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TIME Announces Their List of The 25 All-Time Best Animated Films
by Alex Billington
June 23, 2011
Source: TIME.com
It's time (get it) for another list of movies to debate and discuss. TIME, the magazine and also website, has announced their latest list, a selection of the 25 All-TIME Best Animated Films. Yes, they've got those three you see above, Wall-E, Pinocchio and Spirited Away, but what else makes the cut? Here's the intro: "They've enthralled or terrified generations of kids, and now they're giant worldwide blockbusters. So what are the best animated features of all time? Using an obscure system of weights and measures, TIME movie critic Richard Corliss has compiled and annotated the countdown." Read on for their complete list!
Before we go any further, I highly suggest reading TIME's full piece, as each entry includes a brief write-up from Corliss, an embed of the trailer to watch, and even a Facebook Like button, too. It's a great way to countdown through this entire list! But for discussion purposes, here's the full 25 listed from bottom to top:
25. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
24. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
23. Yellow Submarine (1968)
22. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
21. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
20. Paprika (2007)
19. Tangled (2010)
18. The Lion King (1994)
17. Akira (1988)
16. Happy Feet (2006)
15. Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
14. The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)
13. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
12. Toy Story (1995)
11. Toy Story 3 (2010)
10. The Little Mermaid (1989)
9. Finding Nemo (2003)
8. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
7. Up (2009)
6. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
5. Spirited Away (2001)
4. Dumbo (1941)
3. The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie (1979)
2. WALL-E (2008)
1. Pinocchio (1940)
Corliss' final, poignant comment about Pinocchio: "The boldest of Disney's horror homilies is also the most powerful demonstration of the ability of a medium supposedly aimed at kids to evoke persuasive motion and deep human emotion. The story of a puppet who wants to be a real live boy also serves as an allegory for the work of the Disney geniuses — and all the great animators whose works are included here — who start with pencil and ink, or pixels, or silhouettes, or plasticine figurines, and create vivid characters that live forever inside the small, enthralled child that is every moviegoer." (Original source.)
Going through this, I must say that it is a damn good list, he touches upon most of the truly important animated films, including Akira and The Triplets of Belleville and the South Park movie, which received a considerably high ranking. However, reading through it, like me, you'll most likely be surprised, relieved, and potentially frustrated at the same time, but of course that's expected. Having just watched Wall-E, I'm not sure I'd put it that high up, and - what gives?! - The Incredibles isn't even on there at all. Other than that, I can appreciate each and every one listed so it's hard to argue. But have at it! Thoughts on their 25?
156 Comments
1
Kung Fu Panda really, Happy Feet as well, those are just two I disagree with.
StandardModel on Jun 23, 2011
2
This list is garbage. You're right that it touches on a wide spectrum of animation but Happy Feet should not be allowed in the Top 100. Princess Mononoke was one of Ghibli's most important films... instead Horton hears a Who? Really? Animation doesn't always gets it fair share of appreciation and this list does nothing to help it.
Alex on Jun 23, 2011
3
I agree, but I liked Howl's Moving Castle WAY more than Mononoke
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
5
Let's just agree that this list needs more Ghibli/Miyazaki
Zach on Jun 24, 2011
6
This list is bullshit. This is more like one person listing all the animated movies they have ever seen. There is no quality comparison or actual rating involved. Dumbo, Tangled, Lady and the Tramp? Are you serious?
Nicky Jancewicz on Jun 24, 2011
7
This list needs some Zemeckis mo-cap too.
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
8
definitely more Miyazaki are needed,
Raffle on Jan 2, 2012
9
I wouldn't really call this list garbage to be honest, young Alex. However, you do have a point about Happy Feet (considering there's no real storyline or character representations)
Jon Ellison on Nov 12, 2012
10
Happy Feet? Yeesh.
Tom Vatterott on Jun 23, 2011
12
this list sucks ass
captcoolio on Jun 24, 2011
13
wall-e at number 2???????
Havehope on Jun 24, 2011
14
my eyes may be deceibing me....but is Beauty and the Beast NOT on that list?
Havehope on Jun 24, 2011
15
Beauty and the Beast is about domestic violence yo. Belle needed to get the hell out of there. Ending teaches that they'll change... no they won't.
Thuan Dang on Jun 24, 2011
16
if he didn't change then why did the spell break? Changing the story to be about something it isn't isn't a reason to cast it off as a film that supports domestic abuse. Wouldn't it be better described as a story of redemption, open mindedness, and inner beauty?
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
17
so every relationship that has domestic violence, the victim should just stick it out, in hopes it'll be just like Beauty and the Beast? I'm talking about the reality, that people rarely change, and it's foolish to believe if it happened in Beauty and the Beast, then the abusive person in a real relationship will also change. The ending is a false ending. It's a dangerous ending. If you're in an abusive relationship, don't stick it out, GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE IMMEDIATELY.
Thuan Dang on Jun 26, 2011
19
I thought exactly the same thing, Havehope. It was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, for cryin out loud. How can it not be on there??
Jedi on Jun 24, 2011
20
The only reasons Beauty was nominated for BP were 1. Harvey Weinstein didn't have anything to market the crap out of. 2. Voters were sick of voting for films about the Vietnam War.
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
21
It was nominated because it broke ground in 2D hand drawn animation. The changing camera angles and the use of computer animation were brand new at the time. Please don't be an uninformed idiot.
Gwen on Jun 24, 2011
22
Anybody can do 2D animation! all you need is a pencil and some paper. Mo-cap is more tricky because you need a special suit you can't buy in a shop.
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
23
seriously, tangled and no beauty and the beast? happy feet higher than akira? HORTON HEARS A WHO? this list is just goofballs
Brian Barajas on Jun 25, 2011
24
My personal number one is Lion King. This list was made by Pixar fanboys!
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
25
All in all, I think its a pretty good list...a bit surprised to not see a few more Disney originals (i.e. Beauty and the Beast or Aladdin)...and although its been watered down with sequels and spin offs, the original Shrek is still one of my favorite animated films and I think deserves to be at least in the 20s.
The Movie Kidd on Jun 24, 2011
26
Where is the Iron Giant or Gru??
Wellington on Jun 24, 2011
27
Iron Giant should certainly be mentioned somewhere on the list.
Geoff on Jun 26, 2011
28
Gru as in Despicable Me? Good God that was bizzare!
Jez on Jul 6, 2011
29
or the Incredibles??
Wellington on Jun 24, 2011
30
I don't want to suffer from the "where are my favorites" syndrome, but come on. A quarter of that list is down right laughable. No one, excluding Richard Corliss, could think Happy Feet or Tangled or even South Park to be notable animated films.
Tyler Morgan on Jun 24, 2011
31
South Park definitely is a notable film. How many adult themed animated musicals have you seen in your life?
Rashad on Jun 24, 2011
32
Not many. I also haven't seen any child porn. There are reasons why some forms of entertainment aren't given to the masses.
Tyler Morgan on Jun 24, 2011
33
South Park has been around since 1997. There is a reason that form of entertainment has been so popular with the masses. Although its on cable, reruns are shown on regular tv after midnight in some cities.
Mr. Teeny on Jun 24, 2011
34
The only ones that come to mind are South Park the Movie, Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Mamma Mia! and Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
35
If you didn't enjoy South Park your a complete tool. I'm glad it made the list. It's a great animated comedy and should be recognized. Don't be upset cause "Hello Kitty Island Adventure" didn't make it.
Logan on Jun 24, 2011
36
I hate to even do this but how am I a 'tool' for not appreciating South Park? On the contrary, I know plenty of tools that like South Park. I also love that your juvenile humor immediately suggests to you that sense I don't love Cartman & Co that I must love Hello Kitty. South Park has run its course and the only ones who still enjoy it are those that can't see the obvious humor in pop culture that South Park fans need pointed out to them by kids. Hate on.
Tyler Morgan on Jun 24, 2011
37
You have to most useless comparisons. You compare South Park to child porn. Now South Park to Hello Kitty. All those things are completely different things. I am starting to think that you are hiding some secrets tyler, in the form of hello kitty themed child porn, you tool.
Mr. Teeny on Jun 24, 2011
38
Ghost in a Shell
Josef on Jun 24, 2011
39
Ghost in a Shell sucks. Where's "The Hobbit?"
bobo on Jun 24, 2011
40
Its Ghost in the Shell not a shell. Why are you posting about something when you dont know the name.
JoeSchmoe on Jun 24, 2011
42
Whaaat Happy Feet!!??? Terrible.. No way... Horrible list..
DIego on Jun 24, 2011
43
That Picard meme comes to mind when I saw the list. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?
Chris A. on Jun 24, 2011
44
LOL, what a terrible list.
JT on Jun 24, 2011
45
ummmmmmmmmm WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT
roger on Jun 24, 2011
46
Not sure if it would have been eligible since that film is a hybrid.
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
47
Soo, Happy Feet beat Akira, Tangled, THE LION KING?! What is wrong with the world?
Mr. Foe on Jun 24, 2011
48
Penguins are cute, lions aren't, end of! Happy Feet was a feel-good film Akira was a bit too gloomy and depressing.
Jez on Jun 25, 2011
49
Do the world a favor... and kill yourself.
Fuck You on Jul 6, 2011
50
Thanks 4 the suggestion, but no thank you! I don't see why Happy Feet can't be on this list.
Jez on Jul 6, 2011
51
Lol ur gay...
Gytiss12 on Jan 3, 2012
52
Any list of this kind without The Haunted World of El Superbeasto is invalid.
tommyturner on Jun 24, 2011
53
No Fantastic Planet, no Mononoke, Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner over Spirited Away, no Fantasia, no Grave of the Fireflies... Pfft.
immature on Jun 24, 2011
54
no Iron Giant, no Princess Mononoke, no Howl`s moving castle, no Cloudy with a chance of meatballs, no Ghost in the shell, no Steamboy... (the list goes on)... = FAIL
Leo on Jun 24, 2011
55
I think we can all agree that 101 dalmations should be on this list.
Cap on Jun 24, 2011
56
No TRANSFORMERS: The movie 1986 ????? This list has no "touch"!
SV7 on Jun 24, 2011
57
You've got the touch! You've got the POOOOOWWWWWEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! and while I didnt expect it to be there that was a great movie
ross on Jun 24, 2011
58
I honestly cannot believe that "The secret of NIMH" did not make the list. It is an absolute masterpiece.
Laurent on Jun 24, 2011
59
This list is wrong. Many of these movies: Horton, Mr. Fox, Happy Feet, South Park, Roadrunner/ Bugs bunny, Wallace and Gromet, and Kung Foo Panda shouldn't be on this list. What about: The Iron Giant, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm, Fantasia, The Incredibles, and Beauty And The Beast(nominated for best picture)? Clearly this list was put together quickly with no research being done and just choosing well known movies, with a few obscure ones to make it look smart.
Adam Weinstein on Jun 24, 2011
60
I'm also a fan of Fantasia, but technically, it is not fully animated, it is both animation and live-action
Jon Ellison on Nov 12, 2012
61
What a nice no-harm-no-foul list. Clearly this was aiming to be a forgettable item rather than for helpful reference.
V Marquis on Jun 24, 2011
62
Expected The lion king to be at least in the top.And princess mononoke not even there. I lose hope right there.
Goku on Jun 24, 2011
63
Brad Bird got robbed. No sign of The Iron Giant, The Incredibles or Ratatouille; and that's just criminal. Brad Bird writes 'em like the old classics used to. He should have had at least one of his titles make the list.
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
64
totally agree
Jack on Jun 24, 2011
65
THE SECRET OF NIHM! and AMERICAN TAIL!
happy camper on Jun 24, 2011
66
There are a few very notable omissions from this list. Beauty and the Beast and The Iron Giant should most definitely be on there, and where is Grave of the Fireflies? A brilliant anime and war film, it's easily one of the greatest films of all time.
Bschaar on Jun 24, 2011
67
Where the heck is 'Beauty & the Beast'? Apparently, it's the first to be nominated for Best Picture in the Oscars. Still, there's no love for it?
Nishit Mohan Singh on Jun 24, 2011
68
It only got nominated as a result of Simpsonsmania.
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
69
bullshit. Sorta.
Ajmrowland on Jul 3, 2011
70
the fact that happy feet is on here, south park and up are in the top ten, there is no incredibles, iron giant, , toy story 3 is higher than toy story 1, all make me not like this list. just prefferences though i guess.
Jack on Jun 24, 2011
71
Odd list, would think if you were going to toss a dreamworks move in there it would be How to Train Your Dragon... still never heard of The Adventures of Prince Achmed... I'll have to look it up
Staatz on Jun 24, 2011
72
I love that the big film of debate on this list is Happy Feet. Guys, people really like that movie. And, in most critical circles, it is intensely well-respected and regarded as one of the better animated films of the last decade. Seriously, outside of mainly comment sections and talkbacks, I've never seen any kind of pure malice toward this movie that didn't come from a lack of casual disinterest. Happy Feet is the movie that people most seem to compare to "Watership Down," albeit a bit more light-hearted, for its realistic character designs and focus on cultural mythology, and I agree with that summation. No, the really point of contention should be that "Horton Hears a Who" is anywhere on there. Yikes.
BuffaloWilder on Jun 24, 2011
73
I think the issue with Happy Feet is that it felt like two different movies - the animated kids movie, and the global warning/man is destroying the earth movie. It simply got too preachy for a movie I'd consider to be put into the top 25 animated movies of all time. Good, cute movie? Yes, but not one of the all-time best.
Emma on Jun 24, 2011
74
But, all of that stuff was in there from the very beginning of the film - it never just abruptly introduces these elements to the audience out of nowhere; they're always lurking just barely under the surface until the narrative pulls back the curtain, about forty minutes in. And, I'd argue with it being called preachy, as well - for my part, the film is less concerned with the fish themselves than with the social ramifications of all of that stuff on the penguins, who are very closed off. That's the entire point. Also, it's not at all about global warming (like, it's never even mentioned), which is something a lot of people seem to say - so, it can't have been that preachy, or so few would make that mistake.
BuffaloWilder on Jun 26, 2011
75
Ninja Scroll is missing. This list is invalid.
Dru on Jun 24, 2011
76
horrible list...aladdin,incredibles, monsters inc,ratatouille, etc missing.... why is southpark,happy feet included?shrek1&2 are also better than some movies mentioned in the list....
Rojagegeo on Jun 24, 2011
77
lion king should be #1 that movie made me cry, and what the hell no beauty and the beast or peter pan. idk but im more dissapointed with the choices really, i disagree with 10 that are in here more than the one that are not.
Rey on Jun 24, 2011
78
Your point about LK is a bit like saying South Park the movie should have been #1 because it made people laugh their asses off. A fine point for what it is but starts to become irrelevant when there's animated features of many genres.
Kev on Nov 22, 2011
79
Clearly the list of 25 All-Time Best Movie Critics would not include Richard Corliss
God on Jun 24, 2011
80
LOL
Fuck You on Jul 6, 2011
81
No Beauty & The Beast, The Incredibles or Princess Monoke and instead we get Happy Feet (on #16 no less)?! Insta-fail.
Cookie on Jun 24, 2011
82
And why is The Nightmare Before Christmas or Coraline not on this list? These two and The Corpse Bride are so much better than Fantastic Mr. Fox. Also My personal Pixar favorite is Ratatouille. Shame it didn't make the cut!
Roel on Jun 24, 2011
83
12 of the 25 are after 2000, which seems kinda odd. Where is the Jungle Book??
Stephen on Jun 24, 2011
84
No Totoro and no Grave of the Fireflies.. Wrong!!!
Yono on Jun 24, 2011
85
Road To Eldorado and Owls of Ga'Hoole are my faves. And I want to see Rango. Other than that I'm not big on animation. Monsters VS Aliens was ok.
Davide Coppola on Jun 24, 2011
86
I can't believe Monsters Inc. wasn't on that list.
Gplongwood on Jun 24, 2011
87
this list sucks. how is happy feet better than the lion king?
nick on Jun 24, 2011
88
How could they leave 'Delgo' , 'The Page Master' and the hart wrenching tear jerking drama 'My Little Pony: The Movie' :0p
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
89
Lets kick out Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!, Kung Fu Panda , Tangled, Happy Feet, The Little Mermaid and add Ghost in the Shell, Persepolis, My Neighbour Totoro, Fritz The Cat, Heavy Metal, Kirikou and the Sorceress, Animal Farm, The Secret of Nimh, Gandahar, Fantasia, Svankmajer's Alice and The Nightmare Before Christmas!
Anonymous on Jun 24, 2011
90
It's always a good sight when Wallace and Grommit: Curse of the Were Rabbit is on this list. The most glaring omissions are the Mo-Caps films from Robert Zemeckis. Say what you will about Zemeckis' style but his take on A Christmas Carol is actually one of the most faithful adaptations of that story. Plus where the Hell is The Simpsons Movie?
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
91
The Brave Little Toaster, Land Before Time, The Rescuers?
And on Jun 24, 2011
92
NINJA SCROLL
scottdavidsonexperience on Jun 24, 2011
93
this list is trash. the writer should be fired. where is bueaty and the beast, first animated movie ever to be nominated for an ocsar. Lion king should be 1.
Rallshah on Jun 24, 2011
94
Write your own then
Rderosa32 on Jun 24, 2011
95
Many animated featiures have been nominated for oscars, even before Beauty.
Kev on Nov 22, 2011
96
Beauty and the Beast was the 1st to be nominated for best picture, The first animated motion picture to be nominated was Pinocchio and it won for best song. Plus before Pinocchio won Snow white got special oscars for it's achievements.
ace13 on Mar 4, 2013
97
If you're all upset about it. Write your own list. Who cares what a magazine writes.
Rderosa32 on Jun 24, 2011
98
Great list but it's missing some films, Tangled was beautifully animated.
Dim2thesum on Jun 24, 2011
99
Beavis and Butthead Do America should have been here. Without that we probably wouldn't have had South Park the Movie, Simpsons Movie, Spongbob Squarepants Movie and Futurama: Bender's Big Score among others
Jez on Jun 24, 2011
100
I'm sorry but The Incredibles is the worst Pixar film of them all by a long amount too. Everyone I know also hates that movie the most. I disagree with you that you think The Incredibles should have made the list.
Apple76 on Jun 24, 2011
101
Well you and "everyone you know" sound like fucking idiots.
Fuck You on Jul 6, 2011
102
Seriously, no other animated film comes to mind when considering the complexities of family dynamics and making those relationships so relatable. Great film.
Satapolar on Jul 13, 2011
103
Toy Story 3, and no Grave of the Fireflies??? WTF??
Bongo_geff on Jun 24, 2011
104
That's quite a mad list, refreshing to see it shaken up a bit, Tekkonkinkreet should be up the, also from the same folk the film MindGames too, those films are both a work of art. Totoro should have been on there for sure, it's a universal film with more depth than most movies, not even animations. Also who could forget this gem, Achi and Ssipack! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSamzE6qnKM
Crapola on Jun 24, 2011
105
Really? People who feel the need to argue a subjective list of the top of anything need to go back to ranting on Craigslist.
MistyMe on Jun 24, 2011
106
Do people rant on Craigslist? What's the point of ranting there when we can rant here. Woooohoooooooooooooooo
Crapola on Jun 25, 2011
107
Actually I feel the same way... they both are pretty awful to be honest. And they are not counting with L'illusionniste (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0775489/), that is one of the most amazing animated movies ever done.
Nikole Hidalgo on Jun 24, 2011
108
This list is garbage, what gives? Happy Feet beat Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Lion King, AND Akira? It shouldn't even be on a list like this. I also notice a lack of Iron Giant and no Incredibles. The entire thing is just wrong.
Lamar on Jun 25, 2011
109
I have no problem whatso ever with Happy Feet beating the over-rated Lion King and that borefest Akira. In the world of animation, cute characters are king and Happy Feet is locked and loaded with them.
Kev on Nov 22, 2011
110
Princess Mononoke should have been there (over Horton Hears a Who?... Really?) and Grave of the Fireflies is probably the greatest animated film of all time. How could that not get included. It is surely better than Happy Feet. I am also shocked by the lack of Beauty and the Beast (the only film to get a best picture nom when there were only 5 nominees.) I personally would have liked to see Perfect Blue, Brave Little Toaster, and Iron Giant. Still, I can't complain about the rest of the list... but I wouldn't put Pinocchio that high.
James Dean on Jun 25, 2011
111
I wonder if Wallace and Grommit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit got in because it featured the voices of at least 2 Harry Potter alumni? If that was the case, then I'm suprised Time Magazine didn't go for the Tale of Despereux given that Princess Pea was voiced by Emma Watson.
Jez on Jun 25, 2011
112
THE BUGS BUNNY AND ROADRUNNER MOVIE BEAT ALL OF THE TOY STORY FILMS?!?!?!? THIS LIST IS BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!
Alleycat4444 on Jun 25, 2011
113
Admittedly this is quite crappy. But I find it intriguing that Paprika (wich is amazing btw) made the list. It is kind of strange considering all the other movies that didn't get mentioned.
Themroc on Jun 25, 2011
114
This list is awful. Happy Feet & Wall-E @ 2 give me a break. Nonsense Nonsense Nonsense.
Ridiculous. on Jun 25, 2011
115
You could easily jettison about 2/3's of the list and replace with them with some really great stuff. There are movies like Iron Giant that continue to inspire people, to entertain, to move the industry forward, and then you have lists like this that just do more damage than they could ever do any good. This is just a critic that is seriously out of touch with the industry....
Jamais Jochim on Jun 25, 2011
116
Should be renamed. "Top 20 animated movies people have heard of plus 5 they probably haven't" People have already brought up how much bullshit is on this list, but I really have to ask why Spirited Away is 'THE' Ghibli film that anyone seems to be aware of. It's honestly not nearly as good as many of their other films. Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso... They seem to have just picked whatever animated films made a buttload of money over the last decade, added some Disney classics from various eras (Where the fuck is Fantasia, btw?), Sprinkled in a few notable Japanese flicks so the anime nerds didn't go all apeshit and then shoehorned in a couple of really obscure / esoteric cult flicks. My own list would probably be more populated with Japanese flicks, but not because I love anime - I hate most of it, actually. It's just hard to not release a couple of great flicks in a year when your industry is literally shoving dozens of them out every few months. Also, listing them in order from best to worst is moot. Better to just consider them all "Among the best" and not in any particular order. My own random list: Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Jungle Book, Persepolis, Iron Giant, Toy Story, Lilo & Stitch, Snow White, Fantasia, Pinocchio, The Secret Of Kells, The Secret Of Nimh, Monsters Inc, The Place Promised In Our Early Days, Akira, Perfect Blue, Watership Down, Plague Dogs, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Whisper of the Heart, South Park, The Lion King, Tekkon Kinkreet, Waltz With Bashir, When the Wind Blows. Fill in the remaining 25th spot with whatever your favorite animated film is. I just pulled this shit off the top of my head, and I guarantee you that this list has better films on it, because I'm going by what makes for a good FILM, not a good CARTOON, which is apparently what a lot of film critics do. They grade animated films on some kind of curve that lets you get away with pandering, plot holes, illogical shit in your movie, being boring for the sake of really neat animation, etc. The films I listed all have their flaws. The films they listed are mostly rehashes of the same story in a different wrapper. If nothing else, my last has a variety of moods, style, structure and content and I would defy anyone to say that any of these could be considered "bad" or at least worse than some of the flicks on Time's list.
Anonymous on Jun 26, 2011
117
This list honestly made me so mad that I was compelled to make my own list (which I personally think is much better... but of course you are welcome to disagree.) I'm not usually one to make my own list... because honestly no one really cares. But in case you do, here is what I think a better list (though some of the ranks might need a bit tweeking... I feel I put Akira too low.) 1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) 2. Bambi (1942)3. Princess Mononoke (1997)4. Beauty and the Beast (1991)5. Finding Nemo (2003) 6. Fantasia (19407. Spirited Away (2001)8. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)9. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937)10. Wall-e (2008)11. The Lion King (1994)12. Yellow Submarine (1968) 13. Up! (2009) 14. Perfect Blue (1997) 15. Toy Story (1995)16. Toy Story 3 (2010)17. The Secret of NIMH (1982)18. Persepolis (2007)19. Aladdin (1992)20. Paprika (2006)21. Akira (1988)22. The Little Mermaid (1989)23. The Iron Giant (1999)24. The Incredibles (2004)25. Ghost in the Shell (1995) Honorable Mentions:South Park: Bigger, Longer and UncutBrave Little ToasterMy Neighbor TotoroMonsters Inc.Jungle BookShrekPinocchio
Jake G on Jun 26, 2011
118
Hello?! where is Mulan(1998) e The Prince of Egypt(1998)? Oo
Digon on Jun 26, 2011
119
The first and most blaring omission is Grave of the Fireflies, one of the best animated movies ever made, one of the best movies ever made. Period. It strikes at the deepest chord with its tale of innocence in a world torn apart, a tale that is elegant, human, universal, and evokes shuttering sobs in, well, just about anyone whose ever watched it. Other groundbreaking animes? Totoro, classic. Princess Mononoke, which gained serious attention and respect for the genre from the mainstream. Ghost in the Shell. Perfect Blue. Maybe Tekkon Kinkreet? Or Mind Game, which broke every rule ten times over and let it's animation dictate story. Or Kiriku and the Sorceress, spellbinding, no pun intended.
Pandora Young on Jun 26, 2011
120
Oh! Persepolis! I forgot! Bold, dark, soul searching, and funny as hell. Iron Giant was another terrific one! And although it's moot Snow White gets my respect. In sight of the vastness of what it achieved, what an enormous endeavor it was, the blood sweat and tears, and passion, and ambition, and imagination that went into it. Plain and simple, it was absolutely groundbreaking. Gorgeous animation, great songs .... hell I always whistle while I work.
Pandora Young on Jun 26, 2011
121
Some parts of the list are ok, but honestly, a lot of what's on this list just makes me mad. How can Toy Story 3 be so low on the list? Where's Beauty and the Beast? And I agree with what everyone else said: WHERE IS PRINCESS MONONOKE? More importantly, where's Shrek?The truth is, none of these lists can be taken at face value. Everyone has their opinion and these lists are merely meant to stimulate discussion. But this list is just blatantly wrong. I understand that some points should be controversial, but this list looks as though TIME merely thought of movies in a room and threw the first 25 they saw together. Not okay. I personally am a fan of the AFI Top Ten American Animated Films, which I think is fairly accurate, but there should be a better list out there for people to reference for global film. So I wrote one. Let me know what you all think. The link:http://adamwritesapicture.blogspot.com/2011/06/my-top-25-best-animated-films.html
Adam Pearlson on Jun 27, 2011
122
AFI isn't that acurate either. The Japs and Brits would be initially pissed off with that list for not including Akira, Wallace and Grommit among others.
Jez on Jun 30, 2011
123
I'm not so sure I get all the ire towards this list. I wasn't aware that people didn't think "Happy Feet" was terrific. I agree that there are some notable omissions, but clearly, this is just one critic's opinion, and I think his opinion holds some merit - "Pinocchio" was a terrific choice for the top spot, and I know it doesn't really have the benefit of history, but I am SHOCKED that people aren't agreeing en masse about the inclusion of "Wall-E". It was just a couple of short years ago that we were all absolutely marveling at its brilliance. And yeah, there is NO CHANCE that this list would have been complete without the "South Park" movie. I can only assume that people taking serious issue with its inclusion haven't seen it.
Drew on Jun 28, 2011
124
My Neighbor Totoro? Grave of the Fireflies? Persepolis? Beauty and the Beast? I mean come on. There's tons of movies that didn't crack this list. There's movies on the list that are just hideously placed. Besides, Pinochio really just wasn't THAT great. God, what a mess.
Miguel Angel Portela on Jun 28, 2011
125
Whomever Richard Corliss is he's clearly trying to engineer readership by inciting movie geek anger. This list is non-sensical in it's inclusion of more recent movies for the sake of more recent movies, and no self-respecting critic would add Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008), Kung Fu Panda (2008), or Happy Feet (2006) in a list of the greatest animated features of ALL TIME. Get Bent, Mr. Corliss. You're pandering.
PunchingReality on Jun 28, 2011
126
The inclusion of Happy Feet isn't that strange. Critics love this movie, and it's got a pretty big cult following populated mostly by people who really know their shit about films. There are essays and articles all over the web about all the new techniques and stuff that it's introduced into animation. Really, go and read about it.
BorisB on Jul 1, 2011
127
ON any other forum TIME movie critic Richard Corliss would be called a TROLL! and its working.
Pilgrim UK on Jul 10, 2011
128
To play games is my one of the favourite hobby. Thanks to TIME for announces their list of the 25 All-Time best Animated films. I saw the Toy Story, Wall E and Up movies of TIME. Table Pad Company
Anonymous on Jun 30, 2011
129
Let's not diss the list too much. I'd change a few, but a lot of these are very good movies. Actually, most of them are. The *real* problem is the list is only 25 and there are thousands of animated movies out there. and Horton Hears a Who is the best Dr. Seuss full-length movie by far. Fantastic Mr. Fox is really witty in its humor, but doesnt do a whole lot elsewhere. Fantasia should be up there for sure. And I think Monsters Inc too. Kung Fu Panda is really entertaining. I wouldnt really say "Tangled" cuz it didnt bring too much to the table. Half of Miuyazaki's films deserve spots, but only Spirited Away got in. And the Triplets of Bellville gets a hardy recommendation from Andrew Stanton(diector of Nemo and Wall-E) so that's good enough for me. And yes, I'm an animation amateur trying to get into the industry. I think these are all good-great films and remember, it's just an opinion.
Ajmrowland on Jul 3, 2011
130
Now, IMO, Happy Feet would be replaced with Ponyo, South Park with Beauty and the Beast, and Wall-E with Little Mermaid.
Ajmrowland on Jul 3, 2011
131
And we need Totoro
Ajmrowland on Jul 3, 2011
132
South Park the Movie has every right to be here. Without that we probably wouldn't have had The Simpsons Movie. If anything replace Akira with Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009). Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn and Jim Carrey all multi-tasking.
Jez on Jul 3, 2011
133
Less Miyazaki, more Zemeckis!
Jez on Jul 3, 2011
134
Happy Feet made the list. Automatic fail.
Deezy on Jul 5, 2011
135
Anybody complaining about South Park;The Movie being on the list probably hasn't seen it,not only is it funny with a brilliant array of songs,it's also an intelligent satire on censorship.The list is null and void though if it only contains one Ghibli movie,and no Watership Down,amongst the other notable exclusions already mentioned?Poor,and way to Disney heavy.
Jebus Chwist on Jul 7, 2011
136
grave of the fireflies!!!!!! Paid 35 euro for that due to ghibli link. oh lord if i could only have my time back. Watching 2 starving children slowly die before my eyes. Schindlers list in colour. Iron giant is great though.
paul hayes on Jul 7, 2011
137
also where is titan ae
Afbfbfer on Jul 7, 2011
138
This list is BS, What happen to Princes Mononoke, or Ninja scroll? It seems that the only animation that they considered had to be family friendly. There are many great films out there that are made for adults. Barefoot Gen for one is a very interesting film about the after affects of WWII
Rob K on Jul 11, 2011
139
Why is Sleeping Beauty not on there? Where is Beauty and the Beast? Princess Mononoke was slighted? I thought this was a list of animated films, not Pixar-Digitally animated films. They should fall into their own category imho. If you're judging animated films of ALL-TIME and you pick a movie from 2010 how is that possible? I thought the idea of being the best of all-time meant you have to establish some sort of longevity within the animation circle of life. (Yes pardon the pun, please.) I cannot even consider movies that are two or three years old for an all-time list like this. I would love to know what Time's criteria for their list entailed, because I firmly believe they don't have a clue what truly great animation is.
Guest on Jul 16, 2011
140
shrek should make it in the list
brucium on Jul 17, 2011
141
Where is the Iron Giant? Land Before Time? Heavy Metal? virtually every Pixar film but Cars? Lots of CRAZY selections on this list - none being more mind-numbingly mystifying as Horton Hears a Who.
Bolicked on Jul 18, 2011
142
Yo, I think Bambi should definitely be on the list. That movie apparently brings even grown men to tears.
BlackFantasyFilmmaker on Jul 22, 2011
143
I think half the people on here who are bitching about Happy Feet being on the list haven't actually seen it.
BobbyJ on Aug 21, 2011
144
I'm glad Spirited Away is on there. It's one of my favorite's!
Nuggerbuggs on Aug 27, 2011
145
I agree with the general opinion here. Happy Feet being on here is ridiculous. Kung Fu Panda is good, but not good enough for for this list. Mononoke, Beauty and the Beast, and Fantasia being omitted are the real sign of an epic fail for this list though. Not to mention The Incredibles AND The Iron Giant. A lot of the movies on this list are great, but to put them in the company of the "greatest" in absence of others is just silly.
Aquaseity on Oct 1, 2011
146
Folks it is important to note that any list like this can not simply be the most mind blowing, and emotionally intelligent of the genre. They also have to be the most fun, have the most heart. Animation is a medium for all. Big kids and little. I think over all - a great list. Is Princess Mononoke a better movie than say "Horton hears a who"? Defs... but put a four year old in front of the TV and see which one they laugh at. Is the incredibles a better Pixar film than say UP? Maybe but as far as the power of animation, the ability to provoke deep emotion with computerized story... UP wins. Smart, heartfelt, Fun, silly, downright stupid fun (KUNG FU PANDA) each in its own way has the right to be here.
TWF on Dec 1, 2011
147
LION KING 18th???Should be definitely first! Damn what a fail list....
Gytiss12 on Jan 3, 2012
148
Okay...first of all South Park is a film for 10 year old boys to giggle at. Secondly all of Don Bluth's films have been terribly left out (where is The Land before Time or Secret of Nimh) and Thirdly Lion King should have been higher as it is an incredibly powerful movie. Also Beauty and the Beast didn't make the list? wtf it's one of the greatest animated films of all time and i think alot of people would agree with me there.
Cjaime on Jan 5, 2012
149
Did Happy feet just get ranked higher than Akira? WTF? Instant invalidity to this entire list and anything that it's writers have ever written.
derpin herber on Mar 24, 2012
150
Where the hell is all the anime?? This list is ridiculous. 2 animes? Really? wtf
Scott on Jun 15, 2012
151
I'm am greatly disturbed by the complete over look of the Don Bluth films like "The Secret of NIMH" "An American Tale" or the original "The Land Before Time" To leave these out yet include mild entertainments such as "Horton Hears a Who" "Fantastic Mr Fox" and "Happy Feet" is very unfortunate. I can appreciate that they didn't make a list dominated by Disney films, But their choice of Disney films seems somewhat dubious. They list a few of the oldest films, but overlooked some of the most impressive like "Fantasia" Then they include more modern films like "Tangled" but over look the far better constructed and received "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" I also fell that "Cats Don't Dance" should have placed somewhere, but I understand that far too few people saw that movie as it came out when an animated movie had to be Disney to be consider worth a second glance. I'm not familiar with all these films, so the ones I haven't seen I will assume deserve to be there, but of the ones I have seen, only a portion of them deserve in any "Greatest animated" list.
Nathan Dunn on Jul 20, 2012
152
Thank you for ranking Pinocchio as #1. it's my all-time favourite animated movie! It's way better than Bambi and Pocahontas (which I also express gratitude for not including them in the list)
Jon Ellison on Nov 12, 2012
153
wheres BAMBI at
josh on Jan 6, 2013
154
Wow this is an old post. Hmmm... this list leaves much to be desired. Mainly 'Fantasia' the film the broke ALL the rules. Also there was no 'Waking Life' OR 'A Scanner Darkly' BOTH better than 'Tangled' and such... And what about Heavy Metal? And I would also suggest that 'Sita Sings The Blues' was better than many of this list. I would also argue strongly for 'Titan A.E.' maybe not "great" but better than Horton hears something. They tried to make it seem like their scope was wide but it wasn't at all really. No Who Framed Roger Rabitt, of course if we count animation mixed live action then the entire trilogy of LOTR counts.
10songsblog on Jan 15, 2013
155
Replace Fantastic Mr. Fox, with either Watership Down or Charlets Web. Replace Horton Hears a who with either Shrek or The Incredibles. Replace Kung fu Panda with Bambi or The Rescuers. Replace Paprika with either Vampire Hunter D or Perfect Blue. Replace Tangled with either The Last Unicorn or Sleeping Beauty. Replace Happy Feet with either Fantasia or Kiki's Delivery Service. Replace Wallace and Gromitt with either Princess Mononoke or Iron Giant. Replace South Park with either Pink Floyd's the Wall or Batman Mask of the Phantasm. Just get rid of the Bug Bunny /Road Runner Movie the original shorts are far better to watch.
ace13 on Mar 4, 2013
156
Alice in the Wonderland, Despicable Me, Megamind, Incredibles, Monster Inc., Cars, Monsters vs Aliens, Shrek, Puss in Boots, Hotel Transylvania, Bolt. Wall E most overrated
Yo on May 14, 2013
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