10 star wars fans will love this roundup of the galaxy’s funniest animated homages. Few fictional works have had a more significant impact than Star Wars. This sci‑fi fantasy franchise captures the imagination with its laser swords, space battles, engaging characters, and intriguing mythology. These qualities make it beloved by audiences of all ages. That said, they also make it ripe for parody.

10 star wars: Animated Spoof Highlights

10 Family Guy

Arguably the most famous entry on the list, Family Guy has three TV episodes spoofing Star Wars. Each flick reenacts part of the original trilogy, with the show’s characters portraying the sci‑fi icons. For instance, Peter Griffin is Han Solo, and Stewie is Darth Vader. That gimmick alone carries much of the humor.

Of course, the specials also stack on a gaggle of other jokes. These gags are all in Family Guy’s typical style of silly and dirty. Just look at the Battle of Hoth, where one of the Rebels stops mid‑fight to go touch their “giant boob nipple gun.” The whole tale recreates these designs and tropes with loving detail while simultaneously poking fun at them.

9 The Fairly OddParents

Many kids probably wish their toys came to life, but The Fairly OddParents shows the Dark Side (sorry) of that dream. In the episode “Hard Copy,” Timmy’s fairy godparents leave for a doctor’s visit. The kid worries about not having anyone to grant his wishes, so Wanda conjures a magical copier to manifest anything he scans. Unfortunately, activating the Life Size mode brings forth a sci‑fi invasion.

Scanning an action figure of Dark Laser from Space Wars, Timmy unwittingly unleashes the Darth Vader wannabe on his town. The villain swiftly scans the rest of the toys from his catalog, bringing the full wrath of his empire down on Dimsdale. Timmy must fight magic with magic. Not only do the lightsabers spring from his fairies’ wands, but he flies a Rebel Y‑Wing in the shape of a star. This aesthetic makes the slick sci‑fi stuff look farcically frilly, which goes hand‑in‑hand with the show’s theatrical irony.

8 The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius

Star Wars is a space opera with Shakespearean drama, so why not apply it to an actual Shakespeare play? The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius marries the two properties with entertaining results. “Out, Darn Spotlight” sees Jimmy’s school put on a production of Macbeth with an extraterrestrial edge. That’s not the only liberty taken, though.

The revised story concludes with Macbeth sword‑fighting a space pirate. Thanks to Jimmy’s work with special effects, the duel unfolds with laser swords akin to lightsabers. The production values put most movies to shame, but the performers are still untrained kids. That fact inevitably leads to a few slip‑ups, such as Jimmy accidentally losing his sword during the duel. The finished product somehow feels high‑end and low‑budget at the same time. Of course, children fumbling with advanced tech is par for the course with this series.

7 Rugrats

You might wonder how a show about babies could parody anything, but the eponymous Rugrats have active imaginations. They often use make‑believe to rationalize the world around them. Thus, when the stars start falling, the babies embark on a space adventure to set things right.

“Falling Star” contains a slew of sci‑fi references, but Star Wars is the primary target. It turns out the culprit of the collapsing stars is the bratty Angelica, decked out like Darth Vader. While there’s no lightsaber duel, the scenario does lead to an “I am your father” moment where she reveals herself as Tommy’s cousin. That absurdity born from naivete is what gives Rugrats its charm.

6 Pinky and the Brain

Being an animated skit show, both Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain thrive on satire. It’s not a stretch to see them come together to spoof the original Star Wars. Their approach, however, is essentially the precursor to Family Guy’s take. “Star Warners” recreates the original film as a TV special, with the show’s stars filling out the cast. Wakko is Luke Skywalker; Slappy Squirrel is Obi‑Wan Kenobi; Pinky and the Brain are the two droids; the list goes on. However, seeing these cartoon animals embody the roles is even wilder.

That unpredictability extends to the jokes. The episode continues the humor found in these ’90s Warner Bros. shows. That means plenty of slapstick mixed with referential gags. A memorable example comes when the Empire tortures Princess Leia by having her listen to Ben Stein. These zingers help the shows spoof all of pop culture. Considering Star Wars is a cultural phenomenon, that style is oddly appropriate.

5 The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy

Despite its supernatural subject matter, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy has several Star Wars gags. The most blatant occurs in the episode “Brown Evil,” which involves Billy inadvertently baking an evil batch of brownies. Grim loves these pastries, but they also attract hordes of undead. This invasion draws monster hunter Hoss Delgado, who immediately zeroes in on Grim.

The resulting brawl is straight out of Star Wars. Hoss activates a green energy sword from his mechanized hand and slices the blade off Grim’s scythe. The Reaper then energizes what’s left of his staff, and the two fighters engage in a duel, complete with lightsaber sound effects. It ends when Grim slices off Hoss’s hand. Luckily, he still has a human hand and a heap of muscle. One punch knocks Grim’s head clean off. That mixture of gallows humor and gross‑out gags is what Billy & Mandy does best.

4 Robot Chicken

Here’s a no‑brainer. Robot Chicken lives to poke fun at pop culture. This stop‑motion sketch show acts out iconic movies and TV shows using action figures and dolls. That alone would be amusing enough, but the creators also splice some self‑aware irony into the scripts. Basically, they show how these scenes would play out if the characters were juvenile fools who questioned every concept.

Star Wars is a natural treasure trove for that type of nitpicking. Sure enough, Robot Chicken lays out limitless skits based on this space opera. These bits typically pick on pivotal scenes. Luke and the Emperor get into a “yo momma” fight; Obi‑Wan gives a long‑winded speech about the “high ground” after slicing off Anakin’s legs; Chewie accidentally rips off Lando’s head and reattaches it backward. These gags are just the tip of the iceberg. Nothing is sacred in this silly show.

3 Teen Titans

Going into the TV realm is a great excuse to lampoon pop culture’s most famous franchises. Teen Titans takes ample advantage of that in “Don’t Touch That Dial.” This episode involves geeky villain Control Freak constructing an advanced remote to travel into the city’s TV screen. To prevent his monopoly over the television realm, the Titans follow him into the televised dimension, making their way through countless recognizable IPs to catch the baddie.

This chase culminates in a sci‑fi battle straight out of Star Wars. A “12th‑Level Space Samurai,” Control Freak knocks aside the Darth Vader stand‑in and takes his laser sword. Then, right on cue, he proclaims himself to be the hero’s father. Luckily, Beast Boy is a die‑hard fan of this franchise. Although his attempted Jedi mind trick doesn’t work on the battle droids, he does pull off an ancient spell to trap Control Freak. Nerd knowledge saves the day thanks to the series’ trademark blend of tense action and wacky anime comedy.

2 Phineas and Ferb

Wish fulfillment can be both comforting and hilarious. Phineas and Ferb always strives to prove that. Its titular kids constantly get into elaborate misadventures from their backyard. However, one of their greatest journeys occurs in their crossover with Star Wars. Once again, the story goes through the classic plot of A New Hope, with the show’s characters filling in for the film’s cast. That prospect might seem stale at this point, but the humor practically writes itself.

The appeal stems from how well the series’ stars fit the movie archetypes. Petty sister Candace is a Stormtrooper, Perry the platypus’s secret agent antics make him a Rebel sp, and the deranged Dr. Doofenshmirtz is an incompetent Sith Lord responsible for the Death Star’s fatal flaw. In turn, having these silly figures inhabit the top spots alters the tale in chuckle‑worthy ways, such as the Empire building a Sith‑inator to turn people evil. That’s exactly the type of goofy spin that you’d expect from a bunch of kids.

1 Buzz Lightyear of Star Command

This joke has a big‑screen precedent. Toy Story 2 depicts a fight between Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear and Evil Emperor Zurg. They melodramatically reenact their rivalry, which is all the funnier considering they’re both plastic toys. The cherry on top comes when Zurg proclaims that he’s Buzz’s father, to which Buzz responds by screaming “No!” in hammy fashion. That silly revelation makes things awkward in the spin‑off show.

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command undoes this twist and uses it for a comedic callback. During the episode “Stranger Invasion,” the hero and villain once again fight for the fate of the universe. Zurg then distracts Buzz by repeating the movie’s reveal, which lets him get one over on the Space Ranger. He even mocks his enemy for being so gullible. Yep, the series parodies a parody. How fitting for this cheeky take on Buzz’s high‑flying adventures.

When you think of animation, Disney often steals the spotlight, but the world of moving pictures is brimming with spectacular works that rival—or even eclipse—the Mouse House. Below, we count down the top 10 animated films that prove the medium can be daring, artistic, and unforgettable without a single mouse in sight.

10 The Secret of NIMH (1982)

The Secret of NIMH may not wear the Disney badge, yet its very existence owes a debt to the House of Mouse. In the early ’80s, visionary animators Don Bluth and Gary Goldman walked out of Disney with a crew of fourteen, forming their own studio and tackling Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H. as their inaugural project. The result is a brooding tale that delves into mass extermination, narcotics, predation, lethal pneumonia, death, sorcery, and a cadre of hyper‑intelligent rats who help a field mouse relocate her home to save her newborn.

Though its tone skews darker than Disney fare of the era, the movie shines technically. Back‑light animation creates an eerie glow around the most unsettling characters, delivering a palpable sense of danger and awe. The film clings to viewers for a lifetime, often resurfacing when parents introduce it to their kids. Shortly after debuting, it clinched the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film, though it fell short of the Best Fantasy Film prize, which went to The Dark Crystal.

9 When the Wind Blows (1986)

Animated cinema frequently explores mature themes, yet few tackle nuclear annihilation head‑on. When the Wind Blows, a British adaptation of a graphic novel, blends two distinct animation styles to tell its story. The protagonists are rendered in classic hand‑drawn cell animation, while the surrounding environment is built from tangible objects animated via stop‑motion. This hybrid approach lends a striking realism to the animated figures, making their plight feel immediate and relatable.

The narrative captures the 1980s dread of nuclear war. Hilda and James Bloggs, a couple scarred by World War II, cling to the government’s “Keep calm and carry on” mantra as another global conflict looms. When the bombs finally fall, they endure radiation sickness, yet their determination remains unshaken, painting a haunting portrait of resilience in the face of apocalypse.

8 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

If you’re versed in Studio Ghibli’s oeuvre, you know every release could vie for a spot on a best‑of list. While the studio boasts a treasure trove of hits since Castle in the Sky, the second film it ever produced—Grave of the Fireflies—stands out as both a masterpiece and a gut‑wrenching tragedy. It follows a young boy and his fragile sister as they scramble to survive Tokyo’s fire‑bombing during World II.

As the story unfolds, the siblings navigate a war‑torn landscape, grappling with hunger, disease, and the crushing weight of loss. The animation, immaculate under Isao Takahata’s direction, amplifies the emotional impact, but it’s the raw, unflinching storytelling that secures its place among the elite. Even the most stoic viewers will find their eyes wet after this heartrending odyssey.

7 The Iron Giant (1999)

When The Iron Giant hit theaters in 1999, it was an outlier—both a commercial flop and a critical darling. Warner Bros. failed to market it effectively, leading to dismal box‑office numbers despite rave reviews. Over time, home video turned the film into a cult classic, cementing its status as a modern animated legend.

The plot follows a lonely boy who befriends a colossal robot, echoing the emotional core of E.T. but swapping extraterrestrials for a towering metal behemoth. A stellar voice cast—including Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., and Vin Diesel—adds depth, while the animation blends classic hand‑drawn cells with groundbreaking CGI, creating a seamless visual experience that still feels fresh today.

6 The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

Music often serves as a supporting character in animation, especially in Disney’s musical extravaganzas. The Triplets of Belleville flips that script, allowing melody to steer the narrative. While occasional dialogue punctuates the story, the bulk of the storytelling unfolds through stylized visuals and song.

Our heroine, Madame Souza, embarks on a daring quest to rescue her grandson from the clutches of the French mafia. Accompanied by his loyal dog, Bruno, and three eccentric singing sisters she meets along the way, she traverses surreal landscapes that blend humor with haunting beauty. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature, ultimately conceding the award to Finding Nemo.

5 Persepolis (2007)

Persepolis adapts Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir, chronicling her upbringing in Iran amid the tumult of the Iranian Revolution. The story follows a liberal family navigating a society that turns increasingly fundamentalist, highlighting the gender‑based oppression that intensifies after the rise of Islamic hardliners.

Satrapi’s journey takes her from Tehran to Vienna, where she seeks personal growth amid cultural dislocation. The film’s striking visual language juxtaposes stark black‑and‑white sequences depicting past events with vibrant color for present moments, reinforcing the emotional weight of memory versus reality. Though its subject matter may challenge Western audiences, the animation’s artistry and candid storytelling render it a compelling masterpiece.

4 Wizards (1977)

Ralph Bakshi has long courted controversy with provocative works like Coonskin and Fritz the Cat—the latter being the first X‑rated animated feature. Yet beyond the shock value lies a brilliant storyteller who refined rotoscoping, a technique that lends realism to his fantastical visions. While American Pop (1981) remains a fan‑favorite, Wizards (1977) is often hailed as his crowning achievement.

Set millennia after humanity’s self‑destruction, Wizards pits two magical brothers against each other: Avatar, the benevolent wizard, and Blackwolf, his malevolent sibling commanding hordes of orcs, goblins, and Nazi‑styled monsters. Bakshi frames the conflict as an allegory for post‑Holocaust Israel’s creation and the ever‑looming threat of fascism, delivering a potent mix of mythic storytelling and sociopolitical commentary.

3 Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse (2018)

Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse joins the top 10 animated roster not because it rides the superhero hype train, but because its visual daring redefines the medium. Sony opted for animation over a live‑action blockbuster, allowing the film to echo the kinetic energy of 60‑year‑old comic panels.

Beyond the cutting‑edge computer‑generated imagery, artists painstakingly hand‑drew each frame, adding dots, line work, and texture to mimic the feel of a living comic book. The result? Every scene resembles a painted masterpiece, each frame bursting with unique style and texture. Coupled with an engaging storyline, the film stands as a landmark achievement in animated storytelling.

2 The LEGO Movie (2014)

When the idea of a fully CGI‑rendered LEGO feature first emerged, few imagined it would become a cultural phenomenon beloved by both kids and adults. The script functions as a clever satire, delivering razor‑sharp humor while tapping into deep nostalgia reminiscent of Pixar’s Toy Story era.

From an animation standpoint, the film is a technical marvel. Every brick on screen corresponds to a real, purchasable LEGO piece—recreating the entire movie would require over fifteen million bricks. The team even added subtle fingerprints and scratches, visible only under perfect lighting, showcasing an unprecedented commitment to texture, lighting, and realism.

1 The Last Unicorn (1982)

Ranking/Bass Productions, known for hits like Flight of Dragons and The Hobbit, delivered its magnum opus with The Last Unicorn (1982). Though often dismissed as a children’s story, its mature themes and haunting atmosphere have kept many adults away, despite its limited VHS run.

The narrative follows the solitary unicorn on a quest to discover the fate of her fellow mythical kin. While appearing as a pristine white mare to most, those attuned to magic perceive her true, ethereal form, leading her into perilous adventures. The film’s lush animation pairs perfectly with a soulful soundtrack composed entirely of original songs by the band America, ensuring the melody lingers long after the credits roll.

When we talk about the soundtracks of animated musical movies, the first image that pops into most people’s heads is Elsa gliding across a frozen palace belting “Let It Go.” Yet there’s a whole treasure trove of 10 fantastic underrated songs from animated films that deserve your attention. These hidden gems may not have snagged the spotlight, but they pack the same emotional punch and lyrical brilliance as the chart‑topping hits.

10 Fantastic Underrated Songs You Need to Hear

10 Brother Bear

Brother Bear hit theaters in 2003, telling the poignant tale of Kenai, a young Native American who is eager to prove his manhood. After his brother is slain by a bear, Kenai’s thirst for vengeance lands him in the jaws of the very creature he hunts, and the spirits of his people transform him into a bear himself. The film’s emotional core demanded a soundtrack that could match its depth, and it delivered spectacularly.

The music was penned by Phil Collins—who also crafted the beloved songs for Tarzan—and among the standout tracks is the soaring anthem “Great Spirits,” performed with powerhouse vocals by Tina Turner. Turner, already a legend on the big screen for delivering the James Bond theme “GoldenEye,” brings her signature grit and soul to the piece, making it a truly unforgettable moment.

9 Tangled

Tangled may sit in the shadow of the colossal success of Frozen, but the film itself is a treasure chest of underrated melodies. It retells Rapunzel’s story with fresh vigor, sprinkling the narrative with catchy numbers like “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” and “I’ve Got a Dream.” While these tunes shine, the film’s true hidden gem is the final duet that captures Rapunzel’s long‑awaited dream.

When the lanterns finally flood the sky, Rapunzel and Flynn glide across a moonlit river, their voices intertwining on the heartfelt ballad “I See The Light.” Performed by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, the song radiates pure magic, yet it often slips under the radar compared to the more ubiquitous hits of its era.

8 The Prince of Egypt

DreamWorks’ epic The Prince of Egypt dazzles with its grand storytelling and a soundtrack that boasts massive hits like “When You Believe,” a duet famously covered by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey that clinched the Oscar for Best Original Song. The film’s narrative follows the harrowing journey of the Hebrew slaves, blending history with powerful musical moments.

Yet the opening number “Deliver Us,” composed by the legendary duo Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz, often flies under the radar. Performed by Ofra Haza and Eden Riegel, the track sets the stage with a stirring vocal that captures the desperation and hope of a people yearning for freedom, making it a true hidden masterpiece.

7 The Princess And The Frog

The Princess and the Frog stands as one of Disney’s most underappreciated gems, reimagining the classic frog‑princess tale through the eyes of Tiana, a hardworking waitress with dreams of opening her own restaurant. The film’s vibrant New Orleans setting is complemented by a lively soundtrack that earned two Academy Award nominations, though both lost to other contenders.

While songs like “Almost There” and “Friends on the Other Side” garnered attention, the track that often slips past casual listeners is “When We’re Human.” This upbeat number bursts with playful banter, opening with the witty line “Enjoy your loneliness, my friend,” and celebrates the joy of becoming human in a way that’s both catchy and heartfelt.

The infectious rhythm and clever lyrics make “When We’re Human” a standout that deserves far more applause than it typically receives, solidifying its place among the film’s most delightful musical moments.

6 Frozen II

Frozen reshaped the modern musical landscape, delivering chart‑toppers like “Let It Go,” which not only swept Grammy and Oscar honors but also spawned dozens of international versions. The sequel, Frozen II, continued the tradition of vocal excellence, adding new songs to an already impressive catalog.

Beyond the powerhouse ballad “Show Yourself,” which earned critical acclaim for its soaring melody, there lies a surprisingly under‑celebrated gem: “Lost In The Woods.” Sung by Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff), the track humorously mirrors the 80s power‑ballad vibe of Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration,” complete with a playful nod to Queen, as Kristoff navigates literal and emotional wilderness.

And while fans often reminisce about the cheeky “Reindeer Are Better Than People,” “Lost In The Woods” remains a delightful, tongue‑in‑cheek addition that showcases the sequel’s willingness to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.

5 Mulan

Mulan brings to life the legendary Chinese heroine who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place on the battlefield. Set against the backdrop of the Han dynasty, the film weaves themes of honor, courage, and identity into a dynamic musical tapestry.

Among its memorable numbers—such as “A Girl Worth Fighting For,” “Honor to Us All,” and the reflective “Reflection”—the anthemic “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” stands out. Performed by Donny Osmond and a full chorus, the track underscores Mulan’s rigorous training montage. Interestingly, composer Stephen Schwartz originally pitched a melody titled “We’ll Make a Man Out of You” for a different project, but DreamWorks redirected him to The Prince of Egypt, leading to the iconic title we now celebrate.

4 Toy Story 2

The Toy Story franchise has captured the hearts of both children and adults, with the original film breaking new ground as the first animated feature nominated for Best Original Screenplay and for its beloved theme “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Its success paved the way for three sequels, each with its own musical highlights.

One of the series’ most heartrending moments arrives in Toy Story 2, when Jessie the yodeling cowgirl reflects on being forgotten by her original owner, Emily. The scene is underscored by Sarah McLachlan’s haunting ballad “When She Loved Me,” a poignant melody that perfectly captures the ache of abandonment and has become a timeless tear‑jerker among fans.

3 Big Hero 6

Big Hero 6 burst onto the scene with high‑octane trailers featuring Fall Out Boy’s “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark,” setting the tone for a film that melds Marvel’s superhero flair with Disney’s animated charm. The 2014 blockbuster topped box‑office charts and secured the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Central to its energetic soundtrack is the original song “Immortals,” also performed by Fall Out Boy. Crafted specifically for the movie, the track sold over a million copies, yet it rarely appears on typical “best‑of” animated‑film lists, making it a deserving candidate for greater recognition.

2 Hercules

Hercules entered production in 1992 and finally graced theaters in 1997 as a vibrant musical fantasy. While the film didn’t achieve the same box‑office heights as some of its Disney siblings, its soundtrack featured notable numbers like Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance” and Danny DeVito’s comedic “One Last Hope.”

Perhaps the most under‑appreciated tune is “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love),” delivered by a talented ensemble including Susan Egan, Lillias White, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Cheryl Freeman, and Vanéese Y. Thomas. Evoking the classic pop‑ballad style of the 1950s, the song captures Meg’s playful denial of her growing affection for Hercules, adding a charming layer to the film’s musical narrative.

1 Tarzan

When Tarzan debuted, it claimed the title of the most expensive animated film ever made, raking in $448 million worldwide and becoming the second‑highest‑grossing animated release of 1999, trailing only Toy Story 2. Its massive success spurred two sequels, a television series, and even a Broadway adaptation.

The soundtrack, composed by music legend Phil Collins, features the Oscar‑winning ballad “You’ll Be In My Heart.” This tender anthem earned both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and the album was recorded in multiple languages—French, Italian, German, and Spanish—to resonate with global audiences. Despite its accolades, the song remains one of the most underrated gems in animated cinema.

Presenting the list of 10 must watch animated movies of all time. Everyone should see these animated films at least once in lifetime.

Top 10 must watch animated movies:

10. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Walt Disney Pictures.

Produced by Walt Disney Productions in 1937, it is an American animated musical fantasy film. The film was ranked among the 100 greatest American films, and also named as the greatest American animated film of all time. Also one of the 10 must watch animated movies.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Snow White is a princess of great beauty, which makes her stepmother jealous. She asks her magic mirror daily to tell her that she is the most beautiful. But one day, the mirror says that the most beautiful woman in the kingdom is Snow White. The queen then decides to kill her but the guard charged with this task does not find the courage and abandons Snow White in the forest. Lost, exhausted, she fails in a house where seven Dwarfs live.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

Certainly, and contrary to a widespread idea, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is not the first animated feature film in the history of cinema. Nevertheless (nothing to do!). It is the film that immediately comes to mind when talking about the beginnings of the cartoon on the big screen; That offered Walt Disney his status of master; Always who knew how to reach the general public first, and this since the end of the 30’s.

How not to be amazed, while we are still in 1937 and the animation is always synonymous with nice cartoons in black and white, in front of the fireworks of colors, songs and characters as real life? Nearly 80 years later, we still have not managed to forget the chorus of the seven Dwarfs, the eyes of the witch and the fluidity of the movements of the young princess.

9. The King and the Mockingbird (1980)

Studio Canal.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

King Charles V and Three make Eight and Eight make Sixteen reign as a tyrant over the kingdom of Takicardie. Only a playful and talkative Bird, who has built his nest at the top of the gigantic palace, near his Majesty’s secret apartments, dares to taunt him. The King is in love with a charming and modest Berger whom he wants to marry under duress. But this one likes a little chimney sweep. Both flee to escape the King and, refugees at the top of the highest tower of the palace, save a small reckless bird caught at one of the traps of the Tyrant. The grateful Father Bird promises in return to help them.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

If you only have to choose one French animated film to see during your life, opt for it without hesitation. It’s one of the best and 10 must watch animated movies.

Firstly because it is the first construction in the Hexagon; Then because it is unlike any other. Probably thanks to the combined talents of Paul Grimault, considered the French Walt Disney, and Jacques Pervert, scriptwriter of the film.

Equipped with a poetry worthy of a fable of La Fontaine. The King and the bird makes children dream while stirring social and philosophical issues in which their parents will recognize, sometimes approaching a novel of anticipation or even science fiction.

DID YOU KNOW?

It will take 30 long years for The King and the Bird to finally be presented to the public in its final version. Started in 1946 by Grimault and Pervert, the film saw its production interrupted, and released without the knowledge of its authors in 1953, under the title La Berger and the Chimney sweep. Renounced by its director, this first version of the film will be reworked years later. Paul Grimault will end up with a new version in 1979, called “The King and the Bird”.

8. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Kazé Animation

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

Japan, summer 1945. After the bombing of Kobe, Seita, a fourteen-year-old teenager and his four-year-old sister Setsuko, orphans, will move to their aunt’s home a few dozen kilometers from their home. This makes them understand that they are an embarrassment for the family and must deserve their daily rice. Seita decides to leave with her little sister. They take refuge in a disused bunker in the countryside and live happy days illuminated by the presence of thousands of fireflies. But soon the food begins to be sorely missed.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

Hard to stop his choice on a single feature film when attacking the studio Ghibli. Of course, Le Voyage de Chihiro and Princess Mononoké are founding films and (they too) participated in writing the history of animation through the poetry deployed by Hayao Miyazaki.

But too bad! We had to decide, and it was on the co-founder of the famous Japanese studio, Isao Takahata, that we decided to stop our choice. Considered by many to be the most powerful work produced by Ghibli, his Tomb of the Fireflies is in any case the most moving, no doubt about it!

More magical creatures and legendary dragons here. The feature film bravely stands in the sad reality of Japan in 1945. To the atrocities of war, Takahata responds with a rare delicacy, and the violence suffered by his country, he opposes a shocking sweetness.

To see urgently, therefore! But not without your pack of tissues!

DID YOU KNOW ?

The Firefly Tomb was released in Japan in 1988 along with another film from Ghibli Studio, My Neighbor Totoro, signed by master Hayao Miyazaki, which received a much more enthusiastic welcome. Commercially, although uniquely recognized since as an absolute masterpiece, The Tomb of Fireflies was indeed considered a semi-failure, with only 800,000 entries. If the advertising campaign around the film was designed for both children and their parents, Isao Takahata’s work was considered far too dark, not to say absolute darkness, what the film is otherwise ; to the point of seeing the audience turn away.

7. Toy Story 3 (2010)

Disney – PIXAR

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

Andy is about to leave for college. Abandoned, the famous band of toys is found … at the nursery! Raging toddlers and their little fingers able to tear everything off are a real threat to our friends! It is urgent to build a plan to escape them as quickly as possible.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

15 years after having revolutionized the world of animation by giving birth to the first feature film entirely made of computer-generated images, John Lasseter and his team of magicians decide to open their toy box for the third time.

Pass after the first two games of Toy Story and their undeniable qualities is really challenging. The level of requirement is colossal. But as often in Pixar, the miracle happens …

After 10 years of absence, Woody and Buzz are back, and they have lost none of their irresistible humor. The emotion is also more than ever at the rendezvous, and especially in the final sequence of the film, which concludes the trilogy of a sumptuous way.

Again, plan the handkerchiefs….. This is one of the 10 must watch animated movies.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, who lend their voices to Woody and Buzz respectively in the original version, insisted on dubbing the film together, which they did not do for the first two episodes, and that is elsewhere quite rare in animation in general.

6. Wallace and Gromit: The Mystery of the Garbage Rabbit (2005)

DreamWorks Animation SKG

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

An intense “vegetarian fever” reigns in the small town of Wallace and Gromit, and the ingenious duo took advantage of this craze by inventing a human and ecological anti-harmful product, which saves the lives of rabbits. The trick is simply to capture, by hand, a maximum of these rodents and put them in cages. A few days before the Great Annual Vegetable Contest, Wallace and Gromit’s business has never been so successful, and everything would be best in the best of all worlds, if a giant waswolf did not suddenly come to attack the sacro -saints vegetable gardens of the city. To cope with this unprecedented danger, the contest organizer, Lady Tottington, turns to our two “specialists” and asks them to apprehend the monster.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

At Aardman, animation is an art that is cultivated with patience, just as we take care of a garden. Thus, perhaps it is not a coincidence that the Mystery of the rabbit-garou speaks of vegetable culture, so much the authors have sprinkled perseverance and meticulousness.

Stop motion (or frame-by-frame animation) requires goldsmith precision, and sometimes up to a full day’s work for a second of a movie. The mass of work is monumental, but the harvested fruits are too.

After the awesome Chicken Run, the second feature film of the British studios is a real nugget with British humor devastating and that gives off a real feeling of authenticity: each of the sets that we see on the screen exists for real, each object has been fashioned by hand, modeled at the cost of long efforts, and the result necessarily suffers.

The icing on the cake, it’s his two mascots, the endearing Wallace and Gromit, that the Aardman studios are reserving this time the place of honor, thus offering them their very first feature film.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Each figurine used in the film consists of a metal skeleton covered with a special modeling clay (the Aard-mix), more resistant than the current modeling clay. Unlike the Chicken Run figurines, whose texture was perfectly smooth, those of the Mystery of the Were Bunny retain some imperfections to reinforce the craftsmanship that is the charm of Wallace and Gromit’s films. The sixth among 10 must watch animated movies.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Walt Disney France

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

Jack Skellington, Pumpkin King and Halloween City Guide, is bored: For centuries, he’s tired of preparing the same Halloween party that comes back every year, and he dreams of change. It is then that he has the idea to seize the Christmas party …

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

In terms of stop motion, impossible not to mention the American Henry Selick and his famous tale as magical as Gothic, taken from a poem written by Tim Burton.

With a unique atmosphere that has inspired much popular culture, Mr. Jack’s Strange Christmas is the first full-length feature film produced entirely.

But if the final result is so striking, it is largely to the musical score of Danny Elfman that we must. It is also the composer himself who gives his voice to Jack the Scarecrow when he sings in the film.

DID YOU KNOW ?

As Tim Burton walked past the window of a store, he had the idea of writing the poem that inspired Mr. Jack’s Strange Christmas, and especially seeing the staff exchange Halloween characters for those Christmas, combining the two worlds for a moment.

4. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Pathe

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

In a futuristic Japan governed by the Internet, Major Motoko Kusunagi, an ultra-sophisticated cyborg woman, is haunted by ontological questions. In spite of herself, she belongs to a muscular cyber-police with virtually unlimited means to fight against computer crime.

The day her section finds the trace of the ‘Puppet Master’, a mysterious and legendary hacker whose identity remains totally unknown, the young woman is about to penetrate the body of it and analyze the ghost ( an indefinable element of consciousness, related to the soul) in the hope of finding the answers to its own existential questions …

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

Japanese animation is not limited to Ghibli studio films, far from it!

Considered by James Cameron as “the first adult animated film to achieve this level of excellence,” Ghost in the Shell mixes an incredible animation technique with an ultra-immersive futuristic universe.

This feature film, adapted from the manga of the same name and directed by Mamoru Oshii, deals mainly with profound themes that are more relevant than ever, namely the relationship between man and machine, and the notion of transhumanism.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Ghost in the Shell was one of the major inspirations of the Wachowski brothers as they performed Matrix. Besides the fact that the two films share similar themes, there are several similar sequences. Anyway it’s 4th among 10 must watch animated movies.

3. Up there (2009)

Disney / Pixar

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

A 78-year-old balloon salesman, Carl Fredricksen, finally realizes the dream of his life. His desire to live a great adventure pushes him to tie thousands of balloons to his home to fly to the wilds of South America. But he sees too late the presence of a package in the form of his worst nightmare: Russell, a young explorer 8 years a little too optimistic, will accompany him on his journey.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

“For every burst of laughter, you need a tear,” said Walt Disney.

In 2009, Pixar Studios decided to start with the tear by offering their audience a literally overwhelming intro scene. Carl and Ellie’s married life has the immediate effect of quietening the last noises of the room and forcing some viewers to discreetly wipe the glasses of their 3D glasses.

Sobbing sobs follow the laughter, which gives way to tears when Carl Fredricksen’s journey ends. Pixar Studios’ artists are alchemists who distil emotion with as much virtuosity as they handle animation.

Up there is further proof. It’s certainly not the Cannes Film Festival and the Oscars that will say the opposite.

DID YOU KNOW ?

One of the first people to discover up there in the world is a 10-year-old girl. At risk of cancer, the girl wanted to see the film at all costs before she died. The filmmakers sent him without hesitation a copy of the DVD before its theatrical release.

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Walt Disney Pictures

Second in our list of 10 must watch animated movies of all time.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

Belle is a sensitive and imaginative girl, who spends her days immersed in reading and who stubbornly repels the advances of Gaston, a muscular and vain belligerent. Only Maurice, his father, a wacky inventor, counts in his life. One day when the latter is lost in the forest, he must take refuge in a castle to escape a pack of wolves. Irritated by his intrusion, the master of the place, a gigantic and terrifying Beast, throws him into a dungeon. To save her father, Belle agrees to be held prisoner in her place …

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

After a long period of skinny cows in the 80’s, Disney studios are back in the early 90s, and prepare to live one of the most beautiful golden ages in their history.

The magic recipe? A return to fairy tales; A breathtaking animation, and songs that the public can continue to sing long after watching the film.

After the success of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast applies the formula to perfection. This project, which Walt Disney himself had given up on, is transformed into a true masterpiece. This “eternal story” is probably one of the most beautiful romances ever told by Disney Studios. And in any case becomes the first animated feature film to be selected at the Oscars in the Best Film category.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Broadway star Angela Lansbury, who lends her voice to Mrs. Samovar in the film. Thought her character was not in the best position to sing the famous song “Eternal History”. At the request of the directors, the actress still recorded a single test. So convincing test that it was finally used in the film.

1. The Lion King (1994)

Walt Disney Pictures

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?

The lion Mufasa, king of animals, and his wife Sarabi give birth to Simba, a future heir. But Scar, Mufasa’s brother, seeing his chances of gaining access to the throne decreases, encourages the cub to venture into an elephant cemetery located beyond the borders of the kingdom. The film is one of the 10 must watch animated movies.

WHY SHOULD I SEE IT?

Another nugget of the 90s at Disney; The Lion King has become a standard bearer, imposing itself for a long time as the greatest success of the studios until being dethroned by a certain Snow Queen.

Originally thought of as a “small” transitional project while waiting for Pocahontas, this surprise hit surprised everyone as it came out, unleashing crowds and marking the collective unconscious with its indelible claw.

True symbol of a generation, the film has carved the lion’s share with an introduction to fall to the ground. Unforgettable songs and mythical characters.… Not to mention the death of Mufasa, which we still have not handed.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The spectacular wildebeest sequence sweeping down the runway took the film crew three years to complete, as well as the development of a brand new computer program capable of running hundreds of characters simultaneously without them entering, collision. With a total duration of 6 minutes, the scene, technically irreproachable. Also marks the arrival of the CGI within the traditional animation. Like the introductory credits of Bernard and Bianca in the country of kangaroos or the ball scene in Beauty and the Beast. This is one of the first sequences to use digital processes to animate his characters.