Ben 10
Long-running American animation media franchise from Cartoon Network
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ben 10 is an American science fiction superhero media franchise conceived by Man of Action and owned by The Cartoon Network, Inc. division of Warner Bros. Discovery. The franchise, mainly consisting of animated series produced by Cartoon Network Studios, revolves around a young boy named Ben Tennyson, who discovers the Omnitrix — a high-tech, extraterrestrial device shaped like a wristwatch. This remarkable gadget contains the DNA of various alien species, allowing Ben to transform into them at will. Initially, the Omnitrix features ten alien transformations, but over time, Ben gains the ability to unlock additional species.
| Ben 10 | |
|---|---|
Logo used for the 2016 series | |
| Created by | Man of Action |
| Original work | Ben 10 (2005–2008) |
| Owner | The Cartoon Network, Inc. (Warner Bros. Discovery) |
| Years | 2005–2021 |
| Films and television | |
| Film(s) | List of films |
| Animated series | List of television series |
| Television special(s) | Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United (2011) Ben 10,010 (2021) Ben Gen 10 (2021) Alien X-Tinction (2021) |
| Games | |
| Video game(s) | List of video games |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Related shows | Generator Rex (2010–2013) The Secret Saturdays (2008–2010) |
The franchise began with an animated series named Ben 10 (2005–2008), which was followed by its sequels Ben 10: Alien Force (2008–2010), Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010–2012), and Ben 10: Omniverse (2012–2014), all sharing the same continuity. The reboot series, also titled Ben 10, was released from 2016 till 2021, set on a new continuity, with a 44-minute finale special serving as a crossover with the first four series.[1] The franchise also includes five films (three animated and two live-action), numerous video games, and crossovers with other two Cartoon Network series, Generator Rex (2010–2013) and The Secret Saturdays (2008–2010). It has garnered considerable critical acclaim, securing three Emmy Awards, and ranks as Cartoon Network's second-longest existing franchise. Furthermore, Ben 10 has inspired a line of toys produced initially by Bandai for the franchise's first four series and later by Playmates Toys for the reboot. Ben 10 is one of Cartoon Network’s most commercially successful franchises.
Television series
As of 2024, the five concluded series are split into two continuities: the classic continuity, including the original series and its sequels–Ben 10 (2005–2008), Ben 10: Alien Force (2008–2010), Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010–2012), and Ben 10: Omniverse (2012–2014), and the reboot continuity of Ben 10 (2016–2021), with its 2021 April specials serving as both the series finale for the 2016 reboot and a crossover event connecting both continuities. As of 2025, there are a total of 393 episodes.
Series overview
| Series | Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | ||||
| Ben 10 (2005) | 1 | 13 | December 27, 2005 | March 25, 2006 | |
| 2 | 13 | May 29, 2006 | October 9, 2006 | ||
| 3 | 13 | November 25, 2006 | April 21, 2007 | ||
| 4 | 10 | July 14, 2007 | April 15, 2008 | ||
| Ben 10: Alien Force | 1 | 13 | April 18, 2008 | August 31, 2008 | |
| 2 | 13 | October 10, 2008 | March 27, 2009 | ||
| 3 | 20 | September 11, 2009 | March 26, 2010 | ||
| Ben 10: Ultimate Alien | 1 | 20 | April 23, 2010 | December 10, 2010 | |
| 2 | 12 | February 4, 2011 | April 29, 2011 | ||
| 3 | 20 | September 16, 2011 | March 31, 2012 | ||
| Ben 10: Omniverse | 1 | 10 | August 1, 2012 | November 17, 2012 | |
| 2 | 10 | November 24, 2012 | February 2, 2013 | ||
| 3 | 10 | February 9, 2013 | April 6, 2013 | ||
| 4 | 10 | October 5, 2013 | December 7, 2013 | ||
| 5 | 10 | February 15, 2014 | April 19, 2014 | ||
| 6 | 10 | October 6, 2014 | October 17, 2014 | ||
| 7 | 10 | October 20, 2014 | October 31, 2014 | ||
| 8 | 10 | November 3, 2014 | November 14, 2014 | ||
| Ben 10 (2016) | 1 | 40 | October 1, 2016 | November 22, 2017 | |
| 2 | 40 | October 3, 2017 | October 26, 2018 | ||
| 3 | 52 | January 26, 2019 | July 25, 2019 | ||
| 4 | 34 | December 13, 2019 | September 18, 2020 | ||
Films
As of 2020, there have been three animated films – Secret of the Omnitrix (2007), Destroy All Aliens (2012), Versus the Universe (2020) and two live-action films – Race Against Time (2007), Alien Swarm (2009) released in the franchise.
Animated films
| Occupation | Secret of the Omnitrix (2007) | Destroy All Aliens (2012) | Versus the Universe (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director(s) | Sebastian O. Montes III and Scooter Tidwell | Victor Cook | Arthur Henrique Nazareth and John McIntyre |
| Producer(s) | Donna Smith, Alex Soto & Jennifer Pelphrey (supervising) | Kurt Weldon (line) and Victor Cook (supervising) | Shareena Carlson and Will Patrick |
| Production company(s) | Cartoon Network Studios | Tiny Island Productions, Cartoon Network Asia and Cartoon Network Studios | Cartoon Network Studios |
| Distributor | Cartoon Network | Cartoon Network | Warner Bros. Home Entertainment |
| Runtime | 67 minutes | 69 minutes | 72 minutes |
| Released | August 10, 2007 | March 23, 2012 | October 10, 2020 |
Live-action films
| Occupation | Live-action films | |
|---|---|---|
| Race Against Time (2007) | Alien Swarm (2009) | |
| Director(s) | Alex Winter | |
| Producer(s) | Evan W. Adler and Victor Ho (line) | Gideon Amir |
| Production company(s) | Trouper Productions with Cartoon Network Studios | |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network | Cartoon Network |
| Runtime | 67 minutes | 69 minutes |
| Released | November 21, 2007 | November 25, 2009 |
Other media
Ben 10: Ultimate Challenge
Ben 10: Ultimate Challenge is a game show developed for television by United Kingdom-based company Twenty Twenty, which airs on Cartoon Network in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Netherlands, Bulgaria, the Nordic region, Hungary, Poland, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Chile, United States and the Middle East.[2] Ultimate Challenge is a trivia show that tasks children with answering questions about all three series.[2] Ultimate Challenge is produced by Mandy Morris and executive produced by Daniel Marlowe.[3]
References in other shows
- Ben appeared as a parody of Benjamin Franklin on the show MAD, in an episode titled "Ben 10 Franklin". Franklin was flying his kite when he was struck by a lightning bolt, gaining the Omnitrix. He used Swampfire to sign the Declaration of Independence. He also used Humongousaur to defeat the British and smash down a junior high school bully's house in revenge. He used other aliens from Alien Force and Ultimate Alien, where they have his hair and glasses.
- Also in MAD, a reference to Alien Force was made with a parody of the movie Cowboys & Aliens, with many titles: "Cowboys & Alien Force", "Cowboys & Equestrians", and "Cowboys & Silly Bands". The reference was made at the beginning when Jake awakes with Ben on his side, but with Jake wearing Ben's pants and hat, with the Omnitrix on his wrist. He also used the Omnitrix to become an alien with the mix of Diamondhead, Chromastone, and Way Big to smash a cowboy.
- In the South Park episode "You're Getting Old", Cartman's mother mentions that Cartman gets upset when he does not get a present every time someone else gets a present at a party. One of the presents Cartman gets is a "Ben 10 Wrist Rocket".
- The Robot Chicken episode "Hurtled from a Helicopter into a Speeding Train" shows Ben on his 14th birthday party, where he complains about his gifts given by Azmuth.
- Ben 10 villains, such as the Enoch, Hex and Animo, make a brief cameo in The Secret Saturdays episode "Van Rook's Apprentice". References to Galvan Prime and Wildvine's species also appear in "Guess Who's Going to Be Dinner?" and "Eterno" respectively. Both references were made by the Secret Scientist Dr. Arthur Beeman, the UFOlogist for the series.
- In the Peep Show episode, "Man Jam", Jeremy jokingly refers to Ben, the boyfriend of a woman he admires, as "Ben 10" during a phone call to him.[4]
- Teenage Ben Tennyson appeared in The Official BBC Children in Need Medley in 2009.
- In the Jellystone! crossover special titled "Crisis on Infinite Mirths", 10-year-old Ben Tennyson uses the Omnitrix to transform into Stinkfly to fight Floral Rugg of The Hillbilly Bears.[5]
References in video games
- Ben 10 is featured as a crossover character in Brawlhalla, a 2D platform fighting game. He appears as his alien forms Heatblast, Diamondhead, and Four Arms in the form of the crossover "skins" for certain playable characters.[6]
- Ben 10 is featured as a downloadable content (DLC) expansion pack in Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The player teams up with Ben Tennyson, Gwen Tennyson, and Max Tennyson to stop an alien invasion by transforming into various aliens to face off against notable villains from the 2016 iteration of the franchise.[7]
Cartoon Network promotion
Titanic Kungfubot Offensive
The game features famous and notable Cartoon Network characters in robot-type form. Big Chill, Swampfire, a DNAlien, Kevin, Vilgax, Rath, Armodrillo, Ultimate Humongousaur, Ultimate Echo Echo, and Ultimate Big Chill appear as playable characters.
To promote the Ben 10/Generator Rex: Heroes United special, Cartoon Network updated Titanic Kungfubot Offensive, adding new bots, such as "Shocksquatch" and "Clockwork"; both of which are aliens accessible to Ben.
Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall
The character design for Ben Tennyson was changed when the original Ben 10 series ended and was replaced by his Alien Force design. In the game, he serves as a "Guide" offering exclusive missions and items.
Cartoon Network Universe: Project Exonaut
In another browser-based game entitled Cartoon Network Universe: Project Exonaut, Ben's aliens, alongside Gwen and Vilgax, appear as "exosuits". The exosuits' purpose is protecting the player and giving them unique abilities and powers. The planet Kylmyys (the home of one of Ben's aliens, Big Chill) and the Perplexhedron are featured as battle arenas. Ultimate Kevin and Alien X are currently the new exosuits for Project Exonaut representing Ben 10. The new exosuits feature Gold versions of Manus, Marceline, Mojo Jojo, and Rath.
Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion
Ben appears in the game as a playable character. Swampfire, Humongousaur, Big Chill, and AmpFibian appear as Ben's playable aliens. Vilgax, the archenemy of Ben Tennyson appears as a playable character for the first time. Gwen and the Vreedle Brothers are "summons" in the game. Additionally, Bellwood and the Null Void are included as battle arenas. Kevin also appears as a "summon" in the game, but is featured as a playable character on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii versions called Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion XL. Kevin in Ultimate Kevin form appears in the game as a boss. The young version of Ben appears in the console version of the game as a playable character.[8]
Cast and characters
The main characters include Ben Tennyson and his cousin Gwen Tennyson, Grandpa Max Tennyson, Kevin Levin and Rook Blonko, along with the villains Vilgax, Aggregor, Doctor Animo, Eon, Hex and Khyber.
Accolades
Original series
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 34th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Individual in Animation | Thomas Perkins | Won |
| Golden Reel Award | Best Sound Editing in Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue, ADR and Music for Television Animation |
Otis Van Osten, Melinda Rediger, Trevor Sperry, Matt Brown, Jody Thomas, Andy Sturmer, Ron Salaises, Keith Dickens for the episode "Ben 10,000" |
Nominated | |
| 2008 | 35th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | Brian A. Miller, Sam Register, Jennifer Pelphrey, Alex Soto, Donna Smith, Tramm Wigzell |
Nominated |
Race Against Time
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 29th Young Artist Awards | Best Leading Young Actor | Graham Phillips as Ben Tennyson | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Young Actor | Tyler Patrick Jones as Cash Murray | Nominated | ||
| Best Supporting Young Actress | Haley Ramm as Gwen Tennyson | Nominated | ||
| 6th Visual Effects Society Awards[9] | Outstanding Animated Character in a Live Action Broadcast Program or Commercial | Brent Young, Smith, Michael For the Grey Matter sequence | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Miniseries, Movie or Special | Dina Benadon, Evan Jacobs, Brent Young, Chris Christman for visual effects compilation | Nominated |
Alien Force
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 36th Daytime Emmy Awards[10] | Outstanding Sound Mixing – Live Action and Animation | Robert Hargreaves, Robert Serda and John Hegedes | Won |
| Outstanding Sound Editing – Live Action and Animation | Robert Hargreaves and George Brooks | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | Brian A. Miller, Sam Register, Glen Murakami, Jennifer Pelphrey and Donna Smith | Nominated |
Alien Swarm
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards[11] | Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special | Evan Jacobs, Sean McPherson, Andrew Orloff, Brent Young | Nominated |
| 8th Visual Effects Society Awards | Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Miniseries, Movie or a Special | Evan Jacobs, Sean McPherson, Andrew Orloff | Nominated | |
| 15th Art Directors Guild Award[12] | Television Movie or Mini-Series | Yuda Acco Harry Matheu, Hugh D.G. Moody, Rouzier, Pierre, Robb Bihun, Ann Stacy, Dan Post | Nominated | |
Ultimate Alien
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 64th Writers Guild of America Awards | Animation | Len Uhley for the episode "Moonstruck" | Nominated |
Omniverse
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Annie Award | Character Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production | Chap Yaep, Steven Choi, Derrick Wyatt for the episode "The More Things Change Part 2" | Nominated |
| 40th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Sound Mixing – Animation | Carlos Sanches | Won | |
| Outstanding Sound Editing – Animation | Jeff Shiffman, Roger Pallan, Matthew Thomas Hall, Otis Van Osten, Tony Ostyn, Gerardo Gonzalez | Nominated |
Outside media
Merchandise
Following the success of the Ben 10 animated TV series and films, various Ben 10 merchandise has been released for general sale. These items include comic books, board games, card games (such as Top Trumps), toys, video games, Lego construction sets, bedding, coloring books, footwear, and watches (the Omnitrix and the Ultimatrix). All four shows have been released on DVD.
Video games
The game franchise has many different formats. The video games franchise started in 2006 with the release of Ben 10 for the HyperScan, while the franchise's first official video game Protector of Earth came out in 2007. Twelve games have been released:
Toy line
Bandai manufactured Ben 10 toys from the first four series,[13] while Playmates Toys has produced toys for the 2016 reboot.
Six construction sets were produced by Lego, depicting Spidermonkey, Humungousaur, Swampfire, Chromastone, Jet Ray, and Big Chill.[14]
The series received three McDonald's Happy Meal promotions internationally, as well as one in America in August 2011.[15] The toys are colored translucent figures of some Omnitrix/Ultimatrix aliens and their Ultimate forms, with a small photo of Ben inside. The Alien Force toys are four rings, each one is an alien (Goop, Jetray, Alien X, Chromastone) with features linked with their powers.
Comic books
Developed by Jason Hall, Min G. Kuand and Heroic Age, the Ben 10 comic revolves around Ben's summer vacation with Gwen and their Grandpa Max, travelling in the Rust Bucket. The Ben 10: Alien Force comic revolves around Ben, with Gwen and a reformed Kevin, battling the Highbreed and the DNAliens.
Cartoon Network Action Pack was a 2006–2012 comic book series made by DC Comics which showcased Ben 10 alongside Samurai Jack, Codename: Kids Next Door, The Secret Saturdays, or Generator Rex. Some of the issues were connected with the franchise, while others are non-canon.
In February 2013, IDW Publishing announced a partnership with Cartoon Network to produce comics based on Cartoon Network properties. Ben 10 was one of the titles announced to be published.[16]
In July 2024, Dynamite Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences announced new comic books featuring Ben 10.[17]
