The Movie Industry has given us plenty of memorable animated movies. Studios like Pixar, Dreamworks, and 20th Century Fox have created movies that stick in everyone's minds, like Finding Nemo, Shrek, and Despicable Me. There is no way you can forget when Buzz Lightyear showed up to challenge Woody's importance in "Toy Story" or when Toothless the Dragon showed us an emotional connection between man and animal in "How To Train Your Dragon," or even when your emotions were challenged in "Big Hero 6." But while films like "Monsters Inc." and "Frozen" stand out when we hear the term "Animated Movie", what about the movies that people seem to forget to talk about? There are plenty of animated movies that stand out, but only when you are reminded of their existence. Here are some of the most incredible animated movies that seem to slip from memory. (We are sticking to the 3D style of animation for this list, in the likes of "Wreck it Ralph" and "Kung Fu Panda," so other styles of animation like "Ponyo" and "Wallace and Grommit" will be excluded. Also, the list is ranked by how much they made in the box office.)
14. "Monster House"
Box Office: $140.2 million
IMDB: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
When this movie released in 2006 by Amblin Entertainment, it scared audiences while touching their hearts at the same time. The story of the young kids' curiosity and the old man's loneliness definitely did not leave a dry eye in any theater. And yes, Steve Buscemi. So, there you go.
13. "Surf's Up"
Box Office: $149 million
IMDB: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Columbia and Sony Pictures team up to create a captivating film starring a surfing penguin. But, like most movies on this list, there is much more to this story. It's about a teenager who struggles to fit in. And for 2007, this animation was beautiful. The main character was voiced by Shia Lebouf and though this movie was sadly overshadowed by "Happy Feet," it should be remembered and appreciated.
12. "Meet the Robinsons"
Box Office: $169.3 million
IMDB: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
This Walt Disney film tells the story of a young orphan boy who is being hunted down by a man in a bowler hat from the future. But, again, it is so much more than that. This movie is hilarious and heartfelt at the same time with energetic characters and amazing animation. Releasing in 2007, this movie is full of plot twists that will make your jaw drop. I only cried five times watching it...
11. "Antz"
Box Office: $171.8 million
IMDB: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
This Dreamworks Animated film is about... well, yes. Ants. It is a movie of romance and responsibility with amazing animation for its time, 1998. Anyone who saw this movie will love to be reminded of its genius script and memorable characters. And of course, Woody Allen is one of the voice actors, so that's just an automatic win.
10. "Monsters Vs. Aliens"
Box Office: $175 million
IMDB: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Dreamworks came through again with another brilliant and underappreciated animated masterpiece. Premiering in 2009, this movie told the story of, yes, monsters combating aliens, but more importantly, the struggle of underdogs and outcasts. It was relatable, quirky, and magical. And I must say, the video game was pretty good too.
9. "Flushed Away"
Box Office: $178 million
IMDB: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Another Dreamworks movie, but instead of insects, this one features rats, frogs, and slugs. This creative world of characters was brought to life by an incredible voice cast including Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, and Ian McKellen in 2006. The witty lines are supported by a great soundtrack and who could forget those slugs? They were basically the original Minions. And in my opinion, much cooler.
8. "Open Season"
Box Office: $197.3 million
IMDB: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
Besides the fact the Ashton Kutcher played the lovable deer, Elliot, this movie is full of witty humor and, what should be, memorable characters. Although Rotten Tomatoes wasn't crazy about it, the audience sure was. But it was unfortunately forgotten despite its equally impressive and entertaining video game. Released in 2006, Sony does it again with a quality, but sadly forgettable animated film.
7. "Rango"
Box Office: $245.7 million
IMDB: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Johnny Depp brought this incredibly favorable character to life in the 2011 Paramount/Nickelodeon film. This adventurous tale is a charming movie that truly captivated audiences everywhere. So why do people forget about it?
6. "Robots"
Box Office: $260.7 million
IMDB: 6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
This is my personal favorite on this list. 20th Century Fox creates an amazing world of iconic supporting characters and an emotional story of the determined Rodney Copperbottom on a quest to show his invention to Bigweld, an inventing icon. The story of this determined teen inspired audiences everywhere in 2005, but sadly faded from memory as the years went on. This movie will surely live on in my heart forever.
5. "Bolt"
Box Office: $310 million
IMDB: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
This 2008 adventure film is about a dog voiced by John Travolta, who gets lost and meets some friends on the way. Again, the supporting characters are iconic and Disney really brought their A-game for this incredible display of action and emotion. "Bolt" should live on forever.
4. "Megamind"
Box Office: $321.8 million
IMDB: 7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
This Dreamworks animated film was the perfect combination of hero/villain, except it brilliantly turned the perspective to the villains. Will Ferrell brings the main character to life in the 2010 film and it successfully reached audiences of all ages. It was definitely very smart writing teaming up perfectly with great voice acting.
3. "Over the Hedge"
Box Office: $336 million
IMDB: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
This list has seen slugs, rats, chameleons, dogs, deer, bears, penguins, and ants, but thanks to Dreamworks, it now has a raccoon. The story of the rebellious raccoon blew up and was very successful upon its release in 2006. Despite being similar to Open Season, which also came out in the same year, it surpassed "Open Season" popularity. Although I must say, their video games are quite evenly matched.
2. "Shark Tale"
Box Office: $367.3 million
IMDB: 6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
Although Rotten Tomatoes seemed to disagree, this movie was insanely good. This amazing soundtrack was gracefully accompanied by a star-studded cast of voice actors including Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Renee Zellweger, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, and Martin Scorcese. Dreamworks killed this inspiring and hilarious movie all the way back in 2004 and it should not be forgotten.
1. "Rio"
Box Office: $484.6 million
IMDB: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Yup, that's right. This movie made almost $500 million in the box office which is more than some Pixar films have made. 20th Century Fox really got the job done with the love story starring a blue macaw in 2011. You may think that this isn't a forgotten movie, but let's be honest. When was the last time you watched it? Probably 2011. But it was a huge success in its start and should be remembered for its beautiful animation and touching story.
Although you may not personally like all of these movies listed, there is no denying that while yes, they were successful upon their releases, they lost traction as the years went on and didn't stick around like "Tangled" or "Cars." If some of your favorites are missing, they probably weren't as forgotten as you may think, like "Croods," or they simply weren't well reviewed/didn't make much in the box office like "Chicken Little." I hope this article brought you some nostalgia and will encourage you to give some of these a re-watch. The art of animation is getting better all the time, especially with the beauty of Moana and the success of "Secret Life of Pets," but it is nice to appreciate some of the stepping stones in the animation world that contributed to the growth of the industry like the ones listed.
