Making any sort of “Top 10″ list is always a tricky and dangerous thing. As I always say, all film is subjective, and that means no one on the planet will 100% agree with my list (and believe it or not, you’ll have a hard time finding people who 100% agree with your list too), and the real beauty of it is that neither of us is objectively wrong. That’s the best thing about film.
So why have these lists? Because they’re great for discussion and debate and give us as film fans yet another excuse just to think about, talk about and celebrate some of the greatest movies ever made. So why not?
Exactly 3 years ago today, I put up my first Top 10 Animated Films list, so I thought it would be an interesting exercise to do another list, and then see how it has changed from the original one I did. I’d also like to repeat something I said back in 2005:
“I should also mention that I’m NOT ranking these by technical merit. If I was, then Final Fantasy The Spirits Within would be #1. I’m ranking these by how well they performed as movies. Did they make me FEEL something, laugh, get choked up and most importantly get interested in the characters and their story.”
So with that said, I now present to you The Movie Blog’s Top 10 Best Animated Films of All Time:
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#10 - SPIRITED AWAY Perhaps more than any other film on this list, Spirited Away has the magical ability to envelop you in the wonder of fantasy. I remarkably solid story, beautiful style and re-watchability. It just barely failed to make my list last time, but I seem to appreciate it more and more each year |
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#9 - CHARLOTTE’S WEB (1973) That’s one fine Pig. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t mind the 2006 version at all… but it lacked the pure heart of the original. I also think it was the first movie that actually scared me as a kid. It took me a little while to eat pork again. Clearly I got over it. I LOVE this movie. |
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#8 - TOY STORY I’m actually a bit surprised this movie comes in this low on my list. The first legitimate hit 3d animated film was far more than just novelty. It set the standard for Pixar to make movies, not cartoons. To tell tales with wonderful characters and meaningful stories rather than just the regular tripe you can get away with easily in the name of making “kids movies” |
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#7 - THE INCREDIBLES Without exaggeration I think I’ve watched this movie from start to finish about 15 times… and I haven’t yet started to get bored with it. Funny and exciting, the film is also surprisingly deep in terms of dealing with issues like aging, family, priorities and marriage. Not just your average kids movie. |
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#6 - RATATOUILLE The #1 critically rated movie (not just animated movie) of 2007, and yet was not nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars… pretty much delegitimizing the entire “animated feature” category they have at the annual awards. This was (in my opinion) one of the best films of the year and it didn’t get its due because of the medium it used. Pure rubbish if you ask me (funny how no one did). |
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#5 - IRON GIANT One of those rare movies that I remember not even enjoying the very first time I saw it… but then I watched it again for some reason and liked it more. Then again and I liked it even more. 10 times in now and my enjoyment of it seems to continue to grow with each and every viewing. Funny how some random and heavily digitized tone talking is Vin Diesel’s best performance ever. |
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#4 - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST This movie is nothing short of beautiful. In my opinion the best music of any animated film, and the only animated film in history to actually be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards (well deserved too). This movie is a masterpiece that makes me look forward to being a parent someday so I can share it with my kids. |
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#3 - TOY STORY 2 One of the greatest sequels of all time and one of the very rare ones that actually out does the original. As the story goes, Toy Story 2 was meant to be direct to video… but as development progressed the powers that be recognized they had something pretty special on their hands and decided to make it a wide theatrical release. Good thing they did. One of the only wide release films in history to hold a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. |
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#2 - WALL-E I don’t know why I doubted Pixar… but for some reason going into Wall-E I had my doubts it was even going to be any good. My dear sweet heavens it was far beyond anything I could have hoped for or imagined. A magnificent story told with movement and drama communicated with setting. Breathtaking in its scope yet endearing in its simplicity. I’m going to blow a gasket if this movie doesn’t at least get nominated for Best Picture this year. |
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#1 - THE LION KING No matter how many times I watch it, when the movie starts with the sun peaking over the African horizon and those voices start to sing the opening to “The Circle Of Life”, something in me stirs… and it doesn’t stop until the film ends. The first time I saw it 14 year ago I knew I had just seen a movie that would stay with me forever. Still today, in my opinion, the best animated movie ever made. |
HONORABLE MENTION (In no particular order)
- The Triplets of Belleville
- Cinderella
- Aladin
- Princess Mononoke
- Sleeping Beauty
- Fantasia
So there you go folks. Now I’m certain you have lots to say about this list, both yays and nays. So what do you think of the list in general? Which films do you feel I’ve unfairly snubbed? Which films would you remove? Have your say and start the discussion.
108 Comments, Comment or Ping
Larry
Oh thank goodness. From the picture at the top I was terrified you were going to have the Transformers cartoon on your list. As I got closer to #1 I thought you might actually give it top spot. Thank you for not going crazy!
Oct 4th, 2008
finaljoe
Great animated movies were made before the 90s too.
Oct 4th, 2008
John
Hey Final Joe,
Annnddd??? What’s your point? Just because most of the films on my top 10 list are within the last 28 years, doesn’t mean I’m saying there are no great films before that date. Just that the ones on this list are better.
For the most part (not 100%) the art of story telling in animated film has grown and evolved (and in my opinion improved) in general. It’s not surprising that most of my list comes from within the last 3 decades.
You’re free to disagree obviously, that’s the best part. But don’t just throw a comment like that without giving some examples of what your list would look like.
Oct 4th, 2008
Ross
Just curious John, which version of Spirited Away (or any of the Studio Ghibli films ie. Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro etc) do you watch, original language with subtitles or dubbed? I usually am strictly against dubbed films but with animated and particularly Mayazaki’s (Studio Ghibli’s) films I make an exception because so much effort is put into the English language voices (for instance Christian Bale as Howl in the English version of Howl’s Moving Castle).
Just curious how you watch those films and how you feel about dubbed films in general?
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
Great list, John! Finally! My fave media of all time; animation.
My # 1 would be Wall-E. It was hard to remove Lion King from my previous # 1, but I think I’m gonna do it. :-)
My list would be:
#10 Spirited Away
#9 Beauty and The Beast
#8 Toy Story
#7 Finding Nemo
#6 The Incredibles
#5 Iron Giant
#4 Ratatouille
#3 Toy Story 2
#2 The Lion King
#1 Wall-E
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
Oh, I didn’t put Charlotte’s Web because I hadn’t seen it yet. But since you mention it I’ll watch it if I ever found the dvd. Lol
Oct 4th, 2008
Melanie
Grave of the Fireflies definitely needs to be on the list. Hands-down the saddest film I have ever seen, animated or not. You definitely forget it’s animated, it’s so human.
Oct 4th, 2008
dani
I agree about The Incredibles. It’s my absolute favorite Pixar film. Wall-E is good too but I think I expected too much from it.
Tarzan is another movie that I loved although I know it’s not really critically loved.
And while I like Lion King, I don’t like watching it because I always get upset when Simba’s dad dies. It’s way too sad for me.
Oct 4th, 2008
ADOX
CORRECTION JOHN, FFVII ADVENT CHILDREN, WOULD BE NUMBER 1, that was made by the same people later, inbetween they also made the short video that connected Matrix 1 and 2, which was sometimes shown at theatres before matrix reloaded.
Oct 4th, 2008
Nick
You have to see Grave of the Fireflies if you haven’t, easily the best animated film of all time.
Oct 4th, 2008
Kenneth
I totally agree that Grave of the Fireflies should be high up on the list. Together with many others of Miyazaki’s work, I find them more imaginative and magical (like how an animation should be), and yet more humane and touching.
Granted that CGs nowadays are so well done (esp those from Pixar) but somehow, I still love hand-drawn animation best.
Oct 4th, 2008
Steven Carroll
I would highly recommend you check out the anime Grave of the Fireflies. it is based on a true story and is probably one of the most heart wrenching movie I have ever seen.
Oct 4th, 2008
finaljoe
My point is there is a distinct lack of variety on the list. Have Pixar really made 50% of the best animated films of ALL TIME? Have 90% of the best animated films of ALL time made in the last 18 years? I doubt it.
And whether animated films have “evolved” is quite questionable. Is The Lion King really a better story of the circle of life than Bambi? The Iron Giant a better film about childhood than Pinocchio? Beauty and the Beast a better musical than Fantasia?
Oct 4th, 2008
Todd W in NC
I totally agree with Pixar movies filling half the list. They really do have the best animation and some of the best stories and voice performances. And, as John has often said, Pixar is the most consistently impressive movie studio of any kind.
I would also recommend Disney’s Tarzan. I’m not a huge Disney fan, but that’s one that stands out in my mind, and I even own it on DVD (and I don’t have a huge DVD collection). Phil Collins did a great job with the music in the movie.
As for Pixar, my tastes differ a bit. Finding Nemo is my favorite animated movie, Pixar or otherwise. It’s nearly perfect, and I’ve thought of considering it one of my all-time favorite movies overall. I’m also partial to A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Cars, and Monsters Inc. The Incredibles and Toy Story 2 are okay too, but I actually find Ratatouille far over-rated. It’s not bad (Pixar’s never made a bad movie), but to me, it’s Pixar’s worst and weirdest movie.
Oct 4th, 2008
John Whiteaker
Queen Kristina will be happy with number one.
Oct 4th, 2008
Raphael
I hate SPIRITED AWAY.
Oct 4th, 2008
Anti-Septic
I didn’t really care for the Toy Story movies myself although I can see how at least one would make this list, but two? I would have removed one of the Toy Story’s and replaced with Monster’s Inc, it was much bigger at the Box Office, not that it means it was better, but it was. Also, you could replace just about every movie on this list with a studio Ghibli film and I doubt anyone would argue that, Studio Ghibli is to Asia what Pixar is to America.
Oct 4th, 2008
Beverly
Are you only considering traditionally-animated movies? I don’t know how you could leave off The Nightmare Before Christmas unless you don’t consider it the same kind of “animated”.
And I will add another recommendation for Grave of the Fireflies. Excellent and very moving film.
Oct 4th, 2008
HAZMAT_PWNS_ALL
thank you for putting the lion ing first…couldnt agree more
Oct 4th, 2008
Dragonslayer
Holy crap! Nice look to the site!
My top ten looks like this:
1. Toy Story
2. Wall-E
3. Finding Nemo
4. The Incredibles
5. Iron Giant
6. Bug’s Life
7. Beauty and the Beast (Shut up, screw you guys. The movie was amazing)
8. Lion King
9. Cars
10. Shrek
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
For me, Ratatouille is a stand out movie. Very. It’s not everyone movie, since the theme is absurd and rather disgusting. But the screenplay is brilliant and the Peter O’Toole gives his best here.
It’s one of Pixar’s best, nonetheless. Glad John could see this.
Oct 4th, 2008
DG
I always have this debate with my girlfriend about Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Now, personally I really believe Princess Mononoke, although is an OLDER film, is much better than Spirited Away. It must be a personal choice though…because Spirited Away didn’t ‘touch me’ in the way Princess Mononoke did.
I’m glad at least it got a mention :-P
Oct 4th, 2008
ultra-magnus
so were u teasing us with the picture of mega tron and optimus? lol
seriously though transformers cartoon movie would be n my list
Oct 4th, 2008
Ryan W
Good list John, and i agree with you … Lion King is #1 animated film of all time.
(loved the honorable mention of princess mononoke, that was a great animated film that surprised me)
Oct 4th, 2008
Munshun
I agree with you John.
Although, IMHO, I would erase The Lion King from that list and put Finding Nemo instead.
Oct 4th, 2008
Terren
I’m gonna suggest in Titan A.E. I thought that movie was great!
Oct 4th, 2008
Moe
I’ve always loved The Great Mouse Detective - I think it’s sadly underrated.
Oct 4th, 2008
Mr. Chris
Great list! I wouldn’t argue with anything on it. Animation is a passion of mine. Although on technical merits, I’d say “Advent Children” outdoes “Spirits Within” by a mile. Still has a crappy story, though.
My faves:
10. American Pop
9. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
8. Titan A.E.
7. Toy Story
6. Aladdin
5. The Iron Giant
4. Princess Mononoke
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
2. Yellow Submarine
1. The Incredibles
Oct 4th, 2008
djj
Has anyone seen Persepolis? Its definitely one I’d toss on this list.
Oct 4th, 2008
Reed
John, for all my complaints about you calling Schwarzenegger talentless, this list is just about perfect. I have a special place in my heard for Dumbo, so, racist though it may be, it would still end up on my list. And I’d have Spirited Away and Ratatouille a bit higher, but you pretty much nailed it.
One thing I don’t understand - this is obviously the new list (hello WALL-E), but where’s the link to the old one so we can compare like you said?
Oct 4th, 2008
Ross
I’ve seen Persepolis, DJJ. GREAT film.
Oct 4th, 2008
Ric Ocasek
I shocked no one has mentioned Pinocchio. I personally think it’s the best of all Walt Disney films. As far as the newer films, I love WALL-E, but Ratatouille stands above them all for me. I also think The Lion King is good, but slightly overrated.
Oct 4th, 2008
bigsampson
idk lion kings animation wasnt spectacular but the story was spot on… i really did not like spirited away…..my question is has any one seen the movie dragon hunters?
i watched it a few days ago and i have to say the art in it IMO was just as good if not better then WALL E, story wasnt that good but the animatin was awesome
Oct 4th, 2008
Varun
Akira
Akira
Akira
Akira…….
Seriously John? No Akira? Many people undervalue this film. It has loads of depth beyond Wall-E or Toy Story 2.
Oct 4th, 2008
Darren J Seeley
It’s not a bad list, and highly subjective, but with all that and the comments thus far, until this moment, not *one* mention of
Akira
or for that matter-
A Nightmare Before Christmas
That;s two a glaring omissions if there ever was any. I’ll give my reason for ‘Christmas’ in a moment. As for John’s ‘honorable mention’ - Sleeping Beauty-I think that’s a huge error, it belongs in a top ten. Since the Disney masterpiece ‘Fantasia’ is also in an ‘honorable mention’ - I’m wondering if John’s counting story as well as animation. If it were animation alone, the Final Fantasy Spirits Within would be a contender- but that story stank like unwashed socks.
But If it is story- Lion King should near the bottom of the heap and not the top. I am still convinced to this day there was an indirect (if not direct) steal from Kimba The White Lion.
I can’t knock down Charlette’s Web. When I was young I think I watched that film about as much as I did the Charlie Brown/Snoopy holiday specials.
I would like to put “Ice Age” and “Emperor’s New Groove” on my list, but we’re talking all time here. Also, as much as I laughed at both, there’s one thing overall I despise especially concerning the latter- cheap quick to video/oversaturation of characters. They wear out the characters, and it gets stale.
In any case, here’s mine:
1) Sleeping Beauty
2) Akira
3) Fantasia
4) Charlette’s Web
5) Nightmare Before Christmas [ a full stop motion animation film is still a form of animation and thus should be counted]
6) The Jungle Book
7) The Secret of NIMH
8) Spirited Away
9) Finding Nemo
10) The Lion King
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
I agree with Persepolis is being a very very good movie. But it’s not an entertaining one IMO. So…
Oct 4th, 2008
James
That’s a good list, especially number 1 which happens to be my favorite disney movie. The only suggestions I have would probably be Finding Nemo, which is awesome, and maybe a Don Bluth film like An American Tail or Secret of NIMH. Otherwise, even the honorable mentions were pretty impressive! Anyway, my own personal top 10 in no particular order would be Lion King, Spirited Away, Finding Nemo, Fantasia, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Snow White (which traumatized me the first time I saw it because I thought she was dead after eating the apple), and possibly Mulan, but keep in mind I have yet to see Wall-E and the Incredibles in their entirety, both of which are awesome, and bearing in mind that I didn’t even bother to rank these movies :-)
Oct 4th, 2008
Sean
Where is American Tail? That movie was great!
But all the Disney movies in 90’s were great. You can make a case for either one of them
Oct 4th, 2008
Derek 8-Track
what are your thoughts on The Little Mermaid. I LOVE that movie. def in my top 5.
Oct 4th, 2008
djj
Giren,
Perhaps this depends on what you mean by entertaining, as I certainly was entertained by it. I know the film dealt with more serious and political topics unlike some of the movies on the list, but it also had its light and very enjoyable moments. It was, in my opinion, a very charming film. Also given guildlines for the list John mentioned ;
“Did they make me FEEL something, laugh, get choked up and most importantly get interested in the characters and their story.”
It seems like an appropriate selection.
Oct 4th, 2008
Commenter
Pretty, really very good list. Maybe the best one in this topic. That’s mine:
1. WALL-E
2. SPIRITED AWAY
3. PRINCESS MONONOKE
4. RATATOUILLE
5. FINDING NEMO
6. THE INCREDIBLES
7. TOY STORY
8. THE LION KING
9. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES
10. TOY STORY 2
Oct 4th, 2008
bjon86
The Iron Giant is probably my favorite animated film. It was great story.
Oct 4th, 2008
chris (the real one)
1. the lion king
2. the incredibles
3. the iron giant
4. fox and the hound
5. perfect blue
6. toy story 2
7. robot carnival
8. transformers the movie
9. gi joe the movie
10. akira
honorable mentions- toy story 1, antz, aristocats, jungle book, ghost in the shell, spriggan, beauty and the beast
yes i know many on the list arent considered the “best” movies out there but all these films hold special places in my heart and memory….
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
DJJ,
I’m sorry. I didn’t say that Persepolis is not worth on this list. You’re giving a good point here. I didn’t put Persepolis on my list because while Persepolis is - IMO - a very good movie with a depth sociological observation and political approaches, it scares a hell out of me sometimes and it was a kind of movie that I’m not enjoying to watch and rewatch.
So yes, it depends. I’m sorry I didn’t mention that it was only my opinion though. :-) Still, great movie.
Oct 4th, 2008
giren
I would like to give Shrek the honorable mention. It’s the Dreamworks best in my opinion.
Oct 4th, 2008
chris (the real one)
oh shit…cant believe i forgot nightmare b4 christmas…put that in the top 5
Oct 4th, 2008
ksmred2
In random order:
1. Grave of the Fireflies
2. Sprited Away
3. Toy Story
4. Ratatouille
5. Dumbo
6. Bambi
7. My Neighbour Totoro
8. Wallace and Gromit Shorts
9. The Iron Giant
10. South Park The Movie
Oct 4th, 2008
alfie
wall e will not be nominated for best picture john.
it will be for best animated film and it will win but it will not be up for best picture.
personally I think it was half jaw droppingly amazing and half average.
the stuff on the space ship was nowhere near as good as the first half.
Oct 4th, 2008
Karma
You actually comparing Miyazaki’s films with Disney? I mean, sport, you should have done two lists, one with artistic fims and another with mainstream (meant to be seen by families)-films. There is no way you can compare the art of Miyazaki with the work of “Super Disney and its incredibly funny ambivalent moral”.
Come to think, you can compare them actually. Not my business
Oct 4th, 2008
Robert(wolf)
Good list. It’s funny you put Transformers as the main article picture as it’s my number 1 favorite animated film. Prime’s death is a tear jerker!
Oct 4th, 2008
Jason
Where is the Land Before Time?
Oct 4th, 2008
Matt
I need to check out The Incredibles again. I’ve seen it once and I thought it was just OK, nowhere near as good as Wall-E, both Toy Story flicks, and Finding Nemo. Yet most people seem to disagree with me and rate it as Pixar’s finest. I must’ve missed something the first time around.
Oct 4th, 2008
Nicodemus
Excellent list, I personally have a hard time trying to rank my favorite animated films here are few that I have always held close to the heart:
The Secret of NiMH: The first animated film I ever saw, and the movie that made me into fan of animation and Don Bluth.
An American Tail: The next big movie from Bluth was another childhood favorite of mine, with Bluth celebrating his 71st birthday, I wish Hollywood would give one last chance to produce another movie, I would love to see a Dragon’s Lair Movie.
Beauty and the Beast: My favorite “Disney Princess” movie.
The Lion King: The best of Disney’s 90’s renaissance.
Grave of the Fireflies: Easily the most moving anime I ever saw.
The Castle of Cagliostro: Even if your not a fan of Lupin III, this another anime movie I suggest people give a try, it was directed by
Hayao Miyazaki.
Hey John I have few related questions to ask, if you don’t mind.
1) I found your old “Top 10 Animated Films of All Time”, in the comments section you mentioned you didn’t like “Princess Monoke”,
but now have it has a honorable mention, what changed your mind?
2) What did you think of many of the late 70’s and early 80’s movies,
including Canada’s own “Rock N Rule”? They were not the best technically speaking, but I do admire the more mature approach these movies took. I wish the spirit of those movies would be brought back today.
3) Will we be getting “Top Ten Worst Animated Movies” list?
4) Who are your favorite animated villains and villianesses?
Oct 4th, 2008
Jay
No Nemo and no American Tail!?!?!?!?
WHAT!?!?!?!?!
Oct 4th, 2008
nautica
great list john! though i would also add akira, grave of the fireflies, spriggan, pinocchio, bambi, ghost in the shell, ninja scroll, finding nemo and transformers to the list.
Oct 4th, 2008
entertainmenttodayandbeyond
Glad you had Charlotte’s Web! I used to watch that all the time when I was a kid!
Oct 4th, 2008
Seth Rex
I would probably also include FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN. I absolutely love that movie and it’s a far more technical achievement than ADVENT CHILDREN any day.
Oct 4th, 2008
Sound Designer Dan
My top 10 best animated films of all time:
10) Dumbo
9) An American Tail
8) Beauty and the Beast
7) Toy Story
6) Toy Story 2
5) The Incredibles
4) Aladdin
3) Fist of the Northstar
2) Ninja Scroll
1) Ratatouille
Oct 4th, 2008
Kristina
FUCK YEAH Lion King!!!!!
That movie is the reason why I’m a film fanatic. I’ve told the story a million times, but I’ll tell it again: my mom took me opening day to see it, and since we arrived a little late to the theater, we missed the trailers and had to sit up front. I will NEVER forget seeing that famous sunrise on a huge screen in the front row. By the time Simba is lifted in the air and the animals are bowing, I was a sobbing mess. I still can’t even speak about that scene, much less type about it, without getting choked up. Such a beautiful, beautiful film.
Oct 4th, 2008
gina
I am really shocked that Finding Nemo is nowhere on this list at all. Also I would have ranked Ratatouille higher as well.
Oct 4th, 2008
Peter C
What about Ice Age 1& Shrek 1 & Finding Nemo. I personally couldn’t leave them out of the top ten
Oct 4th, 2008
Peter C
And Wallace and Gromit would have to be in the top 5 for me
Oct 4th, 2008
Peter C
Aristocats, Fox and the Hound, The Magic Sword, + + + hard to choose top ten aye, and very subjective of course.
Oct 4th, 2008
B-Tray
No love for Akira or Ghost in the Shell? Tsk tsk.
Oct 4th, 2008
mikey
I really dont feel like going through all these comments right now but i would def. put Prince of Eygpt in my top 5. ANY time that movie is on i watch. I think Val Kilmer does a great job sounding different in both/all(?) his roles. And I love the story of moses because if you are Jewish or Christian its still a great biblical story. But Lion King is hands down #1. “DOWN PUMBA”
Oct 4th, 2008
Michael
The following would find a way onto my list:
The Little Mermaid
Pinnochio
Land Before Time
Alladin
Hard to know which 4 films i’d knock off your list though.
Oct 4th, 2008
Al
Grave of the Fireflies - A heartbreaking war drama that stays with you long after you have seen it.
Plague Dogs - An under the radar animated movie that deserves to be seen. No sugarcoating BS situation or fairy tale ending. It really shows that the world can be a cruel sonfabitch.
Akira - A true sci-fi classic.
Fox and the Hound - A great story on true friendship and brotherhood.
Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron - For once, we get an animated movie where the animals doesn’t talk but emote through body language and narration. How appropriate to title the movie “Spirit” because it does a good job to represent exactly just that.
Lion King - No brainer here.
Oct 4th, 2008
Al
Speaking of Lion King, do you know that there is a controversy on how Disney is accuse of ripping-off Kimba the White Lion for this movie. Look up Lion King in wikipedia for the full details.
Oct 4th, 2008
The Jim Walker
I have one thing to say to you John…
Bah weep grah nah weep ninny bon!
Boooooooo! Maybe not number 1, but TF should have made it. For shame Mr. Campea.
Me Grimlock say we on our way!
Oct 4th, 2008
Leigh
Is Watership Down only popular in the UK?
Oct 4th, 2008
funk1020
John ur list was definately awesome but here we go my list in no particular order..
Finding Nemo
Robin Hood
Jungle Book
Sword In the stone
Brother Bear
Dr Strange
The Rescuers Down Under
Aladdin
Toy Story
The Lion King
Oct 4th, 2008
batdan
definitely Robin Hood!
Oct 4th, 2008
Mr. Chris
You know what? There’s just so many good animated films out there that this should be a Top 30 list.
Oct 4th, 2008
hosero
I dont think I saw anyone mention “All dogs go to Heaven” Something about that movie really stands out for me. Plus it had dog Satan!
Oct 4th, 2008
SFEDP
I am the only one who liked Pixar’s The Prince of Egypt? Sure, it has a thing or two do to with religion, but it still was a great movie. It had a dark tone for the mature audience, yet was animated for the kids. Plus, it had some of the greatest music scenes in animated history, imo.
And if that didn’t convince you to put this movie on your list, it had a talking bush. Come on.
Oct 4th, 2008
steve
I’d just like to toss out the observation that “The Lion King,” your number 1 movie, is perhaps Disney’s ONLY film without human beings. And it happens to take place in the mystic landscape of a nation-less Africa, in which the only climates are a savanna, or a desert that happens to be adjacent to a lush untouched rainforest. This was a favorite film of mine too when I was young but I grew up to realize how much damage it did in pushing forward the myth of Africa as an exotic zoo nation where humans were absent. Aside from the great storytelling and the argument of “it doesn’t specify a time period,” I place this next to all other Disney movies and ask, really? That’s what you first think of when it comes to an animated film in Africa? Even “The Little Mermaid” had people. Even “Wall-E,” a movie that takes place on a post-apocalyptic earth, had people in it. Just throwing out the idea. Wonder what you think.
Oct 4th, 2008
nbakid2000
My friend tried getting me to watch Watership Down years back…I tried it and didn’t like it. Never ended up finishing it.
I can’t really pin down my favorite movies of all time into a list, per se, like John did, but I’ll throw them out in no specific order:
Anything Miyazaki (including Castle of Cagliostro) - except Howl’s Moving Castle…did not care for that movie much at all.
Beauty and the Beast (the music of this movie brings tears to my eyes)
Jungle Book (have seen this too too many times to count)
Akira and Steamboy (Steamboy’s animation was mind-blowing)
The Three Caballeros was a favorite of mine as a kid (never saw the first one though - Caballeros was a sequel)
Rescuers Down Under I liked as a kid but it always kinda made me really sad
Little Mermaid
Toy Story
Others I’m sure I’ll think of later.
Oct 4th, 2008
sean
i know it’s rotoscoped, but honorable mention to richard linkletter’s “a scanner darkly.” highly underrated and leaps and bounds better than “waking life.”
Oct 4th, 2008
Josh
Id have to say the thing that i love most about this list is that there are 7 disney movies, and of those 7, 5 are pixar. in my opinion pixar can do no wrong. i have loved every movie they have ever put out. also the original disney movies (i.e. lion king, aladdin, beauty and the beast), are the greatest animated movies ever made. great list.
Oct 5th, 2008
nbakid2000
The Chipmunk Adventure. Can’t believe no one has mentioned this yet.
Oct 5th, 2008
nbakid2000
American Pop
Heavy Metal
Oct 5th, 2008
Rob Williams
Have to give a mention to “The Iron Giant”
Oct 5th, 2008
nbakid2000
The Bugs Bunny Road-Runner Movie
I’ll count Space Jam.
There was a Tiny Toon Adventure Movie too which was really good.
Oct 5th, 2008
Bender rodriguez
I’d add flight of dragons in the honorable mentions,it was a very good cartoon about n all but i preety much agree with the list
Oct 5th, 2008
Gutpunch
My Neighbor Totoro is the greatest animated film of all time. Bar none.
Oct 5th, 2008
Tim May
1. Princess Mononoke
2. Grave of the Fireflies
3. Beauty and the Beast
4. Toy Story
5. Pinnochio
6. Wizards
7. WALL-E
8. Only Yesterday
9. Kiki’s Delivery Service
10. The Lion King
Oct 5th, 2008
THOMAS
Great list, John!
Here’s a list of animated films that I think are awesome and would be additions to the list.
Titan A.E.
The Secret of NIMH
An American Tail
Cinderella
The Little Mermaid
All Dogs Got To Heaven
Monsters Inc
Oct 5th, 2008
gary
Transformers rocks!! Should be here simply because of it’s slap in the face power! It shook millions of childhoods to the core, two words, Optimus’s death!! Heart wrenching for a character who was not only a leader, but a friend, hero, and father figure to millions of kids! Not to mention it still has staying power with it’s animation which is still incredible even by today’s standards. Shame on you for slamming something you don’t understand LARRY!! However, i am in complete agreement with SFEDP for mentioning “Prince of Egypt”!! I am not a religious guy at all, but this movie brings me to tears every time!! Beautifully animated and even better storying telling!! It’s easily one of my favorite animated movies.
Oct 5th, 2008
R.J.
The Little Mermaid would have definitely found a spot at the very top of my list. I feel it’s a consistently overrated film. It’s a simple story, told beautifully and with one of the greatest villains of all time. I love The Lion King, but I’ve never been as fanatic about it as most people, I’ll take The Little Mermaid over that and Aladdin and even Beauty and the Beast (even though they’d all be on my list) any day.
Oct 5th, 2008
nogods4herby
10. Coonskin aka street fight- Racially charged but brilliant film by Ralph Bakshi. An answer to Disney’s Song of the South (and it stars Scatman Crouthers and Barry White).
9. Wizards - My second favorite Bakshi film
8.Ratatouille - A cooking rat that was beautiful and touching.
7.Shrek - I never laughed harder at an animated feature.
6. The Incredibles - Just an incredible amount of fun.
5. American Pop - Bakshi again (His Masterpiece).
4. Snow white and the Seven Dwarfs - It started it all, And was a Brilliant film
3. The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie - Since we are only doing features on this list, this full length film will step in for all the brilliant Warner Brother Shorts.
2. Fantasia - Best Disney film ever.
1. Yellow Submarine - Peter Max art. Mind blowing animation. The greatest soundtrack ever and a cameo of The Fab Four (They did not lend their voices for the film) themselves at the end. My favorite of all time.
Oct 5th, 2008
nogods4herby
Top Ten Animated Shorts.
10. Boop Boop a Doop. - Betty Boop
9. 3 way tie: Rabbit Fire, Rabbit Seasoning and Duck! Rabbit Duck-
The Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd Trilogy.
8. The Scarlet Pimpernel - Daffy Duck
7. Magical Maestro - (No name actors)
6. Ali Baba Bunny - Buggs Bunny
5. Red Hot Riding Hood - Red Hot Red and The Wolf
4. Robin Hood Daffy - Daffy Duck
3. Duck Dodgers in the 24th and a 1/2 Cenyury - Daffy Duck
2. Duck Amuck - Daffy Duck
1. One Froggy Evening - Michigan J. Frog
Oct 5th, 2008
dani
As evidenced by the number of comments, people really feel passionate about animated films. It’s not only because these movies bring back a lot of childhood memories, but it’s also due to animation being such a great medium for storytelling. Because it can be so abstract and can look innocently like it’s made for kids, when animated films convey a deep message or touch on mature themes, it gives off an otherworldly feeling that you can’t really get from live action films. Anyway ‘ll definitely be trying out some films that’s been mentioned here. Cool post
Oct 5th, 2008
Phoebe
Spirited Away is my #1, hands down. And I agree absolutely with your analysis of Ratatouille - hopefully Wall-E will break down some of these barriers.
Oct 5th, 2008
RantingMan
You would have been better to lose the Wizard of OZ clone that is “Spirited Away” and included Transformers.
Whatever you think about those robots in disguise, not many movies are bold enough to kill off their main character within ten minutes.
Oct 5th, 2008
John
Hey RantingMan
If by “bold” you mean sleazy and greedy enough that they would kill off all the OLD toys in the first 10 minutes to make way for all the NEW toys they wanted the kiddies to buy… then yes… it was “bold”
Oct 5th, 2008
RantingMan
LOL. Somehow calling Ultra Magnus a “new toy” is a stretch of the imagination. He was Optimus with a white body and a different trailer.
Still Orson Welles as Unicron did it for me. He was the Barry White of the movie world.
Oct 5th, 2008
Darren J Seeley
@SFEDP
“I am the only one who liked Pixar’s The Prince of Egypt?”
Pixar wasn’t behind Prince of Egypt (nor Joseph, for that matter); the company was Dreamworks.
@Rantingman
“Still Orson Welles as Unicron did it for me. He was the Barry White of the movie world.”
Once the late Hollywood legend was so good he caused a mass panic on Halloween during a radiocast of an HG Wells tale; he given us the classic Citizen Kane and labeled a genius. He could get you to buy wine when we were underage at the time.
His last performance anywhere was voicing Unicron- what a sad, sad way to go out. In addition, as far as I know, not one kid but one bought a Unicron toy at the time. Why did my young step-brother buy that toy? Simple: ’so Optimus Prime rises from the ashes and proceeds to decimate the new enemy with impunity’.
Oct 5th, 2008
kc
Little Mermaid would have made my list.
I think that is the film that was responsible for the rebirth of animation… without Ariel, I doubt we would have ever had Buzz Lightyear.
Oct 5th, 2008
Sparky3000
Awesome list, though I personally would add,
Akira
Howl’s Moving Castle
Shrek 2
Oct 5th, 2008
William_of_dale
Hooray for Brad Bird making 3 hits on your list (7, 6, & 5) look for more from him in the future
PS if you ever get to meet him dont call it the animation genre, he might hit you (listen to his commentaries for his opinon on the subject)
Oct 5th, 2008
Darek-T
Dude i can’t believe that there is someone else that agrees that The Incredibles never gets old. I’ve seen that movie sooo many times and every single time i watch it i am entertained. That movie is insane in how it can never get old.
Oct 5th, 2008
tiff k
Nice list!! i’m glad to see spirited away there but princess mononoke and finding nemo would definitely be on my list! I wouldn’t include Iron Giant though (since maybe i can’t remember much of it). And Toy Story 2 wouldn’t have been so high. I’d also put in Little Mermaid and Fantasia too just for the musical score. Sighs… this is positively my most favorite genre =)
I plan to collect all the DVDs! It’s still a dream for now.
Oct 6th, 2008
PhoenixP3K
Hands down, Lion King is the best of all.
Oct 6th, 2008
Phil Gee
I know i’m late but I can pitch in can’t I?
10. The 12 Tasks of Asterix
9. The Flight of Dragons
8. The Incredibles
7. Sleeping Beauty
6. Toy Story
5. Wall-E
4. Aladdin
3. Pinnochio
2. Beauty and the Beast
1. Toy Story 2
Oct 6th, 2008
FunkyMunkey
Spirited Away is my favourite.
My neighbour Totoro is a very close second.
Grave of the Fireflies made me cry like a little bitch!
Oct 6th, 2008
MR. TIBBS
I gotta say Spirited Away for #1 too. Awesome awesome film.
Oct 6th, 2008
trickster_brat
Where’s the Satoshi Kon love? Perfect Blue was nothing short of mindblowing as far as psychological thrillers go. I had a similar reaction to Perfect Blue that I had when I saw Old Boy for the first time. There aren’t that many animated films that elicit those kinds of reactions. In that respect, Paprika needs an Honourable Mention.
I’m ecstatic that Don Bluth was mentioned all up and down the comments! I still can’t see the Land Before Time without getting a little weepy. Those characters are just so dear and the colors are just beautiful.
There’s also Gargoyles: The Movie (1994), which doubled as the beginning of the series of the same name. As far as Disney has fallen over the years in terms of animation sans Pixar, this movie and series are still badass fantasy adventure fare almost fifteen years later. It’s also a testament to how well American and Japanese traditional animation houses can work together to achieve an organic look and feel.
Flight of the Dragons and original The Grinch need some love too.
Oct 6th, 2008
Tom
Not necessarily in order, but:
#10 Transformer - I still watch it every 6 months.
#9 Beauty and The Beast
#8 Cloud’s Moving Castle
#7 Akira
#6 Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust
#5 Iron Giant
#4 G.I. Joe the Movie - with the aliens :)
#3 Batman Begins: Return of the Joker
#2 Spirited Away
#1 Secret of Nimh
Oct 6th, 2008
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