My childhood, like many others, consisted of watching Disney movies and other animated movies, with talking animals and princesses that might peak my interest and engage me, long enough for my parents to take a break from our hectic lives. While Disney and Pixar take the cake for most recognizable animated movies, there are some truly remarkable and breathtaking animations that have slipped through the cracks. These movies are perfect for any age range. Each movie shares a story of friendship, courage, love, and imagination. These movies also include tons of jokes and innuendos that you may have missed watching as a kid.
1. "The Book of Life"
Released in 2014, "The Book of Life" follows the relationship of three best friends; Manolo, Maria and Joaquin, and a wager made between Xibalba, the ruler of the land of the forgotten and La Muerte, the ruler and Queen of the Land of the Remembered, to see who will win Maria’s heart. "The Book of Life" guides the viewer through the lives of each character as they develop and how each character is influenced by their families and ancestors. "The Book of Life" is a beautiful movie with animation that leaves you breathless.
2. "The Little Prince"
Released on Netflix in 2015, based on the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "The Little Prince" tells the story of the importance of youth, imagination, and creativity. With the help of a fox, a rose, and the stars, a little girl finds the courage and a friendship or two along the way. The artwork in this Netflix original is truly stunning and nothing like I’ve seen before. This animated flick is sure to become one of your favorites.
3. "Anastasia"
Released in 1997, "Anastasia" is the story of the last surviving child of the Romanovs, the last Russian Royal Family. After escaping the burning palace, Anastasia is separated from her grandmother and is knocked unconscious, leaving her alone and with no memory of who she is or where her family is. As Rasputin seeks to destroy the last remainder of the family, grown-up Anastasia goes on a journey to recover her forgotten past. With the assistance of two men, Dmitri and Vladimir, Anastasia learns about her past, present, and future.
4. "The Lorax"
Released in 2012, Dr. Seuss’s classic story of the one who speaks for the trees comes to life in this incredible animation. With songs and funny new characters, this movie is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Starting from the beginning question of where all the trees went and how the world became a sort of bubble for those living in it, not seeing out into the crumbling world around them. This is a great movie to watch to learn why protecting our environment is super important. As scary as it is, global warming is very real. Luckily there are ways we can slow it down and even begin to stop it.
5. "The Iron Giant"
Released in 1999, "The Iron Giant" is a tale of unlikely friendship. When a giant robot from outer space crash lands on earth he comes into the care of a young boy, Hogarth. Each partner of the pair curious of the other and the mysterious ways of life. "The Iron Giant" touches the audience's hearts and teaches us why we shouldn’t fear all that we do not know. Before making judgments we must first try to understand.
6. "Chicken Run"
Released in 2000, this Claymation film is the story of chickens trying to escape their evil owners. When a “flying” cockerel lands wounded in their coop they enlist his help to teach them how to fly and eventually help them hatch the perfect escape plan. "Chicken Run" is smart and an artistically magnificent movie.
7. "How to Train Your Dragon"
Released in 2010, in a village full of Vikings, the only hope for survival is to kill the dragons who come to pillage each eve. No one would assume you could tame these crazy beasts until Hiccup came along. Trying to prove to his father and the village that they don’t have to kill the dragons to protect the village, Hiccup battles his inner truth and his father’s conscious to prove to everyone what is right.
8. "Igor"
Released in 2008, In the town of Malaria there are only the inventors, whose goal is to create the biggest, evilest creation ever to be seen and the Igors, whose job is to serve their master. When a mishap happens in Igor’s master’s lab, Igor is forced to create an invention that turns into something he could have never imagined.
9. "The Road to El Dorado"
Released in 2000, The "Road to El Dorado" is a story of two con-artist best friends and their quest to find the city of gold. Their journeys through discovering the city of gold and entering the city, leave the audience captivated and amused. The dynamic duo shares triumphs and losses along the way.
With a list like this you are sure to become an animated movie pro. So, grab the popcorn, silence your cell phones and enjoy your movies.
