When it comes to features, while they often make an impact through live-action, there are those films which are better in animation. Some people consider it to be a form of entertainment that kids can thoroughly enjoy but animation is actually a form of art that has a wide audience. It is undeniable that animation in movies and television has attracted not-so-young and older audiences. Whether it's old fashioned hand-drawn, stop-motion or modern CGI. Here are the top 10 list of animated films I consider to be the greatest of the genre no matter what art-style was used or the plot. You'll notice I haven't included the new Disney hit 'Frozen' which I've never watched or any Pixar feature in any of the ten spots, I'm definitely not featuring 'Frozen', so let it go!
#10. The Simpsons Movie (2007): (Fox)
One of the few modern movies that use the art of 2D animation rather than using the current form of CGI and based on a long-running animated sitcom about a family that makes a lot of high jinks in the town of Springfield. 'THE SIMPSONS MOVIE' is clever with hilarity. It is better than most of the series' recent seasons shown on Channel Ten and Eleven Australia.
One of the few modern movies that use the art of 2D animation rather than using the current form of CGI and based on a long-running animated sitcom about a family that makes a lot of high jinks in the town of Springfield. 'THE SIMPSONS MOVIE' is clever with hilarity. It is better than most of the series' recent seasons shown on Channel Ten and Eleven Australia.
#9. Toy Story 2 (1999): (Disney/Pixar)
Did you think that 'Toy Story 1' or '3' is the best? In my experience, I didn't see the third movie and never was into it because of Ken and Barbie's relationship. I instead went into a revisit with the second movie at my family's Christmas party. Now that you know, it's not as well-known as the third instalment. I believe 'TOY STORY 2' is the best of the three. The best part of the movie would be the opening scene, mainly because of the action and the fitting potential for Buzz Lightyear to have his own spin-off.
#8. Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011): (DreamWorks)
'KUNG FU PANDA 2' is an interesting and silly sequel to the first movie, the movie has highlighted a character-based story and establishes a two-part saga. Likeable and wise, it's still over-the-top hilarious and delves into more character development and adds balance with the dark aspects. I raise the vote for 'KUNG FU PANDA 2' as the best-animated sequel in the series and getting the most acclaim from the audience.
#7. The Incredibles (2004): (Disney/Pixar)
This film successfully accomplished a perfect blend of laughs and CGI superhero action. The blockbuster 'THE INCREDIBLES' justifies the orientation of the superhero genre for the first time and calls itself a movie with a family of heroes. It seems risky for the animation giant of Pixar and Disney to super-start and collaborate on an original super-hero masterpiece. I'm not going to lie, it ended up being a success and is not like the other previous Pixar bonuses. Bonus points for Jason Lee in voicing the fan-boy turned-nemesis Syndrome. Might I say that Samuel L. Jackson also captures the essence through his portrayal of Frozone?
This film successfully accomplished a perfect blend of laughs and CGI superhero action. The blockbuster 'THE INCREDIBLES' justifies the orientation of the superhero genre for the first time and calls itself a movie with a family of heroes. It seems risky for the animation giant of Pixar and Disney to super-start and collaborate on an original super-hero masterpiece. I'm not going to lie, it ended up being a success and is not like the other previous Pixar bonuses. Bonus points for Jason Lee in voicing the fan-boy turned-nemesis Syndrome. Might I say that Samuel L. Jackson also captures the essence through his portrayal of Frozone?
#6. Kung Fu Panda (2008): (DreamWorks)
Looking for a better DreamWorks film, one that doesn't need references to other films or edgy humour to create laughs. 'KUNG FU PANDA' is awesome and lets the studio better cement itself as one of the all-time greats in producing animated features. With an original sense of laughter and amazing fighting sequences, I feel 'KUNG FU PANDA' has never been matched in its uniqueness a simplicity since 'The Lion King'. It delivered a story that compels and entertains audiences. This feature made no attempt to replicate the work of its predecessor films by DreamWorks.
Looking for a better DreamWorks film, one that doesn't need references to other films or edgy humour to create laughs. 'KUNG FU PANDA' is awesome and lets the studio better cement itself as one of the all-time greats in producing animated features. With an original sense of laughter and amazing fighting sequences, I feel 'KUNG FU PANDA' has never been matched in its uniqueness a simplicity since 'The Lion King'. It delivered a story that compels and entertains audiences. This feature made no attempt to replicate the work of its predecessor films by DreamWorks.
#5. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001): (Disney)
I don't care what some people think about 'ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE', it was an action-packed Disney animated film without any singing. In fact, it has the feel of a Jules Verne classic and an Indiana Jones adventure, brought to life by tremendous visuals and Mike Mignola's design. All of these were put together to make 'ATLANTIS' an exciting and mystifying looking cartoon adventure flick with a sense of being a cult classic in its own right. It's favoured by viewers more so than critics who gave the mixed reviews about the whole picture.
I don't care what some people think about 'ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE', it was an action-packed Disney animated film without any singing. In fact, it has the feel of a Jules Verne classic and an Indiana Jones adventure, brought to life by tremendous visuals and Mike Mignola's design. All of these were put together to make 'ATLANTIS' an exciting and mystifying looking cartoon adventure flick with a sense of being a cult classic in its own right. It's favoured by viewers more so than critics who gave the mixed reviews about the whole picture.
#4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993): (Warner Bros)
Far from being a cash-in by Warner Bros, 'BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM' follows the storyline of Batman as we know and has the complexity of an animated action feature. This is one that doesn't need any comic relief except for its main villain The Joker who is funny but menacingly evil. Delving deep into the mythology of the comic book character, the movie 'MASK OF THE PHANTASM' is suitably fast-paced and better than Burton's or Schumacher's Batman flicks. Even fans of the caped-crusader could give it a second chance.
#3. How to Train Your Dragon (2010): (DreamWorks)
Taking the studio DreamWorks into soaring heights with glossy animation and outrageously breathtaking 3D view, 'HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON' is all about the fantasy. For me, I can say, 'TRAIN YOUR DRAGON', conveys the theme of trust between two unlikely companions. Conveniently this is DreamWorks' greatest treasure that is well-appraised equal that of 'Kung Fu Panda'. It pleases the crowd with a lot of extraordinary moments that were unforgettable.
#2. WALL-E (2008): (Disney/Pixar)
'WALL-E' is one of the few animated science-fiction movies to ever succeed at the box office, it is full of breathtaking visual eye candy for the audience and explores the romance between the two main robots. Primarily, the movie's first half is dialogue-free, but it conveys a message about the environmental issues affecting our planet. This is probably the most sentimental movie Pixar made and takes the cake as the best computer-rendering for the animation studio. It is a mesmerising and unique piece of animation cinema that will have long-lasting value.
#1. The Lion King (1994): (Disney)
Truly an ultimate masterpiece for Disney in the 90's animation renaissance and one that I grew up with is 'THE LION KING (TLK)'. While still partially based on Shakespeare's Hamlet as well as being similar to 'Kimba: The White Lion", it has a dash of the right elements and is unique in its way. This includes beautiful epic scenery, talented vocals, heartfelt emotion and a memorable soundtrack are what give its dominance. This film could have been the second nominee for an Academy Award for Best Picture. There isn't a single animated feature from Disney or any other studio nowadays to top 'TLK'. It's one of the studio's better flicks (alongside 'Atlantis') appealing to adults as well as children. This 2D piece of artistic perfection will be remembered for generations to come.
Well, what do think of my top 10 list? What are your favourites? I would love to hear your feedback and hear what you think are the best 10 animated features of all time.
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You have some great picks here!
ReplyDeleteThe Incredibles is my Pixar film to date with Toy Story not far behind. I really enjoyed all of the references to superhero comics in the Incredibles.
Mask of the Phantasm is desperately underrated and overlooked by far too many people, and I am glad to see it on your list. It is my favorite American animated film actually.
How to Train Your Dragon is another one of my favorites. I really liked the fantasy setting and the characters. It is top 3 for me as well.
I have not seen The Lion King recently enough to say much about it, but I did like it when I was younger.
My favorite animated film is Princess Mononoke, as well as almost any Studio Ghibli film.
-James
Good then, I'm very disappointed you didn't mention WALL-E. It is also my favourite and it deserved to be in second place. I also think you are forgetting that The Simpsons is a hilarious animated show only on its 9 classic seasons. It's also better than watching today's episodes and the new Family Guy.
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