Animation has come a long way from the time of a two dimensional Pluto and Mickey or Tom & Jerry tapes three decades ago. Thrillers like Toy Story and TV serials like The Simpsons and Family Guy have made animation mainstream for audience of all ages in the past decade.
Living in the digital, imaginary world has its perks as the creators unleash their imagination and design awesome visuals and sequences to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. Here is a list of animated movies I think viewers of all ages can enjoy.
Ice Age
The Ice Age franchise attracts everyone. To visualize at some level what earth must have been like thousands of years ago is irresistible. Sabertooth, Wooly Mammoth, and other not so famous creatures keep the audiences engaged. The goofy sloth, a simple story, and a series of misadventures are too funny to miss.
UP
Up addresses a somewhat serious topic of a senior widower who builds a huge balloon of balloons to fly off to South America to avoid being taken away to a nursing home. The kid trying to get his Elderly Assistance badge becomes a trusted aid as they face weird creatures and a villain on their adventure to South America.
The Lion King
A story of deception and courage as the evil uncle kills the prince’s father and takes over the kingdom. Prince Simba must live in exile, and years later, come to overthrow the rein of his evil uncle and claim what is his.
The Incredibles
Superheroes and Animation – you can’t beat this combination. Yes, you can. Make it about a family of Superheroes. After living in obscurity for fifteen years, the protagonist gets an opportunity to reveal his true identity. Become the hero that he is. Come, join the Parr family in rescuing the world from the brink of destruction.
Ratatouille
‘Anyone can cook’, says the celebrity chef Gusteau. Remy’s keen sense of smell and desire to live beyond the rat race takes him on an exciting journey on the streets of Paris and in the kitchen of Gusteau’s restaurant. Can Remy satisfy his nemesis, the toughest food critic, Anton Ego? They say smells and tastes can trigger some old memories. When was the last time you experienced something like that?
Shrek
The whole of Shrek series is enjoyable, but the first movie always seems to have the most impact. Magic, curses, kingdoms, politics. The movie has everything woven into one gripping tale of princess Fiona trapped in a remote tower guarded by a dragon. Shrek, an ogre, living in a swamp must rescue her to rid of fairytale creatures in his swamp and return to normal life. Adventure, Comedy, thrill there is something for everyone in this romantic animation.
Brave
Who doesn’t want to live their life the way they want. Princess Merida too is bent on defying her parents and carve her own life path. Like many, the Scottish princess is told that Archery and horse riding are not the games for a princess. So against her parents’ wishes princess Merida runs off and makes some bad choices that take her on roller-coaster ride. Scottish castles, Vikings and some intense action sequences will keep you engrossed through the movie.
Kung Fu Panda
This one challenges the Shaolin series and the Karate Kid, easy. A weak protagonist, an impossible task, and a powerful villain. Po a lazy noodle shop worker dreams of being a great Kung Fu warrior. A chance to claim a position at the legendary Kung Fu school and becoming the chosen one propels Po into a tough and rigorous training and prepares him for the battle with Tai Lung.
Cars
On his way to the all important tie-breaker, Lightning McQueen, a young hot shot racing car gets involved in an accident on a deserted small-town road. Sentenced to community service, McQueen finds friendship in the simple town cars and realizes that there is more to life than winning and fame.
Happy Feet
Happy Feet is a story of penguin named Mumble who wants to break away from perceived limitations of his clan and try his hand at dancing, which is just not the penguin thing to do, according to his family and friends. It is a story of the trials of being ‘different’ and also not letting go of dreams. It is a story of being true to yourself and the new vistas that it can open.