Traditional animated film, also known as 2D animation, is an art form that has captivated audiences of all ages for generations. Through the meticulous elaboration of hand drawings, frame by frame, magical stories and unforgettable characters are brought to life.
While digital technology has revolutionized the film industry, traditional animation retains a unique and irreplaceable charm. Its ability to create fantastical worlds, expressive characters, and deep emotions makes it an invaluable tool for telling stories that transcend time and space.
For film lovers, knowing the masterpieces of traditional animation is essential to understanding the evolution of cinema as a means of expression. These films are not only a visual delight, but also represent historical milestones in animation, with stories that have moved generations.
In this selection, we present some of the traditional animated films that every movie buff should see, regardless of their age or film preference. Get ready to embark on a magical journey through incredible worlds, endearing characters and emotions that will touch your heart.
Le chat du rabbin / The Rabbi's Cat (2011) - IMDb: 7.1
It is a 2011 French-Algerian animated film directed by Joann Sfar and Antoine Delesvaux, it is a charming and peculiar fable that mixes humor, philosophy and social criticism.
Set in 1920s Algeria, the story revolves around a cat who, after devouring a chatty parrot, acquires the ability to speak. This unexpected event disrupts the life of the rabbi who owns the cat, who finds himself involved in a series of comical and profound situations when he has to deal with a feline that not only talks, but also questions the traditions and beliefs of his community.
Chico & Rita (2010) - IMDb: 7.2
Chico, a talented young pianist, dreams of bringing the vibrant sound of Havana to New York. On his way he crosses paths with Rita, a singer with a soulful voice and a captivating spirit. Her attraction is instantaneous, but her love faces the harsh realities of life, ambition, and cultural differences.
The Prince of Egypt (1998) - IMDb: 7.2
The Prince of Egypt is a 1998 American traditional animated film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Brenda Chapman, Simon Wells and Steve Hickner. It is an adaptation of the Book of Exodus, which tells the story of Moses, an Egyptian prince raised as the brother of Pharaoh Ramses, who discovers his true identity as the leader of the Hebrew people and his mission to free them from slavery.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) - IMDb: 7.3
The Simpsons Movie is a fun, entertaining and action-packed film that will delight fans of the series and animation lovers in general. It is a good option to spend some time with the family enjoying a family adventure full of humor and emotion.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) - IMDb: 7.3
101 Dalmatians, Disney's 1961 animated film, is not only a children's classic, but also a masterpiece of traditional animation that continues to captivate viewers of all ages.
The story follows a pair of Dalmatians who have just had a litter of fifteen adorable puppies. Their happiness is cut short when Cruella de Vil, an eccentric, fur-obsessed villain, hatches a plan to convert the puppies in a coat.
Peter Pan (1953) - IMDb: 7.3
Disney's animated film, Peter Pan (1953), invites you on a magical journey to the island where dreams come to life.
Peter Pan, a mischievous and adventurous boy, refuses to grow up and lives in Neverland with the fairies, the Lost Boys and Captain Hook. Wendy Darling and her brothers join her adventures, flying through the night sky and fighting pirates.
La tortue rouge / The Red Turtle (2016) - IMDb: 7.5
The Red Turtle, a 2016 French-Japanese film, takes you on a wordless emotional journey through the story of a castaway and a giant red turtle.
The film explores themes such as survival, connection with nature and the cycle of life. Through beautiful images and a moving soundtrack, the story unfolds without dialogue, allowing emotions to flow freely.
Pinocchio (1940) - IMDb: 7.5
The story follows Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who comes to life thanks to the wish of Geppetto, a lonely carpenter. Pinocchio dreams of being a real boy, but to do so he must learn to be good, brave and honest.
Omoide no Marnie / When Marnie Was There (2014) - IMDb: 7.6
Marnie's Memory, a 2014 Studio Ghibli film, invites you on an introspective journey through the story of Anna, a lonely girl who finds a mysterious friend in an abandoned mansion.
The film explores themes such as friendship, loneliness, identity and the search for self. Through poetic storytelling and beautiful animation, the story gradually unfolds, revealing the secrets surrounding Marnie and her connection to Anna.
Ponyo / Gake no ue no Ponyo (2008) - IMDb: 7.6
Ponyo is a 2008 Studio Ghibli film that transports you to a magical world with the story of Ponyo, a fish princess who wants to become human.
The film explores themes such as love, freedom and connection with nature. Through a fantastical narrative and vibrant animation, the story unfolds dynamically, with moments of action, humor and tenderness.
The Jungle Book (1967) - IMDb: 7.6
The Jungle Book, Disney's 1967 animated film, is a timeless classic that continues to delight generations of viewers.
Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, faces danger when the tiger Shere Khan threatens his life. With the help of Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther, Mowgli sets out on a journey to find his place in the world.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - IMDb: 7.6
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is not only Disney's first full-length animated film, but also a milestone that continues to captivate audiences decades after its release.
Snow White, a princess e incomparable beauty, flee from the evil Queen to take refuge in the home of seven charming dwarfs. The story, although classic, maintains its magic thanks to its endearing characters, its message about kindness and the fight against envy, and its ability to transport us to a fantasy world.
Mulan (1998) - IMDb: 7.7
Mulan, Disney's 1998 animated film, is distinguished from traditional princesses by its bravery, determination and empowering message.
Mulan, a young Chinese woman, disguises herself as a man to replace her sick father in the imperial army. On her journey, she discovers her own inner strength and the value of being true to herself.
Fantasia (1940) - IMDb: 7.7
Fantasia, Disney's 1940 animated film, is a unique masterpiece that combines classical music with vibrant animation to create an unparalleled sensory experience.
Through eight independent segments, the film takes us on a journey through the music of great composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. Each piece is represented by an animation that interprets the notes and feelings of the music in a creative and surprising way.
Kaze Tachinu / The Wind Rises (2013) - IMDb: 7.8
The Wind Rises, Hayao Miyazaki's 2013 film, tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a Japanese aeronautical engineer who designed the famous Zero plane during World War II.
The film not only focuses on Horikoshi's life, but also explores themes such as the passion for flight, love, responsibility, and the cost of war. The narrative is poetic and reflective, with moments of humor and melancholy.
Ernest & Celestine / Ernest et Célestine (2012) - IMDb: 7.8
Ernest & Celestineis a Franco-Belgian-Luxembourg animated film from 2012 that conquers with its tender story of friendship between a grumpy bear and a determined little mouse.
In a world where bears and mice are natural enemies, Ernest and Celestine break down barriers. Their unlikely friendship blossoms despite the disapproving looks of their community, proving that understanding and acceptance can overcome any prejudice.
Wolfwalkers (2020) - IMDb: 8.0
Wolfwalkers, the 2020 Irish film, transports you to a world of legends and fantastic creatures with vibrant and expressive animation.
The story revolves around Robyn, a young hunter who befriends Mebh, a girl who can transform into a wolf. Through their friendship, they both discover the secrets of the forest and the legends of the Wolfwalkers, magical beings that inhabit the region.
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya / Kaguya-hime no Monogatari (2013) - IMDb: 8.0
The Tale of Princess Kaguya, director Isao Takahata's 2013 film, is an anime masterpiece that will move you with its poetic story and unique animation.
The film tells the story of a mysterious girl who appears inside a bamboo stalk and is raised by an old couple. As she grows up, Kaguya becomes a woman of beauty. to incomparable, attracting the attention of suitors from all over the kingdom. However, her destiny is linked to a past that torments her and forces her to make a difficult decision.
Waltz Im Bashir / Waltz with Bashir (2008) - IMDb: 8.0
Waltz with Bashir, the 2008 Israeli animated film, is a unique work that explores the 1982 Lebanon War and its effects on the mind of director Ari Folman.
The film combines interviews with Israeli soldiers who participated in the war with animated scenes that recreate their fragmented and traumatic memories. This innovative technique creates a visceral and emotionally powerful cinematic experience.
Persepolis (2007) - IMDb: 8.0
Persepolis, the 2007 French-Iranian animated film, transports you to the heart of the Iranian Revolution through the eyes of a young woman named Marjane.
The film is based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel and chronicles her experience as a child and teenager during the turbulent time of the Islamic Revolution. Marji, as she is nicknamed, faces radical changes in her country, challenging social norms and fighting to maintain her freedom.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) - IMDb: 8.0
Beauty and the Beast, the 1991 Disney film, remains a timeless tale that enchants adults and children with its story of love, acceptance and personal transformation.
The film goes beyond the typical "happily ever after" by exploring themes such as superficiality, hasty judgment and the importance of looking beyond appearances. The relationship between Beauty and the Beast develops naturally and tenderly, showing the power of love to change people.
Akira (1988) - IMDb: 8.0
Akira, the 1988 Japanese animated film, immerses you in an apocalyptic future where fast-paced action and exploration of the human psyche are mixed with innovative animation.
Akira not only offers you a stunning visual experience with memorable action scenes and revolutionary special effects for the time. It also invites you to reflect on topics such as the responsibility of power, the nature of violence and the search for identity.
The Iron Giant (1999) - IMDb: 8.1
The Iron Giant, a 1999 film, will captivate you with its moving story about friendship, acceptance and the power of love.
It's not just a simple story of a boy and a giant robot. The film explores themes such as the importance of family, responsibility and the search for identity. The Iron Giant, with his innocence and curiosity, will make you reflect on the meaning of being human.
My Neighbor Totoro / Tonari no Totoro (1988) - IMDb: 8.1
My Neighbor Totoro, the film by director Hayao Miyazaki from 1988, will transport you to a world full of fantasy and charm, where nature and imagination mix in a moving story.
The film tells the story of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers from an illness. At her new home, Mei meets Totoro, a kind and playful forest spirit. Through their adventures with Totoro, the girls discover the beauty of nature and the power of imagination.
Howl no Ugoku Shiro / Howl's Moving Castle (2004) - IMDb: 8.2
Howl's Moving Castle, director Hayao Miyazaki's 2004 film, will transport you to a world of fantasy and adventure, where war, love and magic mix in a captivating story.
The film tells the story of Sophie, a young milliner who finds herself involved in a war between two kingdoms. After falling victim to a spell that turns her into an old woman, Sophie takes refuge in the moving castle, a magical contraption inhabited by the wizard Howl. Through her adventures with Howl and Calcifer, a fire demon who lives inside the castle, Sophie discovers the power of love and the importance of accepting herself.
Mononoke Hime / Princess Mononoke (1997) - IMDb: 8.3
Princess Mononoke, from director Hayao Miyazaki, immerses you in a feudal Japan where human greed and the protection of nature clash in an epic battle.
The film tells the story of Ashitaka, a prince who must find a cure for a curse that afflicts him. On his journey, he meets San, a young girl raised by wolves who fights to protect the forest from the destruction caused by humans. Through her interactions with Ashitaka and other characters, such as Lady Eboshi, the leader of a mining village, the film explores themes such as war, greed, environmental responsibility, and the search for peace.
Kimi no na wa / Your Name (2016) - IMDb: 8.4
Kimi no na wa, also known as Your Name, is a 2016 Japanese animated film that will captivate you with its unique love story and stunning animation.
The film tells the story of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a girl who lives in a small rural town, and Taki Tachibana, a boy who lives in Tokyo. One day, they both wake up in each other's bodies without any explanation. Through their shared experiences, Mitsuha and Taki begin to develop a deep connection and a strong feeling of affection.
The Lion King (1994) - IMDb: 8.5
The Lion King, the 1994 animated film, will captivate you with its timeless story about responsibility, family, and the circle of life.
The film tells the story of Simba, a young lion who must assume the throne as king of the savanna after the death of his father, Mufasa. Guided by the wise Rafiki and his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba learns the meaning of responsibility and leadership.
Hotaru no Haka / Grave of the Fireflies (1988) - IMDb: 8.5
The Grave of the Fireflies, from director Isao Takahata, will move you deeply with its raw and realistic story about two brothers fighting to survive in Japan during World War II.
The film tells the story of Seita and Setsuko, two children who are orphaned after an American bombing in Kobe. As the war rages on and society falls apart, Seita and Setsuko are forced to fend for themselves, facing hunger, disease and the cruelty of a devastated world.
Spirited Away / Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001): IMDb: 8.6
Spirited Away, director Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 film, will transport you to a world full of fantasy and charm, where nature and tradition mix in a moving story.
The film tells the story of Chihiro Ogino, a ten-year-old girl who moves with her parents to a new home. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious ghost town inhabited by spirits. After her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must work in a bathhouse for the witch Yubaba in order to rescue them and return to the human world.
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