and justice has become preemptive and mechanical. The tension comes not only from chase scenes and sleek technology, but from the philosophical problem of free will versus determinism: if the future is known, can any action truly be moral? Spielberg wraps the moral questions in high-octane thriller packaging, making the audience think even while adrenaline pulses. - Brazil(Stan)(1985)Rated R: A surreal and darkly comedic film depicting a retro-futuristic, bureaucratic world where a man tries to find a woman he’s fallen in love with in his dreams.
- Idiocracy(Amazon Prime)(2006) Rated R: A man is cryogenically frozen and wakes up 500 years later to find that American society has devolved into apathetic and unintelligent state due to mass-media sensationalism and consumerism.
My $.02 – Idiocracy is dystopia as satire sharpened to a near-painful point. The premise is simple: cryogenically frozen man wakes 500 years later to find society has devolved into anti-intellectual chaos, ruled by advertising, consumerism, and laziness. It’s crude, it’s funny, but it’s also a warning: the erosion of critical thought and the triumph of spectacle can produce disaster, all wrapped in absurdity. The joke lands harder when you realise the exaggeration isn’t that far from the present. at least from my pespective. And this film is before the rise of social media.
Dystopian Cartoons
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Netflix): A popular anime series with a central dystopian plot that features a corrupt government and a quest for truth.
- Akira: A groundbreaking animated film from 1988 set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, known for its stunning visuals and mature themes.
- Ergo Proxy: A more complex and dark anime that explores a decaying, post-apocalyptic world where humans live in isolated domed cities.
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Netflix(2022) Rated TV-MA: An anime set in the world of the game Cyberpunk 2077, featuring a young protagonist in a technologically advanced but deeply unequal society.
My $0.02 – Edgerunners takes everything that defines cyberpunk — neon skylines, corporate domination, cybernetic implants — and strips it down to something raw and human. At its heart, it’s not about tech but about people crushed between poverty and power. David, a street kid who plugs himself into military-grade hardware, rises fast but burns even faster, and the show never pretends otherwise. The animation is explosive, the world saturated with sensory overload, but what lingers is the inevitability of tragedy: in Night City, you don’t win, you just last as long as you can. Where some dystopias warn about the future, Edgerunners shows us the present in disguise — a world where inequality, addiction to tech, and corporate greed aren’t speculative, just amplified. It’s stylish, brutal, and heartbreakingly fatalistic. - Ghost in the Shell (1995): A classic animated film exploring a future where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace and a major threat emerges.
My $0.02 – Ghost in the Shell is cyberpunk at its most philosophical. Set in a future where human consciousness can be digitized and bodies are endlessly modified, it asks a question that haunts all dystopian futures: what makes us human when our memories and identities can be hacked, copied, or erased? Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg officer, chases a criminal AI but ultimately confronts her own blurred boundaries between self and machine. The animation is stunning, but the deeper impact comes from its meditations on individuality, freedom, and the fragility of the soul in an age of total connectivity. It’s not just a dystopia — it’s a blueprint for our anxieties about surveillance, technology, and the erosion of identity. - WALL·E: A Pixar film that, while seemingly cute, portrays a future where humanity has left a ruined Earth and is living on a spaceship.
My $0.02 – Wall·E is dystopia disguised as a children’s film, and that’s what makes it so effective. The Earth is abandoned, left buried under mountains of trash, while humanity floats in space on an endless cruise, infantilized by technology and consumerism. At the center is a lonely robot whose curiosity and tenderness contrast sharply with the passivity of the humans he eventually meets. Beneath the Pixar polish lies a blunt critique of environmental collapse, waste, and our dependence on convenience. It’s equal parts charming love story and unsettling prophecy — a reminder that the end of the world might come not with violence, but with neglect. - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: An early anime from Studio Ghibli set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a toxic jungle, focusing on environmental themes.
My $0.02 – Miyazaki’s Nausicaä is a rare kind of dystopia — one that acknowledges the devastation humans have caused while still searching for hope in the ruins. The film is set in a poisoned world where toxic jungles and giant insects have overrun the land, and humanity clings to survival in scattered kingdoms. Where most post-apocalyptic stories lean on fear or violence, Miyazaki offers a heroine who leads with empathy: Nausicaä doesn’t seek to conquer the toxic forest but to understand it. The real warning here isn’t about monsters or technology, but about our inability to coexist with the natural world. Equal parts haunting and beautiful, Nausicaä suggests that survival won’t come from domination, but from compassion and balance. - Patema Inverted: An anime film set in a world where society lives upside down, exploring themes of oppression and rebellion.
- Fantastic Planet: A 1973 French-Czech animated film about humans living on an alien planet where they are subservient to giant, blue beings.
My $0.02 – Fantastic Planet is dystopia filtered through surreal animation — a strange, dreamlike allegory where humans (Oms) are reduced to pets and pests under the rule of towering blue aliens, the Draags. The film’s hand-drawn style makes everything unsettling: plants devour animals, landscapes morph, and the very air feels hostile. Beneath the bizarre imagery, though, is a sharp critique of colonialism, oppression, and the casual cruelty of power. Watching it, you can’t help but think of humans caging animals, or empires treating entire peoples as disposable. What gives the film its bite is that it doesn’t need high-tech dystopia or fascist uniforms — just the reminder that domination often looks ordinary to those in control even when it is literally portrayed. It’s haunting, grotesque, and oddly beautiful, a reminder that dystopia can be as much about perspective as technology.
September 2025 Baseline Film Reccomendations
Films That shaped Films
- Foundations of Cinema (Silent & Early Films)
⦁ The Birth of a Nation (1915, USA)rated R – Controversial, but significant in cinematic technique.
⦁ Metropolis (1927, Germany) rated R – Groundbreaking sci-fi with stunning visuals.
⦁ The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920, Germany) rated M – Expressionist horror.
⦁ City Lights (1931, USA) rated G – Charlie Chaplin’s masterpiece blending comedy and emotion. - Golden Age of Hollywood
⦁ Casablanca (1942) rated PG – Quintessential romance and drama.
⦁ Citizen Kane (1941) rated PG – Often regarded as the greatest film ever made.
⦁ Gone with the Wind (Flixhouse)(1939) rated G – Epic historical romance.
⦁ The Maltese Falcon (1941) rated approved– Film noir at its best. - International Classics
⦁ Seven Samurai (1954, Japan) not rated – Akira Kurosawa’s epic samurai tale.
⦁ Bicycle Thieves (1948, Italy) not rated – Neorealism at its emotional peak.
⦁ Rashomon (Plex TV) (1950, Japan) not rated – A study in perspective and narrative.
⦁ La Jetée (Vimeo)(1962, France) not rated – A near future story told through still images.
⦁ 8½ (1963, Italy) not rated – Federico Fellini’s surreal exploration of filmmaking. - New Hollywood (1960s-1970s)
⦁ The Godfather (1972) rated R – A cornerstone of American cinema.
⦁ Taxi Driver (ABCnet iView)(1976) rated R – Scorsese and De Niro’s gritty character study.
⦁ Bonnie and Clyde (1967) rated R – Revolutionized the portrayal of violence.
⦁ Chinatown (1974) rated R – A noir masterpiece. - Modern Masterpieces (1980s-2000s)
⦁Tron (1982) rated PG – A keystone in digital cinema, pioneering computer animation and blending it with live action.
⦁ Blade Runner(SBS ondemand) (1982) rated R – Sci-fi and neo-noir at its finest.
⦁ Pulp Fiction (Stan)(1994) rated R – Tarantino’s influential, genre-defining film.
⦁ Schindler’s List (Paramount+, however, there are heaps of other streams)(1993) rated R – A powerful Holocaust drama.
⦁ Fight Club (ABCnet iView)(1999) rated R – A darkly satirical cult favorite.
⦁ The Matrix (Stan)(1999) rated R – Redefined action and sci-fi. - Must-See Foreign Films
⦁ Parasite (Netflix) (2019, South Korea) rated R – A sharp social satire.
⦁ Amélie (Stan) (2001, France) rated R – Whimsical and charming.
⦁ Oldboy (YouTube premium) (2003, South Korea) rated R – A dark and twisty revenge story.
⦁ Pan’s Labyrinth (YouTube premium)(2006, Mexico/Spain) rated R – Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy. - Experimental & Indie Gems
⦁ Eraserhead (1977) not rated – David Lynch’s surreal nightmare.
⦁ A24 Films– Defined early indie filmmaking: The Lighthouse (Paramount+)(2019) rated R
⦁ Moonlight (SBS ondemand)(2016)rated M.
⦁ Slacker (1990) rated R
⦁ Donnie Darko (2001) rated R – Cult classic blending sci-fi and teen drama. - Essential Genres
Action/Adventure:
⦁ Raiders of the Lost Ark (Stan) (1981) rated PG – Classic modern fantasy action film.
⦁ Die Hard (Amazon Prime) (1988)rated R – Lone anti-hero that saves the day and wins the girl.
Horror:
⦁ Psycho (1960) rated R – Horror can be found anywhere. What happens when childhood goes wrong?
⦁ The Exorcist (HBO max) (1973) rated R – Is it true? Could that happen? Does the Church really have a playbook?
Sci-Fi:
⦁ 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) rated G – Psychological horrror surrealist sci-fi minimalist nightmare.
⦁ Star Wars (Disney+) (1977) rated G –The start of the modern sci fi space opera blockbusters.
Comedy:
⦁ Some Like It Hot (Stan) (1959) rated approved –
⦁ Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) rated PG – Contains many different types of humour, puns and gags evident from the comedy variety show background. - Contemporary Blockbusters
⦁ The Dark Knight (Stan)(2008) rated PG–13 – Redefined superhero films.
⦁ Inception (Stan) (2010) rated PG–13 – Mind-bending sci-fi.
⦁ Mad Max: Fury Road (Stan)(2015) rated R – A visual and action spectacle. - Documentaries
⦁ Man with a Movie Camera (1929) not rated – Experimental documentary filmmaking.
⦁ Hoop Dreams (1994) rated PG–13 – A poignant look at race and ambition in America.
⦁ 13th (Netflix) (2016) rated TV-MA – Examines systemic racism in the U.S.
Additional Tips for Movie Buffs
⦁ Explore Directors: Watch works by auteurs like Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Quentin Tarantino, and Greta Gerwig.
⦁ Study Film Movements: Learn about movements like French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, and German Expressionism.
⦁ Analyse Cinematic Techniques: Pay attention to framing, editing, lighting, and sound design.
⦁ Watch Award-Winning Films: Check out Oscar, Cannes, and BAFTA winners for global hits.
The journey to becoming a movie buff is about exploring diverse stories, appreciating technical craft, and engaging in discussions about film. Enjoy the ride!
Top Cartoons that were ahead of their time with plot arcs, story telling and world building
- Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Dark, nuanced narratives that delved into psychological complexities of characters like Batman and his rogues’ gallery. The gothic art deco aesthetic created a timeless and immersive world.
Legacy: Revolutionised superhero storytelling in animation, influencing modern DC projects. - X-Men: The Animated Series (1992–1997)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Serialized arcs explored discrimination, identity, and political oppression. It adapted comic book stories with surprising faithfulness and maturity.
Legacy: Laid the groundwork for future superhero shows and films. - Gargoyles (1994–1997)
Why It’s ahead of its time: A serialised narrative with mythological and Shakespearean influences, combined with complex villains, antiheroes, and morally grey themes.
Legacy: Its ambitious storytelling was groundbreaking for 90s kids’ TV. - ReBoot (1994–2001)
Why It’s ahead of its time: The first fully CGI-animated TV series, it combined groundbreaking visuals with serialised storytelling that grew darker and more complex over time. Themes included AI ethics, cyberpunk dystopias, and personal responsibility.
Legacy: A pioneer in blending technology with storytelling. - Samurai Jack (2001–2004, 2017) (Selected episodes)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Minimalistic storytelling, long stretches of silence, cinematic visuals, and a blend of episodic and serialised arcs. Its themes of loneliness, honour, and perseverance resonated deeply.
Legacy: Praised for its artistic innovation and adult-oriented revival in 2017. - Teen Titans (2003–2006) (lost episode)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Balanced humor with mature themes like identity, belonging, and betrayal. Its long-running arcs like “The Judas Contract” brought emotional depth to superhero storytelling.
Legacy: Set the bar for ensemble character development in animated series. - Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008) (Netflix link)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Masterful storytelling with deep character arcs, moral ambiguity, and themes like genocide, war, and redemption. Its world-building introduced a rich universe inspired by various cultures and philosophies.
⦁ Legacy: Universally acclaimed, it paved the way for serious animated storytelling for kids and adults alike. - The Legend of Korra (2012–2014) (Paramount+ link)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Tackled mature themes like political ideologies, PTSD, spirituality, and LGBTQ+ representation. The darker tone and morally complex villains expanded the Avatar universe.
Legacy: Elevated the Avatar franchise with bold, contemporary storytelling. - Adventure Time (2010–2018) (HBOmax link)
Why It’s ahead of its time: Underneath its whimsical surface, it explored themes of loss, mental health, and the passage of time. Its expansive lore and non-linear storytelling captivated fans.
Legacy: Redefined what “children’s” animation could address, inspiring a new wave of creators. - Over the Garden Wall (2014) (HBOmax link)
Why It’s ahead of its time: A dark fairy tale with layered storytelling, existential themes, and surreal imagery. Its limited episodic structure created a tightly woven, emotionally resonant narrative.
Legacy: A cult classic praised for its depth and hauntingly beautiful animation.
Honorable Mentions
⦁ The Boondocks (2005–2014) (YouTube premium) – Bold satire tackling race, politics, and culture.
⦁ Clone Wars (2008–2020) (Disney+) – Expanded the Star Wars universe with depth and nuance.
⦁Gravity Falls (2012–2016) (Disney+) – Intricate mysteries with a strong emotional core.
vintage Cartoons that inspired me
- Jonny Quest (1964–1965)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Mature Tone: Unlike many contemporaries, Jonny Quest wasn’t overly cartoonish or comedic. It had a serious tone, tackling espionage, adventure, and scientific exploration.
⦁ Realism in Animation: Character designs and settings were more grounded, reflecting pulp adventure and science fiction influences.
⦁ Diverse Themes: The show explored cutting-edge science and global settings, from lost civilisations to experimental technologies.
⦁ Legacy: It’s considered one of the first “serious” action-adventure cartoons, influencing shows like Batman: The Animated Series and The Venture Bros.. - Thunderbirds (1965–1966) (Supermarionation/puppet animation)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Serialised sci-fi action featuring International Rescue, a team using advanced technology to save lives.
⦁ Its realistic world-building and emphasis on teamwork and innovation stood out.
⦁ Explored serious scenarios like disasters, sabotage, and espionage.
⦁ Legacy: Though not traditionally animated, its storytelling and futuristic themes influenced later cartoons like G.I. Joe and Voltron. - Thundarr the Barbarian (1980–1982)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ A post-apocalyptic world blending magic, technology, and barbarian fantasy, reminiscent of Mad Max and Conan the Barbarian.
⦁ Rich world-building, featuring unique locations and a society shaped by a devastating cosmic event.
⦁ Tackled themes of survival, heroism, and the balance between ancient and futuristic power.
⦁ Legacy: Its darker tone and ambitious concept influenced later fantasy and sci-fi animation, including He-Man and Avatar. - Dungeons & Dragons (1983–1985)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ A serialised fantasy adventure where a group of kids is transported to a magical realm, struggling to find a way home.
⦁ Tackled surprisingly mature themes like sacrifice, betrayal, and redemption.
⦁ Featured one of animation’s most iconic villains, Venger, and morally complex narratives.
⦁ Legacy: A cult favorite that’s still fondly remembered for its depth and engaging characters. - He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983–1985) (YouTube premium)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Epic fantasy world-building combined with moral lessons at the end of each episode.
⦁ Explored themes of power, responsibility, and self-belief in a way accessible to children but with underlying depth.
⦁ Introduced serialised elements, especially in later episodes and its spinoff She-Ra: Princess of Power.
⦁ Legacy: Defined 80s fantasy animation and inspired a wave of similar shows like Thundercats and Silverhawks. - Thundercats (1985–1989) (The VHS movie Exodus)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ World-Building: Thundercats created a rich, expansive universe with Third Earth, incorporating elements of fantasy and science fiction.
⦁ Serialized Stories: While many episodes were standalone, the series wove overarching narratives like Lion-O’s trials and the ongoing battle against Mumm-Ra.
⦁ Themes: The show explored loyalty, teamwork, and leadership, often presenting mature moral dilemmas.
⦁ Legacy: It stood out for its detailed animation (thanks to a Japanese animation team) and ambitious blending of genres.
⦁ Comparison: While not as nuanced as later series like Avatar: The Last Airbender, it paved the way for shows that combined serialised storytelling with action. - The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo (1985)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Unlike the episodic formula of earlier Scooby-Doo series, this one featured a serialized storyline where Scooby and the gang had to capture 13 escaped ghosts.
⦁ Introduced more supernatural elements (real ghosts rather than costumed villains) and a slightly darker tone.
⦁ Featured Vincent Price as “Vincent Van Ghoul,” lending the series a campy yet iconic touch.
⦁ Legacy: While short-lived, it was one of the first to push Scooby-Doo into new territory, paving the way for later revamps like Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. - Silverhawks (1986)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Sci-Fi World-Building: Set in the Limbo Galaxy, Silverhawks merged space opera with cybernetic heroes. It introduced an ensemble cast of uniquely skilled characters, each contributing to a larger narrative.
⦁ Themes: Explored loyalty, courage, and the ethical implications of advanced technology.
⦁ Ambitious Aesthetic: Combined futuristic themes with a Wild West flair, making it stand out visually and conceptually.
⦁ Legacy: While not as enduringly popular as Thundercats, it showcased creative storytelling in a vibrant, futuristic setting. - The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991) (YouTube premium)
Why It was ahead of its time:
⦁ Balanced humor with surprisingly mature and spooky storylines.
⦁ Expanded the Ghostbusters universe with creative world-building, introducing new ghosts, lore, and even Lovecraftian horror elements.
⦁ Focused on character dynamics and made Egon and Janine standout personalities.
⦁ Legacy: Remains one of the best adaptations of a movie franchise into an animated series.
Honorable Mentions
⦁ H.R. Pufnstuf (1969) (First episode YouTube)- Very strong for its era. Living island, anthropomorphic trees, magical flute, witches, and a consistent mythos across episodes. At a time when most children’s shows were episodic and light on continuity, Pufnstuf had a distinctive, coherent fantasy world. Plus a main character had the same as me, always a winner.
⦁ Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings (1970s, UK)(YouTube):The chalk world concept was simple but striking — a magical parallel space Simon could access through his drawings. It’s an early version of “portal fantasy,” akin to Narnia or Alice in Wonderland but distilled for kids. However, most episodes were very simple and similar in plot and characterisation.
⦁ Land of the Lost (1974) Surprisingly deep world building for a children’s show. The movie was a terrible adaptation.
⦁ The Smurfs (1981–1989) (YouTube): Surprisingly deep world-building and occasional dark themes. Unfortunately, the movie focused more on CGI and slapstick comedy IMO.
⦁Transformers (1984–1987)(YouTube premium): Expanded the robot genre with rich lore and serialised arcs. Also, Voltron (1984) (YouTube) was a sci-fi + fantasy styled adventure with anime techniques, very cool. Also also, Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016) (Netflix)was a surprisingly good update. Hopefully, the movie will be as well.
Why They Weren’t Entirely “Ahead of Their Time”
While these shows were groundbreaking in certain respects, they were also products of their time:
⦁ They often lacked the deep character arcs or moral ambiguity seen in later series like Avatar: The Last Airbender or Gargoyles.
⦁ Their storytelling was occasionally limited by episodic formats or the need to appeal to toy markets (Transformers, Thundercats and Silverhawks especially).
⦁ Social and cultural representations could feel dated compared to modern animation standards.
⦁ Animation or budget requirements only allowed for limited characters and focus.
Despite their limitations, these series left a lasting impact:
⦁ Thundercats and Silverhawks inspired a generation of kids to explore high-concept sci-fi and fantasy.
⦁ Jonny Quest demonstrated that animation could handle mature, complex storytelling, paving the way for adult-oriented cartoons.
If you want to dive into these classics, they’re excellent stepping stones to understanding the evolution of animation and how certain shows bridged the gap between simple adventure tales and sophisticated narratives. The 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s brought many shows that were ahead of their time for their storytelling, world-building, or thematic ambition. Below are some standout examples that I have placed on my ‘to watch’ list.
- Battle of the Planets (1978) (YouTube)
(*Adapted from Science Ninja Team Gatchaman)
Why It Was Ahead of Its Time:
⦁ A team-based action show with darker and more mature themes than typical Saturday morning cartoons.
⦁ Intricate world-building with sci-fi elements like space travel, alien invasions, and advanced technology.
⦁ Tackled themes of environmentalism, teamwork, and responsibility.
⦁ Legacy: Another major bridge between Western animation and Japanese anime styles. - Star Blazers (1979–1984) (YouTube)
Adapted from Space Battleship Yamato)
⦁ Why It Was Ahead of Its Time:
⦁ A serialised story featuring a mission to save Earth, with high stakes, complex character arcs, and a cohesive narrative.
⦁ Introduced American audiences to Japanese anime’s serious storytelling and emotional depth.
⦁ Themes of sacrifice, teamwork, and the horrors of war resonated deeply with older viewers.
⦁ Legacy: Pioneered anime’s influence on Western animation, inspiring shows like Robotech and Voltron. - Robotech (1985) (Crunchyroll)
Why It Was Ahead of Its Time:
⦁ A groundbreaking adaptation of three unrelated anime series, woven together into a single epic story.
⦁ Mature themes like romance, loss, and the cost of war.
⦁ Featured multi-generational storytelling and strong character development.
⦁ Legacy: Helped popularise serialised anime storytelling in the West and remains a beloved cult classic. - The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers (1986) (YouTube)
Why It Was Ahead of Its Time:
⦁ Combined space opera with Western themes, creating a unique fusion of genres.
⦁ Complex storytelling, featuring arcs about artificial intelligence, morality, and revenge.
⦁ The animation quality and serious tone stood out among contemporaries.
⦁ Legacy: Often overlooked, but highly influential in blending genres and mature storytelling.
These shows were groundbreaking, often bridging the gap between children’s entertainment and more serious narratives. Many remain nostalgic favorites while serving as inspiration for modern storytelling.
Phoenix Quill, Cosmic Ink, Galactic Tales and Celluloid Dreams 