5 Malaysian Animated Series with Ghosts & Legends

Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Kisah Bawah Tanah

3. Usop Sontorian

4. Bola Kampung

5. BoBoiBoy

6. Ejen Ali

7. Why Ghosts and Urban Legends Work So Well in Cartoons

8. The Future of Ghost-Inspired Malaysian Animated Series

9. Conclusion

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Every Malaysian kid has at least one ghost story burned into their memory. Maybe it was a warning from your mum not to go out after dark because the Pontianak was waiting. Or those late-night school camp tales about the toilet ghost. Some were funny, some made us sleep with the lights on — but all of them became part of who we are.

Now imagine taking those stories and turning them into cartoons. Yup, you heard that right. Over the years, some of the most iconic Malaysian animated series have brought these legends to life — not just to scare us, but to make us laugh, think, and feel a little proud of our culture.

As someone who writes for Kisah Bawah Tanah, I’ve learned one thing: folklore is gold. It’s spooky, hilarious, and timeless. Through 2D animation and even the lighter style of a comedy cartoon, our culture gets reimagined in ways that connect to Malaysians and audiences around the globe. So, let me take you on a ride through five unforgettable Malaysian animated series that played with ghosts and Malaysian urban legends — with one special series that’s closest to my heart.

1. Kisah Bawah Tanah – Malaysia Folklore Meets Animation

Synopsis: Meet Zack and Sam — two best friends who thought working at a convenience store would be boring. Except this one isn’t in your neighborhood… it’s in Down Below, a supernatural realm where their customers are ghosts, spirits, and creatures from Malaysian urban legends. One day it’s a Toyol shoplifting candy, the next it’s a Pontianak craving instant noodles.

Tagline: An animated spooky comedy series featuring reimagined Asian & Western folklore.

Kisah Bawah Tanah is our love letter to Malaysian animated series fans who crave something new. It’s a PG-13 cartoon, told through bold 2D animation, balancing dark themes with laugh-out-loud moments. The humor is packed with Malaysian gags, but it’s still easy for international viewers to enjoy. Because honestly — everyone understands ghost stories.

📌 Who Can Watch:

• Age Rating: PG-13

• Best For: Teens and adults who enjoy supernatural adventures with a cheeky twist.

• Global Appeal: A comedy cartoon rooted in Malaysian urban legends, but understandable worldwide.

2. Usop Sontorian – The Pioneer with Folklore Roots

Synopsis: Back in 1996, Usop Sontorian became Malaysia’s very first Malaysian animated series. It followed Usop, a kampung boy, and his friends through everyday mischief — chasing chickens, cracking jokes, and sometimes… facing off with a ghost or two.

This show wasn’t just funny, it was groundbreaking. It told us: “Hey, our everyday life — and our legends — deserve to be animated.” For kids back then, seeing kampung life (and even the occasional hantu) in 2D animation was revolutionary.

📌 Who Can Watch:

• Age Rating: All Ages

• Best For: Kids and families, plus nostalgic adults.

• Global Appeal: Very Malaysian at its core, but charming for curious outsiders.

3. Bola Kampung – From Sports to Magical Myths

Synopsis: At first, Bola Kampung (2006) was all about football. Kids in a kampung kicking around a ball. But then — boom — the series flipped. Suddenly, magical portals opened, mystical creatures appeared, and the kids were thrown into adventures inspired by Malaysian urban legends.

This mix of sports, comedy cartoon humor, and folklore made Bola Kampung one of the most beloved Malaysian animated series. It didn’t just win hearts here; it became one of the few shows to travel abroad and showcase kampung charm to the world.

📌 Who Can Watch:

• Age Rating: All Ages

• Best For: Kids who enjoy sports and fantasy adventures.

• Global Appeal: Football is universal — and folklore makes it magical.

4. BoBoiBoy – Superpowers with Legendary Inspirations

   
   

Synopsis: BoBoiBoy (2011) is the cartoon that made Malaysia go global. It’s about a boy who discovers elemental superpowers — thunder, fire, earth — and fights villains with his friends. While it looks like pure action fun, many powers and enemies borrow from Malaysian urban legends and mythological roots.

This Malaysian animated series proved we could think big. Even if kids overseas didn’t grow up fearing Toyols or Langsuir, they understood the thrill of elemental superpowers. And that’s why BoBoiBoy built a huge international fanbase.

📌 Who Can Watch:

• Age Rating: All Ages

• Best For: Kids, tweens, and families who love action and comedy.

• Global Appeal: Already streaming worldwide — a proud Malaysian export.

5. Ejen Ali – Secret Societies and Shadowy Legends

Synopsis: Ejen Ali (2016) is a futuristic spy cartoon about a boy who stumbles into a secret agency. On the surface, it’s high-tech gadgets and fast-paced missions. But if you look deeper, you’ll notice it shares DNA with Malaysian urban legends: secret guardians, hidden powers, mysterious artifacts. It’s folklore, reimagined in a sci-fi world.

And that’s the beauty of this Malaysian animated series. It proves our storytelling traditions aren’t stuck in the past. They can live in futuristic cities, secret agencies, and still feel just as powerful.

📌 Who Can Watch:

• Age Rating: PG (7+)

• Best For: Kids, teens, and families who love mystery and action.

• Global Appeal: Already popular across borders.

Why Ghosts and Legends Work So Well in Cartoons

Let’s face it: Malaysians love talking about ghosts. Whether it’s the school toilet ghost or a Pontianak sighting, these stories are everywhere. They’re scary, but also funny and familiar. And because they’re so visual, they’re perfect for cartoons.

With 2D animation, you can stretch the creepy factor, add humor, and still make it family-friendly. Comedy cartoons, especially, let us laugh at the things that once kept us up at night. That’s why they stick.

For me, writing Kisah Bawah Tanah is about more than just making a “spooky cartoon.” It’s about keeping these stories alive, passing them on, and making sure the next generation has their own ghostly memories — just like we did.

The Future of Ghost-Inspired Malaysian Animated Series

Look around the world: Japan has yokai anime, the West has Halloween specials, and audiences everywhere are obsessed with folklore. Malaysia has its own treasure chest of stories — and we’re just getting started.

With shows like Kisah Bawah Tanah, we’re showing the world our ghosts are more than just scary figures. They’re funny, weird, and relatable too. Who’s to say a Toyol can’t become as famous as a gremlin, or a Pontianak as iconic as a vampire?

Conclusion

From Usop Sontorian’s kampung shenanigans to BoBoiBoy’s global adventures, Malaysian animation has always found ways to sneak in our ghosts and legends. But with Kisah Bawah Tanah, those legends aren’t just side characters anymore — they’re the stars.

Ghosts aren’t just old tales whispered at night. They’re a part of who we are. And thanks to animation, they’re part of our future too.

So here’s my question for you: which Malaysian ghost cartoon stuck with you the most — the one that gave you chills, or the one that made you laugh till your stomach hurt?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many awards has Kisah Bawah Tanah won?

Kisah Bawah Tanah first made waves in 2018 when it won the Intellectual Property Creators Challenge (IPCC)contest. Backed by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the series has since picked up major recognition, including the Malaysian Silver Award at Japan’s Tokyo Broadcasting Station’s DigiCON6 Asia Awards. These wins show how far the franchise has come — proving that a Malaysian animated series built on 2D animation, ghosts, comedy, and urban legends can shine on the international stage.

2. Is Kisah Bawah Tanah a horror cartoon?

Not exactly — Kisah Bawah Tanah is more of a spooky comedy cartoon. It’s inspired by Malaysian urban legends and features ghosts like the Pontianak and Toyol, but it balances the scares with humor. That’s why it’s rated PG-13 instead of full-on horror.

3. Which Malaysian animated series are suitable for kids?

If you’re looking for kid-friendly shows, Usop Sontorian, Bola Kampung, and BoBoiBoy are all great choices. They’re designed as 2D animation and lighthearted comedy cartoons, safe for kids and family viewing. Ejen Ali is also fine for children 7 and up.

4. Why do Malaysian animated series often include ghosts and legends?

Because ghost stories and urban legends are a big part of Malaysian culture. From Pontianak to Toyol, these stories are part of our shared identity. Animation gives creators a chance to retell them in fun, creative ways — whether in 2D animation or through comedy and action.

5. Can international audiences enjoy Malaysian animated series?

Absolutely! While the humor in shows like Kisah Bawah Tanah is filled with local jokes, the themes — ghosts, folklore, comedy, and adventure — are universal. That’s why series like BoBoiBoy and Ejen Ali already have strong global followings.

6. What age group is Kisah Bawah Tanah for?

Kisah Bawah Tanah is a PG-13 Malaysian animated series, so it’s best for teens and adults. It’s spooky, funny, and full of cultural gags, but not too scary. Perfect if you want a mix of ghosts and comedy cartoon vibes without going overboard on the horror.