Mental Floss

ANIMATION





Zach Tyler in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The mature-for-kids action cartoon 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' has become the hit of the summer, thanks to Netflix. But we have Nickelodeon to thank for its creation ... a full 15 years ago.

Scott Beggs






Warner Bros. Pictures/Getty Images

In 1997, an episode of the 'Pokémon' animated series used a strobe-light effect during a battle sequence. Hundreds of viewers in Japan suffered seizures and other symptoms. More than two decades later, no one is exactly sure why.

Jake Rossen




Warner Home Video

For 50 years, the hard-working teens (and dog) of Mystery, Inc. have been investigating the paranormal—and inspiring some wild fan theories.

Kristin Hunt


Idina Menzel in Frozen II (2019).

Six years after Disney’s 'Frozen' became an obsession for kids around the world, the story of Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven will continue with 'Frozen II.'

Alvin Ward
The Jim Henson Company

The animated series about diapered Muppets never explained why Kermit and company had been left inside a nursery and with no trace of their parents.

Jake Rossen
Warner Home Video

Though it was released on August 6, 1999, Brad Bird's feature directorial debut would have to wait until the next millennium to achieve its cult status as a modern animated classic.

Michele Debczak






Walt Disney Studios

Nearly 25 years after the release of their first feature film, Pixar is still going strong, creating animated movies that stir critics and audiences alike on a regular basis.

Rebecca Pahle


Columbia Pictures/Sony

The animated series aired from 1986 to 1991 and helped keep interest in the 'Ghostbusters' franchise alive between feature films.

Jake Rossen
Robin Williams, Linda Larkin, Scott Weinger, and Frank Welker in Aladdin (1992)

Nearly 30 years after its original release, 'Aladdin'—Disney's Oscar-winning animated film from 1992—is getting a 21st-century upgrade with Guy Ritchie's much anticipated live-action edition.

Therese Oneill