Great Animated Films — Unpublished

Between rom-coms, superhero blockbusters, or gritty gangster dramas, everyone has their film preferences. Recently I’ve noticed that there is a distinct divide between “animation people” and “non-animation people.” (Not that these types follow any and all stereotypes.) Animation people don’t have to exclusively watch anime and doodle cartoon characters in their free time, and non-animation people don’t automatically stick their nose up at any playful animated flick. In actuality, non-animation people may find the static imagery of computer graphics or plain and simple drawings boring compared to the depth and range that a camera creates. As a self-identifying animation person, I would argue that animated worlds can create reality in a truer form than even live-action films. As Mark Twain claimed in Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World, “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities.” Truth arrives when there is no limit to possibility. I hope this list can convey that or, at the very least, broaden your personal animation cache.

Mind Game (2004)

What better way to kick off this list than with one of my favorite films of all time? This Japanese experimental anime is an absolute trip. A 20-something-year-old comic artist, Nishi, pines after his childhood girlfriend, Myon, gets mixed up with the Japanese mafia, visits heaven (briefly), and gets trapped in a whale. Let’s just say, hijinks ensue. Incredibly rewatchable, artful, spectacular, and rambunctious, Mind Game is essential animated viewing.

CW: Sexual Assault, Violence

Ratatouille (2007)

A smart little rat meets a French garbage boy and capitalizes under an oppressive and rat-phobic toxic work environment. OK, I know you’ve likely seen this before (maybe a few times) but it is well worth the rewatch. The warm atmosphere combined with the romantic Parisian scenery is perfect for a cozy winter evening.

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

In all honesty, every Hayao Miyazaki film should be on this list, so let this spot represent his entire filmography. Howl’s Moving Castle, however, is a shining gem of worldbuilding and magical realism mixed with steampunk edge. An enthused Sophie leaves her father’s hat shop for the dashing wizard Howl. When a jealous witch casts a spell on Sophie, her uneventful life transforms into a hectic yet rustic adventure alongside unlikely companions. For opulent lovers of the divine, this film boasts romance and sci-fi cottagecore futurism.

It's Such a Beautiful Day (2012)

Although you may find this in your most pretentious Hinge match’s favorite films of all time (me), this experimental film is one of the most brilliant and breathtaking pieces of animated art out there. Walking the line between tragedy and comedy, this film tells the story of stick figure Bill who contemplates his existence while experiencing surreal visions and a less than stellar memory.

CW: Violence, Heavy themes

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

The vivid and hectic world of high schooler Miles Morales is shattered as he becomes Spider-Man and must fight evil forces with the help of Spider-Beings from parallel universes. This may seem like an unlikely pick for such a pretentious film snob such as myself, but after seeing Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in a college film society’s small auditorium, I knew it belonged on this list. The animation style is still one of the most unique and captivating ones I have ever seen and lends itself well to Spider-Man’s comic book roots. Ultimately, it stays playful while incorporating complex ideas and technically impressive, awe-inspiring animation.

Fantastic Planet (1973)

If you’re a little weird and in need of something to tickle your otherworldly curiosity and vintage alien desires, this French film may be just right for you. Enslaved humans live as pets of the giant blue creatures of Ygam, but their resistance grows into a violent revolt. Somehow it is both a Cannes Grand Prix special jury prize winner and genuinely one of the strangest and most cathartic psychedelic jazz cartoon experiences you may ever come across.

Paprika (2006)

Satoshi Kon never fails to captivate viewers with his dynamic and masterful psychological thrillers, but Paprika may appeal to Inception fans as well, as Christopher Nolan cited it as his inspiration for the film. When a dream terrorist steals the gadget psychologists use to enter their patients’ dreams, a researcher turned dream detective must enter the dream world.

Yearbook (2014)

I had to include one of my favorite shorts, because it packs such an emotional and philosophical punch despite its mere six minute runtime. With the end of the world imminent, a man tasked with creating the yearbook of humanity poetically questions what we value, who we find important, and what should be passed on.

I hope this list functions as the seminal animation education I intend it to be. If you’re looking for a newer release, Flee (2021) hit theaters in December and is available to rent on YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner follows Amin Nawabi who must share his hidden past when it threatens his life with his soon-to-be husband. Hailed for its vivid animation and boundary-pushing story, Flee is the moving and poignant film we all need to see.