You might be thinking- what is an Indie Cartoon or Indie Animation? Is it produced by Disney or one of the other movie production companies? This is far from the case.
Indie cartoons or animation, short for independent animation, encompass a range of animated works created outside major animation industries.
Initially, “independent” suggested amateurs and unknown creators. However, “indie” now often denotes industry veterans producing content independently. Still, many indie cartoons start as pilots or school thesis projects.
In the early days of animation, independent creators lacked widespread recognition. However, with the rise of animation festivals and private screen rooms, indie animation gained visibility.
This allowed independent works to reach audiences alongside studio productions.
Historically, indie animation has evolved alongside mainstream animation. In the mid-20th century, notable indie animator Norman McLaren pioneered experimental animation techniques. His work, such as “Neighbours” (1952), showcased the artistic potential of independent animation.
Transitioning into the digital age, the internet became a platform for indie animators to showcase their work. Web series like “Homestar Runner” (2000) by Mike and Matt Chapman gained a cult following online, demonstrating the accessibility and creativity of indie animation.
Today, indie animation continues to thrive, with creators utilizing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo to distribute their content.
One notable example is “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared” (2011) by Becky Sloan and Joseph Pelling, which garnered millions of views for its unique and unsettling style.
Indie animation offers a diverse range of storytelling and artistic expression. Works like “The Secret of Kells” (2009) by Cartoon Saloon demonstrate the artistic depth and cultural richness of indie animation, challenging mainstream conventions.
Indie animation encompasses animated works produced outside major industry establishments. From its humble beginnings to its current state, indie animation continues to push boundaries and offer unique perspectives in the world of cartoons and animation.
Bigtop Burger follows the surreal daily lives of its employees, unfolding with bizarre humor in this series created by Ian Worthington.
The plot revolves around Steve, the food truck owner, and his teenage employees dressed as clowns.
Starring Lindsay Small-Butera, Ian Worthington, and Olivia Craighead, the show offers quirky insights into their unconventional workplace.
Released in 2020, the series can be watched on Worthikids’ YouTube channel.
Helluva Boss is an American adult animated web series by Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano.
It centers on I.M.P, a company in Hell providing hitman services. Led by Blitzo, the team includes Moxxie, Millie, and Loona. Using a book from demon Stolas, they navigate the human world for assignments from Hell.
The show explores interpersonal dynamics within Hell’s existing society, unlike Hazbin Hotel, another series by Medrano set in the same universe. While Hazbin Hotel focuses on redemption, Helluva Boss follows the escapades and relationships of I.M.P’s employees as they carry out their unique jobs in Hell and the human realm.
The second season premiered in 2022, with a third season in active production as of 2023.
To watch Helluva boss, head over to VivziePop’s YouTube channel.
The Amazing Digital Circus, an independent animated web series by Gooseworx and produced by Glitch Productions, plunges viewers into a virtual reality nightmare where humans fight to retain their sanity within a circus-themed game.
Premiering on Glitch Productions’ YouTube channel on October 13, 2023, the series quickly gained acclaim for its animation, dark humor, and compelling characters. With over 100 million views in a month, it surpassed Hazbin Hotel’s pilot as the most viewed independent animation pilot on the platform.
Additionally, it received an Annie Award nomination. Glitch Productions is also known for their webseries Murder Drones.
To watch the series and pilot, head to Glitch Productions’ YouTube channel.
Murder Drones, an independent-animated horror comedy web series by Liam Vickers and produced by Glitch Productions, explores themes of identity, morality, and friendship in a dystopian setting.
Premiering on GLITCH’s YouTube channel on October 29, 2021, the series follows Uzi Doorman, a Worker Drone on the frozen wasteland of Copper 9.
When murderous Disassembly Drones attack, Uzi teams up with Serial Designation N, an unexpectedly friendly Murder Drone, to unravel their origins and navigate their harsh environment. Along the way, they encounter enigmatic characters like V and Doll, while facing threats from Tessa and J.
Glitch Productions is also behind the webseries Digital Circus.
To watch Murder Drones, head to GLITCH Productions’ YouTube channel.
Ramshackle is a short film on YouTube created by the Canadian channel Zeddyzi, originally inspired by their webcomic.
The channel embarked on a Kickstarter campaign to develop a pilot based on the webcomic. After eight months of work, the final student film adaptation of the webcomic is now available.
This film brings to life characters that have been in development since the channel’s owner was in 6th grade, offering viewers a glimpse into their chaotic world filled with drinking, bullets, hobos, songs, and explosions.
From its origins as a webcomic to its adaptation into a short film, Ramshackle captures the essence of its characters and their adventures.
While the pilot is still in the works, viewers can enjoy the chaos and excitement of the short film on Zeddyzi’s YouTube channel.
Monkey Wrench is a web series created by Josh and Ashley Palmer. It shows the escapades of the cut-rate mercenary duo Shrike and Beebs as they traverse the galaxy in search of lucrative contracts.
The series premiered in 2022. Starring Jacob Barrens, Jean-Francois Donaldson, and Chris Zito, the show follows the comedic exploits of these unconventional space travelers as they encounter quirky aliens and face unexpected challenges while striving to secure decent-paying jobs.
Monkey Wrench is available to watch on the MonkeyWrenchSeries YouTube channel
Lackadaisy, based on Tracy J. Butler’s webcomic, is set in Prohibition-era St. Louis, populated by anthropomorphic cats.
The channel features the pilot, a short film trailer, and animated shorts.
Directors Tracy Butler and Fable Siegel, along with writers Tracy Butler, Dave Capdevielle, and Fable Siegel, bring the story to life.
Starring Michael Kovach, Belsheber Rusape, and Lisa Reimold, the pilot centers on three grave-digging cats— Ivy, Rocky, and Freckle— on the hunt for illicit beverages during Prohibition, which they call “liquid gold,” to sell to bars and high-paying customers.
Lackadaisy can be viewed on the Lackadaisy YouTube channel.
Long Gone Gulch is an adventure-fantasy Western comedy short film. This 2-D animated film is brought to life by Tara Billinger and Zach Bellissimo.
The pilot episode made its debut on January 11, 2021, marking its premiere on YouTube. The story centers on sheriffs Snag and Rawhide, residing in “The Gulch,” who find themselves in a bind with the town’s mayor following a mishap.
As they navigate through their predicament, they encounter an array of eccentric characters while striving to defend what they hold dear.
For those interested in experiencing the antics of “Long Gone Gulch,” the pilot is readily available for viewing on Lopside Animation’s YouTube channel.
Satina is a web series consisting of short films and a pilot titled “Satina Wants a Glass of Water,” created by Hannah Daigle in 2019. The series revolves around Satina, a young demon residing in hell with her grumpy demon mother. Meanwhile, her father, a human employed in the general accounting IT department, lives in the “overworld.”
Satina’s adventures unfold as she navigates life between both worlds, encountering various challenges and humorous situations along the way.
Starring Shannon Hobby, Hannah Daigle, and Hans Van Harken, the series offers viewers a delightful blend of fantasy and comedy.
Join Satina on her escapades as she seeks to quench her thirst for adventure while balancing her life in hell and the overworld.
Viewers can watch Satina on the Hannahdaigle8846 YouTube Channel
Daffodil is a cartoon web series showcasing a 2D animated brown dog in a realistic world through mixed media.
Each video, under one minute, features the dog engaging in brief conversations with viewers and other characters. With its unique blend of animation styles and charming dialogue, Daffodil offers bite-sized doses of humor.
Join the lovable canine as it navigates its way through everyday adventures and interactions.
Daffodil is available to watch on the SmallButera YouTube channel.
Bravest Warriors: Set in space, four teenage heroes embark on adventures, rescuing cute aliens with their emotional prowess. Created by Pendleton Ward, behind “Adventure Time,” the series debuted on Cartoon Hangover’s YouTube channel in 2012.
Subsequently, both a comic book adaptation and a fourth season, produced by Nelvana and Frederator, were released. Garnering acclaim, the show clinched a Shorty Award and earned nominations at Annecy.
The highly anticipated fourth season premiered on January 26, 2024, on Cartoon Hangover’s YouTube channel.
Sunset Paradise is a web series spinoff of SMG4. The plot follows Meggy Spletzer, who embarks on a vacation to discover her purpose while battling criminals and her inner demon, Shadow Meggy.
Created by Luke and Kevin Lerdwichagul, and funded by Screen Australia, the show is produced by Glitch Productions. The pilot premiered on March 26, 2021, followed by nine weekly episodes starting June 4 and ending July 30.
Sunset Paradise is available to watch on Glitch Productions’ official YouTube channel.
Day Job is an Australian adult animated Mockumentary web series funded by ScreenAustralia and ABCTV’s “Fresh Blood” initiative. Created by Paul Georghiou, Brooke Kymberley, Todor Manojlovic, and Heather Riley, the series follows the quirky staff of a local bowling alley as their lives unfold on camera during work hours.
Rico, the abrasive Boss, strives for a promotion, while apathetic university student, Lily, and lounger, Ivan, add to the mix. Assistant manager Hannah and contrasting duo Rowley and Bradley round out the cast.
Released as a 3-episode mini-series on January 26th, 2024, the show offers a humorous glimpse into their daily antics. As of now, there’s no confirmation of future episodes.
Day Job can be watched on the ABCTV YouTube channel.
Far-Fetched is an original animated web series released in 2021, created by Ashley Nichols and Dave Capdevielle. The series follows Rue, a young woman who accidentally unleashes her chaotic canine creature into the world.
To survive in a town where science clashes with the supernatural, Rue joins forces with a rock band of late-2000s misfits. The cast consists of Nola Klop, Jazmine Luevanos, and J. Michael Tatum.
The Far-Fetched YouTube channel features a pilot episode and several short films.
Hullabaloo is a 2-D animated web series created by James Lopez, debuting with its first episode, “The Great Race,” in November 2023 after nine years in the making. Set in a western steam-punk universe, the series features flying cars and thrilling car races.
Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, the creators were able to bring this project to life.
Viewers can watch the series on the JamesLopezAnimation YouTube channel and anticipate more episodes and related content in the upcoming year.
Atlas and the Stars is an animated series by Miranda Toney (Mirandamations) that chronicles the adventures of a human and an alien, thrown into different universes and forced to join forces to find their way back home.
Led by Atlas, a determined dreamer yearning to explore the stars, the duo embarks on a quest to commandeer a starship and leave their past behind. Featuring Oliver Smith, Courtney Steele, and Linsay Rousseau, the series delves into their journey filled with challenges and discoveries.
The first episode premiered on the Miranamations YouTube channel in December 2023.
Viewers can catch the excitement of their intergalactic escapades on the Miranamations YouTube channel.
Cliffside is a 2-D animated western comedy created by Liam Vickers, following the adventures of Waylon, an overconfident kid, Jo, his apathetic partner, and Cordie, a spider-girl with boundary issues, as they navigate through a world filled with monsters and shootouts.
In the pilot episode, Waylon finds himself tangled in Cordie’s web after boasting about being a bold outlaw.
Viewers can enjoy the comedic chaos of “Cliffside” on Liam Vickers Animation YouTube channel.
GODSPEED follows the journey of Iris, a young woman, and her karaoke-bot companion, Bowie, as they traverse a desolate world filled with abandoned homes and crumbling landscapes.
Their routine existence takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious broadcast that promises an escape from their bleak reality. However, to decipher the message, Iris must brave a planet-ending storm.
Directed by Ben Bjelajac and starring Bryce Charles, Troy Baker, and Claudia Black, the pilot episode was released in December 2023 on the OlanRogers YouTube channel.
Viewers can join Iris and Bowie on their perilous adventure on the OlanRogers YouTube channel.
GODs’ School is a cartoon web series created by Gaylord.C.Libessart, delving into Greek mythology. Set on Mount Olympus, the series follows a controversial young goddess as she navigates her way through the challenges of fitting in among other gods and goddesses.
However, her world is turned upside down when she encounters a young mortal. Starring Lizzie Freeman, P.M. Seymour, and Ivy Dupler.
Viewers can enjoy the pilot episode along with four additional episodes on the GODs’ School YouTube channel.
The Rhino and the Redbill, written and directed by Alex Henderson, premiered its pilot in February 2022 on the Alex Henderson Animation YouTube channel. The series portrays the unique symbiotic relationship between rhinos and red-billed oxpeckers in the wild.
In this adaptation, a blind rhinoceros named Niles and a flightless oxpecker named Red, along with their unhatched egg Sam, navigate a drought-ravaged wilderness in Scorchwater Valley.
viewers can watch The Rhino and the Redbill on the Alex Henderson Animation YouTube channel.
Hazbin Hotel, crafted by Vivienne “VivziePop” Medrano, centers on Charlie Morningstar, the princess of Hell, determined to rehabilitate sinners for Heaven via her “Hazbin Hotel.”
A collaborative effort between A24, Bento Box Entertainment, and Amazon Studios, the series debuted its first season on Amazon Prime Video on January 18, 2024.
Its remarkable success spawned the spin-off Helluva Boss, exploring different characters within the same universe.
Critically acclaimed, Hazbin Hotel marked the largest global debut for a new animated series on Prime Video and exceeded 100 million views on YouTube by February 17, 2024.
The Season 1 Trailer can be viewed on Prime Video’s YouTube channel. News updates on the show is accessible on VivziePop’s YouTube channel.
Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared (DHMIS) is a British web series by Becky Sloan and Joe Pelling. It incorporates elements of dark humor and surrealism.
Each episode, featuring anthropomorphic puppets, starts innocently but takes a disturbing turn, exploring themes like creativity, time, and technology. The series uses diverse animation styles including stop motion and flash animation.
Praised for its story, production design, and psychological horror, DHMIS is acclaimed as one of the greatest web series. The television adaptation, exploring topics like jobs and family, has received similar acclaim.
Originally released on YouTube, it’s now available on Channel 4.
What's your Opinion?
Have you seen any of the above YouTube indie cartoons? Which ones are your favorites? Which ones would you like to check out next? Let me know in the comments below! And as always- Keep watching!
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
