Gargoyles is an acclaimed American animated series aired on October 24, 1994. It was hailed as one of the most ambitious Disney animated series in history, targeting an older demographic and taking a darker edge.

The series was known for its complex story arcs and drama. The show was also notable for its complex characters, and character arcs were heavily employed throughout the series. As the series progressed, it became deeply meshed with medieval history, particularly kings and princes from medieval Scottish history, and worldwide mythologies such as the King Arthur mythos and Norse Mythology among others, as well as the works of William Shakespeare, most notably A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth.

The series features a clan of warrior creatures known as Gargoyles that turn to stone during the day. Led by their leader Goliath in the year 994 A.D., they protect Castle Wyvern and its resident humans on the coast of Scotland until betrayal causes a massacre of the clan and a magic spell forces the six survivors into stone sleep, until the castle rises over the clouds. In 1994, a billionaire named David Xanatos purchases the castle and moves it to the top of his New York City skyscraper, breaking the spell. Awakening in modern day Manhattan, the gargoyles must adapt to this new world as they vow to protect the citizens of New York.