Web Series Animation: The Best Animated Shows Online
The internet has democratized content creation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the realm of animation. Forget waiting for Saturday morning cartoons or expensive cable channels; a wealth of incredible animated web series is available at our fingertips, offering everything from quirky humor to profound storytelling. These independent productions are often labors of love, pushing creative boundaries and exploring themes rarely touched upon by mainstream animation. Let’s delve into some of the best the web has to offer, exploring their unique qualities and why they deserve a place on your watchlist.
For the Comedy Connoisseur:
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Hazbin Hotel & Helluva Boss (Vivziepop): These adult animated musicals from Vivienne Medrano, known as Vivziepop, have garnered a massive online following. Hazbin Hotel follows Charlie Morningstar, the princess of Hell, as she attempts to rehabilitate demons to reduce overpopulation through a hotel. Its vibrant character designs, catchy songs, and surprisingly heartfelt themes of redemption make it a standout. Helluva Boss, a spin-off, focuses on I.M.P (Immediate Murder Professionals), a company of demons who assassinate living people. While darker in tone, it retains the signature Vivziepop humor and musical numbers, exploring complex relationships and moral ambiguities within a chaotic underworld setting. The visual style is energetic and expressive, a blend of classic animation techniques with modern digital tools. The voice acting is superb, featuring experienced voice actors who bring depth and nuance to the colorful cast. Both series cleverly subvert tropes of the fantasy genre, offering a fresh and irreverent take on the afterlife.
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Cyanide & Happiness (ExplosmEntertainment): This stick-figure comic turned animated series is notorious for its dark, absurd, and often offensive humor. Each short episode presents a self-contained gag, often ending with a shocking twist or a punchline that leaves viewers both laughing and slightly disturbed. The simplicity of the animation is part of its charm, allowing the focus to remain on the sharp writing and unexpected scenarios. Cyanide & Happiness doesn’t shy away from taboo subjects, tackling everything from death and depression to social awkwardness and existential dread with a cynical and often nihilistic perspective. Its popularity stems from its ability to find humor in the darkest corners of human experience, resonating with audiences who appreciate a healthy dose of morbid wit. The success of Cyanide & Happiness proves that animation doesn’t need to be complex or visually stunning to be hilarious; sometimes, the simplest execution is the most effective.
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Bee and PuppyCat (Natasha Allegri/Cartoon Hangover): This whimsical and surreal series follows the adventures of Bee, a jobless young woman, and PuppyCat, a mysterious creature who is either a puppy or a cat (or both). Together, they travel to strange and fantastical worlds, taking on odd jobs to pay their rent. Bee and PuppyCat is characterized by its dreamlike atmosphere, pastel color palette, and quirky humor. The animation style is soft and fluid, creating a visually appealing and calming experience. The show explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and finding meaning in the mundane. While seemingly lighthearted, Bee and PuppyCat also touches upon deeper issues such as anxiety, loneliness, and the challenges of adulthood. Its unique blend of silliness and sincerity has earned it a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its unconventional storytelling and charming characters.
For the Story-Driven Aficionado:
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Lackadaisy (Tracy Butler): Based on the webcomic of the same name, Lackadaisy is a beautifully animated series set in Prohibition-era St. Louis. It follows a group of anthropomorphic cats who run a speakeasy, struggling to survive in a world of gangsters, rivalries, and dwindling resources. The animation is stunning, meticulously recreating the atmosphere of the 1920s with detailed backgrounds, expressive character designs, and fluid movement. Lackadaisy is a masterclass in visual storytelling, using animation to convey emotion, build suspense, and create a captivating world. The voice acting is equally impressive, bringing the characters to life with depth and personality. The series explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the struggle for survival, offering a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Lackadaisy is a testament to the power of independent animation, showcasing the potential of web series to rival traditional animated productions in terms of quality and artistry.
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RWBY (Rooster Teeth): This anime-inspired series follows four young women – Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long – as they train to become Huntresses, warriors who protect the world of Remnant from creatures of Grimm. RWBY is known for its fast-paced action sequences, stylish character designs, and epic storyline. The animation has evolved significantly over the course of the series, improving in quality and sophistication. RWBY explores themes of friendship, courage, and the fight against evil, offering a compelling narrative that appeals to fans of action and fantasy. While the initial seasons were criticized for their simplistic animation, the series has steadily improved in both visual and narrative complexity, establishing itself as a significant player in the world of web series animation.
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Epithet Erased (Brendan Blaber/JelloApocalypse): This series blends mystery, humor, and action in a unique and engaging way. Set in a world where some people are born with Epithets, single words that grant them special powers, Epithet Erased follows Molly Blyndeff, a young girl who must solve a mystery at the Sweet Jazz Museum while dealing with a cast of colorful and eccentric characters. The animation style is simple but effective, using vibrant colors and dynamic poses to create a visually appealing experience. Epithet Erased is praised for its clever writing, well-developed characters, and unpredictable plot twists. The series explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of friendship, offering a heartwarming and entertaining story that appeals to audiences of all ages. The series successfully combines elements of comedy, mystery, and action, creating a unique and memorable viewing experience.
For the Experimental Explorer:
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Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared (Becky Sloan & Joseph Pelling): This British surreal horror web series uses puppets and mixed media to explore themes of creativity, education, and the dangers of blind acceptance. Each episode starts innocently enough, with the puppets learning about a different topic from a seemingly friendly teacher. However, the lessons quickly devolve into nightmarish scenarios, filled with disturbing imagery and unsettling sound design. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is a masterclass in psychological horror, using its seemingly childlike aesthetic to create a sense of unease and dread. The series critiques the way children are taught, highlighting the potential for manipulation and indoctrination. While disturbing, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is also thought-provoking and visually stunning, offering a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.
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Marble Hornets (Troy Wagner & Joseph DeLage): While not strictly animation, this found-footage horror web series paved the way for many online narratives and deserves mention for its influence. Marble Hornets tells the story of Jay, who investigates the disappearance of his friend Alex, a film student who was working on a project called “Marble Hornets.” As Jay watches Alex’s footage, he uncovers a series of disturbing events, including the presence of a mysterious figure known as “The Operator.” Marble Hornets is a masterclass in slow-burn horror, building suspense through subtle clues and unsettling imagery. The series relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares, creating a truly terrifying experience. Marble Hornets is a testament to the power of found-footage storytelling, demonstrating how effective it can be when executed with skill and creativity.
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Oats Studios (Neill Blomkamp): While primarily live-action, Oats Studios’ experimental short films often incorporate significant amounts of CGI and animation. These shorts explore a variety of genres, from science fiction to horror, and are known for their high production values and innovative visual effects. Oats Studios is a platform for Neill Blomkamp to experiment with new ideas and technologies, showcasing the potential of independent filmmaking. The shorts are often dark and thought-provoking, tackling complex themes such as artificial intelligence, alien invasion, and the future of humanity. While not always successful, Oats Studios is a testament to the importance of experimentation in filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with limited resources.
Finding Your New Favorite:
Navigating the vast landscape of animated web series can be daunting, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and dedicated animation websites are treasure troves of independent productions waiting to be discovered. Consider exploring curated playlists, reading reviews, and engaging with online communities to find shows that align with your interests. The beauty of web series animation lies in its diversity, offering something for everyone, regardless of taste or preference. Embrace the opportunity to explore new genres, animation styles, and storytelling techniques, and you’re sure to find your next favorite animated obsession online. The barrier to entry for creators is low, leading to a constant influx of fresh and innovative content. This dynamism ensures that the world of web series animation remains vibrant and exciting.
