Animation Movies to Not Miss Out !

While DreamWorks and Disney animations are mainstream and loved by kids worldwide, there are some lesser known, but gems of movies that deserve due credit. Most of these are leagues better than the mainstream movies and should not missed by both kids and adults alike. In fact, adults would like them more, due to the sheer beauty of storytelling and imagination of the creators involved. Here are ten such movies that I fell in love with and would like to share.

Spirited Away (2001) - IMDB
During her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year old girl wanders into a world ruled by Gods, witches and spirits and where humans are turned into beasts.

Personally, I've never seen anything as original in a film as this deeply mythical fairy-tale. It's very difficult to put the beauty of this film to words and should be seen to be believed. It has earned its place in the Top 250 movies of all times and trumps even most live action cinema you may have seen. Outstanding animation; funny; weird; scary and touching at the same time, this unique work of art is one I can’t recommend enough.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988) - IMDB
A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II

One of the greatest animated films of all time, Grave of the Fireflies tells the story of a couple of kids as they try to survive in war time Japan. What happens to them, should be seen by anyone who thinks war is justified, since it tells what happens to those often forgotten, the children. Suitable mostly for adults, this movie will leave you heartbroken, which is a good thing, because you are that involved into the characters. This one has been a difficult recommend, because of its tragic (yet beautiful) story-line, but it has an important message not to be missed.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - IMDB
When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.

The premise is nice and simple, which works brilliantly because the plot if established without hindering the experience of the movie. Perhaps the best aspect of the film is that it reminds us life is magical. Not all of us have a neighbor like Totoro, but we are all fortunate in different ways. Each of us has something we treasure, something which brings joy and comfort. It frees the viewer to become a child again and to look at the world through a view we have long forgotten. We live in a magical world and it is definitely worth taking the time to appreciate this.

Princess  Mononoke (1997) - IMDB
On a journey to find the cure for Tatarigami's curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime.

"Princess Mononoke" tells the story of a young man's journey to seek a cure for a curse that will eventually transform him into a demon. He finds himself in the middle of a struggle between the forces of nature and industrialization. The story is artfully told in a mature manner. Visually, the film is splendid. The scenery is often quite beautiful and the action is well animated. In the end, When you consider the whole package (animation, story-line, etc), it makes a strong case for being Miyazaki's best film. This is a must see and not just for fans of animation.

The Iron Giant (1999) - IMDB
A young boy befriends a giant robot from outer space that a paranoid government agent wants to destroy.

The Iron Giant works well as a heart-tugging tale of friendship. Set in small town Maine in the 1950s at the height of cold war paranoia, the film explores the relationship between a lonely, fatherless boy and a monstrously huge robot. The animation is simple and marks a welcome contrast from the Disney template, with the human characters bearing a comic book feel that fits perfectly with the story. The Iron Giant has more than enough imagination and sparkle to interest kids and adults and nicely balances its action-adventure aspirations with a moral purpose.

Howl's Moving Castle (2004) - IMDB
When an un-confident woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.

In a time of war and falsity, this is a poetry from Japan against all cruelty and pain. The moving castle leads us to a magic place where life has a strong value and elderly people have an important role to play. Also, in an apparent hostility, we get a chance of finding a friend not letting the dream go down. The technique and the emotional stream are in complete and perfect harmony. This film is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Little Prince (2015) - IMDB
A little girl lives in a very grown-up world with her mother, who tries to prepare her for it. Her neighbor, the Aviator, introduces the girl to an extraordinary word where anything is possible, the world of the Little Prince.

The little prince is a touching story about a boy and a rose who fall in love, but they are just too young to realize it and the boy runs away, leaving the rose alone. The movie contains many symbolic elements and as you think deeper, you will be surprised to realize it's not just a kid's tale, but a story about life's true meaning, love, happiness and hope. It's about pursuing your dreams, making sacrifices for the ones you love and never forgetting them after they're gone. Because the heart can see what the eye cannot.

All Dogs Go To Heaven (1989) - IMDB
A dog returns from the dead looking for revenge on his killer using an orphan girl who can talk to animals.

The film is mainly about two dogs called Charlie and Itchy. Charlie is a half gangster and half good guy. Itchy his sidekick. Charlie is killed by his friend and sent to heaven. When Charlie comes back to life, it is the start of an amazing adventure. The characters are beautifully written and animation excellent for its time. The story will strangely keep you on the edge of your seat. Heart-warming story that will not leave you disappointed.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) - IMDB
A high school girl named Makoto acquires power to travel back in time and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others as much as she is her own.

It's funny, heart-warming, emotional during certain points and if you are in touch with your emotional side, there is a chance you will cry buckets. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a Japanese animated film that dwells in high school life and all that comes with it, crushes, puppy love, platonic friendship and friendship that will soon blossom into romance. Time travel is involved in the mix and he end result manages to hit all the right spots and tug you heartstrings. The animation is just gorgeous to look at.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) - IMDB
A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

The movie fantastic, wonderful, worthy of all the praise it gets. It's heartfelt, funny and complete package in itself. The plot engrossing, characters well written and animation simply beautiful. It's quite possible one of the best coming of age story you may see on screen. The movie will leave you with a small on his face and happy in your at the end of it. Not to be missed.