W2TCH

16 Diverse Independent Animations Streaming Now on Criterion Channel

15 titles

Default order ↑PopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox office
  1. 1The Place Promised in Our Early DaysMovie · 2004 · 90m · Animation, Adventure, DramaAfter a different outcome to World War II, Japan is split: the North is under Soviet control, and the South is controlled by the United States. A strange, tall tower has appeared within the U.S.-controlled South. Three high school students make a pact to fly over the border in a homemade airplane and discover the tower's secret.Stream onIMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6
  2. 2Ghost in the ShellMovie · 1995 · 83m · Action, Animation, Science FictionIn 2029, technology has blurred the lines between the real and digital worlds, giving people new abilities but also new risks, especially brain hacking. A mysterious hacker known as The Puppetmaster has increased their activity, now targeting political matters. So, Section 9, a special team of law enforcement officers with cybernetic enhancements, is tasked with stopping this elusive enemy and discovering their identity. Their goal is to capture The Puppetmaster and protect society from the dangers of digital control.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9
  3. 3La HaineMovie · 1995 · 98m · DramaDuring a chaotic night of rioting in the Parisian suburbs, the lives of three young friends – Vinz, Hubert, and Saïd – become intertwined. They anxiously await news about a friend seriously injured during a clash with police. The film portrays their raw emotions, hopes, and fears as they face the harsh realities of their lives and the complexities of their bonds. Set against this turbulent backdrop, the story explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity in a truthful and emotionally powerful look at contemporary society.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1
  4. 4She and Her CatMovie · 1999 · 5m · Animation"She and Her Cat" offers a unique look at the lives of a young woman and her cat in a city apartment. The story is told entirely from the cat's point of view, showing its thoughts, feelings, and relationship with its owner. The film explores companionship, loyalty, and the special connection between people and animals. Through the cat’s observations of its owner’s daily life, we see their world from a perspective very different from our own. This creates a heartwarming story that highlights the profound impact pets have on our lives and emotions. "She and Her Cat" is a tender and captivating film about the unspoken bond between humans and their pets, perfect for animal lovers and anyone who has shared their life with a beloved companion.Stream onIMDb 7.0TMDB 6.6
  5. 5The Life of JesusMovie · 1997 · 96m · DramaLong ago, a wicked sorceress has ensnared the emperor, turning him into a tool for her evil plans. The empire is falling into chaos, and dark spirits are spreading across the land, threatening humanity's survival. To stop this, a group of immortal wizards, the Confederation of the Immortal Masters, sends their most talented young wizard on a dangerous mission. He must journey through desolate lands to defeat the forces of darkness and restore peace to the empire. This epic story follows his courageous quest filled with magic and redemption as he faces powerful enemies in a fight for the future.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.6
  6. 6Night of the Living DeadMovie · 1968 · 96m · Horror, Thriller, Science FictionTodd McFarlane's Spawn was a compelling animated series that first aired on HBO from 1997 to 1999, later available on DVD as a film series. Based on the popular Image Comics, this highly regarded animation received an Emmy Award in 1999 for Outstanding Animation Program. A separate series, Spawn: The Animation, featuring Keith David as Spawn, has been in development since 2009. Staying faithful to the comic source material, the series features significant violence, explicit sexual content, and frequent profanity. Known for its strong storytelling and impressive animation, Todd McFarlane's Spawn was ranked fifth by IGN in a list of the greatest comic book cartoons ever made.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6
  7. 7EraserheadMovie · 1977 · 89m · Science Fiction, HorrorWacky Races is a lively animated series created by Hanna-Barbera and first shown in 1968. It humorously mocks classic car races with a group of odd characters and unusual vehicles racing across varied landscapes for victory. The show features eleven racers, each with a unique vehicle and personality. Dick Dastardly and his dog Muttley are known for their sneaky plans to cheat, but they always fail. Other notable racers include Penelope Pitstop, a determined driver; Red Max, a brave adventurer; and the Slag Brothers, who race in a huge, rocky car. This chaotic competition is full of laughs as these eccentric racers compete for first place.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3
  8. 8Le Notti BiancheMovie · 1957 · 101m · Drama, RomanceKinnikuman discovers he's not just a clumsy guy; he's the missing prince of Kinniku, a planet of superheroes. To become the rightful ruler and protect Earth from danger, Kinnikuman must compete in tough wrestling matches against powerful Chojin. He faces many challenges that test his strength, courage, and who he is. As he grows from a fool into a hero, Kinnikuman's fights show how determination, friendship, and personal growth help people overcome problems and reach their full potential. This funny and touching story explores the world of superheroes and their ongoing fight for justice and self-improvement.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4
  9. 9The Fabulous Baron MunchausenMovie · 1962 · 85m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureA 20th-century astronaut arrives on a Moon already colonized by a bizarre group of people. He meets Baron Munchausen, the famous storyteller, and Cyrano de Bergerac, a skilled swordsman and poet. The colonists include characters from Jules Verne's novels – explorers and inventors. They share their own incredible stories of taking over the Moon with the astronaut, who is left to consider the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of storytelling in this strange, new world.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.3
  10. 10La JetéeMovie · 1962 · 29m · Drama, Romance, Science FictionJohn Callahan's Quads! is an animated comedy-drama about a group of recently paralyzed friends navigating life together with wit and humor. This Canada-Australia co-production, first shown on Teletoon in 2001 and later in Australia and Latin America, was a pioneering animated series made entirely with Macromedia Flash. The story follows a main character and his friends, all dealing with similar physical challenges. Their everyday adventures offer a realistic look at their struggles and their efforts to find joy despite their difficulties. The show explores friendship, resilience, and how humor helps them turn tough situations into chances for connection and personal strength.Stream onIMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9
  11. 11The AlphabetMovie · 1969 · 4m · Animation, HorrorA woman is caught in a bizarre dream world where everything around her is formed from letters of the alphabet as they are spoken. Each letter becomes a strange creature, shaping the landscape and blurring the line between reality and illusion. The film blends dark humor with absurdity, creating an unsettlingly captivating atmosphere as the protagonist tries to navigate this phonetic maze. She must uncover hidden truths or be consumed by its chaotic whimsy. This film explores the human mind and the power of language, questioning how we perceive the world.Stream onIMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5
  12. 12Fantastic PlanetMovie · 1973 · 72m · Animation, Science FictionOn the planet Ygam, two species coexist in a world of inequality: the spiritually advanced Draags, who see the human-like Oms as inferior beings to be used for amusement, and the Oms, struggling to survive. Some Oms seek refuge in the planet's wilderness, but face deadly, organized hunts. The film explores themes of prejudice and power, set against the backdrop of a strange, new world.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6
  13. 13The Adventures of Prince AchmedMovie · 1926 · 66m · Animation, Adventure, FantasyThis adaptation of an Arabian Nights story follows a clever sorcerer who plots Prince Achmed's death with a trick. The unsuspecting prince is tricked into riding a magical flying horse on a dangerous journey intended to kill him. But Prince Achmed fights back, using the horse's power to thwart the sorcerer's plan and experience a series of amazing adventures. The film features vividly imagined worlds, fantastical creatures, and exciting challenges as Prince Achmed overcomes unexpected obstacles. It’s a story about courage, cleverness, and strength, celebrating the spirit of adventure and how resourceful people can overcome hardship.Stream onIMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5
  14. 14The GrandmotherMovie · 1970 · 34m · Animation, HorrorA young boy, neglected by his parents, discovers unusual seeds that dramatically alter his life. Planting them in his backyard results in the growth of a grandmother figure who fills their home with warmth and affection. The boy develops a close relationship with this new guardian, who teaches him about love and kindness while offering him security from neglect. The film examines family relationships, personal development, and the strength of human connection through an imaginative look at relationships across generations and the possibility of unexpected friendships.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 6.6
  15. 15Six Men Getting SickMovie · 1967 · 4m · Animation, HorrorDirector David Lynch's first film offers a striking visual exploration of human emotion. Six people are filmed repeatedly vomiting onto a uniquely sculpted screen. The screen features intricate, three-dimensional faces that appear to distort as the people retch. The film presents an immersive and surreal experience, forcing viewers to confront raw expressions of distress and release. Unsettling sound design blends with the sounds of vomiting, enhancing the introspective look at human vulnerability and physical reactions to inner turmoil. This challenging cinematic work breaks new ground in both storytelling and visual art, providing a singular experience for those open to its depths.Stream onIMDb 5.6TMDB 5.5