A History of Animation: The Most Memorable Movies from Past to Present

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Tangled (2010) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
Long ago, a magical golden flower was used to heal the sick and elderly. Mother Gothel, a selfish woman, hoarded the flower’s power to stay young. But when the queen of a nearby kingdom falls ill, the flower is used to save her. As a result, the queen’s baby—Rapunzel—is born with magical hair that can heal and restore youth.
To reclaim the magic, Gothel kidnaps the baby and locks her in a hidden tower, raising her as her own while using her hair to stay young. On Rapunzel’s 18th birthday, she dreams of seeing the floating lanterns released by the kingdom each year in memory of their lost princess.
Enter Flynn Rider, a charming thief who stumbles upon her tower while on the run. Rapunzel seizes the moment and convinces him to take her to see the lanterns. As they journey together, secrets unravel, bonds form, and Rapunzel discovers her true identity—and her power to take control of her own destiny.
Review:
Tangled is a visually rich, emotionally rewarding reimagining of the classic Rapunzel fairy tale. It blends Disney’s traditional charm with modern wit, dynamic action, and unforgettable music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.
Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) and Zachary Levi (Flynn) bring warmth and chemistry to the leads, while Donna Murphy’s Mother Gothel is both manipulative and haunting. The animation is stunning, particularly the lantern scene, which remains one of Disney’s most iconic moments.
Tinker Bell: Secret of the Wings (2012) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
In Pixie Hollow, the fairies are divided by seasons—warm fairies live in the lush green side, while winter fairies reside across the snowy border. The warm side fairies are forbidden from crossing into the Winter Woods. But curiosity gets the best of Tinker Bell, and she sneaks across, only to find her wings mysteriously sparkling.
In the Winter Woods, she meets Periwinkle, a frost fairy. To their shock and delight, they realize they are twin sisters, separated at birth. The two bond quickly, but their worlds weren’t meant to mix. As they try to spend more time together, their secret risks the balance of the seasons in Pixie Hollow.
When the Pixie Dust Tree is threatened by freezing temperatures, it’s up to Tinker Bell and Periwinkle—together with their friends—to save both their homes and prove that love and family can overcome any boundary.
Review:
Secret of the Wings is one of the most emotional and beautifully animated entries in the Tinker Bell franchise. It introduces a fresh and moving story centered on sisterhood, identity, and breaking barriers. The winter setting is visually stunning, filled with glittering frost, icy forests, and snowy landscapes that contrast the usual green of Pixie Hollow.
The dynamic between Tinker Bell and Periwinkle is heartwarming, with their connection feeling genuine and strong. The film balances action, magic, and heartfelt moments while expanding the lore of the fairy world.
Hotel Transylvania (2012) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
Count Dracula has built a luxurious, hidden hotel in Transylvania as a safe haven for monsters—away from the frightening human world. The hotel is a sanctuary for creatures like Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, and the Werewolf to vacation without fear. But Dracula’s most important guest is his daughter, Mavis, whom he has kept sheltered from the outside world.
For Mavis’s 118th birthday, Dracula throws a massive monster bash. But things spiral out of control when an unexpected visitor arrives: Jonathan, a human backpacker who stumbles into the hotel by accident. To keep the peace, Dracula disguises Jonathan as a monster. But when Jonathan and Mavis start to fall for each other, Dracula’s overprotective instincts kick in.
As Dracula tries to keep Jonathan’s identity a secret and prevent Mavis from leaving the hotel, he must confront his own fears and realize that not all humans are bad—and that sometimes, you have to let your children go to find their own way.
Review:
Hotel Transylvania is a fun, fast-paced animated comedy that brings classic monsters into the modern era. With vibrant animation, zany humor, and a heartfelt father-daughter story at its core, it’s great for families and kids alike.
Adam Sandler voices Count Dracula with comedic flair, while Selena Gomez gives Mavis warmth and independence. The monster-filled hotel is full of imaginative visuals, and the soundtrack adds a playful energy to the film.
Monsters, Inc. (2001) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
In the monster world of Monstropolis, energy is generated by scaring human children. The company behind this is Monsters, Inc., where professional scarers enter children’s bedrooms through magical closet doors to collect screams.
Top scarer James P. “Sulley” Sullivan and his wisecracking partner Mike Wazowski are the best in the business. But everything changes when a little human girl—nicknamed Boo—accidentally follows Sulley back into the monster world.
Terrified of humans (who are believed to be toxic), Monstropolis descends into chaos as Sulley and Mike try to hide Boo and return her safely. Along the way, they uncover a dark secret: their rival, Randall, is building a sinister machine to extract screams by force.
As Sulley grows attached to Boo, he realizes that laughter might be more powerful than fear. In the end, the company—and their world—changes forever.
Review:
Monsters, Inc. is a heartwarming, funny, and imaginative film that turns the idea of “monsters in the closet” on its head. The world-building is clever and immersive, and the emotional connection between Sulley and Boo is deeply moving.
The voice performances by John Goodman (Sulley) and Billy Crystal (Mike) are pitch-perfect, blending warmth and humor. The animation is top-notch for its time, and the story delivers both laughs and heartfelt lessons about compassion, courage, and challenging fear-based systems.
The Emoji Movie (2017) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
Inside the smartphone of a teenage boy named Alex lies Textopolis, a vibrant city where emojis live and wait to be used in his messages. Each emoji has a single facial expression they must stick to—but Gene, a “Meh” emoji, is different. He has multiple emotions and can’t conform to his role, which causes chaos during a text and threatens the phone’s systems.
To avoid being deleted, Gene goes on a journey with Hi-5, a forgotten emoji, and Jailbreak, a mysterious hacker emoji with a secret. Their mission: reach the Cloud and reprogram Gene so he can be “normal.” Along the way, they travel through apps like Candy Crush, Just Dance, and Spotify, while Alex unknowingly prepares to wipe his phone clean—risking Textopolis and everyone inside.
Ultimately, Gene learns that being different is what makes him special, and he helps save both the phone and the emoji world.
Review:
The Emoji Movie had an ambitious idea—exploring the digital world inside our phones—but it was widely criticized for being more product placement than meaningful story. Despite colorful animation and a fast pace, the film was seen as lacking originality, depth, and emotional impact.
While it tries to promote a message about self-acceptance and individuality, it leans heavily on pop culture references, app tie-ins, and formulaic humor that didn’t resonate with critics or audiences. However, it may entertain very young viewers with its bright visuals and simple jokes.
Coco (2017) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
In the vibrant town of Santa Cecilia, young Miguel Rivera dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. But there’s one big problem—his family has banned music for generations, ever since his great-great-grandfather abandoned them to pursue a musical career.
Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel steals a guitar from Ernesto’s mausoleum during Día de los Muertos and is magically transported to the Land of the Dead. There, he meets charming trickster Héctor, and together they set off on a journey to find Ernesto and receive his blessing to return to the living world.
As Miguel unravels his family’s true history, he discovers that not everything is as it seems—and that Héctor may be more important than he ever imagined. With time running out, Miguel must mend family bonds, honor his ancestors, and return home before he’s stuck in the Land of the Dead forever.
Review:
Coco is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant masterpiece. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead, and the power of family. The film gracefully explores themes of memory, legacy, forgiveness, and following your passion, with a perfect balance of humor, adventure, and heart.
The voice cast, including Anthony Gonzalez (Miguel) and Gael García Bernal (Héctor), brings warmth and authenticity. The music, especially the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me,” is both beautiful and deeply emotional, anchoring the film’s themes in melody.
Ralph Breaks the Internet (WiFi Ralph) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
Ralph and Vanellope have been best friends ever since they saved the arcade in Wreck-It Ralph. But their lives take a dramatic turn when the steering wheel for Vanellope’s arcade game, Sugar Rush, breaks—and there’s no replacement available in the real world.
The solution? Head into the Internet.
When Litwak’s Arcade gets WiFi, Ralph and Vanellope dive into the vast, chaotic, and dazzling world of the internet to find a replacement part on eBay. Along the way, they encounter pop-ups, memes, clickbait, and viral videos—plus new friends like Yesss, the stylish algorithm behind a trend-setting video site, and Shank, a fearless driver from an intense online racing game.
But as Vanellope finds a new sense of freedom in this wild digital universe, Ralph begins to feel left behind. His insecurities grow, leading him to unleash a virus that threatens the internet itself—and their friendship.
In the end, both characters learn a valuable lesson: friendship doesn’t mean holding someone back—it means supporting them, even as they grow in a different direction.
Review:
Ralph Breaks the Internet is a smart, emotional, and visually stunning sequel that expands on the original with heart and humor. Its satirical take on online culture—YouTube fame, spam, Disney fandom, and more—is both clever and wildly entertaining. The scene with all the Disney princesses is a standout moment that mixes nostalgia with fresh self-awareness.
But beyond the gags, this film dives deep into insecurities, codependency, and emotional growth. Ralph’s journey from clingy friend to supportive ally is genuinely moving, and Vanellope’s desire for more than her coded life brings depth to a bright digital world.
Brave (2012) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
In medieval Scotland, Princess Merida of Clan Dunbroch is a fiery, headstrong teenager who defies traditional expectations. Her mother, Queen Elinor, wants her to follow the royal path—refined, poised, and prepared for an arranged marriage. But Merida dreams of freedom, adventure, and mastering her bow and arrow.
When suitors from rival clans arrive to compete for her hand, Merida rebels and runs away into the forest, where she encounters a witch who offers to “change her fate.” Merida accepts—but the spell backfires and turns her mother into a bear.
Desperate to undo the curse before it becomes permanent, Merida must rely on her courage, her wits, and her evolving bond with her mother. Through peril and revelation, both Merida and Elinor learn what it truly means to listen, to understand, and to change.
Review:
Brave is a bold departure from traditional Disney princess tales. Instead of a love story, it focuses on the complex relationship between mother and daughter, making it emotionally rich and unique among animated films.
Visually, Pixar brings the Scottish Highlands to life with breathtaking animation—lush forests, misty hills, and wild hair that practically has a life of its own. Merida is a strong, relatable heroine: impulsive yet determined, flawed but fiercely independent.
The film blends folklore, magic, and action with heart. While some critics felt the tone shifted unevenly between comedy and drama, the film’s emotional message about family, fate, and forgiveness is clear and powerful.
Frozen (2013) – Plot and Review
Plot Summary:
In the kingdom of Arendelle, two royal sisters—Elsa and Anna—share a close bond as children. But Elsa was born with a secret: the magical ability to control ice and snow. After accidentally injuring Anna, Elsa becomes fearful of her powers and isolates herself to keep everyone safe.
Years later, Elsa is crowned queen. But during her coronation, her powers are revealed, and in a panic, she accidentally plunges Arendelle into eternal winter. Fleeing to the mountains, Elsa creates a stunning ice palace and embraces solitude.
Determined to save her sister and their kingdom, Anna sets out on a journey with Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and an enchanted snowman named Olaf. As Anna faces unexpected dangers and a betrayal from Prince Hans, she discovers that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart.
In the end, it is not romantic love—but the love between sisters—that breaks the curse and restores warmth to Arendelle.
Review:
Frozen is a groundbreaking Disney film that redefined the princess genre with a story centered on family, self-acceptance, and inner strength. Elsa’s journey from fear to empowerment resonates with viewers of all ages, and Anna’s loyalty and bravery make her a lovable counterpart.
Visually, the film dazzles with icy landscapes and detailed animation. Its soundtrack became an instant classic, especially the Oscar-winning anthem “Let It Go”, which powerfully captures Elsa’s emotional liberation.
Rather than relying on a prince to save the day, Frozen focuses on female empowerment and the transformative power of sisterly love, setting a new standard for Disney storytelling.