Ever since Hollywood introduced us to Addams Family in 1964, they have occupied a distinctive place in our memory. They are the most bizarre, frightening people that seem to ravel in their oddity. American cartoonist Charles Addams created them in 1938. Initially, they were featured as single cartoons in The New Yorker magazine.
Then they were adapted into television shows, then animated movies, followed by live-action films. Most recently, a spin-off featuring Wednesday Addams, aired as a web series on Netflix.
It brought back the Addams family with all their eccentric, gothic, and grotesque charm into our lives. We loved both the seasons. And, if you loved it too, then hold your breath, we bring you a curated list of 7 best Addams family adaptations that you must watch. It includes one television shows, three film adaptions, two cartoon series and one animated film.
Here you go:
Television Show:
1. The Addams Family (1964–1966)
The black and white television show brought the Addams family in our lives, for the very first time. Before this, they appeared as single cartoons in a magazine. They shattered the image of a perfect family and showed us even imperfect families could be happy. The shows got us its theme song and showed us for the first time the super power each member of the family possessed. Gomez and Morticia’s love was seen as the gold standards of a romantic relationship of that era.
Film Adaptations
2. The Addams Family (1991)
This was the first Addams Family movie. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film perfectly introduces the gothic, intense, and eccentric family on the big screen. But, it also balances their love for the dark with heartwarming love they hold for each other. Even if they express it through wicked actions. Also, in the ways they accept themselves for themselves. And we can’t help but fall for them. The film is widely appreciated for its iconic casting of the lead pair, Raul Julia as Gomez and Anjelica Huston as Morticia.
3. Addams Family Values (1993)
It is the sequel to the 1991 film. Barry Sonnenfeld directed this one too. However, this is more witty, dark but less spooky. And definitely more humorous than the previous one. The focus here shifts on rebellious attitude of Wednesday Addams as she is being asked to conform while she is at Camp Chippewa. Also, the family expands as the Addams welcome new baby Rupert. If you ever wondered about Wednesday’s attitude in the Netflix series, this film is the originator. It is one of the best adaptations of the Addams family on the big screen.
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4. The Addams Family Reunion (1998)
This film had a different cast and was directed by Dave Payne. The theme of the film is that grandma and grandpa are exhibiting unfamiliar behaviour. Instead of acting like the odd Addams they are behaving like normal people do. The Addams family is worried and decides to reunite to search for a cure and bring them back to their real ‘Addam’ self. It cast Tim Curry as Gomez Addams and Daryl Hanna as Morticia Addams.
Cartoon Series and Animated Movie
5.The Addams Family (1973)
It is the first cartoon show on The Addams family. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. It was a toned down to suit the children and aired episodes weekly. In this series, the family is on a road trip travelling throughout the country. They only stop in cities where they can put their darkness to better use.
6.The Addams Family (1992–1993)
This animation series builds on the success of the Addams Family movie of 1991. It was produced by Hanna- Barbera Productions. The Addams family have a new adversary in the town, the Normanmeyers. They do not see eye to eye. As the name suggests, the Normanmeyers are in more acceptance of normal families. They was the Addams gone for good. However, the signature Addams family moves- the dark overtones, eccentricities, and wickedness are missing.
7. The Addams Family (2019)
This is the first animated film on The Addams Family. It is widely acclaimed as it directly portrays the Addams family as it was in the originally made in Charles Addams cartoons. Spooky, intense, and dark it does in no way tries to cut the character’s bizarre traits. The film focusses on themes of accepting authenticity and individuality. It is also know for a strong voice cast, with Oscar Isaac as Gomez’s voice, Charlize Theron as Morticia’s voice, and Chloë Grace Moretz as Wednesday.
We think, over the years, this is the best of the Addams family adaptations on screen. But, Wednesday still tops the chart. Do you agree?