There’s a common misconception that animated films are exclusively for kids, and offer nothing to adults. Now, for the most part, this is largely true, however, there are plenty of animated movies that are actually really great, and speak to grown-ups as well as children. If you’ve never gotten into animated films you’ve probably just not found the right one, but all that is about to change. If you can find the right kind of animated movie, you will look upon them in a much more favorable manner. So, check out our list of the best-animated films for both grown-ups and the little ones!
Inside Out (2015)
A remarkably clever movie, with Pixar knocking it out of the park once again. Inside Out is a wonderful animated movie that gives life to the emotions that control us inside our heads. After Riley and her family move to a new home, emotions become conflicted, before realizing they are all needed to bring balance. Inside Out is bright, colorful, intelligent, witty, and perfectly paced – a movie the entire family can get something out of.
Rango (2011)
You probably weren’t expecting to find Rango on here, but it was a hidden gem of an animated movie. Gore Verbinski and Johnny Depp teamed up post-Pirates to make this charming, offbeat, and imaginative animated Western about a lizard stranded in a desert town, who becomes a hero. The movie is heaps of fun, and looks sensational; plus, there is enough heart to it that kids and adults alike can enjoy it.
Toy Story (1995)
Pixar most definitely hit the ground running with their incredibly assured debut, telling the story of toys who just want to be loved. The idea is masterful, and the execution perfect – all of it combines to create a timeless classic. With an Academy Award-nominated screenplay, along with voice performances from Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, Toy Story has become one of the benchmarks for great animation over the years.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
One thing Tim Burton excels at is taking horror stories, and turning them into appealing, moral stories fit for all. Sure, some of the themes here may be dark – Jack Skellington wants to make Christmas more like Halloween – but the emotion and journey is real. It’s hard to believe something this innovative was released as far back as 1993. One of the best-animated movies ever, especially one based around the holidays – check it out!
The Lion King (1994)
Come on, we had to get The Lion King in there, as it’s perhaps Disney’s crowning moment in animation. Everything about the movie just works. A retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it tells the story of a young lion, exiled from his pride, who returns to claim his birthright. The animation is trendsetting, the Elton John score is iconic, and the story is timeless. The Lion King is, without question, one of the finest animated films of all time.
These are just a few of the best-animated movies of all time; films that will live long in the memory and we will be enjoying for years to come. After a pretty quiet spell, animation has made a comeback in the last 5 years and is becoming a real force once again, so we’re sure there will be plenty more modern classics to come.
