Top five animated films

Far from the reserve of children, here’s our editor’s pick of the best animated classics

by Rosie Best

Thursday October 20 2016, 10:53pm

Toy Story (1995)

Produced by Pixar Animation studios and directed by the now legendary John Lasseter, Toy Story was the first feature-length, fully computer animated film. Not only is Toy Story a technical breakthrough for animated features but it is also poignant, quotable and hilarious for kids and adults.

Spirited Away (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a surreal and visually captivating exploration of a fantasy world discovered by the protagonist, 10 year-old Chihiro. Inspired by the manga artwork of magazines, Spirited Away became Japan’s highest grossing film ever, even overtaking The Titanic at the box office.

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Tale as old as time: Beauty and the Beast captured the hearts of a generation of viewers and continues to do so today. With stunning music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken and a beautifully crafted story, Beauty and the Beast was also the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Chicken Run (2000)

An under-appreciated yet brilliant stop-motion film from Bristol-based Aardman Animations, Chicken Run tells the story of a group of hens and their attempts to escape their fate of becoming Mrs Tweedy’s chicken pies. Great voice actors work alongside Aardman to create a comedy more than equal to the likes of Wallace and Gromit.

Shrek (2001)

DreamWorks’ Shrek is the story of crude ogre, Shrek, his sidekick, Donkey, and their quest to save Princess Fiona. With a brilliant soundtrack and hilarious parodying of other fairy tales, Shrek is both unforgettable and unmissable for adults and children

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