The world of animation truly has something for everyone, covering allmanner of fantasy settingsand transporting viewers into worlds beyond their wildest dreams. Gone are the days of Disney domination, as more and more studios enter the fray and not only compete with the top dogs but demonstrate that original ideas from smaller companies can be incredibly profound and beautiful.
There has been no shortage of animated goodness to digest over the past few years, from large studios like Pixar to a few new breakout successes that are defying expectations everywhere. With so much on offer and too little time to watch it all, there are plenty of movies that have taken a backseat behind the larger, more established studios and didn’t get the widespread love and respect that they deserve. Many hidden gems and fascinating stories that take viewers on an emotional and visual ride that is both beautiful and unforgettable, and should be given the same level of respect as any other animated masterpiece.
Taking all theCoraline-esqueart direction and giving it a modern twist,Wendell & Wildtells the story of Kat, a rebellious teenager grappling with her troubled past, who unwittingly becomes connected to two mischievous demon brothers seeking a way into the land of the living. In a world where the boundaries between life and death blur, the film explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption through a unique stop-motion visual style that is rough around the edges and a nice departure from themore mainstream animated stylesof the past few years.
The creativity is limitless, using dark, textured visuals that bring its eerie but oddly inviting world to life. The story’s humor and offbeat character designs hide deeper, more serious layers, rewarding viewers who look beyond the surface and offering plenty of emotional depth that makes it great for viewers of all ages. With its mix of quirky horror, heartfelt storytelling, and bold artistic direction,Wendell & Wildstands out as an intriguing title with more than a few tricks up its sleeve and is deserving of far more recognition for its ambition and heart.
Mad Godplunges viewers into a nightmarish, post-apocalyptic world where a lone figure navigates crumbling cities, monstrous creatures, and endless decay. Told almost entirely through stunning stop-motion animation and without traditional dialogue, the film relies on atmosphere, sound, and visuals to build its bleak, surreal narrative, and the outcome is ahorrifying and chilling worldthat is crammed full of detail and nightmarish creativity.
The animation is relentlessly imaginative, showcasing a level of craftsmanship and world-building rarely seen in modern cinema, and it makes it clear that animation isn’t just a medium for kids. Its experimental storytelling and grim tone may not appeal to everyone, but for those willing to dive into its chaotic depths, the experience is unforgettable.Mad Godstands as a powerful example of how animation can push artistic boundaries and deliver unforgettable experiences that are more than just a fairy tale.
An intriguing anthology with an even more intriguing aesthetic,The Houseis an incredible three-part film that takes place in a single house, across multiple different times and stories that each feel distinct in their own mysterious way. The animation is what really brings out the spooky elements, as every motion is deliberate and slow, and given the more warm, fuzzy feel to the characters, they feel significantly more real and unnerving, entering uncanny territories that continue to raise the fear over and over.
Being a Netflix original movie, many viewers may have overlooked it or never even knew it existed. But just because it never saw the big screens doesn’t mean it isn’t a wonderful viewing experience that feels so unique and individual that there really is nothing else like it. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth visiting for any fans of animated horror looking to add another to their list of favorites.
Anime is one of those things that is much more popular with younger generations and has mixed success when it comes to the Western world. There are plenty of fans in the West who adore anime, but for older audiences, it is hard to convince them to give it a watch.Suzumeis the perfect example of a gorgeous and wonderful movie that, despite garnering huge success in the Asian regions, still deserves more recognition from the rest of the world for its amazing portrayal of trauma and loss.
The style is simply amazing and an absolute treat to look at, having so much detail in every last frame and offering some of the most breathtaking visuals in any animated film to date. Bringing in elements of fantasy and combining them with grounded human emotions, every moment is a roller coaster of ups and downs that continues to deliver emotional responses from start to finish. A standout movie that deserves more eyes on it, and a movie that won’t be forgotten for a very long time.
Transformers Onedives deep into the origins of two of the most iconic characters in theTransformersuniverse, Optimus Prime and Megatron, before they became enemies. The movie brings the characters back into an animated style that reimagines the childhood wonder from all those years ago. The story explores their early friendship, the societal struggles of their world, and the choices that ultimately set them on opposing paths. Rather than focusing solely on flashy battles, the movie places emphasis on character development, loyalty, and the complexity of good versus evil, offering a refreshing emotional core beneath its sci-fi action.
The animation inTransformers Onebrings Cybertron to life with rich, vibrant detail and fluid action sequences that feel both epic and personal, and isn’t afraid to experiment with style and spectacle, delivering some truly remarkable sequences that rival any animated movie. Its focus on story and relationships over pure spectacle sets it apart from previousTransformersadaptations, and while it may not have captured the immediate blockbuster attention of some bigger releases, the movie proves itself as a thoughtful and visually striking entry in the animated film landscape.
The brothers are back, and they look better than ever.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemis the perfect example of theSpiderverseeffect, where a studio wasn’t afraid totry a new, more rugged stylethat puts a greater emphasis on aesthetic over perfect polish. The movie maintains all the same identity that fans of the franchise have come to love and keeps the emphasis on friendship and family, as well as finding one’s place in a world that isn’t always welcoming.
Despite having a decent run in theaters, it is fair to say that the quality and heart of the movie deserve far more recognition, as it is clear that so much love and passion went into every last frame of the film, and that love is worthy of a lifetime of praise and respect. With a sequel on the way, now is a good a time as any to enter the sewers and have more than a few laughs and smiles thanks to the rag-tag crew of misfit mutants.
A gentle, touching story of a tiny shell,Marcel the Shell with Shoes Onis a heartfelt tale of loss and belonging that is more than just a simple animated movie. When a filmmaker discovers Marcel, their journey to reunite Marcel with his lost family becomes a meditation on connection, loneliness, and resilience that feels far more real than. Through its simple premise, the film explores profound themes of change and the beauty of small moments, delivering a story that feels both whimsical and deeply emotional without ever resorting to heavy-handedness.
A stop-motion style that never strays too far from reality, the blending with live-action footage is seamless, and creates a grounded and intimate atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional impact. Every movement, line, and visual detail is crafted with care, making even the smallest scenes feel significant. It may not be a 100-million-dollar Disney blockbuster, but the movie delivers far more than any viewer could anticipate and brings to life a character that shows humanity in a completely different light.
A perfect movie that never feels the need to lean too far on previous material,Memoir of a Snailfollows the life of Grace, a young girl growing up in Australia during the 1970s, who develops an unusual bond with her pet snails after facing personal loss and loneliness. Told through beautifully animated stop-motion visuals, the film explores themes of grief, resilience, and the quiet ways people cope with hardship. It beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of growing up, blending humor and hope into a deeply personal story that lingers long after the credits roll.
The visuals are truly spectacular, giving every frame a handmade, tactile quality that enhances its emotional storytelling and allows the characters to reach through the screen and touch the viewers on a personal level. Rather than relying ongrand vistas and giant spectacles, the film draws viewers in with its intimacy and emotional honesty, offering a rare kind of quiet, heartfelt storytelling that leaves the viewer feeling warm and sad all at the same time and, despite being a more dark, dingy tale, it is a groundbreaking achievement in storytelling and is worthy of an endless amount of praise and love.
