Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix animated trilogy (2016-2020) comprising Trollhunters (2016-2018), 3Below (2018-2019), and Wizards (2020), set in the town of Arcadia where supernatural worlds collide. The interconnected series featured high-quality CGI animation and del Toro’s signature blend of dark fantasy and heart.
Trollhunters Success
The first series followed Jim Lake Jr. (Anton Yelchin, then Emile Hirsch after Yelchin’s death) becoming the first human Trollhunter, protecting both troll and human worlds. The show balanced teen drama, epic fantasy battles, and del Toro’s creature design excellence. Blinky, AAARRRGGHH, and Toby became fan-favorite characters.
Expanding Universe
3Below shifted focus to alien royals hiding in Arcadia as exchange students, while Wizards explored Arthurian legend and time travel. The three series’ interconnected storylines culminated in the movie Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021), which controversially killed major characters and featured a divisive time-travel reset ending.
DreamWorks Animation Quality
Produced by DreamWorks Animation for Netflix, the series featured theatrical-quality CGI, elaborate fight choreography, and voice talent including Kelsey Grammer, Ron Perlman, and David Bradley. The show proved Netflix could produce prestige animated content rivaling traditional studios. The Tales of Arcadia universe grossed over $500 million in merchandise.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trollhunters:_Tales_of_Arcadia