From Walt Disney to Pixar: Legendary Animated Films of the Century

Related Movies:

Related Movies:

Related Movies:

Movie Title: Coraline (2009)

Plot Summary:
Coraline is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick, based on Neil Gaiman’s novella of the same name. The movie follows Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), a curious and adventurous 11-year-old girl who moves with her parents to a new home in a small, isolated town. Her parents are distant and busy with their work, leaving Coraline feeling neglected and bored.

One day, while exploring her new home, Coraline discovers a mysterious door that leads to an alternate version of her world, a parallel reality where everything seems perfect. In this “Other World,” Coraline meets her “Other Mother” (voiced by Teri Hatcher), a more attentive and loving version of her real mother. The Other World appears to be everything Coraline has ever dreamed of — more colorful, more exciting, and filled with things that seem to cater to her every desire.

However, as Coraline spends more time in the Other World, she begins to realize that things are not as perfect as they seem. The Other Mother, while kind at first, has a sinister and manipulative side, and her world is filled with strange, eerie creatures. The Other Mother reveals her true intentions: to keep Coraline in the Other World forever by trapping her and replacing her eyes with buttons.

With the help of a talking cat and other quirky characters from the real world, Coraline must face her fears, escape the clutches of the Other Mother, and save her real parents, who have been trapped in the Other World. Along the way, Coraline learns important lessons about bravery, family, and appreciating what she has in her real life.

Coraline is a visually stunning and suspenseful tale that blends fantasy, horror, and coming-of-age themes. The film is known for its dark atmosphere, unique animation style, and its exploration of the themes of temptation, self-discovery, and the importance of family. While it may be eerie and unsettling at times, the movie also delivers a powerful message about courage and the consequences of wanting something too badly.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Plot Summary:
The first film introduces Count Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler), who runs a lavish hotel in Transylvania, catering to monsters looking for a safe haven away from the human world. The hotel is a sanctuary where vampires, werewolves, mummies, and other supernatural beings can relax and have fun without fear of human interference. Dracula’s daughter, Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez), is turning 118 years old and is eager to explore the human world, but her overprotective father refuses to let her leave the safety of the hotel.

When a human traveler, Jonathan (voiced by Andy Samberg), accidentally stumbles into the hotel, Dracula panics, fearing that Mavis will fall in love with a human and put the family’s safety at risk. Dracula tries to pass Jonathan off as a monster, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events. Over time, Dracula and Jonathan form an unlikely friendship, and Mavis begins to question the constraints of her sheltered life.

Hotel Transylvania is a comedic, heartwarming story about family, love, and accepting the unknown. The film features slapstick humor, charming animation, and a fun cast of colorful characters. It was a commercial success, spawning several sequels.

Movie Title: Zootopia (2016)

Plot Summary:
Zootopia is a vibrant and imaginative animated film set in a city populated by anthropomorphic animals. The story follows Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), an ambitious and optimistic rabbit who becomes the first rabbit police officer in the city of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Judy is assigned to a minor case involving a missing otter, despite the fact that larger, more important cases are being ignored.

Teaming up with a sly and charming con artist fox, Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), Judy uncovers a conspiracy involving missing animals and a mysterious “savage” behavior affecting the city’s predators. As they investigate, they face obstacles from within their own departments and encounter prejudice, forcing Judy and Nick to confront their own biases and assumptions about each other’s species.

Zootopia is a social commentary wrapped in a fun, fast-paced, and colorful adventure. It tackles themes such as discrimination, prejudice, and the importance of understanding others, all while exploring the relationship between predators and prey in a world where these animals live side by side. The movie also focuses on the idea of not judging others based on stereotypes and the value of working together despite differences.

With clever writing, stunning animation, and a mix of comedy and heart, Zootopia became a massive success. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received widespread praise for its mature themes, humor, and memorable characters, such as the quirky sloth Flash (voiced by Raymond S. Persi) and the tough but lovable Chief Bogo (voiced by Idris Elba).

Movie Title: Incredibles 2 (2018)

Plot Summary:
Incredibles 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004), continuing the story of the Parr family — a family of superheroes in a world where superheroes have been banned. Directed by Brad Bird, the sequel picks up directly after the events of the first film.

The movie starts with the Parr family, led by Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson), his wife Helen Parr / Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter), and their children Violet (voiced by Sarah Vowell), Dash (voiced by Huck Milner), and Jack-Jack (voiced by Eli Fucile). After the events of the first film, the government is still hesitant about legalizing superheroes. However, a wealthy businessman, Winston Deavor (voiced by Bob Odenkirk), along with his sister Evelyn (voiced by Catherine Keener), comes up with a plan to bring superheroes back into the public eye. They want to put Elastigirl back on the frontlines as the face of the superhero comeback, leaving Mr. Incredible to take on the domestic duties of raising their kids, especially caring for their youngest, Jack-Jack, who is starting to exhibit his own unpredictable powers.

As Elastigirl embarks on a new mission to stop a mysterious villain known as the Screenslaver, Bob struggles with being a stay-at-home dad. He faces the challenge of managing his kids’ superpowers, including Jack-Jack’s rapidly evolving abilities. Meanwhile, Violet deals with her teenage insecurities and her budding romance with Tony (voiced by Michael Bird), and Dash struggles with his schoolwork due to his super-speed.

The family is eventually brought together when they discover the true identity of the Screenslaver and work as a team to stop the villain’s plan to control the minds of the public. The film highlights the importance of teamwork, family bonds, and embracing one’s strengths, while also dealing with the issues of public perception and responsibility.

Incredibles 2 is a thrilling, action-packed sequel that balances superhero antics with humor, heart, and family dynamics. It explores the evolution of the Parr family as they grow both individually and as a team. With stunning animation, clever storytelling, and a memorable cast of characters, the film was a massive success, both critically and commercially, and remains one of Pixar’s most popular sequels.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Plot Summary:
Monsters, Inc. is a heartwarming animated film from Pixar that explores the world of monsters. The story is set in a city powered by the screams of children, with Monsters, Inc., a factory that collects these screams, serving as the city’s main energy source. The two main characters, James P. Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman), known as Sulley, and his one-eyed partner Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal), are top “scarers” who work at the factory.

When a little girl named Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) accidentally enters the monster world, she brings chaos to their carefully controlled environment. The monsters, who are terrified of children, must find a way to return Boo to her world without causing harm or exposure. As Sulley and Mike attempt to save Boo, they uncover a larger conspiracy about the factory’s operations and realize that laughter, not fear, is the true source of energy. The film is a fun, imaginative exploration of friendship, courage, and how things are not always what they seem.

Movie Title: Ratatouille (2007)

Plot Summary:
Ratatouille is a heartwarming and visually stunning animated film that tells the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking. Set in Paris, the film follows Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt), who dreams of becoming a renowned chef, much to the dismay of his family, who believe that rats should only focus on finding food to eat. Despite the danger of living in a human world, Remy’s extraordinary sense of smell and taste make him stand out among other rats.

After a series of events, Remy finds himself in the kitchens of Gusteau’s, a once-famous French restaurant that has fallen into disrepair. There, he meets Linguini (voiced by Lou Romano), a clumsy and inexperienced young man who is the new garbage boy at the restaurant. When Remy helps Linguini by secretly guiding his movements while he cooks, they create culinary masterpieces. Linguini, unaware that Remy is the true genius behind the dishes, rises to fame as the restaurant’s new star chef.

As the restaurant’s success grows, so do the complications. Remy must keep his secret from the chef Skinner (voiced by Ian Holm), who is determined to take control of Gusteau’s legacy, while also dealing with the ethical dilemma of being a rat working in a prestigious human kitchen. Throughout the film, Remy’s journey reflects themes of pursuing your dreams, embracing who you are, and working to prove that anyone, no matter their background, can achieve greatness.

The film features stunning animation, charming characters, and a soundtrack by composer Michael Giacchino. The title, Ratatouille, refers to the French dish that Remy creates as his signature dish, symbolizing the beauty of food, creativity, and finding one’s unique voice in a world full of limitations.

Movie Title: Moana (2016)

Plot Summary:
Moana is an animated musical film produced by Disney, set in ancient Polynesia. The story follows Moana Waialiki (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), a spirited and adventurous teenage girl who is the daughter of the chief of the island village of Motunui. As the heir to the island, Moana is expected to one day lead her people and carry on the traditions of her ancestors. However, Moana feels torn between her responsibilities and her desire for adventure, as she is drawn to the sea and dreams of exploring the world beyond her island.

When a mysterious environmental disaster strikes Motunui, the island’s crops begin to wither, and the villagers are at risk of starvation. Moana’s grandmother, Gramma Tala (voiced by Rachel House), reveals that the disaster is a result of the theft of the heart of Te Fiti, a powerful goddess, by the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). To restore balance and save her island, Moana must find Maui and return the stolen heart.

Despite the doubts of her father, who forbids her from venturing out into the sea, Moana sets out on a daring journey. She sails across the ocean, overcoming fierce storms and other dangers, to find Maui and convince him to help her restore the heart of Te Fiti. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about bravery, leadership, and self-discovery.

Maui, initially reluctant, agrees to help Moana, and together they face challenges, including confronting Te Ka, a fiery lava monster, and learning about each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Through her journey, Moana discovers her true identity, her role as a leader, and her connection to the sea and her ancestors.

Moana is a beautiful and empowering story about courage, destiny, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film’s vibrant animation, catchy songs (including the hit “How Far I’ll Go”), and the dynamic performances of the voice cast made it a critical and commercial success. The film also emphasizes themes of environmental conservation and respecting the traditions and wisdom of previous generations.

Movie Title: Frozen (2013)

Plot Summary:
Frozen is a Disney animated musical that tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell), set in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa, the older sister, has magical powers that allow her to control and create ice and snow. As a child, Elsa accidentally injures Anna with her powers, which causes a rift between the sisters and leads their parents to keep Elsa’s abilities a secret from the world — and even from Anna. Elsa grows up isolated, struggling to control her powers, while Anna longs for the close bond she once had with her sister.

On the day of Elsa’s coronation as queen of Arendelle, her powers are accidentally revealed to the public when she loses control during a moment of stress. Fearing that she is a danger to her people, Elsa flees to the mountains, where she builds herself an ice palace and isolates herself, embracing her powers for the first time. This causes the kingdom to be engulfed in an eternal winter, which Anna is determined to stop.

Anna sets out on a journey to find Elsa and bring her back to Arendelle. Along the way, she teams up with Kristoff (voiced by Josh Gad), a rugged ice harvester, and his reindeer companion, Sven. They also encounter Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad), a funny, friendly snowman brought to life by Elsa’s magic, who dreams of experiencing summer. The group faces various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, dangerous mountain trolls, and Elsa’s fear of losing control again.

As Anna and Elsa confront their fears and misunderstandings, Anna realizes that the love between sisters is the key to breaking the eternal winter. Elsa learns to embrace her powers and finally understands that love — both familial and self-love — is what gives her the strength to control her magic.

Frozen became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its stunning animation, unforgettable songs like “Let It Go,” and themes of sisterhood, love, and self-empowerment. The movie explores themes of fear, isolation, acceptance, and the power of love. Elsa’s journey from fear to self-acceptance resonated with audiences, and the movie received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, voice performances, and musical sequences.

Movie Title: The Little Mermaid (1989)

Plot Summary:
The Little Mermaid is a Disney animated film based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. The film tells the story of Ariel (voiced by Jodi Benson), a curious and adventurous young mermaid princess who dreams of living on land. Ariel is the youngest daughter of King Triton (voiced by Kenneth Mars), the ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, but she feels out of place in the underwater world and longs to explore the human world above.

Ariel is fascinated by human objects and collects treasures from the surface, much to her father’s dismay. One day, Ariel saves Prince Eric (voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes), a human prince, from a shipwreck. She falls in love with him instantly but is unable to speak with him due to her mermaid form. In her desperation to be with him, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula (voiced by Pat Carroll), who offers her the chance to become human in exchange for her voice. Ariel agrees to the deal, giving up her beautiful singing voice for a pair of human legs.

Ariel becomes human, but she only has three days to make Prince Eric fall in love with her and kiss her, or she will lose her soul and belong to Ursula forever. With the help of her friends, including Flounder (a fish), Sebastian (a red crab), and Scuttle (a seagull), Ariel navigates the human world, trying to win Eric’s heart without the use of her voice. Meanwhile, Ursula plots to sabotage Ariel’s chances and take control of the kingdom for herself.

In the end, Ariel’s bravery and love for Eric help her break the curse. With Eric’s true love’s kiss, Ariel is transformed back into a human permanently. The film concludes with a grand celebration as Ariel and Eric marry, and Ariel is finally able to live happily in the human world.