The problem with putting together a list like this is deciding on the criteria. There are three different ways I am looking at this: Should a top list include the best-made animated films, the most groundbreaking, or the most enjoyable? Fantasia, for instance, qualifies in two of those areas, but many of my friends feel the film is less than enjoyable. "Like having teeth pulled" is how one friend described it, a viewpoint I do not endorse except maybe during the Toccata and Fugue section.
It's also hard not to make a list that is heavy on the Disney films. But, let's face it, Disney made more animated films than anyone, and had the market cornered for most of the last 70 years. Snow White will still be shown to audiences long after Madagascar and Ice Age have had their time in the spotlight. Disney animated films are still the benchmark for the industry, so the list may be heavy with Disney Films, including the Pixar films, which now hold the dominance the Disney hand-drawn films once held.
Here is my list. I think any one of these 20 films can hold its own among the greatest films of all time, in any medium. I held it down to 20, as after that it gets a lot more muddled...
1. Pinocchio
Probably the most technically perfect animated film of all time, combining perfect animation, expert effects, a beautiful score and memorable characters. Also, probably the most terrorizing animated films of all time, not counting Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer...
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
It's hard not to put this film as #1, as it showed everyone how it should be done. However, I have to give the edge to Pinocchio.
3. Bambi
Another beautiful, and almost lyrical film. Bambi is probably the film that caused Kleenex sales to jump dramatically in the 1940's. Saddest...moment....ever. At least for animated films.4. Fantasia
Sorry, all, but it's a beautiful film and it makes my list. If you don't like it make your own list.
5. The Little Mermaid
The film that helped start the animation renaissance of the 1990's and beyond. I remember distinctly seeing this film, and walking out of the theater saying "Wow... Disney actually CAN still make a classic animated film worthy of Snow White!" The huge impression it had on me at the time gives it this high ranking.
6. Beauty and the Beast
Another near-perfect animated film. The basic story could have been down without animation, but the supporting characters and great songs make it a Disney classic.
7. Toy Story
Toy Story was the first computer-generated animated film of all time, launching the trend that dominates the industry today. I went to see this film with skepticism. I felt there was no way a computer animated film could create the characters, the emotion and the sincerity that hand-drawn animation could capture. Boy, was I wrong. This film, along with The Little Mermaid, had the biggest impact on me concerning the future of animation.
8. The Incredibles
Action! Comedy! Mystery! Romance! The Incredibles had it all. For added fun, watch "Jack-Jack Attack" (a short cartoon on the DVD release) right after watching the film. It fills you in on what was happening in the Incredible's home while they were out saving the world.
9. Toy Story 3
Each film in the Toy Story Trilogy is a masterpiece, and this one is the one that ends it all perfectly. 'Nuff said.
10. Dumbo
A favorite of one and all, always ending up on someone's top ten list.
11. One Hundred and One Dalmations
I have always loved this film. Cruella De Vil, to me, will always be the greatest Disney Villain of all time. Her first scene, as she bursts into Roger and Anita's apartment, sells me on the film every time.
12. Lilo and Stitch
This is the anti-Disney Disney film. The plotline sounds ludicrous (alien criminal lands in Hawaii and is adopted by an dysfunctional family, with songs by Elvis Presley) and yet it works beautifully. Stitch has joined the ranks of memorable Disney characters like Baloo, Dopey, Goofy, and the rest of the merchandised mob.
13. The Lion King
The story is predictable, but the animation, the characters and the music all combined to make it the highest-grossing animated film of its time.
14. Aladdin
Just plain funny, with great songs as well.
15. Toy Story 2
When Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl, tells her background story, I get choked up every single time. Curse her! Another great Toy Story film. This one especially hits home, because as a comic-book collector I can really commiserate with the villain, Al from Al's Toy Barn. To be so close to completing his collection, only to have the airlines lose his suitcase....
16. Ratatouille
This movie combines two of my passions - animation and food. Despite the gross-out factor involving rats handling food, this is a great animated film with Parisian settings that look better than the original.
17. The Iron Giant
My first non-Disney film! If you saw the film you would understand how it made the list. The story of a small boy who adopts a giant robot from outer space seems like Saturday-Morning cartoon material. Well, understand that this movie was directed by Brad Bird, the genius behind The Incredibles. A hugely enjoyable and moving picture.
18. Shrek
I liked the first Shrek film. It was funny, had a cute story and some great characters. Each subsequent Shrek film has been worse and worse, but I still have a soft spot for Shrek #1.
19. Up
Another hit from Pixar
20. Lady and the Tramp
Everyone raves about the 10-second clip of Lady and the Tramp chewing on the same spaghetti strand, but they fail the remember that this small scene is part of one of the most romantic scenes in cinema history. It's loaded with charm and humor as well.
Honorable Mention:
The Simpsons Movie
Not perfect, but it definitely harkins back to the first 9 seasons of the show, when the writers were operating on all cylinders.
South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut
The first half was great. The second half.... not so much.
I also need to get around to seeing "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Kung Fu Panda" both of which I hear may make the final cut. Let me know what you think I left off, or what I should have left off, in the comments below.
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