Animated films are embedded into our lives from the very start. A wonderful art form that works to inform children while creating fun worlds of endless possibilities, animated films can be enjoyed at any age. And while it’s easiest to recall those from the cornucopia of Disney, Pixar, or Disney/Pixar umbrella, I think it’s equally important to recognize some of the smaller, less “well-known” animated films produced by other companies. Many other amazing animated films have been distributed by other companies such as DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. So today I’ve made a list of my five favourite animated movies that are non-Disney/Pixar (though make no mistake, I have a lot of love for Disney/Pixar). Of course, I always urge lovers of animation to look into even more independent companies and films, as there are so many beautiful works out there. However, the ones listed here are ones that have stood out to me throughout my childhood into adulthood!
1. Sinbad: The Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
This film, created by DreamWorks, is hands-down one of the most innovative and artful animated films I’ve ever seen. This may come as a surprise seeing as it was considered a “box office bomb”, but I still consider it to be phenomenal. There’s something so captivating about the audacious storyline, the realness of the stakes, and the sharp (and let’s face it, kind of adult) sense of humour. Not to mention the cast: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer and Joseph Fiennes all headline. Michelle Pfeiffer’s character Eris, the goddess of discord, is one of the most creatively structured villains I’ve ever seen. Though the story features are meant to revolve around ancient myths and swashbuckling pirates, it does not come across campy or unserious. As mentioned before, the film is very adult in all aspects: the stakes are high, and the creators are not afraid to get across the message that death is imminent. This may sound macabre, but I’ve always been drawn to films that veer away from the traditional “happily ever after” structure. DreamWorks always comes up with material that is unique and imaginative, which is one of the many reasons why Sinbad continues to be a favourite of mine.
2. Balto (1995)
I can’t believe that yesterday was my first time watching this film, because it’s so good that’s I’m baffled I hadn’t seen it before. Based on a true story, Balto was a Siberian Husky sled dog that helped deliver medication from Nenana to Nome, Alaska. The medication was crucial to curing an outbreak of diphtheria back in 1925, which affected the youth of Nome. The harsh weather conditions made it impossible for the medication to be delivered via plane, train, or automobile. Thus, the sled dogs were the final resort. Balto was one of the lead dogs during the especially harsh trip, standing out as one of the main leaders and heroes. The animated adaptation is an endearing one, outlining Balto as the outcast of the town, bullied for being “half wolf”. This film is totally an underdog story (no pun intended). Voiced by Kevin Bacon, Balto takes the mission upon himself once the town finds out that the sled dogs have gotten lost on their mission back to Nome. This is a goal especially important to Balto, as his love interest Jenna is owned by a human child who is affected by the illness. This film made me tear up on multiple occasions and filled my heart with joy. Produced by Amblin Entertainment and distributed by Universal Studios, Balto only cemented that some of the greatest animated films out there have been created by some of the most unassuming companies.
3. Anastasia (1997)
This film is another classic for me, but I have one caveat for you: don’t go into it expecting historical accuracy, by any means. Though this is loosely based off the Romanovs, Russian Revolution and the famous rumour that Anastasia, daughter of Czar Nicholas, somehow survived, there’s basically nothing about this adaptation that’s accurate. That being said, this movie (created by Fox Animation Studios) is so well done: Meg Ryan voices the titular Anastasia, with John Cusack, Kelsey Grammar, Christopher Lloyd, Angela Lansbury and Hank Azaria as supporting cast. This film went all out with the casting talent, as each actor brings his or her own essence and charisma to their respective character. Anastasia speaks to the misfits and outcasts of the world, and the plot relies on the importance of family over anything else. This element grounds the film, and in conjunction with its stellar soundtrack, it’s truly one for the ages.
4. Quest for Camelot (1988)
This one is definitely on the more obscure side: I distinctly remember going to the local video store as a kid, liking the cover of this movie, and discovering it to be one of my childhood favourites. The Warner Bros animated film zeroes in on the legend of the Knights of the Round Table, though the creators take their own liberties in expanding on the story. Quest for Camelot puts the daughter of one of the knights, Kayley, at the forefront, as she fights against the villain that killed her father and stole Excalibur from Camelot. On her journey she meets a blind hermit named Garrett (an exciting tidbit for my fellow nerds is that Garrett is voiced by the inimitable Cary Elwes, who plays Westley in “The Princess Bride”). Together they encounter various mythical creatures, taking viewers on a fantastical fantasy ride. From the believable progression of romance that blossoms between Garrett and Kayley, to the feminine-forward message of having a badass woman as the main character and hero, Quest for Camelot will always have a special place in my heart.
5. The Iron Giant (1999)
Another Warner Bros film, The Iron Giant is directed by Brad Bird, who is probably best known for creating The Incredibles franchise (he also voices Edna Mode in the films). Though it’s been a long time since I’ve seen this film, I remember it as being a tearjerker. Evoking similar feelings in me that I get during Wall-E, this movie outlines the best and worst in humanity in regards to outsiders. Set in the Cold War period in the U.S, the story follows a friendship between a young boy named Hogarth and a foreign giant robot. While their relationship progresses, the U.S. military gets involved, resulting in a tumultuous journey. What really pulls on viewers heartstrings is just how gentle and protective the Giant is, as opposed to the massive threat that others see him as. The film is yet another reminder not to judge a book by its cover, with a more complex and mature undercurrent of criticism on the military, Cold War paranoia, propaganda, and the destructive, xenophobic side of humanity. I’ll have to give this film a watch again, because as heartrending as it is to watch, it will always carry the timeless message of teaching compassion, open-mindedness, and peace to future generations.
~ Z ~
