Animated Gems Vol.1 [French]

Starting a compendium of lesser known/old animated shows I enjoyed as a kid which have largely been lost to the sands of time. This week's volume is for French and adjacent cross-European productions!

Spartakus and the Sun Beneath the Sea (1985–1987; France)

One of the oldest dating cartoon I've watched. Two kids lost in a seashore cave discover an isolated civilization in the center of Earth, and set off to find a new artificial sun to keep the world below alive. To those who miss the trademark 80's grim desert techno fantasy settings, highly recommended.

Code Lyoko (2003; France)

Admittedly and delightfully, one of the more recognizable shows. The story follows five teenagers who discover a sealed virtual world, accidentally releasing a virus that threatens the Earth in the process. Now it's their responsibility to defeat it once and for all, while searching for the identity of its creator. 

The show first ran as a cartoon with 3D elements and later switched to live action with 3D elements. I'm personally more fond of the live action, but both were amazing and pretty dramatic!

Chumballs (2009; France & Belgium)

When the humanity rendered the surface of the Earth unhabitable and moved underground, scientists invented a series of robots intended to restore its ecology. However, in a human colony that thrives on blind obedience, all efforts were made to dismiss this plan and make people forget the Outside altogether. That is, until three kids manage to escape, with the goal of finding these robots and sending a signal that would prove once and for all that the Earth is safe to return to. 

Includes themes of freedom, nature over civilization, and rebellion, as well as your standard educational inserts about animals and ecosystems.

The Small Giant (2010; France & China)

Small town magic, the show. A city girl spends summer in a rural town and discovers its fantastical ecosystem and folklore. This show themed around Chinese folklore (real or fictional, I couldn't tell) was such a happy place. 

Have you watched/heard of any of these gems? Do you treasure any other French/adjacent cartoons from your childhood?

Next volumes: Italian Animation || Canadian Animation || British & Irish Animation