Today’s category: Animated. A genre that people still occasionally dismiss as “for kids,” which is wild because some of the most emotionally devastating, visually creative, and flat-out hilarious movies ever made live here.
Animation is also one of the purest forms of storytelling. If you can imagine it, you can put it on screen. There are no limits except budget, time, and how much sleep the animators are willing to sacrifice. These movies shaped my sense of humor, my sense of wonder, and probably a good chunk of my personality. They also give me plenty of random break-into-song fodder. Which I do.
As always, these are not ranked.
- Tangled
- Atlantis: The Lost Empire
- My Neighbor Totoro
- South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
- The Emperor’s New Groove
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Kubo and the Two Strings
- Onward
- A Goofy Movie
- Moana
Here are some brief bits of rationale:
Tangled
This is my favorite modern Disney movie. The humor lands, the romance is earned, and the characters feel real in a way that sneaks up on you. Also, the music is amazing. I’ve Got a Dream, I See the Light, When Will My Life Begin and Mother Knows Best? Hard to beat that. Plus, Maximus is one of the most entertaining animal companions ever.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
This one deserved better when it came out. It’s adventurous, different, and feels like a sci-fi fantasy hybrid in the best way. It also has one of the coolest visual styles Disney has ever done. I also appreciate how every character acts logically according to their own code, be it bad, good, or neutral. The characters are characters, not caricatures.
My Neighbor Totoro
This was my first introduction to Miyazaki. I won’t say anime, even though it’s Japanese animation. To me there’s a style different that is a clear separation. Totoro shows us there doesn’t need to be epic stakes. The stakes are epic for the kids, and that’s who they should be epic for. Side note: I still have my giant Totoro and Catbus plushies from when I was a kid.
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
I never watched the show. I know some of the main jokes only because of memes. That doesn’t matter. This movie stands on its own, says what it wants to say, and does so in the most hilarious, raunchy, and musical way possible. I’m pretty sure I can still sing along with all the songs word for word. Oh. BARBARA STREISAND!
The Emperor’s New Groove
Perfect comedy. Every line lands. Every character is iconic. The pacing is absurdly tight. If I’d missed the DIsney logo at the beginning, I wouldn’t have thought it them. It’s just too witty and funny. And Kronk. Need I say more?
The Nightmare Before Christmas
A Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Both. The stop-motion animation is gorgeous, the songs are unforgettable, and it manages to be spooky and heartfelt at the same time. I probably watched this once a week back in freshman year and both at Halloween and Christmas still.
Kubo and the Two Strings
Speaking of stop-motion, I didn’t realize this was as first. I remember thinking, dang, the CGI on this is super neat. That how fluid it is. Visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The storytelling, the themes of memory and family, and the sheer artistry of the animation make this one unforgettable.
Onward
This one got overshadowed, but it shouldn’t have. As someone who loves fantasy and father stories, this movie hits right in the emotional gut. The ending is one of the most quietly powerful things Pixar has done. Ugly crying powerful. Also, it feels like a D&D campaign, which automatically earns bonus points.
A Goofy Movie
This is a cult classic for a reason. It captures that awkward, complicated parent-child relationship in a way that feels real, while also giving us songs that still live in my head decades later. I still love singing After Today while doing all the voices.
Moana
Deciding on a tenth pick was hard. There were a ton of options. I opted for the one that was most fun to sing along with. It has adventure, heart, incredible music, and one of the strongest protagonists Disney has ever written.
What animated movies would you add? Which ones did I leave off that you’ll never forgive me for? Let me know. I’m always ready to defend my choices with the energy of someone who absolutely watches cartoons on purpose.
Eric Taveren 