Flow is, in simple terms, one of the most beautiful films of 2024 both visually and narratively, and one of the most interesting – and awarded – animations of the year for several reasons. It is a Latvian production that tells the story of a kitten struggling to survive in a mysteriously flooded world, learning to coexist with animals from other species aboard a boat. Simple, but effectively told with pure images, without dialogue, achieving an almost naturalistic expressiveness in the animals and a deceptive emotional depth for such a basic premise, which focuses more on evoking compassion than on explaining its mysteries. Additionally, in terms of the animation industry, it could be a game-changer: it was made entirely with the open-source software Blender, which opens the door for independent animators to create innovative animated films without the constraints imposed by other expensive industry standards.
Great animated movies that aren’t from Disney to watch online
Great animated movies that aren’t from Disney to watch online
Today considered a cult classic and one of the most beautiful animated films of the late 20th century, 'The Iron Giant' marked the directorial debut of Brad Bird (who would go on to direct acclaimed gems like 'The Incredibles' and 'Ratatouille'), and was a notable box office flop during its first year, between a previous stumble from Warner Bros. and the beginning of the computer animation era. However, from that moment on, the film was recognized as a masterpiece, which manages to present the complexities of human relationships and the paranoia of the nuclear age in a digestible and familiar way, mixing beautiful traditional animation with digital animation elements in its main character. And did you know this is one of the first voice acting works in films for Vin Diesel ('Fast & Furious') and Jennifer Aniston ('Friends')? A true classic.
Movie that brings a strong flavor of childhood to those born between the 1990s and 2000s, 'Chicken Run' is one of those animations that are a hit from start to finish. To begin with, directors Nick Park and Peter Lord further enhance the stop motion technique with clay adopted in the 'Wallace and Gromit' shorts. In addition, keeping the rural atmosphere of the plot, 'Chicken Run' is one of those trips that captivate the viewer by telling the story of a group of chickens that want to escape from farm life. It is a simple movie in its story and message, but of complex execution, which has become practically timeless through the generations. After all, no matter how much cinema has been replaced by increasingly digital, robust and daring animations, this "play" involving clay and chickens should enchant people of all ages.
Based on the children's novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono, 'Majo no takkyûbin' is one of Hayao Miyazaki's stories that knows how to incorporate fantasy genre into a coming-of-age journey. All wrapped up in a touching tale about a young girl who learns to be independent and self-sufficient, yet still remain vulnerable.It may not be the most well-known movie of Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli, nor even the best of this good crop of Japanese productions, but you will still find the standard of narrative and animation quality of the other works of the studio.
From the Director of The Nightmare Before Christmas comes a visually stunning stop-motion animated feature like you've never seen before! Coraline Jones is bored in her new home until she finds a secret door that leads her into a world that's just like her own…but better! But when this fantastical adventure turns dangerous and her "other" Mother tries to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness and bravery to get home. Critics are hailing Coraline as "A remarkable feat of imagination." (Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times).