The pure magic of dazzling animated films

The world of animation entered a golden age a decade ago when Pixar Studio planted itself on the map with Toy Story. Forget the fact that it was the first of the computer-animated movies—the medium really has nothing to do with it. Here, all of a sudden, was a movie studio not afraid to make bold choices; convention was shot to hell; animated movies that were once full of bland cardboard characters were suddenly populated with real characters with real problems, that real people could identify with.

Inspired by the fact that two good animated movies have been released in the span of four days (Robots, in theaters last Friday; The Incredibles on DVD today), I’ve decided to throw together my own personal Top 10 list for animated movies. Interestingly enough, not one of them is from my childhood; most of them are less than a decade old. Kids these days have got it lucky. Or is it the parents who are lucky?

#10—Antz; PG; DreamWorks; Grade: B

With an intelligent script and witty humor, Antz is more likely to appeal to adults than children. A movie that celebrates individualism over conformity, Antz boasts terrific voice performances, especially from star Woody Allen. Some might even say it’s his best movie.

#9 – Lilo & Stitch; PG; Disney; Grade: B

Disney broke all of their own rules in Lilo & Stitch, making me wish they’d do so more often. As far as children’s movies go, much of the humor is kind of dark in this film, and that’s what makes it so funny. At the core of this fun sci-fi/adventure is an aww-shucks family values parable.

#8 – Beauty and the Beast; G; Disney; Grade: B

I’m not going to bother telling you the story, because you know it (and have probably seen it). But did you know that this is the only animated movie to ever receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture? Perhaps the only animated movie ever made with palpable romance, Beauty and the Beast is as good now as it was 14 years ago.

#7 – Finding Nemo; G; Pixar; Grade: B+

Not too surprisingly, my Top 10 list is top-heavy with four Pixar movies (and they’ve only made six movies). If you have kids, you’ve seen Finding Nemo probably numerous times by now. Good for you. It’s a fun movie, with a touching story of the pains and joys of fatherhood.

#6 – Monster’s Inc.; G; Pixar; Grade: B+

Monster’s Inc. doesn’t possess as much of the emotion as its Pixar counterparts (though it’s not empty either), but what it lacks in feeling it makes up tenfold in exuberant fun. Imaginative and comical, Monster’s Inc. has got laughs for any age group.

#5 – The Iron Giant; PG; Warner Bros.; Grade: B+

Bet you weren’t expecting this one, were ya? Before director Brad Bird wowed the world with The Incredibles, he honed his skills on The Iron Giant, a terrific movie that has somehow flown completely under the radar (you haven’t seen it, have you?). There are no cutesy talking animals; no fart jokes; no musical numbers; no comedic sidekicks. Reminiscent of E.T., The Iron Giant is good old-fashioned story telling, with a surprisingly deep political and philosophical message.

#4—Shrek; PG; DreamWorks; Grade: B+

This one is more of a comedy than anything else, which I’m sure you’re completely aware of. With Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy at the top of their games, I’d like to meet the person who doesn’t think this movie is hilarious. Actually, come to think of it, I’d really prefer not to meet that person.

#3 – The Incredibles; PG; Pixar; Grade: A

There are a lot of people on this island of ours who prefer to wait until a movie is released on DVD, rather than hacking off an arm and a leg to get a bucket of popcorn at the theater. Today is a big day then, because one of the most widely-loved movies of 2004 is finally on the shelves of your local rental store. Oscar winner for Best Animated Movie, equal parts superhero movie, comedy, and family drama, The Incredibles, believe it or not, was more widely praised by film critics than any other major studio release last year—even more so than Best Picture nominee The Aviator.

#2 – The Lion King; G; Disney; Grade: A

I was 18 years young when I first saw this gem, technically an adult, but still really a kid, and I’d be the world’s biggest liar if I tried to pretend it didn’t make me cry. Don’t lie—you cried, too. That’s okay. Group hug. Unlike the more recent animated movies that appeal to adults just as much as kids, The Lion King is straight-up traditional Disney fare, and as far as that type of movie is concerned, they just don’t get any better than this. And you know it.

#1 – Toy Story; G; Pixar; Grade: A+

Pure genius. What a clever, wild ride this movie is. With a powerful theme of finding a place to fit into this world through friendship, Toy Story can touch anybody’s heart, no matter how young or old. Made a decade ago, it’s likely that there are some young tots out there who haven’t yet seen this masterpiece. Make sure not to rob them of the opportunity to see such magic (plus, if you rent it on DVD, you can get Toy Story 2 in the same pack, a pretty good movie in its own right).