10 Animated Films That Made History: A Timeless Legacy

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Encanto (2021) – Animated Musical Review
Encanto is a vibrant and heartwarming animated film from Disney that introduces us to the extraordinary Madrigal family, each member gifted with unique magical powers, except for one – the humble and self-doubting Mirabel. Set against the backdrop of a magical, colorful Colombian town, Encanto explores themes of family, self-worth, and discovering one’s purpose.
Plot Overview:
The Madrigal family lives in a magical house in the hills of Colombia, where every family member possesses a special gift. From superhuman strength to the ability to control the weather, the family’s magic is a source of pride, tradition, and security. However, Mirabel, the only member without a gift, feels out of place and overlooked. Despite her kind and optimistic nature, she struggles to find her role in a family where everyone else shines.
When the magic that sustains their enchanted home begins to crack, Mirabel embarks on a journey to uncover the cause of the growing turmoil. As she investigates, she discovers that the source of the family’s powers – and the very house itself – is in danger. With the future of the Madrigal family hanging in the balance, Mirabel must confront her fears, uncover hidden truths about her family’s past, and ultimately learn that the most magical thing about her family is not their powers but their love and unity.
Beauty and the Beast (2017) – Live-Action Adaptation Review
Beauty and the Beast (2017), directed by Bill Condon, is a live-action remake of Disney’s beloved 1991 animated classic. This visually stunning adaptation brings the magical tale of love, redemption, and inner beauty to life with a new, star-studded cast, breathtaking visuals, and a few added layers that make it feel fresh, while staying true to the heart of the original story.
Plot Overview:
Set in a small provincial French village, the story follows Belle (Emma Watson), a young woman with a passion for books who feels out of place in a town that values beauty and traditional roles. When her father, Maurice (Kevin Kline), is captured by a mysterious Beast (Dan Stevens) in a cursed castle deep in the woods, Belle trades her freedom for her father’s release, becoming the Beast’s prisoner.
As the Beast and Belle spend more time together, they slowly form a bond. Belle begins to see past his terrifying exterior and recognizes the loneliness and pain he carries. The Beast, once a selfish prince cursed by an enchantress, is given a chance to break his curse through love. The stakes are high—he must learn to love and be loved before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.
With the curse looming over them and the evil Gaston (Luke Evans) scheming to marry Belle, the two must overcome their fears and prejudices to find true love, breaking the curse and restoring the Beast’s humanity.
The Little Mermaid (2023) – Live-Action Remake Review
Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid (2023), directed by Rob Marshall, brings the beloved animated classic to life with stunning visuals, a fresh cast, and a new twist on the underwater adventure. With Halle Bailey starring as Ariel, this remake explores the magical world of the ocean, love, and personal growth, while still staying true to the original story that captured hearts in 1989.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Ariel, a curious and adventurous mermaid who dreams of exploring the world beyond the sea. Despite her father King Triton’s (Javier Bardem) strict rules about interacting with humans, Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), a human she rescues during a storm. In order to be with him, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) – she trades her voice for human legs, knowing that if she doesn’t win Eric’s love before the end of three days, she will belong to Ursula forever.
As Ariel navigates the human world, her love for Eric deepens, but Ursula’s sinister plot threatens to destroy their chance at happiness. With the help of her loyal friends Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), and Scuttle (Awkwafina), Ariel must find a way to reclaim her voice, defeat Ursula, and break the curse that stands between her and the life she desires.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) – Animated Classic Review
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Disney’s first-ever full-length animated film, is a landmark in cinematic history. With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and timeless story, it set the foundation for many Disney classics to come. The film remains one of the most beloved animated features of all time, blending magic, adventure, and heartwarming themes of love and self-acceptance.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Snow White, a kind and beautiful young princess whose stepmother, the Evil Queen, grows envious of her beauty. The Queen, obsessed with being the “fairest of them all,” consults her magical mirror, which reveals that Snow White has surpassed her in beauty. Driven by jealousy, the Queen orders a huntsman to take Snow White into the forest and kill her. However, the huntsman cannot bring himself to harm Snow White and tells her to flee.
Lost and alone in the forest, Snow White finds refuge in the home of seven dwarfs: Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Bashful, Sneezy, and Dopey. They take her in, and she becomes part of their quirky family. But the Evil Queen, relentless in her pursuit, disguises herself as an old peddler woman and tricks Snow White into eating a poisoned apple, which sends her into a deep, enchanted sleep.
In the end, a prince, who has fallen in love with Snow White, arrives to kiss her, breaking the curse and waking her from her slumber. The Evil Queen, defeated by her own vanity, meets her end, and Snow White and the prince live happily ever after.
Mulan (1998) – Animated Classic Review
Disney’s Mulan (1998) is a groundbreaking animated film that combines action, comedy, drama, and a powerful story of courage and self-discovery. Set in ancient China, Mulan stands out as one of Disney’s most empowering films, with its strong, independent female protagonist who defies societal expectations to save her country.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Mulan, a young Chinese woman who feels out of place in her traditional society, where women are expected to be demure and serve their families. When her father is called to serve in the emperor’s army to defend China against the Huns, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes his place, despite knowing the consequences if she is discovered.
Throughout her training and battle experiences, Mulan proves herself as a fierce and skilled warrior, defying all odds. Alongside a colorful cast of characters, including the dragon Mushu and her comrades in arms, Mulan navigates the challenges of war, loyalty, and self-identity. Her courage and resourcefulness ultimately save China, leading to her recognition as a hero.
Moana 2 – Sequel Concept Review (Speculative)
Moana (2016) was a visually stunning, emotionally charged animated film that won hearts worldwide with its empowering story of adventure, self-discovery, and courage. Since its release, fans have been eagerly awaiting news of a possible sequel. As Moana 2 (2025) is yet to be confirmed, here’s a speculative look at what a follow-up could explore based on the original’s themes and the ever-expanding world of the Polynesian islands.
Plot Concept:
In the aftermath of Moana’s triumph over the curse of Te Fiti and her return to her village, the young chief has assumed her leadership role with great wisdom and strength. However, the ocean continues to stir with mystery, and Moana finds herself at the heart of a new adventure—this time, to help protect the ocean itself from a new, unprecedented threat.
A mysterious force begins to disrupt the delicate balance of the seas, and ancient legends speak of a great upheaval that could alter the tides forever. With her love for the ocean and her people, Moana embarks on a perilous journey, alongside her trusted friend Maui (voiced again by Dwayne Johnson), to prevent a catastrophic event. Along the way, they face new mythical creatures, explore unknown lands, and uncover forgotten stories that challenge their understanding of the world.
The central conflict in Moana 2 would focus on Moana’s journey of growth—navigating the responsibilities of leadership while confronting the unknown challenges that come with it. As she learns more about the ocean’s mysteries, Moana will also discover new facets of her identity, proving that the adventure is never truly over and that leadership comes with constant self-reflection and sacrifice.
Brave (2012) – Animated Film Review
Brave (2012), Pixar’s 13th animated feature film, stands out as a tale of self-discovery, bravery, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Set in medieval Scotland, Brave takes viewers on an adventure full of magic, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable characters. With its unique take on the classic fairy tale formula, Brave is both heartwarming and empowering, as it delves into themes of independence, tradition, and the ties that bind.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), a free-spirited and adventurous Scottish princess with a passion for archery and defying the traditional roles placed upon her. As the daughter of Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson), who seeks to teach her the ways of royalty and responsibility, Merida feels trapped by expectations of marriage and her future as a ruler.
When Merida rebels against the idea of an arranged marriage and challenges her mother’s authority, the tension between them reaches a boiling point. In an attempt to change her fate, Merida turns to a witch (voiced by Julie Walters) for help, asking for a spell that will change her mother. The spell, however, has unintended consequences, transforming Queen Elinor into a bear. Now, mother and daughter must work together to break the curse before it becomes permanent, learning important lessons about their relationship along the way.
Tangled (2010) – Animated Film Review
Tangling (2010) is Disney’s reimagining of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale, bringing a fresh, vibrant twist to a timeless story. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, Tangled offers a perfect blend of humor, heart, adventure, and unforgettable music, making it one of Disney’s most beloved animated films.
Plot Overview:
The story centers on Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore), a spirited young princess with magical, long golden hair that has the power to heal and grant eternal youth. She has spent her entire life locked away in a tower by her “mother” Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy), who claims to be protecting her from the dangers of the world. Gothel’s true intention, however, is to use Rapunzel’s magic for her own selfish desires, never allowing Rapunzel to leave the tower.
On the eve of her 18th birthday, Rapunzel’s curiosity about the world beyond the tower grows, especially when she sees the floating lanterns in the sky—a yearly tradition that is tied to her mysterious past. When a charming thief named Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi) stumbles into her tower, Rapunzel sees an opportunity to escape and discover the world for herself. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with danger, romance, and self-discovery, as Rapunzel learns the truth about her origins and the power of love and freedom.
The Princess and the Frog (2009) – Animated Film Review
The Princess and the Frog (2009) is Disney’s return to traditional hand-drawn animation, and it offers a fresh take on classic fairy tale themes. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film blends the magic of Disney with the rich culture and vibrant music of New Orleans, creating a heartwarming and visually stunning story that also brings an important message about dreams, love, and self-empowerment.
Plot Overview:
The story is set in 1920s New Orleans, where a hardworking young woman named Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) dreams of opening her own restaurant. She is dedicated to working multiple jobs to save enough money to make her dream a reality, but her life changes when she meets a prince, Prince Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos), who has been transformed into a frog by a wicked witch doctor.
In a series of events, Tiana kisses the frog, believing that doing so will break the curse, but instead, she too is turned into a frog. Together, Tiana and Naveen must embark on a journey through the bayous to find a way to break the curse, learning valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to follow one’s dreams. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures, face challenges, and develop a deep bond that ultimately leads to breaking the curse and realizing that their dreams were always within their reach.