Animated shows and movies have beautifully evolved through decades, from Fantasmagorie to recent ones like Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse. From simple hand-drawn images breathing life to gorgeous life-imitating animation, the animation industry has come a long way.
Clone High is an American-Canadian adult animated TV series that aired in 2002 and went on for about a year. The series centers around sci-fi themes, but it quickly gained a cult following for its unique concept of reanimating historical and leader figures and its odd sense of dark and dry humor.
Little did the creators Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Bill Lawrence know their new sense of comedy would soon set a new trend for surreal dark-humored TV series, especially adult animated series.
Clone High is set in a high school where the clones of famous renowned, well-respected historical figures interact as students. The high school is situated in the city of Exclamation, USA, and the clones are the result of a highly confidential military experiment that is under the authority of the Secret Board of Shadowy Figures.
Such historical figures are Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Gandhi, Cleopatra, and John F. Kennedy. These characters are oddly amusing as we watch them get through high school and adolescence while also juggling between choosing a normal teenage life or reliving their legendary pasts. Some supporting characters that are fans’ favorites are Genghis Khan, Marie Antoinette, Vincent van Gogh, Marie Curie, and Martin Luther King Jr.
The humor is quite dark in the sense that it is used in a satirical form and is suitable for audiences ranging from younger adolescents and mid-thirties adults. If you are a history geek and love satire, this series is best for you. The series throws light-hearted jokes concerning past events in each character’s history.
Several of the show’s quotes, like “I’ve got a glandular problem!” and “Way, way, way, in a bra-ay-ay-ayve new wor-world,” have become widely recognized amongst fans.
Season 2 is back on streaming sites like HBO Max(now Max) after about two decades. It was announced on July 2, 2020, that the series of two decades old would be revived for a second season, featuring new characters like Candide Sampson, Frida Kahlo, Harriet Tubman, Confucius, and Topher Bus (clone of Christopher Columbus) as the clone characters of the respective historical figures and the new season premiered on May 23, 2023.
- Also known as Clone High USA
- Creators: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Bill Lawrence
- Genre: Science-fiction, Satire, Surreal Comedy, Sit-com
- Directed by: Ted Collyer, Harold Harris
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Original release: November 2, 2002 –present
- No. of seasons: 2
- No. of episodes: 21
- Where to watch: HBO Max
BoJack Horseman
The series BoJack Horseman is inspired by the characters of a popular TV series Horsin’ Around of the 1980s and 1990s. Set as a parody sequel, our protagonist BoJack Horseman is seen living his best and worst life in Hollywood, whining about everything. The series features humans as well as anthropomorphic animals and birds.
Mostly set in Hollywood, it tells us the various odd and depressing accounts of an all-time favorite actor BoJack who is now caught up with many psychological issues. It starts with BoJack trying to stay relevant in the coming times by hiring a ghostwriter to write his autobiography. But in the process, he uncovers a plethora of deep hidden and dark, disgusting truths about himself and what he has become over the years since he gained fame.
- Created by: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Genre: Comedy-drama, Tragicomedy, Satire, Dark comedy, Psychological drama
- Voices of: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie
- Production Companies: Tornante Television, Boxer vs. Raptor, ShadowMachine
- Original Release: August 23, 2014
- Where to watch: Netflix
Clone High had characters of the past depicted as clones who seem to struggle with their identity and adolescence, while BoJack Horseman shows how despite fame, age, and experience, an individual genuinely never learns who they are and what their purpose in life is. You must watch BoJack Horseman for some surprising plot twists and occasionally questionable cries of laughter. This series has definitely given us several quotes that we keep coming back to.
Also Read: Top 10 Best BoJack Horseman Episodes Ranked: Gets Deeper & Depressing With Each Episode
Gravity Falls
Two twin siblings have been sent to Gravity Falls, Oregon- a mysterious place with some supernormal abnormalities and odd supernatural creatures. Their names are Dipper and Mable, and they seem to be spending quite a great summer with their great uncle or, as they call him, “Grunkle” Stan.
The siblings meet a lot of interesting characters and go on adventures, which they would typically not be allowed to do because of their ages. They explore their teenage while also learning odd skills that they pick up when they work at the “Mystery Shack” for their Grunkle Stan.
- Created by: Alex Hirsch
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
- Genre: Adventure, Surreal Comedy, Mystery
- Voices of: Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal, Alex Hirsch, Linda Cardellini
- Production Companies: Disney Television Animation
- Original Release: June 15, 2012
- Where to watch: Disney+
Similar to Clone High, the series also emphasizes adolescence and identity. Gravity Falls has had such a revolutionary effect on children’s animation series and the idea of accepting the various hardships that emerge when adolescence begins.
Also Read: 21 Cartoons Like Gravity Falls That You Should Watch
Inside Job
The creator of the series, Shion Takeuchi, was a former Gravity Falls writer who quite extra-ordinarily managed to create a science-fiction-based comedy series without over-complicating the sci-fi terms. It is an enjoyable watch that follows the employees of the Deep State and their struggles to keep some secrets from the rest of the world.
The genius character and protagonist Reagan Ridley finds it a bit hard to socialize amongst the Cognito Inc. staff members, who possess shapeshifting and psychic abilities. But she is thought to be the odd one out as she wants to make the world a better place.
- Created by: Shion Takeuchi
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Adventure, Science-fiction, Workplace comedy, Sit-com
- Voices of: Lizzy Caplan, Christian Slater, Clark Duke, Tisha Campbell
- Production Companies: Taco Gucci, Netflix Animation
- Original Release: October 22, 2021
- Where to watch: Netflix
If you think struggling with and overcoming adolescence would be enough, you are wrong! Adulthood is a lot more scary and tiresome, as shown in Inside Job. Even a workplace can give you enough stress and headache to consider your life decisions. Much similar to Clone High, the shadow government, with its superior power and authority, plans to deceive the common people and exploit their information.
Rick and Morty
Much similar to Inside Job regarding its plot and setting, Rick and Morty is a fantastic offbeat adult animated series that revolves around nonsensical adventure, sci-fi theories, and hilarious absurdity. The protagonists are the titular characters- mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his teenage dimwit grandson Morty who blindly follows Rick for all the “misadventures.”
The series involves a lot of interdimensional space travel, and the characters are thrown into multiple realities. While it is a fun series, it also subtly focuses on some pressing issues that come with growing up, such as alcoholism and taking accountability for one’s own actions.
- Created by: Justin Roiland, Dan Harmon
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
- Genre: Adventure, Satire, Black comedy, Satire
- Voices of: Justin Roiland, Chris Parnell, Spencer Grammer, Sarah Chalke
- Production Companies: Williams Street, Harmonious Claptrap, Starburns Industries (seasons 1–2), Justin Roiland’s Solo Vanity Card Productions (seasons 1–6), Rick and Morty, LLC. (seasons 2–3), Green Portal Productions (seasons 4–present)
- Original Release: December 2, 2013
- Where to watch: Netflix
The show has two main characters that have quite drastic personalities. We have our mad scientist Rick Sanchez, who seems to be struggling with alcoholism and is a very cynical creature born out of his desperation and thirst for knowledge. Most viewers agree that Rick resides within us, whether consciously or subconsciously. Morty, on the other hand, represents the more realistic and idealistic side of our personality, which most people believe to be the correct way to live. Both characters, voiced by Justin Roiland, now make so much more sense.
Disenchantment
Princess Tiabeanie, a.k.a. Bean, is not happy with her arranged marriage proposed by her father, and so she goes on to rebel and fights for her right to live life without having to marry, with the help of her demon Luci and a friendly elf Elfo. The three become an inseparable trio and go on such exciting and mysterious adventures in search of Bean’s purpose in life, her strengths, and her weaknesses. The series has a perfectly balanced ratio of Satire and heartfelt stories of adventure.
- Created by: Matt Groening
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Satire
- Voices of: Abbi Jacobson, Eric André, Nat Faxon, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille
- Production Companies: The ULULU Company
- Original Release: August 17, 2018
- Where to watch: Netflix
Similar to Clone High, the show deals with quite several “growing up” struggles, especially as a woman from a medieval fantasy Dreamland. Although we see a generic comedic structure to the episodes of its first season, the hidden broader narrative picture of Bean, Luci, and Elfo kicks in as the season ends and a new season begins, which leaves us thinking, “Oh, so this is what it was all about….”
Also Read: Disenchantment Season 4 Ending Explained: Did Ben Die At The Hands of Queen Dagmar?
Futurama
Created by the same creator as Disenchantment, Futurama is a much more developed comedy-drama that deals with quite some sci-fi theories and adventures. Our protagonist Philip J. Fry in the future has been cryogenically preserved and revived after 1000 years on New Year’s Eve in the year 2999. He was once a pizza delivery boy but now runs many errands in this futuristic era for Planet Express Corporation, along with a stunning one-eyed female alien, Leela, and a robot named Bender.
- Created by: Matt Groening
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Genre: Science-fiction, Comedy-drama, Adventure, Sit-com
- Voices of: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille
- Production Companies: The Curiosity Company, The 20th Century Fox Television (seasons 1–7)
- Original Release: March 28, 1999
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+
The comedy and timing work perfectly in this series and are quite similar to Clone High, and it gives us an insight into how things would work differently if we were given another chance to live life. It leaves us thinking about whether we would take the opportunity and still make the same decisions and mistakes.
Close Enough
The series follows a young couple who somehow manage to bring up their child in an environment that may or may not be typically considered safe and healthy. The couple, who are in their twenties, are quite responsible but not much.
Watching this series might make you uncomfortable at times, but it sure is enjoyable, given the surreal comedic one-liners added to it. At the end of each episode, it is nothing but a heartfelt story of how a young couple strives through adulthood with the help of their friends, and what matters most is that “they’re not the perfect family, but they’re close enough.”
- Created by: J. G. Quintel
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Genre: Surreal comedy, Black comedy, Science-fiction, Adventure
- Voices of: J. G. Quintel, Gabrielle Walsh, Jason Mantzoukas, Kimiko Glenn
- Production Companies: Cartoon Network Studios
- Original Release: July 9, 2020
- Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Similar to Clone High, it gives us a beautiful insight into how adulthood works and the pros and cons of it all. The characters are well-written, and by the end of the season, we come to terms with accepting the flaws and strengths of each character, although fictional but highly relatable, innit?
Adventure Time
Inspired by various fantasy role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, the animated series is set in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. A young lad named Finn and his adoptive brother Jake are set on adventurous journeys across the Land of Ooo, where they help and make friends with other people like Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, and BMO. The various characters, along with the brother duo, have an excellent bonding that makes us go, “Awww….”
- Created by: Pendleton Ward
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Genre: Science-fiction, Adventure, Surreal comedy, Coming-of-age
- Voices of: Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch
- Production Companies: Frederator Studios, Cartoon Network Studios
- Original Release: April 5, 2010
- Where to watch: Hulu
Due to its surreal comedy, it has gained quite a massive online cult following, much similar to Clone High, thanks to its odd humor. If you are interested, you may even look up Adventure Time fan-fictions that surpass what the original creation could ever come up with. A must-watch series if you like comedy-filled adventure series without having to think much about sci-fi terms and theories.
Also Read: Adventure Time Ending Explained
Final Space
Final Space is a fantastic, well-written mature-themed animated series themed on science-fiction and space fantasy but without any vulgarity. The characters are also the “nice guys” we so often fantasize about.
Set in the intergalactic traveling era, an astronaut named Gary Goodspeed finds himself stuck with a powerful alien brother called Mooncake. The duo are quite impeccable together and are just fine with each other’s company as they go on adventures across the universe just to save it from unknown calamities.
The series focuses on their friendship- a uniquely tolerant and compassionate relationship between a human and an alien. The theme quite oddly highlights the message to its viewers about living in harmony with people of different cultures and backgrounds. A truly heartwarming series created in recent years.
- Created by: Olan Rogers
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Science-fiction, Comedy-drama, Space opera, Thriller
- Voices of: Olan Rogers, David Tennant, Coty Galloway, Steven Yeun
- Production Companies: ShadowMachine, Jam Filled Entertainment, Star Cadet, New Form Digital, Conaco, Studio T (S1)
- Original Release: February 26, 2018
- Where to watch: Netflix
Do not give up on this animated series based on its initial episodes, the story has a slow build, but it is an absolute banger of a story and is, quite frankly, one of the most well-written space-themed series we’ve seen in a long while.
Star Trek: Lower Decks
Crew members of the junior lower decks Cerritos are on a mission. As set in the 24th century of the Star Trek universe, it shows us how the young crew members work as a team and undoubtedly fight aliens and succeed in their given missions.
Since they are the Lower Deckers, as in low rank, their missions are quite simple and menial. But that does not stop the team from lazing around and procrastinating. A chilling adventure story with young members finding faults in themselves yet learning and growing as one family, much like the Clone High teenagers.
- Created by: Mike McMahan
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Science-fiction
- Voices of: Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid, Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero
- Production Companies: CBS Eye Animation Productions, Secret Hideout, Important Science, Roddenberry Entertainment, Titmouse, Inc.
- Original Release: August 6, 2020
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Camp Lazlo
Much like BoJack Horseman that we mentioned earlier, Camp Lazlo also features anthropomorphic animal characters Lazlo, Raj, and Clam, who meet each other at Camp Kidney. Lazlo is the optimistic spider monkey and a fun-loving champ, while Raj and Clam are shy and timid.
The summer is about to get interesting since they all want to have fun and enjoy the camp. The boys seem to take an interest in impressing the girls from the Girls Camp across theirs. Watch them have the best of their lives at camp while also solving mysteries and camp legends.
- Created by: Joe Murray
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
- Genre: Comedy, Adventure
- Voices of: Carlos Alazraqui, Jeff Bennett, Tom Kenny, Mr Lawrence
- Production Companies: Joe Murray Productions, Cartoon Network Studios
- Original Release: July 8, 2005
- Where to watch: YouTube
Lazlo is a very likable character, and so are Raj and Clam, much like the characters we see in Clone High, and the show is pretty similar in terms of storytelling. A great watch during summer!
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
An oddly eccentric adult animated series that follows the misadventures of anthropomorphic fast food items which go by the name Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad. The characters are bizarre and have their own characteristics.
The milkshake Master Shake is quite an ego-centric lad, while the french fries Frylock guy is a smart and intelligent fellow. The trio isn’t complete without its simple fun-loving man Meatwad.
The trio goes on numerous fights with villains, which are again of such absurd and surreal nature. One such villainous pair that the trio faces regularly is the Mooninites. The show is a solid 10 in terms of Satire.
The beauty of this show lies in its absurdity and surreal humor. The scenes that follow one another are absolutely illogical, and that’s exactly where it captures the viewers’ attention. If you enjoy surreal scenarios and unexpected jokes that crack you up and just want the show to surprise you every time, this is a must-watch.
- Created by: Dave Willis, Matt Maiellaro
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Genre: Surreal humor, Black comedy, Satire
- Voices of: Dana Snyder, Carey Means, Dave Willis, Matt Maiellaro
- Production Companies: Williams Street, Wild Hare Studios (seasons 1–2), Radical Axis (seasons 3–9), Awesome Inc. (seasons 10–11), Floyd County Productions (season 12), Bento Box Atlanta (web series)
- Original Release: December 30, 2000
- Where to watch: Adult Swim
Also Read: Why Was Clone High Cancelled? A Global Controversy That Shut The Show Down
