Many Animated Films are designed for kiddies, though not always, but if you look back and think of Animated films your first thought it often Disney, so when we think about Animated films out there, what arent Disney that are still very good? That’s the question in our household, and what’s in my top 5, there are plenty to choose from!
So with my list, I did my normal of asking what other peoples were, but I included the kiddies as many Animated films are designed for kids, though we as adults still enjoy them, I’m not a big Manga or Anime fan, which is what some of my friends had on their list, im sure there great buts it just for me, and I did quickly think that I would discount Xmas and seasonal its harsh but though films have there own time and place, including Rising of the guardians which were a good film but its a bit seasonal for me, there a are a few sequels so ive banded them together for sake of ease, and the last animation like Wallace and Gromit is included I do think its a bit harsh for them not to be in this list but they arent, their short stories dont quite count, and even though piglet enjoys them alot and I dont mind watching them its no, ive also discounted ones with Live action and a splash of CGI, like Paddington, great film but not counted.
Table of Contents
Shrek
In the turn of the Millenium Disney seemed to be going through a bad spell of quality films, something I’ve already documented, they seemed to had peaked after so long and were finding it difficult after dominating Animation films for so long but with Computors etc coming so far it allowed many companies to produce films, and TV, Dreamworks Pictures were one of those companies that stood up and in 2001 made a different story to a classic and done everything different to a traditional Disney film, and you could argue was a big part of the surge of new Animation back in the day (along with Pixar)Shrek was a fairly big-time cast for an Animation film and was such a success spawned sequels, musicals and one of the most recognisable characters out there, I actually prefer number 2, but the first two are really good, the last 2 not as much.
Spiderman | Into the Spiderverse
Sony Pictures Animation managed to do what seemingly no other company could do other than Marvel themselves, and that does a decent and successful Super Hero film with a Marvel Character, though Disney now owns Marvel, and Marvel had inputs into this film, much like the Live action versions of Spiderman, Disney didn’t have an input thus on my list. Going forward maybe Disney will want more input but hey ho, this film was done so differently, the story was good but the way it was done, the idea of it all was fantastic and had such a modern-day feel to it, not a normal animation film but even for me one of the best Superhero films, and probably the best Spiderman film, which says a lot.
How to Train Your Dragon
This was a tough one, I think the HTTYD series is as good as some of the other series of Films produced by Dreamworks etc, so you could easily exchange these for any of those others, but I love Dragons, and the kids always enjoyed these films, all 3 have been good, I still think the first is perhaps the best but it did very well, it spawned series, books all sorts, it created its own Lore etc, but over last 20 years it’s definitely one of the best.
Despicable me
This like Shrek was a very different animated film, though it started in 2010 it started Illumination Entertainment to start surging on there films, but this was their main franchise, and with two more sequels and a separate spin-off series with the Minions, one due next year! But this focusing around family and being the bad guys is a great story, and full of funny momenta that kids and adults remember.
Lego Movie
It’s not a shock that I like this, as I love Lego, but let’s be honest, when this came out in 2014 who thought it would be as successful as what it was, yes Lego had a following and there were some famous people voicing it, but many actors have given their voices to animation nowadays, but the story was good and very clever in its creativity and delivery. Tigger and I really enjoyed it and it did so well it spawned some more from the Studio, though I don’t think they have hit the heights of this film, I wasn’t a huge fan of the second or the Lego Batman film.
Overall
Even though Disney and animation are synonymous there are plenty of top quality Animated films out there that are just as good, and in some peoples eyes better, these are varied and shows some really funny and memorable moments. Their arent always for kids they can often be for adults, and I’m sure many of us will have looked at these films with great fondness for ourselves and our kiddies.
Below is some alternatives that could have been on the list
Kung Fu panda | much like HTTYD this could have been in the list, but I like it less, it’s ok and still fun to watch
Horton Hears a Who | I really like this, big fan of Dr Seuss, and this is very good with a great cast and captures the unique world.
Madagascar | This is one of the most well known and no doubt would be on a list.
Megamind | I liked this but it gets forgotten about a lot with a solid cast.
Happy Feet | The first is great with lots of musical numbers
Cloudy with a chance of meatballs | A favourite in our house, both films and the series is enjoyable.
Surfs up | I really like this, and again underrated a lot, its so clever and filmed very different compared to normal animation, great idea.
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