Think animation is just kids' stuff? Think again.
Animation isn't a genre — it's a medium. A medium capable of tackling politics, philosophy, tragedy, war, and much more. Below is a curated list of 10 iconic animated films that prove animation can be profound, provocative, and deeply human. Whether you're a skeptic or simply looking to expand your film horizons, this is your perfect starting point.
1. Yellow Submarine (1968) – A Psychedelic Musical Journey
Yes, it’s The Beatles. And yes, it’s family-friendly. But Yellow Submarine is far from your average cartoon. Packed with surreal imagery, inventive animation, and a soundtrack by one of the most iconic bands in history, this film is a kaleidoscopic celebration of art and imagination.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
More than nostalgia, it’s a trip through the possibilities of what animation can do when it breaks free from logic and lets creativity take the wheel.
2. Fantastic Planet (1973) – Sci-Fi as Surreal Allegory
This French cult classic, based on the novel Oms en série by Stefan Wul, tells the story of a human-like race oppressed by towering blue aliens called Draags. Set on a bizarre alien world, it doubles as a metaphor for real-world issues like colonialism, animal rights, and societal hierarchy.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
Its unique, otherworldly art style and political undertones showcase animation as a tool for both visual and intellectual exploration.
3. Watership Down (1978) – A Dark Fable About Survival
Forget cute bunnies. This British animated feature follows a group of rabbits fleeing the destruction of their warren in search of a new home — and it doesn’t shy away from death, violence, or existential fear.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
It’s an emotionally intense and philosophically rich survival tale that challenges the idea that animation should be sanitized or simple.
4. Alice (1988) – Jan Svankmajer’s Dreamlike Nightmare
This Czech adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a stop-motion fever dream — creepy, beautiful, and absolutely unique. Director Jan Švankmajer reimagines Lewis Carroll’s story as an amoral dream, embracing its darker psychological tones.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
A brilliant example of how stop-motion can capture the surreal and the subconscious like no other medium.
5. Vampires in Havana (1985) – Satire with a Cuban Twist
This hidden gem from Cuba delivers a hilarious and politically charged spin on the vampire genre. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Havana, the film mixes slapstick humor with sharp social commentary.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
A great example of animation from a non-Western perspective, this film proves you don’t need a massive budget to make a bold artistic statement.
6. Akira (1988) – Cyberpunk Perfection from Japan
Akira is a landmark in anime and global animation. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, this explosive sci-fi epic explores themes of power, corruption, and identity. Visually, it still holds up today as a technical masterpiece.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
A must-watch for anyone doubting the artistic and narrative weight of animated films — this movie helped redefine the genre around the world.
7. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) – War Through a Child’s Eyes
Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, this heartbreaking tale follows two siblings trying to survive the last days of World War II in Japan. It’s emotionally devastating and uncompromisingly real.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
An undeniable reminder that animation can be as harrowing and mature as any war drama — maybe even more so.
8. The Triplets of Belleville (2003) – A Wordless Wonder
French director Sylvain Chomet’s modern classic tells its story almost entirely through sound and movement. A quirky grandmother, her kidnapped grandson, and three aging jazz singers unite in a wildly stylized adventure full of visual flair and absurdist humor.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
It’s a love letter to silent cinema, cycling, and music — all wrapped up in a truly distinctive animated package.
9. Persepolis (2007) – Coming-of-Age Amidst Revolution
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s graphic memoir, Persepolis explores a young woman’s journey from childhood in revolutionary Iran to adulthood in Europe. It blends the personal and political, showing how history impacts identity.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
This film uses animation to give a deeply human face to a misunderstood chapter of history — and it does so with wit, honesty, and courage.
10. Mary and Max (2009) – Claymation for the Soul
An Australian stop-motion film by Adam Elliot, Mary and Max tells the bittersweet story of a pen-pal friendship between a lonely 8-year-old girl in Melbourne and a socially anxious man in New York. The film addresses depression, mental illness, and loneliness with unflinching empathy.
Why It’s Worth Watching:
Its emotional depth, dark humor, and stunning clay animation make it one of the most underrated adult animated films of all time.
This small, non exhaustive list of films is just a small sample of what animation can do. Whether it's political critique, psychological drama, historical tragedy, or existential sci-fi, animation is a powerful medium capable of telling the most human stories in the most imaginative ways.
So next time someone says "cartoons are for kids," share this list with them — or better yet, sit down and watch one together.
