Where to start withArthur
2 versions · originally a film, 1981
Themes: Wealth and Privilege, Responsibility vs. Freedom, Unconventional Love, Redemption, Dysfunctional Family.
Start with Arthur (Steve Gordon, 1981) — the film. Arthur exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 1981; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The name Arthur anchors a legacy of stories exploring the trials of growing up and navigating complex social expectations.
✦ Most fans start here
Arthur (1981)
The original movie
✦ Start hereArthur
Steve Gordon · Film · 1981
Arthur (1981) offers a cynical yet charming look at the struggle between immense inherited wealth and the personal freedom to pursue an authentic life on one's own terms.
1996 series
Arthur
Marc Brown · Series · 1996
Arthur (1996) provides a gentle, animated perspective on childhood development, focusing on the everyday social dynamics and lessons learned by an anthropomorphic aardvark and his close-knit group of friends.
Common questions
Is Arthur (1981) related to the Arthur (1996) television series?
The 1981 film Arthur and the 1996 animated television series Arthur are entirely separate productions. They share the same title but feature different characters, premises, and creative teams. There is no narrative connection or shared source material between the 1981 movie and the 1996 television show.
Should I watch the movie Arthur before starting the television series Arthur?
Watching the 1981 movie Arthur is not required before starting the 1996 television series Arthur. Because the two projects are unrelated, you can watch the film and the show in any order without missing any context or narrative details regarding the characters or their respective stories.
How long is the movie Arthur compared to the television series Arthur?
The 1981 film Arthur is a single feature-length motion picture. In contrast, the television series Arthur, which premiered in 1996, consists of multiple seasons of episodic content. The film provides a self-contained story, while the television series offers a long-form format developed over many years of broadcasting.
Is the Arthur television series an adaptation of the movie Arthur?
The 1996 television series Arthur is not an adaptation of the 1981 movie Arthur. Although they share the same title, the television show is an independent production. It does not utilize the plot, characters, or source material established in the 1981 feature film.