- Fans recommend exploring Hayao Miyazaki’s visually stunning and emotionally moving films from Studio Ghibli for essential viewing in the world of animation.
- Sony’s Spider-Man animated movies, featuring Miles Morales, have been praised for their groundbreaking comic book-inspired CGI aesthetic that has reshaped the landscape of animated films.
- DreamWorks’ 1998 animated film “The Prince of Egypt” is celebrated for its epic scale, sweeping cinematic scope, and legendary soundtrack, making it a timeless achievement in traditional 2D animation.
When discussing animated movies, it can be easy to constantly slide into the globally dominant slate of Disney/Pixar titles that quickly jump to mind. But there are many, many more top-tier animated films that were produced by other studios. Cinephiles agree that the bounty is out there for those looking.
In a thread in r/movies, audiences weigh in with suggestions for non-Disney animated movies that deliver exceptional storytelling, emotional impact, and groundbreaking visual styles.
1. Most of Hayao Miyazaki’s classic catalog
The legendary cofounder of Japan’s Studio Ghibli (who has won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature twice in his career) is widely celebrated for creating some of the most visually stunning and moving films in the medium. Those in the know frequently point to his expansive body of work as essential viewing for any animation fan, anywhere in the world.
2. Spider-Man’s groundbreaking multiverse
The recent Sony-produced animated entries in the Spider-Man movie franchise, following Miles Morales as Spidey, have helped reshape the landscape of computer-generated imagery (CGI). Fans praise the films for abandoning traditional pristine CGI in favor of a vibrant, comic book-inspired aesthetic.
3. The epic scale of The Prince of Egypt (1998)
The 1998 DreamWorks adaptation of the Book of Exodus, fans say, remains a towering achievement in traditional 2D animation. Viewers point to the sweeping cinematic scope and a legendary soundtrack as reasons it endures.
4. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sometimes a sequel far exceeds its predecessor. This fantasy adventure, again from DreamWorks Animation, surprised audiences by delivering poignant themes and a dynamic action style years after the original Puss in Boots.
5. The intricate craft of Laika Studios
Stop-motion animation requires immense patience and skill, a craft that Laika Studios has nearly perfected. Moviegoers celebrate the studio’s eerie atmospheres and meticulous physical set pieces.
6. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Known for its brilliant buddy-comedy dynamic, lush adventure story, and memorable soundtrack (Elton John!), this early-aughts feature boasts plenty of wit and charm, according to fans.
There’s no shortage of phenomenal animated cinematic storytelling available, whether you prefer intricate stop-motion spectacles or sweeping, hand-drawn epics. These fan-favorite selections underline how artists around the world continuously push the medium into exciting new territories.
What are your favorite animated movies? Read the full opinions in r/movies, and find more conversations like this in r/TrueFilm, r/Letterboxd, and r/anime.
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