Is there anything more moving than an animated film?
One could argue that something about their imaginative visuals and whimsical scores touches the heart on a deeper level, allowing their stories to reach corners of human emotion that live-action films can't touch. If you’re in the mood for a gut-punching, transcending cinematic experience, consider giving the movies on this list a try. Just make sure you pack tissue.
7. The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant is a hidden gem that most millennials will recall as one of the most heartwarming animated films of their childhood (and one of the best examples of a quality 90s animated feature that didn’t come from Disney Studios). Straight from the iconic mashup of Warner Bros Animation and animated visionary Brad Bird comes a film so touching, it’ll choke up '90s kids at the mere mention of its name.
The Iron Giant tells the story of a boy named Hogarth who befriends a giant robot that crash-lands in his Maine hometown from outer space. What starts as a terrifying alien encounter transforms into a wholesome bond as Hogarth discovers that not only is the robot friendly, but it has the mind of a child. Their friendship is unfortunately compromised by the conspiring US government, which insists on villainizing the giant and doing everything in its power to seek and destroy it.
Even for a kid-friendly film, The Iron Giant has a lot of heart, depicting poignant themes of alienation, discrimination, and friendship that are deeply moving. Between the passionate dialogue and the multi-layered depiction of man vs machine, by the time you get to the film’s conclusion, there won’t be a dry seat in the house.
6. The Fox and the Hound
Man, if you can manage to sit through this film without bawling your eyes out, bless your heart. The Fox and the Hound is one of those movies that can only be watched once, with a level of heartbreak that one could argue shouldn’t be suitable for kids. It hails from 1980s Disney, back when the animated studio was still struggling to find its footing with feature films. However, The Fox and the Hound’s tragic, sentimental themes definitely help it stand out from the crowd.
The Fox and the Hound tells the story of Todd, an abandoned fox who is fostered by a widowed farmer. After being taken in, Todd develops an unlikely friendship with a neighboring hound dog named Copper. Despite coming from separate worlds, as pups, the two hit it off almost immediately, and it seems like not even the discouragement of their respective guardians can keep them apart. Unfortunately, as they grow older, their differences become harder to ignore, and their perspective paths put their friendship through the ultimate test.
Don’t let the lighthearted cover art or the G rating fool you: this movie breaks you down on so many levels, with themes of betrayal and abandonment that are really tough to watch.
Anyone who’s ever outgrown a friendship or had to walk away from a meaningful relationship will find this feature especially triggering, but hey, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
5. Inside Out
The creative minds behind Disney strike again. Inside Out is an animated film that has earned quite a reputation in the field of psychology, containing one of the most accurate depictions of the science of emotions in film. Inside Out’s complex attention to detail is so spot on, it's reportedly been used to teach kids about emotional intelligence. All these things considered, it's no wonder that the movie comes for your heart strings, stirring up emotions you didn’t realize you were suppressing.
Inside Out tells the story of Riley, a young girl who is coping with major life changes after a big move from a small Midwest town to big city life in San Francisco. It turns out Riley’s life is literally being navigated by physical manifestations of her emotions (Joy, Fear, Disgust, and Sadness) who fight for internal control over Riley’s decision-making. This fight takes them on a grand adventure through Riley’s mind as the emotions search for a way to navigate this major life event in the most optimal way possible.
Inside Out takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, with deep psychological themes that everyone should witness at least once. The film does a great job of making Riley’s experiences relatable while also depicting the science of psychology in a way that's easily digestible. Inside Out’s colorful coming-of-age tale of heartbreak, growth, and vulnerability is known to strike a chord among viewers, with one particular scene about an imaginary friend breaking hearts and leaving misty eyes every time.
4. Finding Nemo
One look at the opening sequence of Finding Nemo, and you already know that you’re in for a heart-wrenching, tear-inducing story. I mean, what else can you expect from a film that kills off a father’s wife and 99% of his children before we see the opening credits?
Finding Nemo is a Disney film about Marlin, a clown fish who lives a life ruled by fear and crippling anxiety after tragedy claims his family. This fear has caused him to live a sheltered life as a single father, raising his son Nemo under the guise that nothing but danger awaits him beyond his home, encouraging him to stay as close to the Great Barrier Reef as possible. However, after a deep-sea diver captures his son, Marlin must overcome his fears of the deep blue and search the depths of the ocean to bring his son back home to safety.
Finding Nemo’s charming underdog story of love, bravery, and determination will warm your heart, eliciting tears of joy on multiple occasions. Between Dory’s unwavering support, Marlin’s relentless devotion, and Nemo’s journey from gullible guppy to brave young fish, by the time you get to Marlin and Nemo’s reunion, tears will be inevitable.
3. When Marnie Was There
This hidden gem from Studio Ghibli is often overlooked and is by far one of the most underrated anime films of all time. Although its arresting story tends to be overshadowed by movies like Princess Mononoke and Grave Of The Fireflies, make no mistake: When Marnie Was There is one of the most powerful stories in the Studio Ghibli lineup, with a shocking twist that most viewers won’t see coming.
When Marnie Was There tells the story of Anna, a shy 12-year-old girl who is sent away to the countryside for an extended stay with her aunt and uncle. It’s here that she meets and befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie. Marnie and Anna are opposites in all sorts of ways, (Marnie is a bubbly blonde who comes from a wealthy family, while Anna is the shy and mysterious brunette who comes from humble beginnings) but its these differences that make their unique bond stronger and the two end up influencing each others lives in meaningful and impactful ways. As the story unfurls, Anna begins to uncover secrets from Marnie’s mysterious past, leading up to a conclusion that will take your breath away.
When Marnie Was There tells a compelling story of love, tragedy, and self-discovery that touches viewers on a deeper level. Its underlying themes of abuse, neglect, and abandonment are backed by Studio Ghibli’s whimsical score and breathtaking seaside aesthetics, packing a powerful punch that lingers long after the credits roll.
2. Belle
Ah, Belle. What a fine, aesthetically pleasing piece of cinema. This imaginative take on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast combines a passionate soundtrack with stunning visuals that fans of animated musicals can appreciate.
From Studio Chizu, the anime studio behind Wolf Children and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, comes Belle: a charming coming-of-age story about finding your inner voice. It follows a young girl named Suzu who loses her passion for music after the tragic death of her mother. This passion leads her to an online platform called U, where she hides behind the persona of an avatar named Belle. As Belle, Suzu expresses herself through song, capturing the hearts of users worldwide and quickly rising to stardom. However, her musical bliss is suddenly disrupted by the appearance of a mysterious creature whose alarming presence inspires her to uncover his identity.
Belle’s striking visuals and alluring music leave viewers in awe, backed by a story that is guaranteed to tear at your heartstrings. While it grapples with mature themes like child abuse and trauma, it also tells a relatable tale of alienation, self-discovery, and the consequences of judging a book by its cover. Belle is a film that’s eerily relatable to anyone who’s ever been forced to hide out of fear of being judged for being their authentic self.
1. The Lion King
Disney’s The Lion King is an animated masterpiece that needs no introduction. Its emotional impact on viewers is undeniable, with a reputation for making audiences tear up since its 1994 theatrical release. However, in case you’ve been living under a rock, here’s a rundown.
The Lion King is an animated feature that tells the story of a young cub’s ascent to power and the sacrifices that must be made on the path to achieving greatness. Young Simba is a lion born into a lineage of Kings, destined to sit atop the throne of the Kingdom of Pride Rock. However, just as his father Mufasa is on the cusp of preparing him for ascension, he’s killed by his jealous Uncle Scar in an attempt to usurp the throne. From there, Simba goes on a lifelong journey of self-discovery that forces him to come face to face with his greatest fears and setbacks, propelling him to fight for radical change for his people, as well as a title that’s rightfully his.
The Lion King has left a powerful emotional impact on viewers for over 30 years, depicting one of the most heartbreaking death scenes in animation history. It's a Disney film with a lot of heart that packs a powerful punch, teaching themes of strength, pride, and responsibility that both kids and adults alike can benefit from.
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