Gargoyles

Original Air Date: 1994-1997

Network: Syndicated

Disney had one hit animated series after another in the late '80s and 1990s with the likes of DuckTales, TailSpin and Chip n' Dale Rescue Rangers. However, the iconic studio went outside their usual style in a big way with Gargoyles. Far darker, stylized and serialized than the other Disney series, not to mention almost any other animated series of the era, Gargoyles featured mature characters, and references to Scottish history and Shakespeare, while telling an engaging story about the title characters -- centuries old Gargoyles secretly living amongst humans in modern day Manhattan, who turn to stone during the day. The creator of the series, Greg Weisman (now the man behind The Spectacular Spider-Man), told a layered and intriguing story, refusing to write down to his audience. A decent success at the time, Gargoyleshas maintained a strong cult following since it ended more than a decade ago, and the story has continued in comic book form.