Adult, child or teen – animated movies bring us all together. Looking through the huge selection of amazing titles, my qualification for top five has been chosen on those who tackle the largest range of audiences.
1 – Up (2009)
Tackling death head on, this film can only be applauded for its skill in broaching the topic for all ages. Set to a backdrop of exploration, there is plenty of fun, beautiful animation and comedy to keep the story engaging and uplifting. When Carl’s wife Ellie dies, the message is clear and the moment left as raw as possible, giving us a moment to come to terms with it before lifting our spirits again. The message that life can be painful and upsetting is most important for the younger watchers – teaching children about death is about as easy as walking a tightrope carrying an angry honey badger, and Up does it right.
2 – Ice Age (2002)
A personal favourite, Ice Age has matured throughout my life to gain new meanings. As a child, the adventure and the visual explanation of the ice age captivates without fail. Add to this the comic genius of the mismatched bunch of animals and it makes for a great story. As an adult, understanding the purpose of their journey and the emotional connotations for the mother losing her child, the film takes on a whole new meaning.
3 – Wall•E (2008)
A dystopian future of robots, obesity and environmental destruction, the savvy adult viewer will have a field day with the darker undertones of this film. While as a child, the strange worlds, cute characters and simple storytelling will never fail to hit the mark. Following the story in relative silence for most of the film, the directors have made some risky choices theatrically, but these decisions being skilfully implemented are part of what sets Wall•E aside as something special.
4 – Zootopia (2016)
One of the latest greatest additions to the animated genre, Zootopia knocks it out of the park on all levels. The visual depiction of its unique world is lovingly crafted to the most minuscule detail. Each civilised animal is in its rightful place in society, and with an appropriate neighbourhood designed for it. The story develops as animals start to stray from their place in society. Paranoia, rage, fear and discrimination give the characters a plethora of issues to tackle. These moments are approached with a dexterity that leaves all ages satisfied and entertained.
5 – The Lego Movie (2014)
Comical, wacky and apparently superficial, The Lego Movie makes for an easy watch. The jokes are two a minute and usually good enough to stimulate either the young or the old. Scratching the surface there is much more lurking beneath. Relationships between parents and children are explored, society, peer pressure and much more. These topics, you could argue, are perhaps too well hidden for the most part, behind the slapstick nature of the film. Yet with such a ridiculous medium, it’s hard to imagine a more dry plot working. Altogether, the movie comes together as a surprise classic to mix up the usual formulas from Dreamworks, Pixar or Disney.
Author: Joe, Bath store
