Animation changed with Pixar’s revolutionary computer-generated images in the middle 1990s. Previously, audiences had enjoyed the hand-drawn Disney classics like The Lady and the Tramp and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Today, the old classics still endear themselves to audiences but modern cinema is dominated by the life-like movement and lavishly detailed computer-generated images of Pixar and rival studio Dreamworks.
10. Lady and the Tramp
Originally released in 1955 from director trio Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske, Lady and the Tramp follows the lives of several canine pals through love and adventure. Lady is a pampered Cocker Spaniel from a rich home. When her owners have a baby and two Siamese cats come to stay, Lady is suddenly thought to be dangerous and put outside. Tramp, a street-dog who lives off scraps and garbage dumps, comes to Lady’s rescue but they are soon captured by an unscrupulous dog catcher.
9. Ratatouille
Pixar’s lavishly detailed family-comedy Ratatouille directed by Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava is a wonderfully inspired and richly designed story following the traditions of the little guy making it big. Like all of Pixar films, it’s universally appealing, features an array of individualistic characters that have depth and plenty of warmth, and a perfectly plotted script that boasts both heartfelt sadness and moments of pure joy.
8. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Another classic from Disney’s hand-drama animators, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves was released in 1937. Directed by David Hand, the film is a magical retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale. It is one of the most important animated films ever made because it was the first feature length animated film to be produced in America as well as being the first in color.
7. Shrek
Shrek, a Dreamworks film from directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, took the Pixar mould of computer-generated imagery with family-orientated, universally appealing stories, and added an array of big name star actors. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz show up in Dreamworks’ best animated feature film to date.
6. Beauty and the Beast
A modern Disney hand-drawn feature film based on another fairytale, this much-loved film from directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise features songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Beauty and the Beast proved to be one of Disney’s most commercial hits taking in over $400 million worldwide.
5. Finding Nemo
A heart warming and beautifully realized tale of a paternal fish who crosses the ocean in search of his son. Aside from the fact the story is richly detailed and full of brilliant characters, Pixar produced one of their most visually arresting movies. The recreation of the ocean in digital form is nothing short of genius.
4. Wall-E
Wall-E (pronounced ‘Wally’) is one of Pixar’s most daring films to date. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film is about little robot Wall-E whose job is to clean up waste disposal on earth. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, earth is a barren land covered in garbage and waste. Wall-E is lonely and alone. When he meets another robot called Eve, he follows it into space, beginning an adventure that will change Wall-E’s and humanity’s destiny.
3. The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the most loved Disney hand-drawn films ever made. It took over $700 million worldwide and is the highest grossing film of its type in America. Featuring songs by Elton John, the film is a joy for all the family. The film received two Academy Awards for its use of music, while it received the Golden Globe for Best Film.
2. Toy Story
One of Pixar’s earliest films and the first feature length film to be released using only computer-generated imagery. Featuring the voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, and directed by John Lasseter, the film was notable because the lifelike quality of the motion and appearance of the characters, had never been seen before. Pixar set a benchmark with the film, which they have continually lived up to.
1. A Bug’s Life
A Bug’s Life is another fabulous Pixar film. The company improved on the computer-generated imagery seen in Toy Story, and created a story that worked just as well for children and adults. Loosely retelling Aesop’s fable The Ant and the Grasshopper, it tells of Flik, a tiny ant who hires the help of what he believes to be warrior bugs to fend off attacks by mean grasshoppers. The warrior bugs turn out to be circus performers. This is a great story of adventure, bravery, and friendship. It remains Pixar’s best work.
