Snuggle under your blanket and watch the best animated cartoons that never get old
From good books to read, Hong Kong movies, and local bands, there’re plenty of activities around town to keep you entertained, even with social distancing! We thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and bring you some of the best animated cartoons with complex arcs and well-rounded characters along with great graphics. There’s never been a better time to dive in.
Take a look at our the best animated cartoons (in our opinion)
1. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (2009)
This is the second animated adaptation of the magnum opus of mangaka, Hiromu Arakawa. The story tells of brothers Edward and Alphonse, whose failed attempt to resurrect their late mother using alchemy results in the loss of their limbs and body, respectively. Now, with Edward’s limbs replaced by the prosthetic ‘automail’, and Alphonse’s soul affixed to a suit of armour, the brothers journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s stone to heal their bodies. Along the way, they uncover a secret government conspiracy spanning centuries past that threatens everything they hold dear.
Though it may be quite long, the story is rich with foreshadowing and symbolism, and has a great understanding of the sciences, namely chemistry and biology (science geeks unite!). The show juggles rich characters who all have their own backstories and motivations that move the plot. A great series to watch, it will definitely make you cry after finishing it, so prepare a box of tissue, folks.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
Often credited as one of the best written Western animated shows, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a must-watch. It takes place in a world where some people have the power to manipulate the elements (known as ‘bending’) and are then divided into four Nations accordingly. The Avatar, who is tasked with maintaining the peace and harmony of the world, is periodically reincarnated and is the only one who can bend all four elements.
The story is centred on the new Avatar named Aang, who has to race against time in mastering all four bending arts in order to stop the Fire Nation from conquering the world. Whilst the premise sounds simple, the character development, superb animation, and the fantastic score all help elevate this show to a whole new level.
3. Mo Dao Zu Shi (2018)
The donghua is the animated adaptation of the Chinese web novel of the same name, written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Set in ancient China where people learn the cultivation arts (think a blend of chinese martial arts and magic), it follows the story of a young cultivator called Wei WuXian, who became infamous by discovering and mastering the art of ‘demonic cultivation’ (kind of like dark magic) in order to turn the tide in the war with the Wen Clan.
After the Wens were defeated, a series of tragedies eventually lead him to lose his life to the people he once trusted. However, thirteen years after his death, Wei WuXian is resurrected into a new body, and this leads him to stumble upon a mystery that could unravel the truth of what actually caused his death. Wei WuXian is also reunited with an old classmate, Lan WangJi, who he has a complicated relationship with.
Whilst the donghua tones down most of the queer themes, the web novel does feature Wei WuXian and Lan WangJi as the main couple. The show also touches on themes relating to loyalty, redemption, and love, as well as the ugly price of ambition.
4. Gravity Falls (2012)
Some may say this is more of a kid’s show, but if you love cyphers and mysteries, then Gravity Falls is for you! After twins Dipper and Mabel Pines are sent to Gravity Falls to stay with their Grand-Uncle (‘Grunkle’) Stan for the summer, the discovery of a mysterious book begins their strange adventures with the supernatural creatures in town. The show is witty, quirky and has codes littered all over the place, if you know where to look. Good luck trying to decipher them!
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)
With a newly released movie out, you can’t miss this one. Taking place in the Taisho era, the series follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is slaughtered by demons and his little sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. In order to find a cure, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer, with plenty of adventures and hijinks along the way! Whilst the overall plot is a little simplistic, the show makes up for it with its animation, which is both meticulous to detail and enchanting.
The plotlines of these shows are bound to keep you on your toes, so get ready for a binge weekend~!;)