Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia

A seemingly ordinary teen, Jim Lake Jr., finds a mysterious amulet that changes everything: he becomes the first human chosen to wear enchanted armor and protect the secret world of trolls from dark forces. Jim tries to keep up with school, friendships, and family while training as a hero, leaning on his loyal best friend Toby and new ally Claire as threats grow more dangerous. The show balances action scenes and humor with moments of character growth, showing how Jim and his friends learn responsibility, courage, and teamwork without giving away key twists or the finale.

The series premiered on Netflix in 2016, created by Guillermo del Toro and produced by DreamWorks Animation Television. It features a standout voice cast, including Kelsey Grammer, Amy Landecker, Charlie Saxton, Lexi Medrano, and Fred Tatasciore. The production blends practical monster design sensibilities with modern animation, and the show ran as the first chapter of del Toro's larger Tales of Arcadia saga.

The show received industry recognition, earning nominations and awards across several animation and television organizations. Critics and peers praised its storytelling, character work, and production values, and it helped raise the profile of serialized animated dramas aimed at family audiences.

Trollhunters left a clear mark on popular culture, launching the larger Tales of Arcadia franchise that includes spinoffs and a feature film conclusion. Fans embraced the characters and worldbuilding, creating active online communities, fan art, and cosplay. The series' mix of mythic elements and suburban settings helped redefine what family animation on streaming platforms could do, influencing later projects in tone and scope.

Critical reception was strong, reflected in high audience scores and positive reviews that highlighted its mix of action, humor, and heart. Themes of friendship, duty, identity, and growing up run throughout the series, often grounded in realistic family dynamics. Reviewers noted the show's ability to appeal to kids and adults, offering layered characters, moral stakes, and visual creativity without talking down to its audience.