In the 21st century, there are so many articles that group-specific similar shows together and ask fans which they thought were the best show. Loyal fans on both sides will explain the convoluted intricacies of each show as though it was the greatest series ever made, while the other side will do the same. Sadly, in most cases, there really isn't a clear answer even for those who are fans of both shows.
The same can be said of The Munsters and The Addams Family. Both shows had a memorable cast of characters who unlike many TV sitcom characters gets funnier with time. While a definitive winner of which was the overall better show cannot be determined, let's name a few categories and see who had the upper hand in each.
Which Family Is The Most Eccentric?
This could conceivably go both ways but since the Addam's family are made up of humans who do not traditionally behave in such a morbid fashion, while the Munsters are monsters whose behavior is quite ordinary for their kind, the Addams family has to win this category.
Both families were quite unaware of how other people conceived them. In fact, in their eyes, it was they who were dealing with the oddballs of society. However, it just can't be overstated that a family of death-obsessed humans seems stranger than it does for a family of monsters.
Who Has The Creepier House?
This category has to go to The Munsters for no other reason than their house was planted right in the center of Southern California. While the Addams family lived in a secluded area that housed their own graveyard.
A creepy home near a cemetery in the middle of nowhere would definitely be a place that other people would stay away from but as for those living near the Munster's, the very sight of the home would have to bring chills down their spine, especially when compared to the normal, middle-class neighborhood that surrounded them.
Which Family Had The Better Home Decor?
The Addams family's mansion housed torture chambers, bear rugs that growled and ghostly armored knights that would come alive long enough to chop someone's head off if they weren't careful. While the Munster's house was your typical dilapidated mansion with a fair amount of cobwebs and a few secret doors. It was a place people would expect to find creatures of their caliber.
It did have a few unique characteristics like the gargoyles that made the scary noises but, besides that, it just didn't exhibit the macabre that the Addams' house oozed.
Who Had The Scarier Pets?
Most people would think that having a pet lion roaming through a house has to be the hands-down winner of scariest pet. Though, that is until they are reminded that the Munster's house had a pet dragon living underneath their stairs.
So, this category has to go to The Munsters, even though The Addam's Family have a list of frightening household pets such as an octopus, lion and a pet spider. If this category was who had the most assortment of strange pets the winner would be reversed. Sadly, this category is more quality over quantity.
Who Were The More Authentic Parents?
The Munsters win this category because Lilly and Herman Munster were not weird for weird sake, instead, they actively tried to fit in with their normal neighbors. Though, sadly they were never successful. Not to mention, that their struggles were more realistic.
Especially when it comes to them actively trying to participate in the community, only to be shunned or bullied by those around them. Gomez and Morticia Addams seemed to live in their own little bubble with their children. Unlike the Munster's, who tried desperately to have their son fit in with society.
Which Had More Lasting Appeal?
As for lasting appeal that went beyond its initial show, the winner has to be The Addams Family. Over the past half-century, The Addams Family has spawned four major movies, a popular cartoon series along with a few modern attempts at a television adaption of the original.
The Munsters have tried to recreate the magic that was in the original series but after a few made-for-television movies along with an animated cartoon movie in 1973, the spark has never been recreated. An attempt to make a 21st century TV adaption was started but never made it to air.
Which Show Had Better Side Characters?
The Addams Family is the victor in this category because it does have a few memorable characters that have become household names in American pop culture. Cousin Itt is known as nothing more than a wad of hair wearing a bowler hat. His speech is indistinguishable but that is partly what makes him a fun character.
While Thing is an animated hand that helps the Addams family with their chores. The Munsters had a number of side characters such as Mrs. Cribbins and Charlie Munster that were popular additions but didn't stick in viewers' imaginations.
More Appealing To Average Viewers Of The Time?
In a time where wholesome TV sitcoms were not only expected but basically required, The Addams Family sticks out like a sore thumb. They hardly did anything that average families of the time were doing. In a way, The Addams Family would be considered a show geared towards millionaires, which oddly enough, was exactly what this particular television family were.
However, The Munsters outside of their features had the same values as the average American household. They, like many other families, enjoyed going to baseball games and the movies. So, this category goes to The Munsters.
Better Theme Song
It is hard to compare the theme songs of both sitcoms partly because they are so conventionally different. The Munsters had a rather updated theme song for its time along with a funny intro of the cast of characters rummaging out of the house. It was a nice introduction that helped introduce fans to the Munster family.
That said, The Addams Family theme song has to win this category on the grounds that their theme song has a more catchy flow with actual words to the song. Both were great theme songs but only one can win.
Who Incorporates The Outside World Better?
Because of their wealth, The Addams Family could live in luxury with all the finer things in life. Their house was actually closer to that of a mansion and because of its size and all the stuff they had fit in it, there really was no need for them to ever be seen outside.
However, because the Munsters' family were a working-class family, they tried, often unsuccessfully, to fit into the neighborhood. Other locations were seen throughout filming making it more unique in that it wasn't just the same setting over and over again. Point goes to The Munsters.