MY TOP ANIMATED MOVIES
Animation, what a wonderful form of story telling. I graduated as an illustrator so have a soft spot for animation ever since I started drawing properly.
Akira
Directed by: Katsuhiro Otomo
Released on 25 January 1991
This story follows Kaneda, a cool biker gang leader, and his best friend Tetsuo, who gains powerful psychic abilities after a motorcycle accident. As Tetsuo’s powers spiral out of control, he becomes obsessed with finding Akira, a mysterious child whose abilities are tied to the cataclysmic event that destroyed the city. The film is a visual feast, packed with stunning animation and intense action sequences, while exploring themes of friendship, government corruption, and the consequences of unchecked power. With its mix of cyberpunk aesthetics and social commentary, Akira is a seminal work that influenced countless films and continues to resonate with audiences today.
The Iron Giant
Directed by: Brad Bird
Released on 17 December 1999
Set during the Cold War that follows a young boy named Hogarth Hughes who discovers a giant robot with a love for scrap metal and a serious case of mistaken identity. After befriending the gentle giant, Hogarth teaches him about kindness and courage, while also trying to keep him hidden from the government, which sees the robot as a threat. As the giant learns to understand his own strength and potential, he must confront the dangers of the world around him, ultimately embracing the idea that "you are who you choose to be." With its beautiful animation and poignant themes of friendship, sacrifice, and self-acceptance.
The Transformers: The Movie
Directed by: Nelson Shin
Released on 5 December 1986
Set in the year 2005. The story follows the heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, as they battle their evil counterparts, the Decepticons, for control of Cybertron and Earth. When the ruthless Unicron, a planet-eating giant, threatens all life in the universe, the Autobots must unite and seek new allies to confront this formidable foe. The film is notable for its epic battles, memorable characters, and a surprising number of dramatic moments, including the death of major characters, oh, and an awesome soundtrack.
Persepolis
Directed by: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud
Released on 25 April 2008
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, depicting her coming-of-age story during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The film follows young Marjane as she navigates the complexities of her identity, culture, and the impact of political turmoil on her life. From her childhood filled with a love for punk music and Western ideals to her experiences as a teenager in Vienna, the story captures the struggles of growing up in a repressive society while yearning for freedom and self-expression. With its striking black-and-white animation and poignant storytelling, Persepolis offers a powerful commentary on the intersection of personal and political identity, illustrating how the larger historical context shapes individual lives and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Breadwinner
Directed by: Nora Twomey
Released on 25 May 2018
The Breadwinner is a powerful animated film set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, telling the story of 11-year-old Parvana, a brave young girl who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family after her father is unjustly imprisoned. Directed by Nora Twomey and based on Deborah Ellis's novel, the film beautifully illustrates Parvana’s journey through themes of resilience, family, and survival. Blending stark realism with Afghan folklore, The Breadwinneruses rich animation to contrast the hardships of Parvana's life with moments of hope, making it a deeply moving tale of courage and imagination in the face of oppression.
Song of the Sea
Directed by: Tomm Moore
Released on 10 July 2015
A beautifully animated film that follows the journey of a young boy named Ben and his little sister, Saoirse, who is a selkie—a mythical creature that can transform from a seal into a human. After their mother goes missing, the siblings embark on a magical adventure to save their family and unlock the secrets of their heritage. As they encounter various magical creatures and face challenges from ancient spirits, the film weaves a rich tapestry of Irish folklore and explores themes of love, loss, and the bond between siblings. With its stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Song of the Sea is a heartwarming tale that captivates audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the importance of family.
The Secret of NIMH
Directed by: Don Bluth
Released on 22 July 1982
The film that follows Mrs. Brisby, a brave field mouse who must save her home and her sick son from a farmer's plow. To do so, she seeks help from a group of genetically modified rats that escaped from a lab called NIMH, where they were subjected to experiments that granted them intelligence and advanced abilities. As Mrs. Brisby delves deeper into the rats' world, she uncovers their complex society and learns about the moral dilemmas they face. With themes of courage, sacrifice, and the struggle for survival, The Secret of NIMH is a beautifully animated tale that combines adventure with a poignant exploration of the natural and moral order, leaving viewers both enchanted and introspective.
Ghost in the Shell
Directed by: Mamoru Oshii
Released on 8 December 1995
A groundbreaking animated film set in a futuristic world where cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence blur the lines between humanity and technology. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a skilled cybernetic operative working for a government agency tasked with hunting down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper into her investigation, Kusanagi grapples with her own identity, exploring profound philosophical questions about consciousness, existence, and what it truly means to be human. With its stunning animation, complex themes, and thought-provoking narrative, Ghost in the Shell has become a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, influencing countless films, anime, and discussions about the future of humanity in an increasingly digital age.
Watership Down
Directed by: Martin Rosen, John Hubley
Released on 19 October 1978
A dark film based on Richard Adams' novel that follows a group of rabbits as they embark on a perilous journey to find a new home after one of them, Fiver, has a vision of impending doom for their warren. Led by the brave Hazel and accompanied by his loyal brother, Fiver, the rabbits face various challenges, including predators, hostile rabbit societies, and the harsh realities of the wild. As they search for the mythical Watership Down, themes of leadership, survival, and the struggle for freedom are explored. With its beautiful animation and poignant storytelling, Watership Down is both an adventure tale and a profound meditation on life, community, and the instinct to protect one’s own
Spirited Away
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Released on 12 September 2003
Film by Hayao Miyazaki that follows a young girl named Chihiro who accidentally stumbles into a magical spirit world while moving to a new home. When her parents are transformed into pigs after indulging in the food meant for the spirits, Chihiro must navigate this enchanting yet eerie realm to save them. She takes a job at a bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba, where she learns to be resourceful and brave while encountering a host of quirky characters, including the mysterious Haku and the gluttonous No-Face. With its stunning animation and rich storytelling, Spirited Away explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of love.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Directed by: Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, Rodney Rothman
Released on 12 December 2018
A Spider-Man film that introduces us to Miles Morales, a teenager who gains spider-like abilities and discovers that he’s not the only Spider-Man in the multiverse. After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Miles struggles to navigate his new powers while dealing with the pressures of adolescence. When a villain named Kingpin opens a portal to alternate dimensions, various Spider-People from different realities—like the wise-cracking Peter B. Parker and the badass Gwen—team up with Miles to stop him. The film features stunning animation, a vibrant visual style, and a heartfelt message about responsibility, identity, and embracing one's uniqueness. With its humor, action, and emotional depth, Into the Spider-Verse redefines the superhero genre and celebrates the idea that anyone can wear the mask.
Princess Mononoke
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Released on 19 October 2001
An epic animated film that explores the conflict between nature and industrialization in ancient Japan. The story follows Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a boar demon while trying to protect his village from a rampaging creature. In his quest for a cure, he embarks on a journey into the forest, where he encounters San, a fierce young woman raised by wolves who fights to protect the forest and its spirits from humans. As Ashitaka strives to mediate between the two sides, the film delves into themes of environmentalism, the consequences of human actions, and the complexity of good and evil.
The LEGO Batman Movie
Directed by: Chris McKay
Released on 4 February 2017
A more light hearted film that parodies the superhero genre through the lens of everyone's favorite brooding vigilante, Batman. In this colorful and comedic adventure, Batman is a self-absorbed hero who prefers to work alone, but he must confront his greatest challenge yet: the Joker's scheme to unleash chaos on Gotham City by recruiting an army of villains. As Batman reluctantly teams up with his new sidekick, Robin, and the fearless Batgirl, he learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, and embracing his vulnerabilities. With its clever humor, pop culture references, and stunning stop-motion animation, The LEGO Batman Movie offers a fresh and entertaining take on the iconic character while delivering heartwarming messages about family and belonging—all set in a vibrant LEGO universe.