Animorphs Is The Millennial Nostalgia Property That Hollywood Should Stop Ignoring

On the surface, "Animorphs" seemed like typical YA fare. The basic plot follows a group of teenagers who receive the power to transform into any animal they come into physical contact with. They use their new powers in the fight against an alien menace that has made its way to Earth. So far, so good; it's a pretty basic "teenagers receive incredible powers"-type storyline. 

However, "Animorphs" differentiates itself from others of its ilk in some very important ways. First and foremost, the series takes the trauma of warfare seriously. The fights aren't just there for fodder; the kids actually experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder through their trials. The fact these are literally child soldiers isn't lost on K.A. Applegate as they go through the wringer throughout the franchise. 

It's an important distinction, because have you ever realized how many series are predicated on the use of child soldiers? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Power Rangers. Spy Kids. X-Men. Dress them up in colorful costumes all you want — they're still waging wars on behalf of elders for a conflict that ultimately has nothing to do with them. And while those stories do occasionally touch on how messed up it is to use teenagers to fight wars, "Animorphs" really grabbed the bull by the horns, to the point where the series doesn't have a happy ending where the good guys emerge victorious. 

Without giving anything away, "Animorphs" ends the way all wars do — with both sides worse off. Honestly, Applegate says it better than we ever could: "I'm just a writer, and my main goal was always to entertain. But I've never let Animorphs turn into just another painless video game version of war, and I wasn't going to do it at the end." "Animorphs" is a story that sticks with you long after you finish the final chapter, and it could make for an incredible TV or film series.