After its debut in November 2014, Cartoon Network’s Over the Garden Wall quickly 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 like Regular Show, another staple of Cartoon Network.
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In honor of the miniseries’ recent 10th anniversary, Cartoon Network released a new Over the Garden Wall stop-motion short to pay homage to the beloved tale. While Over the Garden Wall‘s story is brief, it is packed with substance, beautiful imagery, and a fairy-tale ambiance that’s hard to beat. It’s clear that the show took inspiration from many other works and influenced projects that came after it. Although Over the Garden Wall ended after one season, several other movies and TV series have a similar feel.
10 9 (2009)
Over The Garden Wall’s Impending Danger
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While Shane Aker’s science-fiction adventure 9 has a more dystopian environment compared to the fantasy trappings of Over the Garden Wall, there are several parallels between the two projects. 9 is 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 in
Over the Garden Wall
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While 9’s story world is more urban and broken down, the buildings and imagery are reminiscent of Over the Garden Wall in 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 in 9 are confused about the landscape of their world because of the potential dangers that surround them.
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9 Stranger Things (2016-Present)
Over The Garden Wall’s Mysterious Beasts
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78 9.1/10 Stranger Things FantasyHorrorDrama
Inspired by 80s pop-culture and elements of Stephen King’s works, Stranger Things is a supernatural action-drama TV series set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana.When a young boy goes missing, his group of friends stumbles upon a young girl with telekinetic powers who recently escaped from a mysterious facility. They soon realize that she may be their only chance at stopping an impending doom that threatens to engulf Hawkins whole.
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*Availability in US Cast Finn Wolfhard , Joe Keery , Jamie Campbell Bower , Brett Gelman , Caleb McLaughlin , Maya Hawke , David Harbour , Matthew Modine , Priah Ferguson , Gaten Matarazzo , Winona Ryder , Charlie Heaton , Sadie Sink , Millie Bobby Brown , Joseph Quinn , Dacre Montgomery , Natalia Dyer , Noah Schnapp Release Date July 15, 2016 Seasons 4 Showrunner Matt Duffer , Ross Duffer Expand
Stranger Things has 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-awaited Stranger Things season 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. Although Over The Garden Wall only portrays the real world in a few episodes, it resembles the Stranger Things classic 1980s style.
Related 5 TV Shows We Think Could Be Stranger Things’ Replacement After Season 5
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.
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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.
8 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Over The Garden Wall’s Personable Animals
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8.7/10 My Neighbor Totoro 5+
From Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro follows the adventures of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, and their encounters with the spirits of the forest living near their new home in rural Japan. The film had two English dubs, first staring Lisa Michelson and Cheryl Chase, and later staring Dakota and Elle Fanning.
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*Availability in US Director Hayao Miyazaki Release Date April 16, 1988 Cast Dakota Fanning , Elle Fanning Runtime 86minutes
From the first moments of Over 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 1988 My Neighbor Totoro is 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.
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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 that Over the Garden Wall presents. As Wirt and Greg ride a ferry across the river, they join in on an ensemble of frog musicians.
7 Wolfwalkers (2020)
Over The Garden Wall’s Forest Imagery
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Wolfwalkers PGFamilyAnimationAdventure
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.
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*Availability in US Director Tomm Moore , Ross Stewart Release Date November 13, 2020 Cast Tommy Tiernan , Eva Whittaker , Simon McBurney , John Morton , Honor Kneafsey , Maria Doyle Kennedy , Jon Kenny , Sean Bean Runtime 103 minutes
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One of the most defining traits of Over the Garden Wall is the forest environment of The Unknown and the magical creatures that lie within it. Apple TV’s adventure film Wolfwalkers similarly 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.
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Both stories do an excellent job of portraying the profound nature of the woods and the adventure that comes along with it. Like Over the Garden Wall, Wolfwalkers witnesses characters who slowly become familiar with their surroundings and 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.
6 Princess Mononoke (1997)
Over The Garden Wall’s Woodland Spirits
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9.8/10 Princess Mononoke PG-13AnimatedEpicHistoricalFantasy
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.
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*Availability in US Director Hayao Miyazaki Release Date July 12, 1997 Cast Yôji Matsuda , Yuriko Ishida , Yûko Tanaka , Kaoru Kobayashi , Masahiko Nishimura , Tsunehiko Kamijô , Akihiro Miwa , Mitsuko Mori , Hisaya Morishige Runtime 133 Minutes
Princess Mononoke was 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 Mononoke remains a marvel in the world of animation. Although Over the Garden Wall and Studio Ghibli projects have a substantial number of shared qualities, Princess Mononoke stands out among the crowd.
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|
Hayao Miyazaki Directed Films |
Release Date |
|---|---|
|
The Castle of Cagliostro |
1979 |
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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind |
1984 |
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Castle in the Sky |
1986 |
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My Neighbor Totoro |
1988 |
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Kiki’s Delivery Service |
1989 |
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Porco Rosso |
1992 |
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Princess Mononoke |
1997 |
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Spirited Away |
2001 |
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Howl’s Moving Castle |
2004 |
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Ponyo |
2008 |
|
The Wind Rises |
2013 |
|
The Boy and the Heron |
2023 |
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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. Like Over the Garden Wall‘s omnipresent threat of the Beast, Princess Mononoke includes 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.
5 The Owl House (2020-2023)
Over The Garden Wall’s Fantastic World
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8/10 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.
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*Availability in US Release Date January 10, 2020 Cast Sarah-Nicole Robles , Wendie Malick , Alex Hirsch , Tati Gabrielle , Issac Ryan Brown , Mae Whitman , Cissy Jones , Zeno Robinson , Matthew Rhys , Michaela Dietz , Elizabeth Grullon , Fryda Wolff Seasons 3 Creator(s) Dana Terrace
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The story of The Owl House follows 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.
Related 10 Times Disney’s The Owl House Makes Fun Of Harry Potter
The Owl House deliberately alludes to Harry Potter by making references specific to the previous series or just deconstructing relevant tropes.
Although The Owl House doesn’t share the dark, gloomy nature that characterizes Over the Garden Wall, both stories present wondrous environments that 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 to Over the Garden Wall.
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4 Adventure Time (2010-2018)
Over The Garden Wall’s Brotherly Dynamic
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10/10 Adventure Time AnimationAdventureAction
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.
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*Availability in US Release Date May 10, 2010 Cast Tom Kenny , Hynden Walch , Jeremy Shada , John DiMaggio , Niki Yang Seasons 10 Showrunner Pendleton Ward
Adventure Time needs 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 still upcoming Adventure Time shows several years later. Besides Adventure Time and Over the Garden Wall having 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.
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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.
3 Coraline (2009)
Over The Garden Wall’s Doll Metaphors
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8.3/10 Coraline PGFamilyAnimationThrillerFantasyDrama
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.
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*Availability in US Director Henry Selick Release Date February 5, 2009 Cast Dakota Fanning , Teri Hatcher , Jennifer Saunders , Dawn French , Keith David , John Hodgman Runtime 100 minutes
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Coraline was a film that took many by surprise; at first glance, it seems like a children’s movie with scattered elements of dark fantasy. However, Coraline is packed with hidden details and is truly horrifying from both a visual and a metaphorical perspective. Like Over the Garden Wall, Coraline was made using stop-motion animation, but the similarities don’t end there. Beyond the presence of a gloomy, imaginary world, Coraline’s theme 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 of Coraline’s “The Other Mother.” The film is also significant in the context of Over 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. Coraline explores the same concept but ramps up the terror.
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2 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack (2008-2010)
Over The Garden Wall’s Edgy Animation
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The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack TV-Y7Sci-Fi & FantasyComedyAnimation
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.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 5, 2008 Cast Thurop Van Orman , Brian Doyle-Murray , Roz Ryan , Jeff Bennett , Steve Little Seasons 3 Creator(s) Thurop Van Orman
In the history of Cartoon Network’s shows, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack was 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.
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The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack and Over the Garden Wall share 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.
1 Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
Over The Garden Wall’s Unexplained Mysteries
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8.2/10 Gravity Falls TV-Y7
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.
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*Availability in US Release Date June 15, 2012 Cast Jason Ritter , Alex Hirsch , Kristen Schaal , Linda Cardellini , Kevin Michael Richardson , Kari Wahlgren , John DiMaggio , Jennifer Coolidge Seasons 2 Network Disney Channel Showrunner Alex Hirsch
When searching for recommendations based on Over the Garden Wall, it always seems like Gravity Falls enters 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.
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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 Falls and Over the Garden Wall are 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 a Gravity Falls revival, the show’s perfect ending would make it hard to pull off.
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8/10 Over the Garden Wall TV-PGAdventureFantasyHorrorMystery
Over the Garden Wall is a fantasy-adventure series created for Cartoon Network by Patrick McHale. Two brothers named Wirt and Greg become lost in a winding wooded realm known as the Unknown and must work with various forest-dwelling people and creatures within to find their way home. The series was continued in a comic book run to expand the world further.
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*Availability in US Release Date November 3, 2014 Cast Elijah Wood , Collin Dean , Melanie Lynskey , Christopher Lloyd , Tim Curry Seasons 1 Network Cartoon Network Directors Nate Cash , Bert Youn Writers Katie Krentz , Bert Youn , Patrick McHale Showrunner Patrick McHale Expand