1. Toy Story 3
I'm pretty sure you saw that coming. Probably the reason why Toy Story is most loved by everyone from all ages is because, at one point in our lives, we only had our toys as our friends. Who doesn't remember talking to a plastic shape like a human being, making it walk, fly and even drink tea? Toy Story 3 is a great animated film that teaches a lot of things. As one friend told me, its a cartoon for big boys and girls. From what I saw, the film is telling us how to move on and let go of some things in order to grow up. Just because you've moved on, doesn't mean you've forgotten. It also teaches of us of real friendship and real camaraderie. Plus, this won best animated film, but who cares about awards anyway.
2. Up
3. Wall-E
Almost thirty minutes in the film and no words being uttered and people who has seen this film wouldn't even notice. The flawless detail and animation of this film is truly captivating. The character of Wall-E in the beginning is touching and true. The way he held an umbrella for Eve in the rain is an unforgettable scene. For me, a great story is being told even when nothing has been said. The story of Wall-E and his character build up was most compelling during the first few minutes of the film, when nothing was said. Of course, the film bringing a message about the continuous destruction of the environment is another reason why this film is great.
4. The Fox and the Hound
Most people would have probably forgotten about this Walt Disney classic, but I will never forget this one. This film is one of my earliest memory of being exposed to animated film and Walt Disney. I will never forget the night I smiled and cried. This is a story about an unlikely friendship of a fox (Tod) and a hound (Copper). Their instinct tells them they are natural enemies, but growing up together, they tried to preserve their friendship. Things went a sour turn until the two of them drift apart and Copper hunted Tod. This film tells a wonderful tale of friendship and how it overcomes boundaries. This should be seen by children all over the world and if you haven't seen this one then you're missing one of the greatest Walt Disney creation ever.
5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox
I don't have much to say about this funny animated film, except that it has a mix of humor and sense. Its the first time I've actually seen a heist animated film and it truly is funny and touching at the same time.
6. 5 Centimeters Per Second
I love this animated film. I've talked about it and you can read more about it here. This film is simply amazing. And by the way, yes, its Japanese.
7. The Little Mermaid
I might be bias for this one. Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney Princess and for good reasons. If you look deeper into the story, you'd actually notice that its a romantic tale torn apart because of social stratification and standard. Ok, so maybe its just me over thinking. But I love Ariel's character and even the supporting ones, you have the evil Ursula, the cute Flounder and the funny Sebastian. I think that its one of the greatest animated Disney film ever!
8. The Iron Giant
This films brings back many memories. It was released on 1999 and even today, it still holds a special place in my heart. Like any other films, this is a story of an unlikely friendship between a robot and a child. I don't think I can do justice if I tell you the plot in my own words, so read it here. Twelve years after its release it still holds so much memories for me. This actually a very touching story.
9. Anastasia
Anastasia, unlike what most of my friends claimed, is not a Disney film. In fact, it is the first animated film distributed by Fox Animated Studios. Its uncanny resemblance of the princess plot makes others to believe it is by Disney. So anyway, one of the great thing about this film is that it is based on an urban legend which claimed that Anastasia, the youngest daughter of the Romanovs from the Russian Imperial Family survived the brutal murder of her family. The film takes us to a journey introducing us to a young woman named Ania who can't remember her past and was commissioned to play the part of Anastasia but in the end turns out to be the real princess.Whats memorable about the film is that it brings an ending for the Anastasia urban legend, which is far from reality. I love this film because of its great sound tracks. Music such as Once Upon a December, Journey to the Past and In the Dark of the Night are just few examples of the great musical performance by this film.
10. Monsters Inc.
I think that Monsters Inc is one of the most under-appreciated animated film. The heart warming story about scary monsters and kids is brought to life in this Pixar film. But instead of scary monsters, they're simply monsters living like any other human beings in an alternate world and their job is to be the bogeyman of children. The most unforgettable about this film is cutie Boo, the child that lost her way in the monster world and found herself attached to the two monsters who took care of her.
11. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a beautiful story about a student who crashed into a train with her bicycle and was supposedly killed by it, however at the moment of the impact she closed her eyes and when she opened it, she found herself a few hours before the crash. The story revolves around her always leaping through time. I think that this one is the one of the most beautiful animated film. The melancholic tone yet the humor was perfectly combined. It's a film no one should missed.
12. Finding Nemo
I think that Finding Nemo is one of the best Pixar film out there. The story is heart warming. Its an adventure story mixed with humor, love and care. The story of a father going to extremes to protect his child isn't new, but somehow, Finding Nemo gives the story line a fresh approach, other than the fact that its actually animated.
13. Ratatouille
Ratatouille will always hold a special place in my heart due to the circumstances when I was watching it the first time in cinemas, just a personal attachment. The film is a story of success of two characters and that isn't often the case in most films. And though I hate rats, after watching this, I've actually considered them friendly until one of them ruined my loaf of bread.
14. Howl's Moving Castle
Another brilliant creation of Hayao Miyazaki. I like, like, like this film! Ok, so maybe its because of Howl's good look that really got me into this film but the story is really good. Like all Miyazaki films, the details is beautiful. The film is about Sophie, a young hat maker but a witch's curse turned her into a 90-year-old grandma. This lead her to an adventure in finding the witch and leading her to another wizard named Howl. Its truly is a fantastic film.
15. Spirited Away
Lastly but definitely not the least is the film that put Hayao Miyazaki into the map. Long before this film, Miyazaki is already a respected and well established film maker in Japan. Spirited Away is an Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature Film. This truly is one of the best animated film in history. Its one of the most celebrated animated film in Japan and in the world. The story of Chichiro lives on. I don't want to tell the plot, I might ruined it or spoil it so just read it here.
I hope you enjoy this post. I grew up with animated films, from Disney and Japan. Animation will always be a great part for my love of films. And with animation, you can almost never go wrong with it. I hope that you can all watch the films I've suggested. You should watch all of Pixars and Hayao Miyazaki's films.
