17 Overlooked and Underappreciated Animated Films
16 titles
- 1
Once Upon a ForestMovie · 1993 · 71m · Animation, Family, AdventureThis heartwarming animated adventure tells the story of a curious mouse, a resourceful mole, and a prickly hedgehog whose friendship is tested when their badger friend falls ill after finding human poison. The trio journeys through varied woodland landscapes on a dangerous quest for a cure, facing many obstacles. They rely on teamwork, determination, and loyalty to save their friend's life. Filled with adventure and humor, the film is an uplifting story about unity and courage among friends working together for a common goal.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 2
The Great Mouse DetectiveMovie · 1986 · 74m · Animation, Family, AdventureProfessor Ratigan plots to kidnap London's famous toymaker, aiming to control the city's theater. Detective Basil of Baker Street, a brilliant detective skilled at disguise, teams up with his assistant Dawson to stop him. They journey through London to rescue the toymaker and foil Ratigan's plan. Facing dangerous obstacles and puzzling clues, Basil and Dawson discover how much they're willing to risk for their friend. This suspenseful, humorous, and heartwarming story offers a thrilling experience from start to finish.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 3
Song of the SeaMovie · 2014 · 94m · Family, Animation, FantasyThis is the story of Ben and Saoirse, the last Seal Children, who embark on a journey home after their mother vanishes. Sent to live with their Granny in the city, they resolve to return to their seaside home, but their journey becomes urgent as they enter a world of magic from their mother's stories. These fairy folk have lingered in our world for too long, and Ben discovers Saoirse holds the key to their survival.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0 - 4
The Secret of KellsMovie · 2009 · 78m · Animation, Family, FantasyTwelve-year-old Brendan embarks on an adventure to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. He must battle Vikings and a serpent god on a secret quest beyond his abbey, into an enchanted forest filled with mythical creatures. Brendan must confront his greatest fears to fulfill Brother Aiden's work. Will he succeed?IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 5
9Movie · 2009 · 79m · Action, Adventure, AnimationWhen 9 first awakens, he discovers a desolate world devoid of humans. He unexpectedly finds a small group of others like him, sheltering from dangerous machines that hunt them. Though new to the group, 9 persuades them that hiding is not a viable solution.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 6
The Suicide ShopMovie · 2012 · 79m · Comedy, Animation, MusicIn a bleak French city where despair is widespread, a vibrant shop, run by the Tuvache family for generations, readily supplies the means for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 7
The ProphetMovie · 2014 · 85m · AnimationMustafa, an artist and poet living in exile, journeys home with his housekeeper and her daughter. They are pursued by authorities who fear his words will spark unrest. The trio must evade capture as they travel.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.4 - 8
Titan A.E.Movie · 2000 · 94m · Animation, Science Fiction, AdventureA young man discovers he possesses the key to humanity's future, but an aggressive alien race known as the Drej seeks to eradicate humankind.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.6 - 9
The Brave Little ToasterMovie · 1987 · 90m · Animation, Adventure, FantasyWhen the family who owned them sells their summer home, a group of old appliances – a washing machine, toaster, and vacuum cleaner – are abandoned. Determined to find their beloved eight-year-old owner, they set off on a heartwarming adventure to reunite with him.
The film follows these everyday objects as they experience freedom and discover the importance of friendship, loyalty, and the connection with people. They face challenges and must work together to overcome them. With humor and emotion, this movie reminds us of the magic in ordinary things.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 10
The Last UnicornMovie · 1982 · 92m · Fantasy, Animation, FamilyA spirited young unicorn sets out on a quest for truth and belonging after receiving a mysterious message from a butterfly. Believing she is the last of her kind, she seeks answers about what happened to the other mythical creatures, who appear to have been captured by the fearsome Red Bull. She joins forces with Schmendrick, a clumsy magician with unreliable magic, and Molly Grue, a woman whose lifelong dream is to see a unicorn. Together, they travel far from home, facing both wonder and peril, and eventually reach the castle of King Haggard. The unlikely trio must learn to trust each other as they uncover the secrets of the unicorn's past and her connection to the Red Bull.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.2 - 11
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystemMovie · 2003 · 65m · Animation, Science Fiction, MusicA record producer abducts four gifted alien musicians and disguises them as humans. Shep, a space pilot who is in love with the bass player Stella, follows them to Earth. The aliens are reprogrammed to forget their past and renamed The Crescendolls, quickly achieving fame with shallow corporate pop music. At a concert, Shep frees the musicians, except Stella, and they embark on a journey to uncover their true identities and save her.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8 - 12
FernGully: The Last RainforestMovie · 1992 · 76m · Family, Fantasy, AnimationIn the magical rainforest of FernGully, a small boy named Zak is shrunk by Crysta, a sprite who wants to save their home from being destroyed. A logging company's greed endangers FernGully, so Zak and his fairy friends fight back against the lumberjacks to protect the forest. They must also confront a vengeful spirit that threatens their world. This story about friendship and courage shows how working together can restore balance to the enchanted realm of FernGully.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 13
The Adventures of TintinMovie · 2011 · 107m · Adventure, Animation, MysteryYoung reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy find themselves in a thrilling adventure when they uncover a ship concealing a dangerous secret. Drawn into a mystery spanning centuries, Tintin becomes the suspect of a priceless treasure thief, Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine. With the assistance of Captain Haddock and the detectives Thompson and Thomson, Tintin and Snowy journey across the globe, staying ahead of their adversaries in pursuit of the Unicorn, a sunken ship rumored to hold immense wealth and a powerful curse.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.9 - 14
The Plague DogsMovie · 1982 · 86m · Adventure, Animation, DramaTwo unlikely heroes, Rowf and Snitter, race across the English countryside for survival after escaping an animal research laboratory. They must evade search parties, including the military, who believe they carry the bubonic plague.
This adventure follows the dogs as they use their instincts to stay ahead of those pursuing them. Their journey highlights loyalty, trust, and friendship in a desperate fight for survival.
Facing overwhelming odds, the duo makes difficult choices, raising questions about what it means to survive when facing captivity. This gripping story is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.9 - 15
The Secret of NIMHMovie · 1982 · 83m · Family, Animation, FantasyA widowed field mouse undertakes a journey with her family, facing hardship when a farmer's plow threatens their home. She must relocate her loved ones, including her weak son, to find safety. With help from a wise crow and escaped lab rats, the determined mother overcomes obstacles to build a new home for her family on secure ground. This story explores family, hope, and the strength found in working together.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 16
Gauche the CellistMovie · 1982 · 63m · Animation, Music, FantasyIn a quiet early 20th-century town, Gauche is a modest cellist who plays in the local orchestra and accompanies silent movies. He struggles with criticism from his conductor as they prepare for a performance of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony. Over four nights, Gauche receives unexpected visitors at his home: a group of talking animals drawn to his cello's music. As these unusual creatures share their stories with him, Gauche begins to find his own potential and discovers the power of music to connect people and foster friendship.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.2
