What to watch after seeing the Best Animated Feature nominees — 2019
As seen with the five nominees for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, 2018 was a great year for animation. From the traditional hand-drawn technique used in Mirai no Mirai, to the sleek and unique look of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this year’s selection offered a truly varied collection of styles paired with terrific stories.
And although Into the Spider-Verse conquered every major award, the truth is each of the nominees was fully deserving of consideration and praise. So, if you’re looking for further recommendations based on your favorites, here are some movies you should definitely check out:
Mirai of the Future (Mirai no Mirai)
Directed by / Script by: Mamoru Hosoda
Studio: Studio Chizu
Kun is a young boy that has problems adjusting to his new role as the older brother of Mirai, a demanding yet annoyingly cute baby girl who hoards his family’s attention, making him resent the intruder. But everything changes when Kun learns that he can accidentally travel to different timeframes and realities by stepping into a mysterious place in his house garden. What will he learn? And how will his magical journey change his view of the world and, particularly, of Mirai?
The film was written and directed by director Mamoru Hosoda based on his own experience with his children. Hosoda is already an established name in the world of Japanese animation, having worked with renowned studios like Toei Animation and Studio Ghibli, and created several award-winning films, including Wolf Children (Okami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki, 2012).
If you enjoyed Mirai, Wolf Children should definitely be next in your must-watch list. Heartwarming, disruptive and daring, it’s an unusual fairytale that deals with the complex relationship between parents and children. It’s also a Beauty and the Beast story that dares to go places most iterations don’t. If you’re a fan of Del Toro’s The Shape of Water, this will probably be right up your alley as well.
And in case you care for such things, it currently sits at a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, becoming Hosoda’s highest rated film in the online aggregator.
If, on the other hand, you’re more interested in seeing a film that also plays with the idea of time/space travel in a creative manner, you should definitely watch Your Name (Kimi no nawa, 2016). Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai -widely considered “The new Miyazaki”-, it follows Taki and Mitsuha as they discover that something odd is happening to them: they’re switching bodies in their sleep. What comes next is a surprising tale with plenty of action, romance and a plethora of twists and turns, coupled with incredible animation and great performances.
Your Name was criminally overlooked by the Academy Awards, although it was widely praised, and became the highest-grossing anime film of all time. The movie even garnered the attention of Hollywood higher-ups, with producer J.J Abrams and screenwriter Eric Heisserer announcing a live-action remake in 2017, as well as Marc Webb signed on to direct the feature in 2019.
Finally, if what caught your eye is the gorgeous style of Japanese animation, you definitely should watch A Silent Voice (Koe no katachi, 2016). Based in the homonymous manga, Naoko Yamada’s astonishing contribution to animation is a memorable tale about bullying, love, and growth, with some gorgeously animated sequences and highly creative use of visual cues and sound.
Similar to Your Name, it was snubbed by the Academy Awards, although it did make it to the shortlist for Best Animated Feature. So if you’re looking to get acquainted with more Japanese animation, do check it out.
Mirai of the Future in numbers:
· Years in production: 3
· Worldwide box-office: $28 million (as of March, 28th 2019)
· 3 wins, including the Annie for Best Animated Independent Feature
Incredibles 2
Directed by / Script by: Brad Bird
Studio: Pixar Animation / Walt Disney Pictures
The long-awaited sequel to Pixar Animation Studios’ modern classic: The Incredibles (2004), the movie took around 14 years to go from conceptualization to production, only to surprise the fan base by picking up right where we left off in the original. In this new chapter of their story, the family becomes part of an initiative to win back the public’s trust on superheroes after the unintentional damages caused while trying to stop villains. With Helen -Elastigirl- taking center stage this time, and the rest of the family trying to adapt to their new lives, the sequel stays true to the original with a moving and exciting adventure.
Once again directed by Brad Bird, the film was a massive success amongst critics and also at the box office, surpassing the billion dollar mark. It’s a far cry from another Brad Bird essential: The Iron Giant; which didn’t even make its’ budget back when it was first released in 1999.
A distinct must-watch, this tale of a boy who discovers an enormous robot abandoned by the Government, has all of Bird’s trademarks: a focus on family, love, and goodness; as well as one of the most memorable and touching friendships in the history of animation.
The Iron Giant is also a great recommendation if you like the superhero theme of The Incredibles and its sequel. But if you’re looking for something more along the lines of a female protagonist trying to be her own person while protecting her family, you should definitely watch Yonebayashi’s Arrietty (Kari-gurashi no Arietti, 2010).
Arrietty is part of a four-inch family that lives hidden from regular humans. But once she’s discovered by the young human owner of the house, their friendship puts to the test everything she thinks she knows. Although very different from Incredibles 2, it’s also a complex exploration of friendship and unity, and the delicate balance between one’s needs and those of our loved ones’.
Finally, if what you’re craving is stunning computer animation paired with a fantastic concept, make sure you watch Ratatouille (2007). Also directed by Brad Bird and winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it follows a young rat that dreams with being a famous chef like his hero, the world-famous Gusteau. It’s an impossible dream that comes true in the most unexpected way.
Incredibles 2 in numbers:
· Years in production: 3
· Budget: $200 million
· Worldwide box-office: $1,242 million (as of March, 28th 2019)
· 9 wins, including People’s Choice award for Favorite Family Movie, Teen Choice award for Choice Summer Movie and Annie for Outstanding Achievement for Music and Storyboarding.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Directed by: Phil Johnston and Rich Moore
Script by: Phil Johnston and Pamela Ribon
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
The other sequel in this year’s selection, it continues the story of Vanellope and Ralph after the events of Wreck-It Ralph (2012). The story puts their friendship to the test, when the characters are forced to find a solution to save Sugar Rush from being permanently shut down, and in the process, they find a world of possibilities that threaten to pull them apart.
The movie was directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, both of whom worked in another must-watch computer-animated feature, Zootopia (2016). The story is a socially conscious buddy cop flick that features a determined bunny called Judy as she tries to join the Zootopia police force against the world’s prejudice.
Like Ralph Breaks the Internet, Zootopia also deals with timeless issues, but giving them a distinctly modern flair, featuring a highly creative story, great characters, hilarious moments and top-notch animation.
A common theme in both films is friendship, and how it gets tested by unexpected circumstances. Something similar occurs in Toy Story 3 (2010), a well-known but essential must-watch for any fan of animation.
This chapter of Woody and Buzz’s adventures delves deep into the emotional links between the toys, as well as their connection with Andy. The film is also an exciting escape adventure which, like Wreck-It Ralph, takes viewers in a journey through different worlds where they meet all sorts of wonderful characters.
Lastly, for fans of computer animation that might have not seen it yet, the How To Train Your Dragon trilogy definitely has it all for a non-Pixar film: striking graphics, wonderful music, enjoyable characters, and a timeless story. If you haven’t checked it out, it’s definitely time to catch up, while the last chapter is still in theaters.
Ralph Breaks the Internet in numbers:
· Years in production: 4
· Budget: $175 million
· Worldwide box-office: $527 million (as of March, 28th 2019)
· 3 wins, including Annie for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Feature Production
Isle of Dogs
Directed by / Script by: Wes Anderson
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures (Distribution)
After a virus carried solely by dogs puts the entire population of Japan in danger, the Government decides to move all canines to Trash Island, where they remain estranged from humans for the rest of their lives. However, two children manage to uncover the truth behind it all: a shady scheme that reflects the totalitarianism of mayor Kobayashi.
The movie is Wes Anderson’s odd and imaginative second incursion in stop-motion animation. In 2009, the director had premiered Fantastic Mr. Fox, an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s homonymous novel. It tells the story of the notorious and adventurous Mr. Fox, who can’t resist plotting one more robbery, but at the cost of endangering everything he loves, as farmers decide to strike back.
It was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Film category at the 2010’s Academy Awards. Like Isle of Dogs, it combines the distinct style of Anderson’s storytelling with a fantastic cast and exciting situations.
On the other hand, if what you’re interested in is an animated kid-with-a-dog type of adventure, you should definitely check out 1989’s classic All Dogs Go to Heaven. The movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an orphan girl and a dog angel who must face his past and choose between revenge and saving someone in need.
Although quite different in tone and style from the other two, it does share a few similarities with Isle of Dogs, such as talking animals taking center stage, a friendship between a human child and an animal, and a unique -sometimes bizarre- look that makes it stand out from everything else.
And if you want to explore more movies with a similar animation style, you can’t skip LAIKA’s Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). It’s the gorgeous-looking and deeply emotional adventure of a young storyteller that must go on a journey and try to come to terms with his past, with the help of some very unlikely friends.
The movie pushes the boundaries of stop-motion, delving in all the little details of every action and movement of the characters. It’s a stunning experience that also happens to have a great, touching story to tell.
Isle of Dogs in numbers:
· Years in production: 2
· Worldwide box-office: $64 million (as of March, 28th 2019)
· 28 wins, including SXSW Audience award for Headliners, Silver Berlin Bear for Best Director and Annie for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman
Script by: Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman
Studio: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Finally, to bring our list to an end, we close out with this year’s winner of the Best Animated Feature Film category at the Academy Awards -just one of more than 50 awards that the movie managed to collect during 2019’s Awards Season. Deservedly so!
Into the Spider-Verse tells the story of Miles Morales, a young man that, like any other teen, is trying to find his place in the grand scheme of things. Yet, things take an unexpected turn when he’s bitten by a radioactive spider and discovers that he now needs to learn how to be the successor of the mighty Spider-Man, while also trying to save his world from total collapse. Luckily for him, he is not alone in that fight!
Using an amazing amalgamation of 2D and computer animation, and inspired by Ditko’s classic comic book illustrations, the film has a truly amazing look that simply vibrates on screen. Paired by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman’s script, it’s a delightful and unforgettable adventure that stands on its own despite the many comic book films released in the past year.
And while directors Bob Persichetti, Rodney Rothman and Peter Ramsey had all forayed in the world of animation, only the latter had directed two previous features.
If you liked Into the Spider-Verse, you might also enjoy the imaginative world brought to life under his direction in Rise of the Guardians (2012). Ramsey’s movie is a wonderful adventure that shares a few similarities with Into the Spider-Verse. It follows Jack Frost, whom, like Miles, must learn to take his place amongst a league of heroes that will show him the ways of the legendary Guardians, whose task is to protect children from the evil Boogeyman.
Although it wasn’t a massive success, the movie has found its fan base due to its gorgeous animation and compelling characters. It has humor and heart, and definitely hints at Ramsey’s sensibility with hesitant characters that eventually embrace their own heroic roles.
Similarly, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole (2010) is another striking computer-animation film that tells the story of a hero taking the mantle from another generation. In this case, our protagonist Soren grows up with tales of mighty Guardians who protect the weak, and dreams with one day joining them. But after doing so, he learns there’s much more behind the victorious battles and glory of war.
Visually dazzling, Legend of the Guardians has a recognizable Lord of the Rings feeling and aesthetic. Its attention to detail and distinct, loveable characters elevate Soren’s adventure from a simple animals-talking tale, to a journey of epic dimensions.
But if it doesn’t do it for you, and you’re looking for an animated flick with a more straightforward comic book theme, then add Big Hero 6 (2014) to your must-watch list.
The story focuses on Hiro, a young genius who combines science with heroism in an effort to stop the villain who stole his invention for shady purposes. Alongside a group of brilliant science students and the loveable healthcare companion Baymax, Hiro will unravel the mystery behind his brother’s death, while simultaneously creating a team of unexpected heroes.
Although it lacks the extraordinary origins of a Spider-Man, the Big Hero 6 squad is just as dynamic and charming as any other superhero team-up. It’s a lovely story about companionship and growing that will resonate with anyone, whether they’re comic book fans or not. Also, you can’t miss Stan Lee’s cameo!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in numbers:
· Years in production: 3~4
· Budget: $90 million
· Worldwide box-office: $372 million (as of March, 28th 2019)
· 56 wins, including Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film, Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture — Animated, BAFTA for Best Animated Feature Film, and Annie Award for Best Animated Feature, Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation, Character Design, Directing, Production Design, Writing and Editorial
