Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have long been a source of fascination for humans, and this is reflected in popular culture. Fungi have inspired filmmakers and television producers alike, providing source material for films and TV series in almost every genre imaginable. From science fiction to horror-comedy and drama, mushrooms have been at the centre of many films and shows. Beyond fiction, mushrooms also feature heavily in documentaries, with nature and psychedelic themes proving popular.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction, horror-comedy, drama, documentary, horror |
| Type | Animated, lighthearted comedy, nature documentary |
| Shows | Common Side Effects, The Simpsons, Adventure Time, Planet Earth, The Midnight Gospel, Off the Air, Dark, Westworld, Rick and Morty, Yakitate!! Japan, The Last of Us, Star Trek: Discovery, Hannibal, Mushroom Hunters, Shrooms, Fantastic Fungi, Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, Know Your Mushrooms, Midsommar |
| Platform | Netflix, Adult Swim, Max |
| Plot | Mushrooms are used as a central theme or plot device. For example, in Common Side Effects, two high school friends discover a new kind of drug ("a rare mushroom") that can allegedly cure all illnesses. |
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What You'll Learn
Animated shows about mushrooms
There are a few animated shows that feature mushrooms as a central plot point. One such show is "Common Side Effects", an offbeat animated series that premiered in February on Adult Swim. The show follows two high school friends, Marshall and Frances, who reconnect and discover a new kind of drug in the form of a rare mushroom that can allegedly cure all illnesses. In the process, they uncover a conspiracy involving big pharma and the government to suppress knowledge of this potential miracle cure. The show takes a comedic approach to tackling the controversial topics of the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare corruption, and alternative medicine.
"Common Side Effects" was created by Joseph Bennett and Steve Hely, with Bennett also serving as co-creator of the sci-fi series "Scavengers Reign". The show's unique art design, with its slightly exaggerated character heads, is the result of the collaboration between Bennett and lead art director Wesley McClain. The voice cast includes Dave King, Emily Pendergast, Joseph Lee Anderson, Martha Kelly, and Mike Judge.
Another show that comes to mind is "Scavengers Reign", which is mentioned in some sources as being related to "Common Side Effects". "Scavengers Reign" is a beautifully animated sci-fi series that premiered on MAX in 2023 and has since gained a cult following on Netflix. It's described as a stunningly gorgeous show with a great soundtrack, although it's unclear if mushrooms play a significant role in the plot beyond their potential inclusion as a result of the show's connection to "Common Side Effects".
While not a dedicated show, there is also an animated short called "Radio" that may feature mushrooms. This short is a previous collaboration between Joe Bennett and Wesley McClain, who worked together on "Common Side Effects".
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Documentaries about mushrooms
There are several documentaries about mushrooms that explore their complex biology, their indispensable role in ecosystems, and their multifaceted ways of interacting with human cultures, history, and cuisine. Here are some notable documentaries about mushrooms:
Fantastic Fungi
This documentary, available on Netflix, delves into the magical world of fungi, featuring the work of Paul Stamets and the mind-blowing mushroom time-lapses of legendary cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg. It tells the story of how fungi created the soils of the Earth and lay the foundation for plants, animals, and human beings. It also explores the sacramental use of mushroom species since ancient times, examining the evidence for their use in Ancient Egypt, India, and China, among other places.
Magic Medicine
This documentary follows the first-ever medical trial of psilocybin, the psychoactive ingredient in magic mushrooms, being used to treat a group of volunteers suffering from clinical depression. It also chronicles the treatment of end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill cancer patients using psilocybin to facilitate deeply spiritual experiences.
National Geographic Documentary
A short National Geographic documentary follows mycologists Giuliana Furci, Merlin Sheldrake, and Toby Kiers on their search for new mushrooms in far southern Chile, on the main island of Tierra del Fuego. In the film, these mycology pioneers argue for the recognition of flora, fauna, and funga, highlighting the key role of fungi in conservation and every ecosystem on Earth.
BBC Documentary
Hosted by Professor Richard Fortey, this BBC documentary explores the secretive and surprising world of fungi, including their essential role in the Earth's ecosystem and their impact on human health. It also delves into the counterculture and history of mushroom foraging and the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival in Colorado.
How to Change Your Mind
Based on the best-selling book by Michael Pollan, this Netflix documentary explores the science, history, and cultural impact of psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms. It received praise for its compelling portrayal of psychedelic drugs, streamlined storytelling, and effective interviews with experts and patients.
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Fictional shows with mushrooms as a plot device
Mushrooms have long been a source of fascination for humans, and this is reflected in their appearances across film and television. While some appearances are fleeting, others have mushrooms as a central theme or plot device.
The 2007 horror film "Shrooms" is one such example, where mushrooms take centre stage in a scary movie. The anime "Sabikui Bisco" also falls into this category, with its premise centred around deadly mushrooms and the search for an antidote. "Mushroom Hunters" is another film that uses mushrooms as a plot device. It follows foragers in search of rare and valuable mushrooms, shedding light on the underground culture and challenges of the industry.
Television series have also incorporated mushrooms into their storylines. "The Last of Us", "Star Trek: Discovery", and "Hannibal" are popular shows that feature mushrooms as a recurring topic. "Common Side Effects" is an animated series that premiered at the Annecy Film Festival and San Diego Comic-Con. The show revolves around two high school friends who discover a new kind of mushroom that can cure all illnesses, leading them to uncover a conspiracy involving big pharma.
Beyond these examples, mushrooms have been utilised in various other films and series, often exploring themes of nature, psychedelia, and changing states of consciousness. From documentaries like "Fantastic Fungi" and "Hamilton's Pharmacopeia" to folk horror films like "Know Your Mushrooms", mushrooms continue to inspire and fascinate storytellers and audiences alike.
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Anime featuring mushrooms
Anime fans who are interested in mushrooms may want to check out the following shows:
Sabikui Bisco (AKA Rust-Eater Bisco)
This anime series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious event has led to the growth of toxic fungi known as "Sabikui." The story follows a group of survivors who are part of a specialized task force called "Bisco," which aims to combat the Sabikui and find safe zones for humanity. Bisco Akaboshi, also known as the "Man-Eating Mushroom," is a Mushroom Keeper who can spawn giant mushrooms with his bow. He is regarded as a terrorist and has a price on his head. The series has been praised for its unique premise, well-developed setting, and diverse and engaging characters. However, it has also been criticized for inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped world-building.
Dorohedoro
This anime takes place in a near post-apocalyptic future across three realms: Hole, an ungoverned human favela megacity polluted by magic waste; the Sorcerers' world, a Gothic class society controlled by the crime boss En; and Hell, the afterlife of sorcerers ruled by demons. En, the leader of the En Family, has a magic specialization themed around mushrooms. After being sold into work slavery under an oppressive human regime, En survived on mushrooms in Hell before returning to the surface and building a criminal empire. The series has been praised for its bold artwork, dark humor, and balance of mystery, violence, and humor. However, it has also been criticized for its artwork and lack of flow in the story.
In addition to these two series, anime fans who enjoy post-apocalyptic settings may also want to check out "Now and Then, Here and There," which shares environmental themes with Sabikui Bisco, and "Trigun," which has a similar sandy, post-apocalyptic setting.
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Shows to watch while on mushrooms
If you're looking for shows to watch while on mushrooms, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Nature Documentaries
Nature documentaries can provide a captivating and immersive experience while on mushrooms. Shows like Planet Earth offer stunning visuals of Earth's landscapes, from deserts to coral reefs, paired with serene narration. The Midnight Gospel is another recommendation that combines stunning imagery with introspective narratives, creating a reflective journey.
Lighthearted Animations and Comedies
For a more lighthearted and uplifting experience, animations and comedies can be a great choice. The Simpsons, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and Yakitate!! Japan are recommended for their ability to balance intensity with humour, providing a joyous and relaxing trip.
Surreal and Psychedelic
If you're looking for something more surreal and psychedelic, "Off the Air" is a recommended anthology series that blends eclectic visuals and soundscapes. Each episode explores abstract concepts and distorted visuals, creating a hypnotic and sensory experience that pairs well with the mushroom trip.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
For fans of science fiction and fantasy, Common Side Effects is an animated series about two high school friends who discover a rare mushroom that can cure all illnesses. It's described as funky and strange, with a conspiracy plot involving big pharma. Another sci-fi option is Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, which explores the universe in a visually astonishing and intellectually stimulating way.
Mushroom-Centric Films and Documentaries
When it comes to films and documentaries that specifically centre around mushrooms, there are several options:
- Fantastic Fungi—A documentary that explores the world of fungi, blending stunning visuals with enlightening details about the role of mushrooms in nature and life.
- Mushroom Hunters—A documentary about foragers searching for rare mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest, shedding light on the underground culture of mushroom hunters.
- Shrooms—A 2007 scary movie.
- Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind—A Ghibli film set in a dystopian future where spores and fungi are a huge part of the new ecosystem.
Remember, it's always a good idea to prepare a comfortable environment with minimal distractions and have a trusted companion when watching shows while on mushrooms. Enjoy your trip and stay safe!
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Frequently asked questions
Some shows to watch while on mushrooms include "Off the Air", "Planet Earth", "The Midnight Gospel", "Dark", "Westworld", "Rick and Morty", "Yakitate!! Japan", "The Simpsons", and "Adventure Time".
Some movies about mushrooms include "Shrooms", "Mushroom Hunters", "Fantastic Fungi", and "Hamilton's Pharmacopeia".
Some documentaries about mushrooms include "Magic Medicine", "Mushroom Wonderland", "Fantastic Fungi", and "Hamilton's Pharmacopeia".
Some TV shows about mushrooms include "Common Side Effects", "The Last of Us", "Star Trek: Discovery", and "Hannibal".
