30 Diverse Animated Gems That Stood Out in 2012
30 titles
Embark on a cinematic journey through time as we explore the top 30 animations of 2012! This list showcases the vibrant and diverse world of animation, from macabre tales to heartwarming adventures, all woven together with stunning visual effects. Join us as we delve into the enchanting worlds of The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave, L'il Spider Girl, and many more, and discover why 2012 was truly a standout year in animation history. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
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Monster High: Escape from Skull ShoresMovie · 2012 · 45m · Animation, Family, FantasyDuring Spring Break, Lagoona and her friends travel to the Great Barrier Reef. A shipwreck leaves them stranded on a strange, skull-shaped island called Skull Shores. The islanders are welcoming at first, but the friends soon discover they're being manipulated by a cunning showman named Farnum. He's using them to find the legendary "Beast," the rarest monster of all.IMDb 6.7TMDB 7.7 - 2
The Night Evelyn Came Out of the GraveMovie · 1971 · 102m · Mystery, Horror, ThrillerOne summer night, Kaito's test shot with a new camera takes an unexpected turn, launching him into a journey about friendship, love, and finding himself. A strange blue light appears in his footage, followed by a frightening fall, but he's mysteriously saved. He wakes up unharmed, with no memory of the night. As summer begins, Kaito and his friends become curious about the footage and decide to make a film together. Two new students, Ichika Takatsuki and Remon Yamano, join the project at the invitation of Kaito's friend Tetsurou. This leads them on a deeper exploration of their emotions, as they learn about each other and themselves through shared experiences and challenges, discovering the strength of their bonds.IMDb 5.8TMDB 6.0 - 3
Li'l Spider GirlMovie · 2012 · 25m · Animation, Comedy, FantasySuzuri, a shopkeeper specializing in antique books at Kokumondou, encounters Mizuki, the landowner's granddaughter. Their lives change when Mizuki accidentally releases a small, appealing spider demon from a sealed volume, prompting them to uncover the book's mysterious past.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 4
Crayon Shin-chan: Invoke a Storm! Me and the Space PrincessMovie · 2012 · 111m · Comedy, AnimationThe Nohara family is abducted by aliens who believe Shin-chan’s baby sister is their princess. The aliens want her to stay with them, but will she choose to remain on their planet or return home to Kasukabe?IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.6 - 5
Giant God Warrior Appears in TokyoMovie · 2012 · 10m · Science Fiction, Horror, ActionThis short story features the God Warrior from *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind* (1984). Powerful bio-weapons encased in ceramic armor begin attacking Tokyo, leading to the destruction of human civilization.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 6
One Piece: Episode of Luffy - Hand Island AdventureMovie · 2012 · 102m · Action, Animation, AdventureWhile being attacked by multiple Marine warships, Luffy and his crew use a powerful technique to escape. They crash-land on an island and begin exploring while making repairs to their ship. They encounter a wax artisan who reveals the island's secrets. Luffy then offers his assistance.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.7 - 7
Mia and the MigooMovie · 2008 · 91m · Animation, FamilyHaunted by a vision, Mia embarks on a journey across continents to find her father. He's trapped in a landslide at a construction site on a remote tropical lake. At the lake's center stands the ancient Tree of Life, protected by the Migoo – playful forest spirits who can change their forms. The Migoo are disrupting the construction to safeguard this sacred place. Joining forces with them, Mia fights to locate her father and protect the Tree, with the fate of the planet at stake.IMDb 6.5TMDB 7.0 - 8
LEGO Star Wars: The Empire Strikes OutMovie · 2012 · 22m · Family, Animation, Science FictionLuke Skywalker is tasked with destroying an Imperial base, but finds himself constantly pursued by a devoted group of young women who idolize him. Separately, Darth Vader clashes with Darth Maul in a power struggle to establish dominance among the Sith.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 9
Three Heroes on Distant ShoresMovie · 2012 · 65m · Animation, ComedyAlyosha Popovich, Dobrinya, and Ilya Muromets are transported to a remote island inhabited by natives and a fearsome creature, all through the trickery of Baba Yaga. While they're gone, a merchant named Kolyvan teams up with Baba Yaga to seize control of the kingdom and strip power from the Prince of Kiev. To aid the beleaguered ruler, Horse Julius, the heroes' wives, and their large families embark on an adventure to these faraway lands, filled with both familiar and fantastical experiences.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.8 - 10
Naruto OVA 10: Uchiha Madara vs Senju HashiramaMovie · 2012 · 10m · AnimationMadara vs. Hashirama, the tenth Naruto OVA, is included with Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.5 - 11
Mardock Scramble: The Third ExhaustMovie · 2012 · 68m · Animation, Science FictionThe third installment in the Mardock Scramble series follows Rune Balot as she seeks a final resolution to her case. She ventures into a casino linked to the powerful October Corporation.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6 - 12
The ApostleMovie · 2012 · 84m · Animation, Mystery, HorrorA recently escaped convict returns to a remote Galician village to retrieve a treasure he buried years prior. He soon discovers, however, that the village holds a far more daunting threat than the prison he escaped.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.3 - 13
Dragon Age: Dawn of the SeekerMovie · 2012 · 90m · Fantasy, AnimationIn Orlais, a young, headstrong Seeker named Cassandra battles a dangerous conspiracy. Powerful forces are working to destroy the country's most influential religious order. As the plot unravels, Cassandra is falsely accused of treason and murder. Hunted by everyone, she must prove her innocence while confronting corrupt templars and dangerous blood mages. Failure means execution. If she can overcome her anger and expose those behind the plot threatening the Divine's rule, Cassandra will become a legend.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.5 - 14
Tears of SteelMovie · 2012 · 12m · Science Fiction, AnimationA team of warriors and scientists convene at Amsterdam's Oude Kerk to recreate a pivotal historical event. Their goal: to prevent a catastrophic future where robots have destroyed the world.IMDb 5.4TMDB 5.6 - 15
It's Such a Beautiful DayMovie · 2012 · 62m · Animation, ComedyHaunted by trauma, Bill grapples with the fragments of his mind as he tries to piece himself back together.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.9 - 16
Ice Age: Continental DriftMovie · 2012 · 88m · Animation, Comedy, AdventureAfter their home is swept away, Manny, Diego, and Sid set off on a journey. They use an iceberg as a vessel to navigate the ocean, facing marine life and pirates as they discover a new land.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.4 - 17
Justice League: DoomMovie · 2012 · 77m · Action, Animation, Science FictionThis film adapts Mark Waid's "Tower of Babel" story from the JLA comic. Vandal Savage obtains confidential files Batman has gathered on the Justice League, learning the heroes' individual vulnerabilities.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 18
The Legend of Mor'duMovie · 2012 · 6m · Animation, Family, FantasyIn Pixar's *Brave*, the witch uses enchanted drawings to recount a tale of a prince consumed by a desire for power. He seeks a spell to seize control of his kingdom from his brothers, but his ambition ultimately leads to the destruction of the kingdom and his own downfall.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.9 - 19
Code Geass: Akito the Exiled 1: The Wyvern ArrivesMovie · 2012 · 51m · Action, Science Fiction, AnimationIn 2017 a.t.b., between the rise of the Black Knights and Zero's reappearance, the European Union is under invasion by the Holy Britannian Empire. Facing defeat, the E.U. army creates a special unit called "W-0," which includes a young pilot named Akito Hyuga. Leila Malkal, a former Britannian aristocrat, joins the E.U.'s efforts, leading the "Wyvern" Knightmare corps made up of Japanese teenagers. They enter extremely dangerous battles with a survival rate of only 5%, fighting for freedom and a place to call home.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 20
Monster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love?Movie · 2012 · 45m · Fantasy, AnimationDraculaura celebrates her 1600th birthday with a party at Monster High. However, her hopes for a perfect celebration turn complicated when she must choose between her dependable boyfriend Clawd and Valentine, a charming vampire from her past.IMDb 7.0TMDB 8.0 - 21
One Piece: Curse of the Sacred SwordMovie · 2004 · 95m · Animation, Adventure, ActionThe Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Asuka Island, the location of the legendary Seven Star Sword, rumored to bring misfortune to its owner. Returning to their ship, the Going Merry, they find Zoro absent from his watch. Before they can organize a search, Luffy and the crew flee the port as Marines give chase. They find refuge near a village tasked with guarding the sword. The village is soon attacked by the Marines, including Zoro, who appears to be aiding them. Luffy is bewildered by Zoro's actions until he meets Saga, Zoro’s childhood friend from swordsman training.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.9 - 22
Barbie: The Princess & the PopstarMovie · 2012 · 86m · Family, AnimationTori, a blonde princess, is restless with royal life and yearns for a pop music career. Keira, a brunette pop star, dreams of becoming a princess. After a magical encounter, they unexpectedly swap lives, only to discover that being themselves is the best option.IMDb 6.0TMDB 7.2 - 23
Tad, the Lost ExplorerMovie · 2012 · 90m · Animation, Comedy, AdventureTad, a Chicago construction worker, dreams of being an archaeologist and adventurer like his hero, Max Mordon. One day, he's mistaken for a professor and unexpectedly finds himself on a flight to Peru, joining a search for the legendary lost city of Paititi.IMDb 6.0TMDB 6.3 - 24
Puss in Boots: The Three DiablosMovie · 2012 · 13m · Adventure, Animation, ComedyPuss in Boots is on a quest to retrieve the Princess's stolen ruby from the infamous thief, Whisperer. He’s forced to take three mischievous kittens along with him, and must find a way to control them before they jeopardize their mission.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.5 - 25
ParaNormanMovie · 2012 · 93m · Family, Animation, AdventureIn the quiet town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock has a secret: he can talk to ghosts. However, only his unusual new friend believes him. When Norman's quirky uncle reveals a ritual Norman must perform, it’s to safeguard the town from an ancient curse placed by a witch long ago.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 26
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the KingMovie · 2012 · 76m · Animation, Action, AdventureGuts, a powerful swordsman who works as a mercenary, lives a life of constant battle without a clear purpose. His routine is disrupted when he encounters Griffith, a captivating young leader of the Band of the Hawk mercenary army, and is defeated by him. Guts joins the Band, and a close bond forms between him and Griffith. However, Casca, a skilled swordswoman within the Band, finds it difficult to accept Guts and the impact he has on those around her. As the two men fight side-by-side, Griffith’s power grows, seemingly driven by a hidden destiny. What sacrifices will Guts and Griffith make to achieve their goals, and where will their paths ultimately lead?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.2 - 27
Tangled Ever AfterMovie · 2012 · 9m · Animation, Comedy, ActionThe kingdom celebrates the royal wedding of Rapunzel and Flynn, but the festivities turn frantic when Pascal and Maximus lose the wedding rings. A desperate search begins before anyone notices the loss. As the pair races to recover the rings unnoticed, they cause a series of comical mishaps: flying lanterns, a flock of doves, a wine barrel barricade, and a very sticky situation. Can Maximus and Pascal find the rings in time for the ceremony? And will they finally get Flynn’s nose right?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 28
Wreck-It RalphMovie · 2012 · 101m · Family, Animation, ComedyWreck-It Ralph is the 9-foot-tall, 643-pound villain from the arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr., where he demolishes buildings that the hero, Felix, repairs. Yearning to be seen as a hero, not just a villain, Ralph escapes his game and ends up in Hero's Duty, a first-person shooter where he assists the hero in fighting alien invaders. He then finds himself in Sugar Rush, a candy-themed kart racing game. There, Ralph meets Vanellope von Schweetz, who discovers her game is in danger from a threat that could impact the whole arcade – a threat Ralph may have caused.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.4 - 29
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most WantedMovie · 2012 · 93m · Animation, Family, ComedyAlex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria continue their journey home to the Central Park Zoo in New York City. Their path takes an unexpected turn when they must travel to Europe to find the penguins and chimps responsible for a casino heist in Monte Carlo. As a French animal control officer, Capitaine Chantel DuBois, begins tracking them, Alex and his friends seek refuge in a traveling circus.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.6 - 30
Nuhr im ErstenMovie · 2012 · 91m · Animation, Comedy, FamilyWelcome to Hotel Transylvania, a luxurious resort for monsters and their families – humans are strictly forbidden. For one special weekend, Dracula hosts a party to celebrate his daughter Mavis's 118th birthday, inviting all her friends. Hosting legendary creatures is routine for Dracula, but everything changes when an ordinary guy unexpectedly shows up!IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0
