After its debut in November 2014, Cartoon Network’sOver the Garden Wallquickly became a critically acclaimed fan-favorite animation miniseries. The story follows half-brothers Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Gregory (Collin Dean), who find themselves on a journey through a dark, whimsical forest known simply as “The Unknown.” The fantasy drama has a very similar animation style to beloved series likeRegular Show, another staple of Cartoon Network.
In honor of the miniseries' recent 10th anniversary, Cartoon Network released anewOver the Garden Wallstop-motion shortto pay homage to the beloved tale.WhileOver the Garden Wall’s story is brief, it is packed with substance, beautiful imagery, and a fairy-tale ambiancethat’s hard to beat.It’s clear that the show took inspiration from many other works and influenced projects that came after it. AlthoughOver the Garden Wallended after one season, several other movies and TV series have a similar feel.
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Over The Garden Wall’s Impending Danger
While Shane Aker’s science-fiction adventure9has a more dystopian environment compared to the fantasy trappings ofOver the Garden Wall, there are several parallelsbetween the two projects.9is set in a post-apocalyptic version of the 1940s in which the only remaining life forms are conscious hand-stitched rag dolls who are constantly hunted by malicious metal machines.
The main character in the film, known as #9, is voiced by Elijah Wood, the voice of Wirt inOver the Garden Wall.
While9’sstory world is more urban and broken down,the buildings and imagery are reminiscent ofOver the Garden Wallin many ways. In a fever dream-like setting, the courageous dolls have to fight off the constant threat of monsters lurking in the dark. There is also a large factor of uncertainty and unfamiliarity within this environment. Like the show, the characters in9are confused about the landscape of their world because of the potential dangers that surround them.
Stranger Things
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Stranger Things is a Netflix series set in the 1980s, where the mysterious disappearance of a young boy leads a small town to uncover secret experiments and supernatural forces. A significant focus is on a peculiar girl who may hold the key to the unfolding mystery.
Stranger Thingshas been a smash hit since it first landed on Netflix in 2016. The beloved science fiction horror has come a long way since its initial airing, with the long-awaitedStrangerThingsseason 5 confirmed to have a time jump,set to hit screens in 2025.Undoubtedly, the two shows share a similar vibe, in both the story and setting.AlthoughOver The Garden Wallonly portrays the real world in a few episodes, it resembles theStranger Thingsclassic 1980s style.
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Stranger Things is wrapping up its supernatural journey on Netflix, making space for an exciting new series to take the spotlight as the next big hit.
From Wirt’s old-school tape deck to the cemetery Halloween hangout, both series have a retro feel. Additionally,there are clear parallels between The Unknown and The Upside Down,both mysterious realms where the laws of nature don’t seem to apply. Finally, the two series have the constant, looming presence of a dark entity hiding out of sight until the end: the Deomogorgon and the Beast.
From the first moments ofOver the Garden Wall,it’s clear that the overall theme screams Studio Ghibli.In a familiar Hayao Miyazaki fashion, there is a dreamlike setting, wonderful visuals, and animals that play an integral role in the narrative. The critically acclaimed 1988My Neighbor Totorois packed with these traits, from the friendly forest spirits to the magical landscape. Both animations do an excellent job of capturing childhood imagination and bringing it to the screen.
Gregory and Mei also share a strong resemblance. Overtaken by the wonder of their surroundings, the two never seem to have a dull moment. Greg constantly totes around his pet frog, which he seems to rename every episode, while Mei is enthralled by Totoro. Episode 6, dubbed"Lullaby in Frogland," is perhaps the best representation of the Miyazaki feel thatOver the Garden Wallpresents.As Wirt and Greg ride a ferry across the river, they join in on an ensemble of frog musicians.
Wolfwalkers
Wolfwalkers follows the story of a young apprentice hunter named Robyn and her father as they arrive in Ireland to help eliminate the last wolf pack. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night. Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, this animated film explores themes of friendship, folklore, and self-discovery set against a stunningly illustrated backdrop.
One of the most defining traits ofOver the Garden Wallis the forest environment of The Unknownand the magical creatures that lie within it. Apple TV’s adventure filmWolfwalkerssimilarly captures the enchantment imbued into the forest. The plot follows a young hunter named Robyn, who comes to Ireland intending to wipe out the last remaining wolf pack at the request of her father, Bill. However, after meeting Mebh, she begins to understand the secret side of her new friend’s life.
Both stories do an excellent job of portraying the profound nature of the woods and the adventure that comes along with it.LikeOver the Garden Wall,Wolfwalkerswitnesses characters who slowly become familiar with their surroundingsand grow to love certain aspects of the environment that first seemed strange and dangerous. The movie is also packed with breathtaking animations of the forest that are sure to amaze.
Princess Mononoke
In this epic animated fantasy by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke explores the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior inflicted with a deadly curse, as he navigates a battle that pits the industrialized human society against the gods of the forest, alongside San, a fierce girl raised by wolves.
Princess Mononokewas Miyazaki’s eighth film, and it is arguably one of his best works to date. With a gripping story, epic action, and top-notch visuals,Princess Mononokeremains a marvel in the world of animation.AlthoughOver the Garden Walland Studio Ghibli projects have a substantial number of shared qualities,Princess Mononokestands outamong the crowd.
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Gven that the movie is all about the harmony between forest spirits and humans, there are plenty of likable similarities between the two different stories. LikeOver the Garden Wall’somnipresent threat of the Beast,Princess Mononokeincludes the blood-curdling boar god Nago, who alludes to the current danger of the forest. In both projects, the forest represents an entirely unknown realm home to spirits good and evil alike. As the plot unfolds, the characters in both stories get a firsthand look into the magic that the unfamiliar world offers.
The Owl House
The Owl House is an animated fantasy series that follows Luz Noceda, a teenage human girl who stumbles upon a portal to a magical realm. There, she befriends a rebellious witch named Eda and a tiny warrior named King. Determined to become a witch herself, Luz embarks on various adventures while learning about magic, friendship, and self-discovery. Created by Dana Terrace, the series debuted in 2020 on Disney Channel.
The story ofThe Owl Housefollows Luz Noceda, a teenager who mistakenly discovers a portal to a realm known as the Boiling Isles, a fantasy world home to witches, talking animals, and magical creatures. After arriving, Luz becomes the apprentice of a witch named Eda, determined to become a sorceress herself. Throughout its three seasons, Luz explores her newfound home and meets tons of unique characters along the way.
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The Owl House deliberately alludes to Harry Potter by making references specific to the previous series or just deconstructing relevant tropes.
AlthoughThe Owl Housedoesn’t share the dark, gloomy nature that characterizesOver the Garden Wall,both stories present wondrous environmentsthat are deeply intriguing. However,The Owl House’s lighthearted nature doesn’t take away from the show’s substance by any means. Meanwhile, the animation style of both shows is so cute and hard not to love. It’s an overall fun series that tests the bounds of imagination in a similar style toOver the Garden Wall.
Adventure Time
Adventure Time is a science fiction/fantasy animation from Cartoon Network. Adventure Time follows Finn (Jeremy Shada) and his dog Jake (John DiMaggio) as they go on adventures in the near future. The series was created by Pendleton Ward and ran for a total of 10 seasons on the network. Adventure Time was critically acclaimed while it was on the air and managed to pull in younger audiences, as well as adults.
Adventure Timeneeds no introduction — an additional staple of Carton Network’s splendid animated works,the show managed to create worlds, lore, and characters that seem to have no bounds. The series is so beloved that there are stillupcomingAdventure Timeshowsseveral years later. BesidesAdventure TimeandOver the Garden Wallhaving very similar animation styles, they both present a great balance between humor, fear, and the fantastic. Yet one of the largest parallels between the series is the shared dynamic of the main characters.
At the center of both shows, two brothers have to journey into the unknown relying on each other as they face whatever challenges that come their way.
At the center of both shows, two brothers have to journey into the unknown relying on each other as they face whatever challenges that come their way. Additionally, both stories emphasize creativity above all else, while implementing unexpectedly mind-boggling moments. There is also a commonality of random, bone-chilling scenes where the frame stops on a close-up of a creepy creature’s face. It ends up making both series all the better and distinct within their genre.
Coraline
Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, Coraline follows Coraline Jones, a lonely young girl who, after moving to a new house with her inattentive parents, discovers a portal to another, more sinister alternate reality behind one of the house’s many doors. Written and directed by Henry Selick, the film uses stop-motion animation and stars Dakota Fanning as Coraline.
Coralinewas a film that took many by surprise; at first glance, it seems like a children’s movie with scattered elements of dark fantasy. However,Coralineis packed with hidden detailsand is truly horrifying from both a visual and a metaphorical perspective.LikeOver the Garden Wall,Coralinewas made using stop-motion animation,but the similarities don’t end there. Beyond the presence of a gloomy, imaginary world,Coraline’stheme of puppets presents itself in the show.
When Wirt and Gregory finally reach Adelaide of the Pasture, they realize she has ill intentions and plans to fill their heads with wool and turn them into child servants. Therefore, Adelaide is reminiscent ofCoraline’s"The Other Mother." The film is also significant in the context ofOver the Garden Wall’s true meaning. While there are many interpretations, it seems as though The Unknown is a reflection of Wilt and Gregory’s lives, with enchanted elements applied.Coralineexplores the same concept but ramps up the terror.
The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack is an animated television series created by Thurop Van Orman. It follows the nautical exploits of Flapjack, a young boy raised by a talking whale named Bubbie, and his eccentric pirate friend, Captain K’nuckles. Together, they embark on whimsical adventures in search of Candied Island. The show is known for its unique animation style and quirky humor, airing on Cartoon Network from 2008 to 2010.
In the history of Cartoon Network’s shows,TheMarvelous Misadventures of Flapjackwas overlooked. Although it was a short-lived series, it had a very distinctive style that made it different from the other programs of the period; the premise alone speaks to how individual it was. Flapjack (voiced by show creator Thurop Van Orman) was raised inside a whale named Bubbie and proceeded to travel to distant lands with a pirate named Captain K’nuckles.
The Marvelous Misadventures of FlapjackandOver the Garden Wallshare a very similar ambiance.Although the plots have virtually nothing to do with each other, both series give off a whimsical, edgy feeling that few cartoons have. Much like Gregory, Flapjack is an entirely innocent kid who doesn’t seem to be bothered by the very real danger and weirdness that constantly surrounds him.
Gravity Falls
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
When searching for recommendations based onOver the Garden Wall, it always seems likeGravity Fallsenters the conversation,and for good reason. Across all different factors, including animation, narrative, and premise, these two shows have the most in common. The formulas for these series are generally the same: Young characters venture into a forested, unknown place where inexplicable things begin to take place.
In most cartoons that have dark fantasy themes, there is typically some sort of explanation for why things are happening the way they are.Gravity FallsandOver the Garden Wallare alike in the fact that strange circumstances are just a natural part of the environment, without there needing to be a big mystery that needs solving. Both series approach the spooky, supernatural phenomena from an innocent perspective, and execute their goal successfully. Although there is merit for aGravity Fallsrevival, the show’s perfect ending would make it hard to pull off.
Over the Garden Wall
Over the Garden Wall is a miniseries that follows brothers Wirt and Greg as they navigate the mysterious Unknown, a timeless and enigmatic forest. Accompanied by a wise Woodsman and a bluebird named Beatrice, they embark on a journey filled with unexpected challenges to find their way home.
