My last blog post looked at the different kinds of animation and proved not only my knowledge of the medium but my passion for it as well. The first film I ever saw at the cinema was The Lion King. It blew my mind! The colour, the story, the characters and the look of the film captivated me and I was glued to my seat in awe and wonder. My love for Disney also started that day. Since then I have seen countless upon countless of animated films and finding my personal top five was no easy task.
Some honourable mentions include The Polar Express, The Lion King, Anastasia, Spirited Away, Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Toy Story. All these films all have a lasting impact and hold a great legacy but the following are simply the best of the best, in my opinion.
5. Shrek
Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me, and that was Shrek. If you didn’t understand that then go and watch Shrek now, pronto! It was a film that blurred the lines between audiences. It was a kid’s film front and centre, but had jokes adults would continuously laugh at. That was the appeal of Shrek, it was for everyone! The fairy tale setting, the catchy music and the absolutely hilarious characters won me over in an instant. Who doesn’t remember Donkey flirting with the Dragon? What about the Gingerbread Man torture scene? It is a classic in every sense of the world and even after a decade or so has passed it is still highly re-watchable. Now I’m a believer! Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
4. Lilo & Stitch
You know there are over fifty Disney films out there, and there’s a large portion of them that are considered classics. Out of all of them there is one that has made me laugh and cry more than any other. Yep, Lilo & Stitch is the one for me. Who knew a Hawaiian set, sci-fi comedy about an alien pet dog creature thing and a young girl would work as an animated feature film? Also add a splash of Elvis Presley in there too.
I didn’t have high expectations before I saw the film, and that is part of what makes it work.
It sounds bizarre and like a creative headache, but it just works. If you don’t believe me, then please be my guest and go and watch it for yourself.
3. Coraline
I think I’ve stated this enough times now, but Coraline is my favourite stop-motion film ever and it definitely deserves a spot on this list too. The gothic look, the old-school style and the surreal imagery all make the film stand out above the rest. As we follow Coraline between the dreary and colourless real world to the vibrant and colourful world, we see a contrast between the dream-like quality of a perfect world against the monotonous existence of reality. This not only draws the character of Coraline into the story but also the audience, wanting to spend time in this patchwork utopia. The ending is all sorts of creepy and has a very important message of love and family. The film draws me in every time I watch it, and is endlessly re-watchable.
2. The Incredibles
Boom! Pow! Kachow! Old school superheroics meets a spy thriller, that is the basic premise for The Incredibles. Pixar have continually made original and emotional stories about everything from toys coming alive to monsters in closets. But a lot of people, myself included, could argue that The Incredibles is a definitive Pixar film. Hear me out. With a family of superheroes at the centre of the story, and with the focus being on the family instead of the action made it stand out above other superhero films. The comedy is perfect, the characters feel relatable and yet the heightened premise all combined together to really tell a story for the ages. You don’t always need to show off with animation, sometimes a story like this comes along and being animated just gives it an extra edge.
1. Up
I could’ve gone with a Disney Classic, or an old-school animated film from the early days, but nope. Instead I’ve gone with a film that is so simple in its premise, and yet has a twist in the adventure genre. An elderly man and a young boy are forced together as a house with balloons attached to it takes them to South America. As bizarre as it sounds, it works remarkably well. Who can forget that opening sequence and the incredibly moving montage of Carl and Ellie growing old together. Then the gut punch, the music softens and slows, and we learn Carl is now a widow.
The rest of the film isn’t as sombre as this moment but instead blows up in colour and wonder. The animation is up there with the best and still holds up well in today’s animation climate. There is less emphasis on action and more emphasis on bonds and relationships. If it wasn’t animation I really don’t think it would have the same effect. No other animated film has made me feel sad, hopeful and entertained as much as Up, and I hope you agree.
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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