Best Animated Specials and Variety Shows from 2002 to 2013
29 titles
The year 2002 was a remarkable period for animation, offering us captivating tales and mesmerizing visuals. From heartwarming shorts to thrilling adventures, the Top 30 Animation of 2002 is a treasure trove of cinematic delights that continue to enchant audiences. These selections are not only groundbreaking in their storytelling but also serve as a testament to the boundless creativity of artists and animators. As you embark on this animated journey, brace yourself for unforgettable characters, dazzling artistry, and moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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The Land Before Time IX: Journey to Big WaterMovie · 2002 · 71m · Animation, Adventure, FamilyLittlefoot makes a new friend, Mo, a playful creature resembling a dolphin, who finds himself stranded in unfamiliar waters after heavy rains. Littlefoot and his friends embark on a journey to the open ocean to help Mo return home.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.2 - 2The 1st 13th Annual Fancy Anvil Awards Show Program Special: Live in StereoMovie · 2002 · 120m · Animation, Family, ComedyCartoon Network presents an awards show celebrating outstanding achievements in animation.IMDb 6.3TMDB 10.0
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My Beautiful Girl, MariMovie · 2002 · 86m · Animation, Drama, FantasyTwo boys discover a magical world of wonder after finding a magic marble in an old lighthouse. There, they meet Mari and find an escape from the difficulties of their lives back home.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.8 - 4
Mount HeadMovie · 2002 · 10m · Animation, Comedy, FantasyA stingy man’s habit of discarding cherry pits leads to a bizarre consequence: a tree begins to sprout from his head. He cuts it off, but it stubbornly regrows. Eventually, he relents and allows the tree to flourish, attracting crowds who leave behind mountains of refuse. Overwhelmed by the constant accumulation, he decides to remove the tree by force, leaving a crater on his scalp. The crater fills with water, transforming into a popular lake.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.3 - 5
Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First ContactMovie · 2002 · 90m · Animation, TV Movie, ActionIt all begins with a robbery! Lupin III and Fujiko both want an ancient artifact that Jigen is protecting, while Goemon is searching for his clan's lost treasure in the same area. Naturally, Inspector Zenigata is hot on their trail. This is the story of their very first encounter.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.6 - 6
A Charlie Brown ValentineMovie · 2002 · 25m · Family, Animation, RomanceCharlie Brown is still hoping for a Valentine from the Little Red-Haired Girl. Sally wants a Valentine from Linus, Lucy from Schroeder, and Peppermint Patty from Charlie Brown, all longing for affection.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 7
The Tit and the MoonMovie · 1994 · 86m · Drama, ComedyIn the near future, Ayato Kamina lives in Tokyo Jupiter, a technologically advanced city built after Earth's destruction. He's unaware his sheltered life hides a bigger truth: humanity has survived, and other civilizations exist. When an alien race attacks, Ayato is thrust into a world of mystery and adventure.
He must now face the reality of humanity, his place in defending it, and the truth about his world. Along the way, he meets a variety of people with different skills who join the fight against the aliens.
The film is a story about growing up, friendship, and strength when facing impossible challenges. Combining coming-of-age elements with science fiction action, it’s a thrilling journey into a world full of surprises where new obstacles appear every day.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 8
Survivor (AU)Movie · 1985 · 80m · Animation, Action, Adventure"Australian Survivor" drops 24 determined people onto a wild tropical island. Stripped of everything, they must survive using only their wits and resourcefulness – building shelters, making fire, and finding food in a demanding environment that pushes them physically and mentally. The contestants compete against the elements and each other, forming alliances and playing strategic games in a world where trust is rare and betrayal is always a possibility. This intense competition series explores human instinct, survival skills, and the drive to win in a fundamental setting.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.4 - 9
Lupin the Third: Return of PycalMovie · 2002 · 49m · Animation, Action, ComedyLupin steals a remarkable gem at a party in the Mediterranean, but his heist is interrupted by Pycal, the "magician" who supposedly died in a fight with Lupin years ago. Now possessing genuine magical powers, Pycal seeks revenge.IMDb 5.4TMDB 6.1 - 10
The ChubbChubbs!Movie · 2002 · 5m · Animation, Science Fiction, ComedyA janitor working at a nightclub catering to aliens unexpectedly gets the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a singer.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 11
The CathedralMovie · 2002 · 6m · Science Fiction, AnimationThe Cathedral is a 13-minute Polish animated science fiction short film released in 2002, directed by Tomasz Bagiński. It’s based on the award-winning short story by Jacek Dukaj, which won the Janusz A. Zajdel Award in 2000. The film features captivating animation and an intriguing narrative set in futuristic landscapes, exploring thought-provoking concepts.
It presents a visually striking world where advanced technology and ancient architecture combine, questioning the connection between human creations and our own existence. The story’s minimalistic yet powerful narrative is enhanced by remarkable animation techniques that blend CGI with traditional artwork.
The film's artistic fusion has received international critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Animated Short Film at the 75th ceremony in Hollywood. The Cathedral demonstrates the imaginative potential of animation as it explores profound themes with a compelling pace throughout its short duration.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 12
Jonah: A VeggieTales MovieMovie · 2002 · 82m · Adventure, Animation, ComedyJoin Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and the Veggie family for a big adventure in Big Idea's first full-length, 3-D animated movie. This is the story of Jonah and the Whale, told in a new way – a story about the importance of second chances.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.2 - 13
Daria in 'Is It College Yet?'Movie · 2002 · 65m · Animation, Comedy, TV MovieDaria Morgendorffer is leaving high school for college, marking a significant step in her life. As she transitions to higher education, Daria anticipates a shift in her surroundings – potentially less challenging, and certainly less to her liking. She approaches this new chapter with her characteristic cynicism, questioning whether life can possibly become *less* bleak after graduation.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.3 - 14
One Piece: Chopper's Kingdom on the Island of Strange AnimalsMovie · 2002 · 56m · Action, Animation, AdventureWhile sailing the Grand Line, the Straw Hat Pirates are thrown from their ship, the Going Merry, by a geyser eruption. In the ensuing chaos, Chopper falls overboard and gets separated from the crew. Luffy and the others land on the other side of an island, while Chopper is proclaimed king by the local animals. But danger arrives with the appearance of horn hunters, led by Count Butler. This man gains strength by eating horns and wants to steal the island's treasure for immense power. Can Luffy and the crew stop Butler's plan and save the island? And will they be able to convince Momambi that not all pirates are villains?IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.7 - 15
Mike's New CarMovie · 2002 · 3m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyMike learns that being the top laugh collector at Monsters, Inc. comes with perks, like having enough money for a high-tech six-wheel-drive car. The excitement fades quickly when Sulley arranges a test drive that shows Mike the downside of his impulsive purchase.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 16
Ice AgeMovie · 2002 · 81m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyIn a world about to enter an ice age, Manny the mammoth, Sid the talkative sloth, and Diego the saber-toothed tiger embark on a humorous journey to reunite a human baby with his father.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 17
Hey Arnold! The MovieMovie · 2002 · 76m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyArnold and his friends have to retrieve a stolen document to stop their neighborhood from being demolished.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.5 - 18
House of Flying DaggersMovie · 2004 · 119m · Adventure, Drama, ActionIn 9th century China, a dishonest government fights a rebellion led by the Flying Daggers. A skilled warrior rescues a captivating rebel from jail to aid her in reuniting with her forces, but the situation is more complicated than it appears.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 19
Balto: Wolf QuestMovie · 2002 · 75m · Family, Animation, AdventureBalto and his daughter Aleu set off on an adventurous journey that leads them to a deeper understanding of themselves.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.3 - 20
Stuart Little 2Movie · 2002 · 78m · Family, Adventure, ComedyStuart, a charming white mouse, lives contentedly with the Little family near Central Park in Manhattan. He and his human brother, George, along with their playful cat, Snowbell, embark on a new adventure: rescuing a friend.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.8 - 21
Voices of a Distant StarMovie · 2002 · 25m · Animation, Science Fiction, RomanceIn 2046, a mysterious alien force starts wiping out humanity. Mikako joins the interstellar fight as a pilot, leaving behind the person she loves. While she risks everything to save humankind, Noboru waits for her. The two lovers struggle to stay connected as the distance between them grows rapidly.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.5 - 22
Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh YearMovie · 2002 · 65m · Animation, FamilyIt's Christmas in the Hundred Acre Wood, and everyone is busy preparing presents and decorations. The friends make their Christmas wish lists and send them to Santa – except Pooh forgot to include his. Now he must race to get the letter to Santa before Christmas arrives tomorrow.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.8 - 23
Return to Never LandMovie · 2002 · 72m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationIt's 1940, and World War II engulfs the globe. Wendy, now an adult with two children, tries to share stories of Peter Pan with them. Her daughter Jane, however, remains unconvinced.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.5 - 24
The Hunchback of Notre Dame IIMovie · 2002 · 68m · Animation, Family, ComedyWith Frollo gone, Quasimodo rings the bell with the help of Zephyr, Esmeralda and Phoebus’ son, and his new friend. However, during a visit to a traveling circus owned by the sinister magician Sarousch, Quasimodo falls for Madellaine, Sarousch's assistant.IMDb 4.6TMDB 5.4 - 25
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London AdventureMovie · 2003 · 74m · Family, Animation, AdventurePatch struggles with feeling unremarkable as one of 101. When he's mistakenly left behind on moving day, he encounters Thunderbolt, his hero, who asks for his help with a publicity campaign.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.0 - 26
Barbie as RapunzelMovie · 2002 · 84m · Animation, FamilyBarbie plays Rapunzel, a young woman held captive by the evil Gothel within a magical barrier. She discovers an opportunity for freedom when she meets a Prince, uncovering a long-standing conflict between two kingdoms rooted in her childhood abduction.IMDb 6.6TMDB 7.0 - 27
Spirit: Stallion of the CimarronMovie · 2002 · 83m · Animation, Adventure, FamilyA wild mustang, taken from his family, is relentlessly driven by a desire to rejoin his herd. He will do anything to escape captivity and find his way back home.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.7 - 28
Lilo & StitchMovie · 2002 · 85m · Animation, Family, ComedyStitch, a genetic experiment from another planet who has escaped, causes trouble on the Hawaiian Islands. He finds an unexpected home with Lilo, a spirited young girl, and learns the meaning of loyalty, friendship, and ʻohana – the Hawaiian concept of family.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.6 - 29
Tarzan & JaneMovie · 2002 · 75m · Animation, FamilyAs her first wedding anniversary to Tarzan approaches, Jane begins to consider how to create a memorable English-style celebration.IMDb 5.2TMDB 6.0
