The Tim Burton-directed Netflix series Wednesday arrives at the streaming service on November 23rd. The series follows Wednesday Addams, the only daughter of the gothic Addams family, as she comes of age and navigates her way through new school, Nevermore Academy.
Wednesday is the latest in a long line of The Addams Familymovies and tv shows. Originally a New Yorker comic strip starting in 1935, the original Charles Addams cartoon has spawned a number of movies, television shows, and more. While not every Addams Family adaptation has a Rotten Tomatoes score, these projects were ranked by critics and moviegoers alike.
7 The Addams Family 2 (2021) - 28%
Available To Stream On Prime Video
This sequel to the 2019 animated film follows the Addams family as they go on a road trip across the United States - from Salem to Miami and more - as Uncle Fester falls victim to one of Wednesday's diabolical experiments.
Similarly to the first animated Addams movie, this film was not well received, with the sequel getting even worse reviews than the original. Many critics, including Brian Lowry of CNN, highlighted the overly childish humor "makes it a reasonable addition to family movie time" but there's not much else to it. Those who like a stark contrast to the darker, but still family-friendly style of previous Addams Family projects have had that give it its signature edge.
6 The Addams Family Reunion (1998) - 33% (Audience Score)
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This made-for-tv movie was released five years after The Addams Family Values, with an almost entirely new cast. Intended to function as a pilot for a potential tv series, the film sees a mix-up between family reunions where the Addams family cross paths with a wealthy family who plan to make them meet their demise.
Sadly, the sequel couldn't live up to the hype of the beloved Addams Family movies of the early 1990s. The new cast likely didn't help its reception, as Raúl Juliá, who played Gomez Addams in the previous movies, died a few years prior, and was probably too soon for a reboot.
5 The Addams Family (2019) - 45%
Available To Stream On Prime Video
This animated film of the famous gothic family had an all-star cast: including Oscar Isaac as Gomez and Charlize Theron as Morticia. The movie follows a popular narrative seen in other Addams Family iterations - where the family attempts to overcome their prejudice as outsiders from their neighboring community.
While the recycled plotline was criticized, with Richard Whittaker of the Austin Chroniclestating how there is "a lost opportunity to create something more innovative," the performances of the voice cast was acclaimed. Some critics, however, pointed out that the actors (particularly Oscar Isaac as Gomez) may have been more suited to an on-screen appearance in a live-action version, taking advantage of their physical likeness to the character.
4 The Addams Family (1991) - 66%
Available To Stream On Netflix
The first live-action film outing for The Addams Family, the movie is directed by Barry Sonnefield - known for his unique and expressive visual style, as shown in Men in Black, Pushing Daisies, and Big. The movie, led by Raúl Juliá and Anjelica Huston, sees the family reunited with the long-estranged Uncle Fester (played by Christopher Lloyd) - but not everything is as it seems.
Although the reviews were more mixed when it first came out in 1991, the movie is now a beloved classic among film fans. The all-consuming, passionate romance between Gomez and Morticia is a particular highlight of the film, as their undying love for another hilariously parodies the lack of romance between more traditional married couples. The film also received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for its design and performances - with a Golden Globe nod for Huston's performance as Morticia.
3 Wednesday - 71%
Available To Stream On Netflix
The new Netflix series is predominately directed by Tim Burton, and the adaptation focuses on Wednesday Addams as she attempts to navigate her newfound psychic powers, all while dealing with teenage angst at school. The show stars Jenna Ortega in the titular role, along with Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán as her parents, Morticia and Gomez. Christina Ricci, who previously played Wednesday, also plays a new role in the series.
Aside from some criticisms of having a formulaic plot, the series has generally been well received, with particular praise going to Jenna Ortega's performance as Wednesday (via The Guardian). Tim Burton's signature gothic style seems to have been a perfect match for The Addams Family, as the visuals were welcomed by critics.
2 Addams Family Values (1993) - 74%
Available To Stream On Netflix
The sequel to the 1991 movie sees the birth of the Addams family's youngest son, Pubert, as Uncle Fester departs from the family to marry Debbie, a black widow in disguise. Meanwhile, Wednesday and Pugsley are sent to summer camp on Debbie's insistence, a decision that proves disastrous for the camp's kids and counselors.
Although not a financial hit, grossing $48 million (via Box Office Mojo) Addams Family Values is one of the best movie sequels ever made. The film heightens all the values of the first movie - especially its dark humor, performances, screenwriting, and zany style. Christina Ricci's performance as Wednesday Addams at summer camp is a particular highlight.
1 The Addams Family (1964 - 1966) - 100%
Available To Stream On Freevee
Adapted from the original New Yorker cartoon, this first live-action adaptation of The Addams Family ran for 64 episodes. Although not a ratings hit in its original run, its later syndication helped seal its legacy as an iconic show. The wealthy, fearsome family reside in a mansion on Cemetery Lane, and much of the show's humor comes from neighboring characters mixing with the family, and the Addams family are often more disturbed by their mundanity than the neighbors are disturbed by them.
This original adaptation is seen by many fans as the best one, setting the precedent, visuals, and tone for all future Addams Family films and TV shows. Its iconic opening theme song, in particular, has been present in almost all adaptations since its broadcast. The series was also somewhat unprecedented for its time, with its dark humor and macabre themes making it far less wholesome than the average American sitcom in the 1960s.
Source:gamerant.com