On a global scale, it’s often the biggest corporations that dominate the sharing of artistic work. As a result, numerous projects that truly deserve attention can get overshadowed, despite being praised by critics and peers. Here, we’ve uncovered 25 films that have been undervalued: from classic myths and folktales, to journeys in fantasy lands, and innovative animated productions.
1. Ernest et Celestine (Ernest and Celestine, 2012)
The movie “Ernest & Celestine” is a French-Belgian animated feature film, which was up for an Academy Award in the Best Animated Feature Film category in 2014. This hand-drawn 2D animation uses watercolor backgrounds and a lighthearted yet tranquil soundtrack that beautifully complements its visual artistry, as inspired by a popular children’s book series of the same name written by Gabrielle Vincent.
In a captivating animated film, we follow an extraordinary bond between a bear named Ernest and a mouse called Celestine. Despite their species being sworn enemies, they form an unexpected friendship set in a world where bears and mice are mortal foes. The characters are delightful and endearing, making this tale of kindness and friendship all the more enchanting. Through simple yet heartwarming acts of affection, it illustrates the value of cherishing one another, making it an experience not to be missed.
2. Mary and Max (2009)
In the hands of director Adam Elliot, this heartfelt and thought-provoking film presents a deep, emotionally intense narrative in an astonishingly straightforward manner. Crafted as claymation, the movie revolves around a young Australian girl who unexpectedly decides to correspond with a stranger whose name she finds in a telephone directory. The mystery recipient, it turns out, is a 44-year-old man residing in New York City.
The narrative offers an insightful perspective into the lives of two individuals: a solitary adolescent girl, estranged from her family, navigating existence in pursuit of joy; and a melancholic middle-aged man, burdened by his weight and mental health issues, struggling to establish connections while simply living one day at a time. This poignant tale highlights aspects often overlooked in everyday life and serves as another testament to an extraordinary friendship.
3. Song of the Sea (2014)
In the spirit of the Irish folklore about selkies, “Song of the Sea” is a captivating, magical story that follows two siblings as they navigate a mystical realm, seeking to reveal its secrets. The narrative weaves themes of sibling and parental love throughout this enchanting adventure in a mesmerizing world. This 2D animated film’s breathtaking visuals, charming characters, and heartwarming music score earned it an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film in 2015.
4. The Secret of Kells (2009)
In the epoch when Vikings plundered Irish territories, the movie “The Secret of Kells” creatively blended the ancient atmosphere of the past with contemporary animation styles, resulting in an engaging story steeped in history. Richly infused with elements from folklore, Irish mythology, and religious beliefs, this animated film centers on a small Irish settlement that becomes home to The Book of Kells, which was delivered by a skilled illuminator.
This historical and magical story was beautifully brought to life through a creative artistic style, resulting in one of the most stunning, powerful, and critically-acclaimed animated movies ever made. The groundbreaking, masterful work by Tomm Moore was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film in 2010.
5. Wolfwalkers (2020)
In Tomm Moore’s newest directorial venture in animated films, jointly directed with Ross Stewart, we find a heartwarming tale centered on two girls striving to conquer the apprehension, hostility, and prejudice of those around them. This story is also about family, the yearning to safeguard and shield what matters most to them.
The captivating artwork in this movie, with its bright colors and magical feel, pairs wonderfully with enchanting music that seems straight out of a fairy tale, along with some truly unforgettable animated scenes. This film has earned itself a place among the most highly regarded animated features of all time. Known as “Wolfwalkers,” this masterful production was also nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
In simple terms, this delightfully humorous stop-motion film is truly remarkable. Known for his exceptional work in Hollywood, Wes Anderson is the director behind it. The movie showcases engaging, comical characters and dialogue, all enhanced by its unique animation style, impressive voice acting, character design, and catchy soundtrack. An assortment of animals band together to protect their community from three ruthless farmers.
This delightful and hilariously entertaining animated film, starring the talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Willem Dafoe, is widely regarded as a remarkable milestone in the realms of both animation and cinematic artistry.
7. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Wes Anderson, an extraordinarily creative storyteller and director, presents another animated masterpiece titled “Isle of Dogs.” This intricately designed film is filled with meticulous details in its writing as well as animation. The unusual tale unfolds on a garbage-ridden island where a young boy crash-lands his plane in pursuit of his beloved pet dog. Interestingly, dogs have been exiled from human society and forced to live on this island, scavenging for sustenance amidst the polluted surroundings.
In Anderson’s work, a blend of distinct charisma in storytelling and animation, exceptional voice acting from stars like Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Frances McDormand, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Ken Watanabe, and Bob Balaban (to name a few), effectively delivers the film’s social message in a hilarious journey. At the same time, it keeps audiences thoroughly entertained.
8. It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)
In simple terms, Don Hertzfeldt’s experimental animated film, “This Perplexing Animated Movie,” is an intriguing watch due to its deep complexity. It delves into the story of a fractured mind, showcasing a person’s battle with mental illness and their place in the universe. The movie’s unique visual style ensures that viewers cannot help but be affected by it.
9. Over the Garden Wall (2014)
Without a doubt, one might overlook Over the Garden Wall, but it’s certainly worth a second glance. Initially conceived as a 9-minute animated short by Katie Krentz and Patrick McHale, this enchanting tale transcends ordinary life to delve into a mystical world shrouded in secrecy. Recognizing its potential early on, the story expanded into a mini-series in 2014, featuring Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, and Melanie Lynskey.
This unique tale, rich with symbolism, chronicles the journey of two siblings as they navigate the mystical woodland, encountering a host of diverse individuals along the way. Their shared goal is to return home, and in doing so, they grow, understand each other better, and ultimately grasp the true essence of brotherhood. With engaging personalities, witty dialogue, a spellbinding plotline, mesmerizing soundtrack, and profound lessons embedded within each installment, these ten episodes promise an entertaining night’s viewing.
10. Iron Giant (1999)
In a different take, The Iron Giant is an enchanting narrative about the unique bond between a young boy and an extraterrestrial robot. This heartwarming tale explores how fear of the unfamiliar can lead to misunderstandings and harmful actions, but ultimately showcases compassion and warmth triumphing over suspicion and devastation. Notably influenced by Ted Hughes’ book The Iron Man, this beloved animated movie was directed by Brad Bird and features Eli Marienthal, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston (and more).
11. Wallace and Gromit (1989)
Wallace and Gromit embarked on their adventures way back in 1989, beginning with a short movie called “A Grand Day Out“. This debut quickly captured viewers’ hearts with its clever script, unique claymation technique, and endearing characters who meshed perfectly. Years passed before the Wallace and Gromit universe saw a full-length animated feature, but when it came, “The Curse of the Wererabbit” was as hilarious and action-packed as ever. The film received critical acclaim and even earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film in 2006.
12. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Originating from the creative minds of writer and director Satoshi Kon, we have a heartwarming animated tale about a newborn found on Christmas Eve by three homeless individuals in Tokyo’s bustling streets. As they take care of this unexpected addition to their group and embark on a quest to locate its mother, these unlikely guardians navigate the city while also confronting their personal histories. Along the way, they encounter societal prejudice and disdain, ultimately discovering resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
This movie powerfully addresses significant social issues, showing the struggles people may encounter in today’s world and the dwindling compassion given to those who appear to have strayed from their paths at some point. The characters yearn for a chance at redemption, a fresh start, and this film captures life within contemporary society in an unforgettable way.
13. Klaus (2019)
Among the most heartwarming TV productions in recent times, “Klaus” brings a much-needed dose of compassion and virtue. The plot unfolds delightfully during the festive season of Christmas, undeniably the most magical time of year.
The animated film unfolds the story of a wayward, self-centered young man forced by his father to accomplish an insurmountable task in a long-conflicted town. Initially shrouded in hostility and gloom, this masterfully crafted tale gradually injects vibrancy into the neglected corner of the world. As acts of kindness multiply from one to another, the residents of Smeerensburg swap aggression for compassion, witnessing their own town transform – all with a touch of assistance from a postman and a toymaker.
14. Balto (1995)
Drawing inspiration from actual occurrences, the animated film Balto tells the tale of an ostracized husky who bravely transported life-saving medicine to a secluded community that was isolated due to a severe storm. Despite being the offspring of a wolf, Balto was shunned by the very people he heroically saved because they considered him a dangerous outsider.
In this film, there’s an assortment of quirky personalities, including two bears (voiced by Phil Collins) and a snow goose named Boris. Alongside a husky named Jenna, they assist Balto in his mission to transport medicine to Nome. This daring tale, which underscores the significance of self-acceptance and inner peace, is a nearly forgotten treasure from the VHS era.
15. Us Again (2021)
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Us Again” is an enchanting, short-animated film that tells a heartwarming tale of an elderly couple rekindling their past love, learning to embrace the inexorable march of time. The jazz soundtrack beautifully underscores the ardor and youthful enthusiasm of two sweethearts who have a lifetime of memories yet to create together.
In the final moments of the film, the melancholy of advancing years and the faded ember that once fueled their shared exuberance are skillfully portrayed as the peak of the story. Following this poignant scene, Us Again concludes with a touching representation of life itself. With its charming animation, this movie stands out as an unparalleled gem in Disney+’s collection and enriches Disney’s short films library overall.
16. Burrow (2020)
From Disney-Pixar’s compact screens, the heartfelt tale “Burrow” unfolds, a story centered around the concept of home. As one embarks on their own journey, establishing a home becomes priceless. The charming animation and artistry, combined with an energetic soundtrack and adorable characters, create a delightfully heartwarming short movie about home and camaraderie. In 2021, it was nominated for the Academy Award in the category of Best Animated Short Film.
17. Changing Batteries (2015)
A tale unfolds about an old lady residing by herself in a humble rural abode, who received assistance from a helpful robot. This heartwarming story was transformed into a captivating 3D animated short film for the final project of the Animation Production course at Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia. Despite its modest budget, this enchanting production stands out as one of the most moving representations of care, empathy, and kindness. It beautifully conveys a heartfelt message of love and sincerity that left an indelible mark on small screens everywhere.
18. Destino (2003)
The partnership between Salvador Dali and Walt Disney is nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing raw artistry and intense emotion at every turn. This animated production tells the heart-wrenching tale of Chronos and his ordinary lover, traversing a series of surreal landscapes drawn from Dali’s own paintings, in awe-inspiring animation scenes enhanced by a haunting melody penned by Armando Dominguez and performed by Dora Luz.
The charming film was produced over fifty years since the artists began working together, and it’s undeniably a tribute to their combined talent and dedication.
19. Quest for Camelot (1998)
In the bygone era of VHS tapes, an animated fantasy production by WB unfolds – a tale that takes place during Arthur’s reign in Camelot. A bold, brave girl embarks on a journey to retrieve the lost sword, Excalibur, and restore it to its original master and the rightful king.
In this movie, Gary Oldman delivers lively voice acting as the main antagonist Ruber, while Eric Idle and Don Rickles bring life to the two-headed dragon. Gabriel Byrne plays Lionel, and Pierce Brosnan takes on the role of King Arthur. The film also boasts a captivating score and vocal performances by Celine Dion, Bryan White, and Andrea Corr. A notable song titled “The Prayer” earned this movie a spot among the nominees for Best Music, Original Song at the Academy Awards.
20. Vincent (1982)
One of Tim Burton’s initial works, titled “Vincent“, narrates the tale of a young lad named Vincent Malloy who maintains his politeness and good manners but secretly yearns to emulate Vincent Price. This captivating story is brilliantly penned and brought to life in Burton’s distinctive fashion, creating an exceptionally charming black-and-white masterpiece from 1982, featuring the legendary Vincent Price himself.
21. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
One fascinating and thrilling sea voyage is the focus of this tale. Sinbad embarks on a mission to retrieve the stolen Book of Peace and save his longtime friend’s life. Along the way, he encounters the goddess Eris, who falsely accused him of theft she herself had committed. As Sinbad’s journey unfolds, it becomes clear that there are challenges beyond just the tumultuous seas. The stellar ensemble, including Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Joseph Fiennes, contribute to a lively, humorous ambiance throughout the film. Ultimately, themes of friendship, loyalty, and morality take center stage.
22. Hotarubi no mori e (To the Forest of Firefly Lights, 2011)
In a tale filled with both joy and sadness, a young girl formed a unique bond with a ghostly figure named Gin. This enigmatic entity saved her when she was lost in the woods as a child. Over time, each summer found her returning to the forest, where Gin would always be there, patiently waiting for her. Although he appears youthful, Gin is neither human nor spirit.
A charm bestowed upon him by the deity of the mountains enabled him to coexist with ethereal beings, yet any physical contact from humans proved lethal due to his delicate constitution. This tranquil, soft fantasy leaves one bewildered by its simplicity and astounded by its heartwarming storyline that embodies true happiness, devotion, and love.
23. Byôsoku 5 senchimêtoru (Five Centimeters per Second, 2007)
Byôsoku 5 senchimêtoru,” divided into three parts, tells a unique love story that deviates from the usual fairy-tale endings. Instead, this poignant narrative explores young love’s journey through time, surrendering it to its inevitable passage. The rate at which the petals descend is 5 centimeters per second, symbolizing the transient nature of a love story between two individuals whose longing for another chance persisted throughout their lives, as they struggled daily to let go and move forward.
24. Anastasia (2007)
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but correct the misconception that Anastasia is just another Disney flick. In reality, it’s an enchanting animated feature film that delves into the untold story of the last surviving member of the Romanov family. The story follows a young Anastasia on her quest to unearth her past and reconnect with the family she tragically lost. The catchy musical numbers and stunning animation serve to bring this royal tale to life, making it a clear contender for our must-watch list.
25. Kaguya-hime no Monogatari (The Tale of Princess Kaguya, 2013)
In the realm of Ghibli films, I was captivated by the enchanting, magical narrative penned and brought to life by Isao Takahata – Kaguya-hime no Monogatari. This tale revolves around a mysterious young princess discovered within a radiant bamboo stalk by an elderly bamboo cutter. The animation is breathtaking, while the storytelling is nothing short of masterful, seamlessly weaving together an ancient ambiance with elements of fantasy and the vibrant, inquisitive spirit of a youthful protagonist.
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2025-05-31 14:16