I’ve watched animated movies, animated television series, comic books, and so much more that has to do with animation my entire life and still to this day I’ve never lost my interest in animation. For me, any sort of animation is the perfect choice of escapism that takes anyone off of reality and wrap in a hand-drawn or computer-animated world coming straight out from our modern artist’s imagination. It is why I want to start doing animation reviews on itstailtime.net because of my unconditional love with animation. In my animation reviews you’re going to see me review any sort of animation from animated features, cartoon series, comic book series, comic strips, anime, manga, and more. Surprisingly enough my first entry for Gexup’s Animation reviews is My Top 25 Animated Films.
Probably most of you are thinking it should be better if I should have made this a surprise doing this list much later, unlike my video game reviews where I show you guys my taste in video games and soon reveal my Top 10 Favorite games of all time. The truth is I want you guys to know what kind of animated films I love right after reading this list rather than just building up to my highlight in revealing favorites of all time of list, like what I’m still currently doing my video game reviews. I wanted to do my own animated movies list right after Rants on the Run Episode 3 where Cendoo, Zookstar1000, and I went through IGN’s Top 25 Animated Movies list and reacted emotionally with anger and dissatisfaction. If you haven’t seen that episode, you should click on the link below to understand my taste for animation.
http://www.itstailtime.net/2012/05/rants-on-run-episode-3-ign-top-25.html
Nevertheless, let me describe what kind of picks I’ve made in [my] own Top 25 List. I’m an animation-buff; a person who will give any sort of animation a chance (if it has a neat concept) but the ones I seek for is outstanding animation quality that feels so natural and mesmerizing when characters, objects, and anything moving on screen moves so smoothly that it should be taken like art. Anything that looks cheap, lackluster, or looks simplistic is something I won’t bother to care for. Secondly, I want in animated films is a really and I do mean really good plot. I really grind my teeth when there are older audiences who sees animated films as just for children because for that reason alone, Hollywood animation studios like to give their audiences plots that are not challenging or anything remarkable in a sort of way, while live-action films somehow is reserved for the best scripts. Children’s animated films can be challenging as well, but still to this day animated films aimed for children doesn’t take its’ that demographic idiotically. You’re not going to see my picks that are there for nostalgia; I’m taking off my nostalgia-goggles for the sake of quality, great storytelling, entertainment value, and artistic value, so this list is not going to be flooded with Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, or just anime fill up the list. Keep in mind that [my] Top 25 Animated Movies list is more than just my personal opinion, but they are films that inspired me to become an animator and make animated films for a living, not a list that’s trying to prove that it’s the best of all time. With that being said, here is my Top 25 Animated Films
Number 25 - Watership Down
Based on Richard Adams’ award-winning novel, Watership Down follows several rabbits as they set out to create a new home for themselves after their community is destroyed. Though the film is actually rated PG, Watership Down tells a dark and frequently bloody tale that’s sure to leave younger viewers shaken. By that same token, however, the movie brilliantly captures the allegorical and religious themes held within Adams’ justifiably iconic book hich has effectively assured its place as one of the finest book-to-film transitions ever made. But what caught my eye is that this film is very violent and bloody that I still can’t believe that it got a PG rating. I mean who knew that rabbits could be this violent among each other and the all seriousness for them to survive from what’s been following them was nonetheless thrilling. You’re going to see a lot of European animated films in this list because I find European animation incredibly overlooked. I mean where did the Renaissance start, huh? Anyway, Watership Down shows faithfulness and outmost respect for the novel. I admire the choice to go in the direction of adults for a film that features bunnies. It's amazing how a cartoon can really push the barriers for emotional impact. It was a really tough choice to either put Watership Down or The Plague Dogs in this list but in comparison between the two, Plague Dogs was just too overwhelming to witness the horrors of animal abuse. But I still recommend watching the two films because they are welcoming additions to the adult animation department even though Watership Down is a superior film.
Number 24 - Wizards
Ralph Bakshi is one of my favorite animators of all time and he’s my biggest inspirations, but I hate to say it but I can only pick one film of his that I actually believe it’s Top 25 worthy. Don’t get me wrong, Bakshi can make a stupid, retarded concept and turn it into a hell of an entertainment flick, but as revolutionary and daring as all of his films are, they aren’t that well written nor are they that great in the animation department, especially when he over used the hell out of rotoscoping that it becomes lazy in production. Wizards, on the other hand, is the only one I can say that is his most well written and best animated. Wizards is actually one of the first animated films that started cliché of technology vs. magic, where two brothers the Avatar and Black Wolf (one good, one evil) have long fought each other then separated from killing each other. As Avatar lives peacefully with nature, Black Wolf builds his own powerful army and made himself a dictator to conquer the world. Now Avatar must seek out to stop his brother before its too late. Please keep in mind that this film was released in the same time Star Wars hit theaters so you shouldn’t judge harshly on the premise because our standards in cinema at this point where in unfamiliar territory with this kind of science fiction. As a stand-alone film, this is Ralph’s most artistic because he and his crew worked very hard on making the atmosphere so huge and the characters this well written. Though it follows the familiar fantasy elements, it’s also a neat environmental and political movie about how should we handle technology, even though the message wasn’t as clear as Bakshi hoped it to be. The presentation is was really outstanding for its time like when Necron 99 and Weehawk were fighting each other. I still have a lot of issues of some of his pacing like when one of the characters Eleanor gets captured in an instant and putting rotoscoping in the background on front of animated characters that ruins the suspense. But still I choose this as Bakshi’s best because I know deep down inside that this is the work he put the most effort to and he still associated with this movie by giving interviews and even a commentary in the 35th anniversary DVD/Bluray. For the longest time I've been hearing that Wizards was getting itself a sequel and let's just hope that it's going to Bakshi's return as the biggest animation director comeback ever. Even though I didn’t put any other one of Bakshi’s films in this list, I still recommend watching all of them if you’re an animation buff like me.
Number 23 - WALL-E
Number 22 - Beauty and the Beast
Number 21 – The Hunchback of Notre Dame
While Beauty and the Beast is a film for the masses, The Hunchback of Notre Dame took risks that no other children’s animation department had ever taken. I applaud Disney for actually making a really dark movie while the source material was already dark to begin with. This is an ugly duckling story told in a very religious and mature level; screw anyone who doesn’t approve of this because all they just want films that play it safe. We have a character Quasimodo who’s been living in the church’s rooftops forbidden to make any contact with society until he made a decision to go to a Gypsy event where he met the woman of his dreams and caused even more problems for disobeying his master’s orders. This movie just dives into these characters and we the audience see how deep they can possibly be; like Follo (the villain) being tormented through sin and makes hard decisions for the will of God, Esmeralda who wants freedom for her people, and more. I just simply adore the fact that this movie is really something for the ages this serious and yet a whirling, uplifting, thrilling story with a heart touching message that emerges from the charm and artistry. I mean do any of you guys remember how huge & epic this film felt? Remember the chills coming down our spine when we hear that roaring choir crying epically to create such atmosphere? This is a film that I would REALLY love to put higher in this list, however the biggest flaw with this film, which is a testament of how great Hunchback is…
Yes, I’m one of those people who actually loathe these three characters and Hunchback would have been SO much better without them. For those who disagree, go ahead and watch “A Guy Like You” and try not to grind your teeth or press the fast-forward button. If you manage to endure and like all of those scene with the gargoyles, well I can see that you like this movie better than I. Minus the gargoyles, this was a really fantastic experience seeing the dark side of Disney like we've never see before.
Number 20 –The Secret of Kells
Let’s all be honest here, we’ve heard of this film when it was nominated for Best Animated Feature in the Academy Awards 2010. See where I’m coming from in saying European Animation is seriously overlooked? Now let me tell you why I put it on the list. Very rarely a modern film could ever remind me of my childhood because I had a best friend who was a girl who I used to play in the woods. But what I really like about this film is that it borrowed the old Irish story of the Book of Kells that also used Irish fairytales of forest spirits. Somehow, I’m just fascinated with United Kingdoms folklores and tales because of this film. Aisling, the spirit girl, is some of the best cartoon characters in recent year for being so fun and wonderful. She encourages Branden (who’s supposed to finish illustrating the Book of Kells) to adventure through places he’s never been and we as an audience gaze at the artistry of this film where it captures imaginations.
I love the deep friendship between these two and it’s ashamed that it could have been more since the subplot of Branden’s town trying to protect itself from Vikings, who threatens in destroy his home, some how gets in the way. The Secret of Kells is a very special movie and its something that I hold dear in my heart after watching this piece of art. Not everyone will appreciate how the director Tomm Moore attributes one of Ireland's premier religious treasures to shape-shifting foxes and hallucinogenic inks. The story as a whole may have made more sense as an illustrated book than a movie, especially one whose repetitive dream sequences and flashbacks come off as padding. While his film is simplistic and at times disappointing, it does draw welcome attention to a true masterpiece of art. Tell me what other animated movie has even had a similar style to this traditional animated film? None, that's why.
Number 19 – Paprika
You know what fascinates me the most? Dreams… Anything that deals with this subject matter automatically catches my attention and Paprika is some of the most fascinating movie about dreams since Nightmare on Elm Street. This is my favorite Satoshi Kon film because it’s the one movie that goes way beyond anything that deals with dreams. This is a grand scale of a mind-trip that hardly makes any sense, but never fails to amaze anyone. The concept of journeying in dreams through dream machines enormous promise and obvious dangers. However several people who used it has gone missing, as has one institute employee. Now the people who created this dream machine but solve this case these disappearances and why people are acting so strange after using these dream machines. From here on out, this film really does challenges its audience even though there are some parts that doesn’t really make any sense; but I was taught that the less mysterious the less magical it becomes. Sometimes when the film gets a little too dark or taken too seriously, whenever you see the main character, Paprika, she brings the film an unrestrained joy whenever she comes to the rescue. It has some of the best animations and backgrounds that any animation buff can ask for. best of all is the brilliant soundtrack that sounds like you’re going to Disneyland. I laugh whenever anyone says Inception was the best movie ever made because that film basically ripped-off Paprika, plus Inception forgotten how to make dreams less literal and make it more like dreams instead of making it into a Call of Duty movie. You’ll be surprised to hear me say this because mature films are hardly magical, but be prepared for some of the most magical adult animated movies you’ll ever see.
Number 18 – Coraline
I wonder if anyone cares for the claymation/stop motion animation department anymore because there are many great claymation films out there that deserve more attention, and this is one of them. Coraline is a brilliant children’s horror film that has a lot of subtlety, beauty, and wonder. Yeah it did took the Alice in Wonderland plot, but I like how the makers of this film tried to put a little twist on it by making the parallel world that’s through Coraline’s wall. Seems like paradise, at first, till it showed that it’s all a set up. I have to say that this is some of the most mesmerizing usage of claymation I’ve ever seen and I was okay with this movie being a horror film for kids because going to the movie theater fill with children was pure fun to hear them scream and cry for the simplest of horrors. It does feel very similar to all of Henry Selick’s animation and be perfectly honest, this is his best one due to its executed very well with the gothic nature that I rarely see in movies nowadays. I do feel a little sad that I don’t have that many claymation movies in this list because I am a fan of them, however I do have one of in this list that is indeed a masterpiece. Other than that, check out the wonders of Coraline; you won’t be disappointed.
Number 17 – The Road to El Dorado
Out of all the animated movies that pretty much has the best entertainment value, as in humor and enjoyment, this is the film that comes to mind for me. I don’t know how to say it, it’s the witty and cheesiness of all of these characters is what makes the movie shine, other than some of the most gorgeous animation quality ever seen in film. Seeing the shines of the city of gold of El Dorado just kept the appeal alive but at least the humor of two con-artists who found the city are looked as gods. You can’t imagine all sorts of possibilities Dreamworks have done with its charming & outrageous humor. Tulio & Miguel are some of the best comedy duos ever seen in animation because the relationship between the two have such chemistry that its always fun to watch, I guarantee. Thanks to the refreshing writing and animation, the characters come to life and ride out the story all the way to the end. DreamWorks has always tried to go against the flow in their animated movies, even if only in small ways. It's lively, colorful, expressive, and dimensional. The style of exaggerated humanism, which are these realistic proportions, people at the very forefront, is definitely present, not to mention some beautiful backgrounds, although one rarely notices them due to all the interesting stuff happening in the foreground. This film, still, reminds me of what more can be done with the medium; it is a shame that Roade to El Dorado, Spirit, and Sinbad were such flops that DreamWorks abandoned traditional animation altogether and moved on to full-fledged computer-generated animation. Marketing is a decisive factor, but more resourcefulness and less half-hearted innovation would go a long way for traditional animation. The Road to El Dorado is by no means flawless but was also far from a hack job. I would call it a guilty pleasure, but honestly, I don't feel guilty about it. Due to an investment in a worthy premise, tight writing, and vibrant art direction, it is a truly fun, enjoyable experience and a gratifying bit of entertainment.
Number 16 –Mulan
Now for the longest time I’ve been asked what is my favorite Disney Animated Movie, one year I said Sleeping Beauty, the other I said Fantasia, last year I thought it was the Lion King, but now I come to the conclusion to say that Mulan is my favorite Disney Animated movie. The reasons for that are because it captures presenting the Chinese culture so well and it speaks out for strong female characters better than anything that Disney has ever made. I mean are we in need for another princess to be a trophy for a “noble” prince? Mulan abandoned that whole cliché and focused on a girl entering a man’s world from her own father in joining the war fighting against the Huns. The character development of Fa Mulan starting from a girl who couldn’t fit in the female gender role to learning to be the strongest soldier while hiding her identity as a woman was a very well executed move. Though they act realistically that she isn’t literally that strong of a character, at least she was more of a man than any man in the Chinese army, plus they poke fun with gender roles. Heck, what other female character in Disney’s department actually save a country instead of having her love-interest do all the work? Now I did say that I’m not at all interested in in-your-face comedy relief character, but this is a major acceptation to that rule because this is actually a comedy film, if it wasn’t then otherwise poking fun at gender roles wouldn’t be as affective. All the side characters were very memorable for their comedic moments and they were very welcoming in this film. If Disney movies are judged by it’s musical/sing-a-longs, then Mulan wins over them all because I still believe Mulan had the best musical score that Disney has ever made. It took a lot of musical inspiration from Chinese culture and in comparison to all the Disney musicals; it was a breath of fresh air to see something that wasn’t generic. I really believe that Mulan accomplished everything that everyone working on this film was hoping for and as a result it made a memorable experience for those who seen it.
Number 15 – The Yellow Submarine
No movie on this list is so completely off the chain as the Beatles’s wonderfully skewed journey through the pop-art mayhem of Pepperland. But despite the last-day-of-school feel that runs through the film, one of the true qualities of Yellow Submarine is the restraint that informs it’s every frame. Released during the height of the psychedelic movement and with the Fab Four voiced by impersonators, it could have easily have become a hippy-dippy cash-in, but the film takes great care to stay true to the spirit of the Beatles and never drifts off into weirdo-beardo pyrotechnics or mello-yellow flower-power noodlings. All this plus a great cast of oddballs including Robin the Butterfly Stomper, Jeremy Hilary Boob PhD and the Apple Bonkers and a soundtrack that pounds to some of the Beatles’ best late-'60s tunes adds up to a truly seminal film that’s drunk on everything wild about animation. Take it like this, if you love just watching just the animation quality overall, prepare yourself for one of the best acid trips ever made in film and not once did this film fail to entertain, that’s how good the animation is here and its simply timeless since it was made.
Number 14 – Mary & Max
I promised that there was going to be another claymation film to be on this list and this one here is the best claymation film that’s ever been made. It took the style of a film noir black and while cinematography that perfectly fits the wonderful story of a little girl in Australia sending messages back and forth to a stranger who lives miserably in New York City. This is indeed a cheerful and dark animated film that goes on the subject matter of suggestive themes, mental breakdowns, and harsh realities and yet makes it so funny and heart-filled to watch; which is why it’s a black comedy. You can really notice the heart put on the work of this film as you can see how well constructed the claymation quality is and how much we can feel the friendship between Mary and Max who are so far away from each other that they manage to help each other out through the helpful mails they send to each other. But don’t be expecting that this film is another campy family-friendly animated film because this film is so dark that it’s quite disturbing to sit through. It’s all necessary for me because it is a film that needs to be taken seriously and without those harsh and dark imagery then it would be less affective, I guarantee. My only problem is that listening to the narrator for over an hour can really drag on, but nevertheless it’s an extraordinary animated film that is very well executed. I love this film because it reminds me of how I’m thankful I am to have a fanbase who loves to give me messages and respond to whatever I write on the site, all-in-all builds up friendship. So if you want to see a film that does reminds you guys of messaging/communicating with people on the internet, check this film and you can see how affective friendship through messages really is like.
Number 13 – The Secret of NIMH
Wholesome but not cloying, emotional but not sentimental, mystical but not nonsensical – the 1982 animation of children's book ‘Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh’ offered the sort of traditional hand-drawn animation that director Don Bluth and his collaborators had mastered in their earlier days as animators for Disney films such as 'Robin Hood', ‘The Rescuers’ and ‘The Fox and the Hound’. This was Bluth's first attempt to go it alone and celebrate the old-fashioned values of the animation craft that the studios were eroding him and his allies felt. The characters are vivid, rounded and memorable, from wise old rat Nicodemus (voiced by Derek Jacobi) and scheming rodent Jenner, to clumsy, well-meaning crow Jeremy and fragile field mouse Mrs. Brisby, whose house is threatened by the harvest and turns to the rats, who knew her late husband, for help. Fantasy meets family in a tale full of peril and wonder. It’s been quite a struggle to try to love NIMH over the years because it haunted me as a child for the longest time, but now as an adult, I’ve managed to appreciate all the risks and originality that this classic has accomplished.
Number 12 – Felidae
Hahahaha… Go ahead and judge this movie by its cover and be prepared for the goriest, most suggestive, and some of the most disturbing animated film you’ll ever witness. This is a very well made film noir murder mystery where a cat named Francis who he and his owner just moved into a new house and just the first day a murdered cat was taken place in his neighborhood. He befriended a cat named Bluebeard who wants to solve these mysterious murders and Francis insisted to help. From here on out, you’ll be learning more of these neighborhood cats and it gets really unpredictable to see what happens to each of them. I really must warn you that this cartoon is not playing safe at all; they have violence and gore, a lot of profanity, the most disturbing imagery, and even sex involved all of which is completely unsuitable for anyone under the age of 17. Now seeing it as an adult I REALLY wish that there are more animated films like Falidae where the story is taken more seriously than any animated film out there, there’s no annoyance whatsoever, and the outcome is very unpredictable, thrilling, and very well written. There are just a lot of memorable, yet haunting scenes that I feel full appreciated that such an amazing film even exists. I always felt like the need for maturity in animated films is very necessary if more audiences where to take animated films more seriously. Now in a closing note, I have to thank one of my fans for highly recommending me this because this is an animated film I’ve always wanted to see. So if you’re reading this blog, thank you, Raggedstar. ^ ^
Number 11 – Laputa: The Castle in the Sky
I wonder why this is not as well recognized as to other Studio Ghibli films because in my personal opinion, this is their most magical, most adventurous, and most thrilling of the bunch. Having a journey of a princess (Sheeta) fallen from the sky and a boy (Pazu) came to rescue her to find out that they both are looking for that mysterious Castle in the Sky and must need to find it before anyone else does couldn’t be any more exciting. From here on out there are just so many laughs, heartbreaks, and thrills that is probably Studio Ghibli’s most creative that they’ve ever have been; from the hilarious air pirates, the indestructible robots, the lost cultures from the Castle, and more. I can really see the passion through the story being told because of the need to discover Laputa was a dream for every explorer which is something that any dreamer can relate to. The story is based on the Laputa of Gulliver’s Travels, a flying city of thinkers and scientists, the city in this story has been waiting for the return of its people and rulers for 700 years. This is a children’s film, but it is in the tradition of children’s stories that appeal to all ages. Laputa: Castle in the Sky certainly ranks among my top favorite Miyazaki films. The film is like a work of art that moves, it is clear how much time and effort went into creating it. The acting is top-notch and the dialogue is sprinkled with humor here and there. Preaching truths about violence, machines, and human greed, Miyazaki’s work is a poignant classic, showing human goodness at its finest…in the hands of two wonderful children. Just the excitement of traveling up in the sky and discover something beyond one’s wildest dreams is the main appeal when watching this movie. What more can I say? There’s just a lot of entertainment value in watching the Castle in the Sky that it does both take itself seriously at an artistic stand point but not as seriously story and adventure view-point.
Number 10 – Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
One of the most amazing stories I have ever seen, both visually and dramatically, anime or not. I was literally overwhelmed by the power of this movie, the story is so well directed and with perfect pacing in my honest opinion. We’ve been taught about the history of WWII for the longest time that I wonder what would life would be like if Japan & the Axis Powers won the war. This movies is all predictions on what if Tojo won and puts you into the hell that is the presented society, throws tragedy at your face, gives you time to digest the story, follow the plot and understand the characters, (Fuse is one of the most interesting characters I have ever seen in the anime medium) and it delivers one of the most thrilling endings ever put in film.
Jin-Roh took the Red Riding Hood fairytale mythos and adds plenty of great twists and leaped into a whole new level, which is what you should do in a pre-existing plot (unlike Disney). It follows the Red Riding Hood tale, but which version is it actually following is why you should see this film since there have been different versions of The Big Bad Wolf and the girl trying to get to grandmother’s house. This is also a political movie that shows both sides of the conflict where people/terrorists demands democracy and less restrictions while the other is doing its very best defending the its government and the struggles to keep things in order. It does not have caricatures of people, use stereotypes to aid character development nor is there enough dialogue for easy digestion of characters feelings. The picture is thick of emotionally charged imagery and reflection, more clear and direct than can’t be done in live action. Mamoru Oshii is a hell of a director. His movies are always very well-written; heck, the guy has an absolutely terrific sense of dialogue, rivalled by only a handful of people. It’s a shame that none of his movies so far came out perfectly flawless, though. He often gets too enthusiastic with his dialogue, which makes many of his works memorable, but missing that edge to truly become a great movie. Jin-Roh isn't perhaps for everyone though, however without a doubt, if you are into intense psychological drama, and dark moods, Jin-Roh with it's excellent production values is a must see.
Number 9 – Summer Wars
Summer Wars is Hosada's expansion and revision of his first short film production Digimon: Our War Game, if you watch the two you will see the stark comparisons between the two. Hosada himself stated that he wanted to create a film that expanded on the story of Our War Game deeper, since he always enjoyed that particular story. Some of the methods from Our War Game are also used on Summer Wars and if you ever have the time or the interest, I suggest checking out the film to compare and contrast. What makes Summer Wars a much better movie is that the social network known as the World of OZ is very believable and having the system hacked made the situation more thrilling as our main character Kenji tries to solve it. But what makes Kenji’s story interesting is that he’s summoned by the girl of his dreams Natsuki to play the lead of her fake fiance at her family reunion, so during his stay he goes back and forth on the World of OZ and getting to know Natsuki’s family. The family is just endearing, each with their own small quirks and mannerisms making a charming, albeit at times dysfunctional whole. The character that stands out the most is the grandmother Sakae Jinnouchi where she is the proverbial glue that holds the family together when times are tough--a woman with high standards but who loves her family dearly and loves anyone who is willing to show requite the same action. But things gets worse when a virus hits the World of OZ and then suddenly hacks everything electronic in Japan creating such thrills and excitement in trying to solve this situation all-in-all making a great movie. What Hosada achieves something that is very difficult in filmmaking where he creates a large cast of characters and none of the members of the Junnoichi Family seem static; the family is all alive and vibrant. It teaches about the value of family and the teachings of responsibility in ways that I’m surprised that it was this well executed. I do have some gripes with some friendly-family films as it’s just playing safe which ruins the thrills and all-seriousness, but Summer Wars is a huge exception because there are just so many things in this film that is just so believable that it’s worth watching again and again. I don’t know how else to say it but this is an animated film that really does appeal to anyone and my recommendation on this one is a strong one.
Number 8 – Titan A.E.
Nothing cries out “The best Don Bluth movie” than Titan A.E. I always love it when animators does something totally different than what they often make in their animation (and believe me Don Bluth movies have been the same movie throughout the 90’s) showing what they’re capable of as story tellers. The reason why I put Titan A.E. this high in my list is because it’s one of the most underrated movies I’ve ever seen and still to this day I wonder why it even failed in the box-office when it launched and why critics are still so harsh on this masterpiece. It’s a post-apocalyptic science fiction animated film of a world where the powerful Drej destroys Earth and humanity is weak and left to live with other alien races. But there’s still hope because before Earth’s destruction a space shuttle called the Titan Project that fled to safety, which was built to create a new planet for the humans to live. Since the location of the Titan is uncharted, only the creator of the shuttle’s son, Cale can find the location because of the ring he carries that reveals a compass to the ship. From here on out, you’ll be getting some of the most exciting and most mature animated film that probably American animation has ever made. The presentation of this film is so excellent that its gripping to watch whenever there’s an action sequence to be shown. It combined post-apocalyptic situations with childlike supporting characters, and people were unsure, having seen trailers for the film, whether it was intended for an older sci-fi fan crowd, or whether it was pitched more at children. If this film were successful then Fox Animation Studios would be making more films. This is a prime example of what animation can do that live-action cannot like the Ice Ring sequences that is just mind-blowing every time I see it. Titan A.E. has some of the most thrilling adventures I’ve ever seen in an animated film. I should also add that this is the firs time that Don Bluth is working with both traditional and computer animation and the combination of the two working together was right on the money. Titan A.E. is just one of those forgotten movies that deserves a much bigger cult following.
Number 7 – Ghost in the Shell
Thinking of an animated movie’s ideas is a rare thing for me because many animated movies, especially some of the ones in this list, don’t have an original plot nor does it make its audience think a lot of such subject matter. All the more reasons why I love Ghost in the Shell for accomplishing what has never been done before. What’s even more of a rarity is that this is a film that has beautiful special effects that very well balances out with it’s very intuitive plot (lots of beautiful films don’t really have a good plotline). One of the biggest things to really think about when watching this film (other than how did the creators make such gorgeous animation quality) is what if society evolved so gratefully into a cyberpunk world where organic parts are now obsolete to machine parts as replacements or even putting human souls in a mechanical body. Major Motoko Kusanagi, the female cyborg who leads Section 9's assault team, is assigned to capture an elusive hacker known as "The Puppet Master" who’s been hacking people’s memory and having that idea that our memories and bodies can be hacked shows the flaws of following this direction with technology if that were ever to happen. The rest of the film you have to see how well made is the build up towards capturing The Puppet Master as the film shows the cyberpunk world adding so much atmosphere in ways cinema that has never see before. It is indeed quite flawed for its slow pace, but hey, I’d rather watch this masterpiece again and again over Blade Runner any day. Taking in political assassinations, cyber terrorism and questions of the potentially destructive relationship between humans and technology, you get the sense that director Oshii is just as interested in the philosophical bent of his tale as he is in creating lush and memorable visuals, while the Phillip Glass-like soundtrack of tribal drumming and high-pitched chanting lends the film a chilling, apocalyptic edge.
I adore this animated feature for really challenging its audience and also have the ability to still amaze anyone who views this picture. However I do recommend watching the original version of this film rather than the 2.0 version because when the makers of the film added much more CGI effects, it simply ruins the heart and atmosphere from the original and I can go far to say that it’s worse than the Star Wars edits. But just the original Ghost in the Shell alone, it was a breath-taking and a memorable experience that it does take multiple viewing to fully understand what this film is all about and see what you missed; all the more reasons to keep re-watching this movie.
Thinking of an animated movie’s ideas is a rare thing for me because many animated movies, especially some of the ones in this list, don’t have an original plot nor does it make its audience think a lot of such subject matter. All the more reasons why I love Ghost in the Shell for accomplishing what has never been done before. What’s even more of a rarity is that this is a film that has beautiful special effects that very well balances out with it’s very intuitive plot (lots of beautiful films don’t really have a good plotline). One of the biggest things to really think about when watching this film (other than how did the creators make such gorgeous animation quality) is what if society evolved so gratefully into a cyberpunk world where organic parts are now obsolete to machine parts as replacements or even putting human souls in a mechanical body. Major Motoko Kusanagi, the female cyborg who leads Section 9's assault team, is assigned to capture an elusive hacker known as "The Puppet Master" who’s been hacking people’s memory and having that idea that our memories and bodies can be hacked shows the flaws of following this direction with technology if that were ever to happen. The rest of the film you have to see how well made is the build up towards capturing The Puppet Master as the film shows the cyberpunk world adding so much atmosphere in ways cinema that has never see before. It is indeed quite flawed for its slow pace, but hey, I’d rather watch this masterpiece again and again over Blade Runner any day. Taking in political assassinations, cyber terrorism and questions of the potentially destructive relationship between humans and technology, you get the sense that director Oshii is just as interested in the philosophical bent of his tale as he is in creating lush and memorable visuals, while the Phillip Glass-like soundtrack of tribal drumming and high-pitched chanting lends the film a chilling, apocalyptic edge.
I adore this animated feature for really challenging its audience and also have the ability to still amaze anyone who views this picture. However I do recommend watching the original version of this film rather than the 2.0 version because when the makers of the film added much more CGI effects, it simply ruins the heart and atmosphere from the original and I can go far to say that it’s worse than the Star Wars edits. But just the original Ghost in the Shell alone, it was a breath-taking and a memorable experience that it does take multiple viewing to fully understand what this film is all about and see what you missed; all the more reasons to keep re-watching this movie.
Number 6 –Toy Story 2
Unlike other animated movie lists out there, I’m not going to flood this one with just Pixar and Disney movies because to be honest, I think there are a lot more animated films that are more well written and better animated than many of them. It’s not that I dislike Pixar but it’s just that not that many of their films could ever approach to the awesomeness known as the Toy Story trilogy. The scripts, the memorable characters, and the sheer-amount of heart and effort in these films can never be tainted… ever! Ask anyone about animation and I’ll bet that conversation will turn to Toy Story. Toy Story is a huge accomplishment in animation for being the first CGI animated film and still to this very day all of the films in the series are timeless. Of course I have to pick Toy Story 2 as the best out of the three because the characters are actually improved over the first and the new plot in saving Woody from being stolen by a mysterious collector was more exciting than seeing Buzz & Woody coming back home just to make their owner Andy happy again. It’s also rare to have a sequel with new characters to be as memorable and welcoming as to Jessie, Bull’s-eye, and Prospector. Plus the clear message of toys being abandoned because their owners’ are aging couldn’t be any clearer that it’s heart breaking to see that life passes you by. Toy Story 2 basically takes everything that was great about the first film and amplifies it by about 100%, which has effectively cemented its place as one of the most accomplished and flat-out entertaining sequels of all time. Toy Story 2 features breathtaking visuals that still hold up today and a storyline that contains a perfect mixture of comedy, action, and drama. The end result is a near-perfect movie-going experience that effortlessly holds viewers of all ages transfixed from start to finish.
Number 5 – Prince of Egypt
Now before saying anything, I’ve been a Christian all my life, I read my Bible every week, and been in Church every Sunday, however I will not let my Christian belief to give a lot of stupid Christian animation a get out of jail free card because they’re “Christian-related.” Many of them are so pretentious and preachy that it doesn’t feel at all enjoyable or entertaining. Prince of Egypt however took the famous story of Moses and pretty much made it so epic that it’s better than all the Christian animated movies or cartoon shorts, no doubt. The story of Moses is my favorite story in the Bible and this is without a doubt one of the best adaptation of the Moses story put in cinema and puts the Ten Commandments movie a run for its money. This is also the prime example of why I love Dreamworks Animation Studios when they used to make traditional animation because their animation quality is so massively beautiful that it’s nearly impeccable. I'm just going to come right out and say it: I favor the DreamWorks animated films over Disney's usual fare. They are unafraid of unusual settings, unconventional characters, and their writing is generally more nuanced. Not once did this adaptation of the Moses story ever felt campy nor did it play it safe to have all viewers to find it suitable for all ages; this feature shows the grim harsh reality of the Egypt Kingdom and how they’ve treated the Hebrews. What made this adaptation so wonderful to watch is the relationship between Moses and Ramses as brothers; it just makes the stakes so high and complex. One side Moses wants to free the Hebrews after he returned from his exile and Ramses need them as slave to keep his Kingdom in order and remain powerful. Having God on Moses’ side tried to make Ramses to change his mind where all hard decisions to make and not once did the story felt light-hearted. The only reason why this movie isn’t higher is because the film didn’t explore the part of where Moses received the Ten Commandments nor did they have Joshua as a character because he was an important person in the Moses saga, all of which would make the movie better if it were longer. If you already know of the Moses story and are tired of hearing the same story over and over again, you’ll be surprised on how they told the story and I still recommend watching this epic because never was there an animated film that brings chills down my spine for being this brilliant. Heck, I still recommend this film even if you’re not a Christian because it is a great story about heroism, bravery, faith, and family which never had been done this well.
Number 4 – Princess Mononoke
No doubt, this is my favorite Miyazaki film because out of all the environmental messages he’s ever told, not only it’s his best one, but also this is the best environmental movies I’ve ever seen because it’s not preachy on the subject matter. Instead this film explores to both sides on man vs. nature like no other due to having enough time and opportunity of showing their good and evil. It’s so amazing that this rivalry between the wondrous forest and Iron Town to be this complex that it needed a prince named Ashitaka who can save both of them from destroying each other, even though he only came to cure the curse killing him that he carries from a demon-boar. Everything was at stake here because Ashitaka’s curse was killing him instantly, the citizens of Iron Town can’t live in the great forest because it’s too dangerous, the creatures want to protect its forest from the deforestation from the humans, and San (the protector of the forest) is doing everything she can to keep the creatures safe from the human and save the forest that she so loves. The reason why Princess Mononoke is one of my favorites (other than it avoid all the environmental preachy-ness) is that it has an environmental message that doesn’t talk down on either side, which this film successfully made the audience route for both sides of the conflict because they both struggles to survive and neither side is truly good or truly evil. This was the most expensive Japanese film ever created and the budget of this film just made the production value so epic. I still find this a landmark in the world of animation because they did scenes that I as an animation buff have never seen before. And to add a cherry on top is that it had one of the best English dubs I’ve ever seen translated from a Japanese animated film. So dense is the story and so large the ensemble of characters that it is sometimes difficult to decipher what exactly is going on. Then again, being forced to coast on the back of the dazzling and innovative hand-drawn visuals is hardly a chore. There’s nothing I can say or make any suggestions to make this film any better because this film just nailed perfection for me. As really fairytale-like this movie is, it’s very believable. I’ve seen this movie countless times and I don’t recall spotting a single flaw in this film. Every single second of watching Princess Mononoke always pulls me into the film because of the stellar animation quality and the fantastic fantasy story that never been this great. Since I claim Princess Mononoke perfect, why is it not in the Top 3? Well as hard as it is to make this is, there are three more films that had a special impact on me that really inspired me to one day become an animator. So here we are, in the Top 3...
Number 3 – Waltz with Bashir
Is it really true that we hit the wall on originality? Well once you see this film you will never again complain “Why are movies not original anymore!” Why? Because this masterpiece is the VERY FIRST animated documentary that artfully accounts the filmmaker's forgotten, but haunting memory of the 1982 Lebanon War, Sabra and Shatila Massacre. Ugly history presented with irresistible creativity and charm; a strong and powerful work that explores the psychological trauma by warfare and does it much better than any war film ever created. Believe me when I say this, I’ve watch nearly all the war film ever created because it’s a tradition for military families to see them, but I’ve never felt this much emotion as to watching Waltz with Bashir. This film is so goddamn creative by making such build up with the director of the documentary, Ari Folman, as himself animated interviewing as many veterans of the 1982 Labanon War as possible to piece out the stories and remember what did he do in the war that haunted him for years. I noticed that when I focus way too much on traditional animated movies some people wonder if I have no interested in computer-animated movies. That’s not true, I still stay true to my word that I’ll watch any animated movie as long as it has a neat concept, it’s just that not that many computer animated movies takes itself seriously at an artistic and story-telling stand point, except when you watch Waltz with Bashir. The film uses a striking combination of frame-by-frame and computer generated animation to create a powerful and at times surreal portrayal of war and the way memory plays tricks on the mind. I love the fact that this film is animated because they were able to animate all the war stories told by these veterans. In fact, it was impossible to get any live-action footage of this war (except for the end sequence) this film took the perfect opportunity to use animation because this is the prime example that you can literally do anything with animation. There were a lot of scenes that were impossible to capture in live-action but Waltz managed to put display all it can with its unique usage of CGI animation. No way on Earth could a live-action movie could be done like this, ever!
This film is so in-depth into the structure of this war that it’s nearly a psychological thriller due to the presentation of the traumas of these veterans. As you watch this film it really does open your eyes on its unrelenting and very powerful (yet very disturbing) messages. But the best part of watching this film is its unpredictability because in the beginning of the film, it just opens with a typical war scene where there’s battles and explosions, but as you continue, you’ll hear each veterans’ interview (individually) and hear about their time in this war. It’s insane that these war stories being told is unbelievably remarkable that many of them are unheard of or its hard to believe but that’s what happened to the veteran who’s telling the story. I will never forget those iconic scenes where there were soldiers in a tank shooting everywhere out of fear but can’t see anything because it was too dark to see. There’s another scene where a soldier riding on a ship where he woke up seeing a giant naked woman carrying him and swam off the boat. And how about the scene where a MAG shooter realizes that he’s not good with any other gun and couldn’t shoot well so he had to take someone else’s MAG and run out to the field, dancing around to dodge the storm of bullets while firing his MAG and hit his targets while he was never hit. All of these are some of the most incredible stories I’ve ever heard, and I’ve been listening to war stories all my life and that should say something about this phenomenal movie.
Waltz With Bashir is an animated documentary (possibly made out of guilt) that really is a life-changing experience. The reason why this movie is this high in this list is because I cried like a waterfall after watching this film because it was so devastating.
And another big reason why this film is also this high in this list is because for the longest time I’ve been pro-war and I grew up being pro-war because I live in a Military family and we were all taught how to be like-soldiers and support our country throughout all our lives, but right after watching Waltz with Bashir, it converted me to be anti-war; that’s how powerful this movie is!
It’s phenomenal how this film could change me as a person who looks at war at a very different point of view like no other while every anti-war film I’ve seen fails to change me. It was so powerful to see the travesty of what war can do to both its victims and its soldiers when in battle. I mean there were so many entertaining and mesmerizing war stories being told and right after Ari Folman pieced everything out and remembered what happened at the end, I swear no one could see it coming. I swear to everyone reading this blog that this is an animated movie like you’ll never see before and it’s because the originality and the life-changing experience once watching clearly deserved to be called one of the best films of the decade, no doubt! Waltz with Bashir is definitely a film where the more you think about it, the more and more you’ll feel appreciative with, not only what this film did in telling us about this war that not that many people today ever heard of, but also what it did to animation in general for going an extra mile, period!
Number 2 – Persepolis
Throughout the 1990’s we American depict people from the Middle East as terrorist and dangerous people, then in 2000’s, we fear them because of the event in 9/11. We Americans are easily judgmental and lack the view-point of understanding one’s culture while we all only focus our own. I’m pretty sure that there have been a lot of films & books that tried to convince the world that people from the Middle East are civilized as to any other country, but they never got a world wide attention. That is until two graphic novels was released in France in 2000 by author/artist, Marjane Satrapi who showed the world her own life in Iran and it was very different than what we were told by the media. Then seven years later, she finally made her own masterpiece into the big screen that easily showed the world of cinema what her life in Iran is like and how did it feel like being a fugitive carrying the nationality. Out of all the ways you can display the truth to the world, she made it into an animated film and from beginning to end it was a wonderful & also a harsh experience. This is a black and white animated film that captures the feel that you read in graphic novels and even better is that Persepolis as a film took that perfect opportunity of telling Marjane’s life in a subtle manner. This was a very well crafted coming of age story where it started Marjane’s life as a child who grew up in the Iranian Revolution in the late 70’s to where she is at today. Marjane Satrapi took all the things she remembered the most in her life and displayed them all in the film. In her childhood she faced the issue of her uncle’s loss in the revolution, Iran politics, and religion. In her teen hood, she faced the issue with women’s rights, lack of freedom, education, and to flee from Iran. Then in her young adulthood, she’s faced the issue of cultural differences, flaws of love life, and even trying to fit in the social life. All of these were chapters of her life and I loved that this film was very entertaining, rather than depressing or pretentious, throughout the film.
The way Marjane Satrapi portrayed her life in Persepolis was not only just events that happened to her, but also she makes references to show us what her life was like back in the time. She was a fan of pop, metal, and alternative music, celebrity stars she and everyone else were into, and historic events that pops out of on the course of the film. I couldn’t believe how effective these pop cultural & historic references were whenever they show up to not only amuse the audience but also remind them that this once existed. Marjane didn’t force you to feel sorry for her, but instead she wanted the audience to connect with her as a person and at times as a realistic cartoon character whenever she makes a funny scene. This film made you actually see Iranian citizens on who they really are and it tests your judgment on them. After watching the film, you start to think that you were wrong on those people and feel ashamed that others continues to view biased toward them; that’s how effective this film is. This was a story that needed to be told and its films like Persepolis that I’m proud that made it to cinema. What’s even more amazing is that this is an animated film that did all this stuff so affectively and effortlessly. Animated films today have changed into an over-saturation of 100% CGI films; Pixar, Dreamworks, ect. and many traditional animated movies have taken old plots and made it different. I have nothing really against those types of animated films, but I really miss traditionally 2D hand drawn animated films that has a lot of humanity & character and were direct by the animator’s handwriting.
Even though Persepolis didn’t really have the best animation quality in the animation department, what it has going for overall the animated films that came out throughout the decade (and probably all over the other animated films that was ever made, minus Waltz with Bashir) was it had a personal story that was backed up with a lot of humor, personality, references, and emotion. It goes over the culture, changes, and family issues that displayed a lot of humanity and love toward what Marjane cared about. It’s not just Iranian who feels like Marjane Satrapi, but also a lot of immigrants who faces the same issues as her which easily is relatable. But most importantly, this coming-of-age autobiographical animated film was based on the graphic novel that Marjane created that opened doors for movie goers to get into graphic novels, which is what this movie was based on. Graphic Novels of the 2000’s should be remembered for its personal stories. Persepolis as a film showed the movie industry what 2000’s graphic novels are really like using tradition animation qualitie. That’s the reason why Persepolis has won so many of these unknown awards and it clearly deserved all the awards that ever existed. I’ve seen Persepolis so many times and I want to see it some more because how affected I was every time I watch this film. But most of all, this is a film that offered me something special that I don’t see any other film that does it this well, and in a matter of fact, this is a film that I don’t see any other film that could possibly execute as well as Persepolis. I learned so much from this film and this is the very film that showed how special life really is.
Number 1 – Akira
Akira produced such an impact for Japanese animation, that without its anime fandom in America as we know it would not reach the heights that it has without the contribution of it. This film is unique in many different ways, first and foremost being that it's directed by the very man who is responsible for the manga series, Katsuhiro Otomo, which is truly a rarity in the anime industry. In fact, I believe that this film is superior over the manga it was based on because the manga had too many unnecessary fillers and so many to be removed to shorten the story. Only a few creative minds have had the privilege of being able to complete such a task and this protects the creative integrity of the film. As a work of post apocalyptic fiction, Akira was and still is revolutionary. Otomo has crafted a world in which society is disintegrating thanks to government mismanagement and social upheaval. The overall feeling of Akira is one of bleakness in that youth gangs rule the streets and riots are commonplace all amidst the fear of an entity called Akira living in the underbelly of government control and also growing inside a biker gang member named Tetsuo. I can really relate to one of the main characters, or villain, Tetsuo because he’s an individual who’s been carrying his own weight all his life being beaten down and alienated which made him an aggressive teenager and the most rebellious out of the biker gang. His on-and-off friend Kaneda, also known as the leader of his gang, grew up with Tetsuo and had been impatient with his reckless behavior, but suddenly the powers of Akira triggered in Tetsuo after he had a bike accident with one of the escaped Espers; these government’s experimented psychic children who has the powers of Akira and can’t grow up to an adult because of such powers. The Espers were children who grew up with Akira before he terrorized Tokyo and they put an end to him to save the world. Now since one of the Esper triggered the power of Tetsuo, he could possibly be more powerful and deadlier than Akira himself. Now the Japanese government is keeping him under experimentation, Kaneda & his biker gang is looking for him, society is in peril, and the terrorists who wants Tetsuo all made it a jeopardizing situation and a very great apocalyptic science fiction overall.
This gives Akira a constant sense of nihilistic dread that makes it uneasy to watch yet all the more intriguing to behold because of it. Otomo crafted a world where everything seems hopeless with buildings that are harrowing in their height but present a dismal outlook on life with nothing to offer people except cheap thrills, advertisements and empty political promises. Akira is a dystopian future, but its visuals provide more of a sense of making the viewer become and observer than actually getting emotionally involved with the characters in any way (even though they are in my opinion very believable). As a visual work Akira is anything less of outstanding in terms of quality and technique. Being made in 1988 it is hard to believe that the film is done without CGI despite everything in the film exuding modern qualities concerning its graphics. Akira is amazing because it was perfectly crafted by old-fashioned hand drawn animation and still to this day, it looks better than any animated film out there, period! The film is executed perfectly in hindsight of the designated technological and budget constraints.
The musical composition of Akira is brilliant playing upon the mind with a litany of impressively foreboding choral pieces that make up most of the music. I found it very intriguing that voices made up most of the music while light sounds and instrumentals only accompanied the impact choral parts. It was the minimalist sounds from the offset that slowly made their way towards a grandiose musical end that gave Akira its true musical edge. On the topic of sound, I do recommend watching in the Japanese dub the most because the lip-syncing of the animation and voice acting worked perfectly and felt very real. You’ll never hear me say that these 2D hand-drawn cartoon characters would ever feel realistic, but Akira. As for the English dub, whatever you do please avoid the 1989 streamline English dub because the translators totally botched many of the dialog that will indeed confuse and frustrate the viewer. Also they mispronounced almost all the Japanese names and listening to the terrible voice acting is a struggle to sit through. The dubbing never did justice to the film till Pioneer redubbed the whole film in 2001 and boy was it a huge improvement by letting everyone watching understand what’s going on and listen to the characters like real people, and that is a fact!
I won’t guarantee that you will love this film as much as I do, but this is a film that I find no flaws or complaints whatsoever; all the criticisms and dislikes on this film still doesn’t convince me otherwise because Akira did everything that no other animated film has ever done and it’s a shame that even to this day no other animated film has ever been as carefully crafted. Akira is so entertaining to watch and I continue to find myself eager to watch it some more because its some of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen due to the fact that Akira went above and beyond everything that has ever been animated. This is the one film that really inspires me to become an animator and hopes of making something as good, if not, better than Akira. I’ve met quite a couple of people who never looks at animated movies as art, and I strike back at all those skeptics wrong that Akira (and also all of these picks in my own list) is truly art! This masterpiece is worthy enough to even have a reputation to even be a level higher than the Mona fucking Lisa and Akira is the prime example of why we should take animated movies more seriously.
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Well that was my Top 25 Animated Movies list, hope that you enjoyed this read and do please check these picks out if you haven't seen them or rewatch them if you haven't seen any of them in a long time. As the first entry of Gexup's Animation Reviews; I'm proud of doing this list. I know that there are going to be a lot of movies that I didn't put in this list, but there's not enough room in the world to put in just 25 picks, plus I need to remind all of you that these are movies that inspired me the most to become an animator/cartoonist. But reviews and Top countdowns on animated movies isn't the only thing that I'm going to do. My duty in doing these Animation Reviews is to get everyone more exposure and dive into the interest of animation, not just animated movies, but also animated television series, comic books, graphic novels, anime, manga, and so many more that involves animation. You'll be surprised to see what kind of animation reviews I'm going to review soon so be prepared to see more animation-fever on itstailtime.net...
Also I have an announcement to make... I'm starting a new podcast!
