Cartoon Physics Are More Logical Than You Think

We all know that in cartoons, gravity doesn't work until you look down. But why?

00:00 Intro
01:25 Emotional Truth
03:02 Butt-Monkeys
05:51 Karma
07:09 Overconfidence

#cartoonphysics #storyphysics #looneytunes #toonforce #toonphysics

Twitter: @BackpackBigBlue

Music by Sam LaGrego: @samlagregomusic

BigBlueBackpack Intro Animation by AronGIsMe:
@AronGIsMe

Royalty Free Music by Bensound

[armorbearer]

I never realized overconfidence is a cardinal sin in cartoons. I have new respect for these classic toons.

[lehashura]

A rule I've heard a long time ago about cartoon physics is that: "if it's visually possible then it's possible "

[Rammkommando]

in fairness to Tom, Tom gave as good as he got he does have wins under his belt

[RezeedTheDataspirit]

To be fair about Tom, there are plenty moments where he isn't even the villain and Jerry is the one antagonising the situation.

[willverschneider]

Squidward loses his "butt monkey" status whenever he actually sides with Spongebob.

[iamemjarrobinson]

Shrek: "Just don't look down."
Donkey: "SHREK! I'm looking DOWN!"

[michaelturner]

I remember an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures (where the premise is they're studying to become like their Looney Tuned mentors) where they lampshade the gravity bit. They cross a chasm by walking off a cliff and telling each other not to look down.

I chalk it up to them being young and inexperienced, not yet learning they should only use that for causing or exacerbating problems, not solving them.

[ziqi]

Tom and Jerry episodes were at their peak when the two teamed up to get a common goal accomplished. Not always the funniest episodes, but they genuinely work well together and complement each other in ways that are genuinely wholesome and inspiring.

[FriskMeemur]

I always thought the rule was "they can do anything, as long as its funny"

[SpammingY]

Let's also not forget the "Plausible Impossible", the rule that it has to SEEM explainable and be grounded in rules of reality, despite being impossible. "The most hilarious comedy is grounded in reality."

[infernalone]

2:02 i love that you used home alone for "if in real life" when that movie operated on looney tunes physics

[TheInkPitOx]

In an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures, Granny taught the whole "don't look down" ordeal to the kids.

[stormythelowcountrykitty]

I'm using this in my Grade 8 class as a teaching tool - thank you!!

[lasercraft]

There's also the factor of comedy... If the audience expects one thing, only for something completely different to happen, its hilarious.

[ZakZ]

Never thought about cartoons in this way, this explains why they are so genius

[paigemurphy]

Looney Toons Loonaversity: General HOGspital
“ Amazing how much imitatable cartoon violence they show in the 1940s.” -The Fairly OddParents

[Somefellowhumanbeing]

I love how "physics" in this realm more reflect ethics than actual physics

[FireyDeath]

I wanted to make a cartoon with a combination of realistic physics and cartoon physics (from both eastern and western animations, as well as others), both of which have a certain scientifically-tangible order to them, which most of the characters use to their advantage and cleverly optimise for practical outcomes.

Then I see this.

Great now I'm hopeless

Well, since this is about to get 100 likes (at 99), I typed some more detailed thoughts about it in a reply. I've come to a compromise which I wrote at the bottom

[Mohamad-mmd]

I always wanted Wile E. Coyote to at least SUCCEED ONCE because it’s annoying how the physics only work in favour of roadrunner

[Kirkaman_hex]

You know, I never thought it that way 😅
You sure deserve thousands of views