Animated Treasures

I was never much of a fan of animated films as a child, and even still I find it hard to enjoy them. But every now and then...

1. Sleeping Beauty; Clyde Geronimi Click here to see trailer

From the music, to the humour, to the romance, and the deliciously evil villain this early Disney film has it all. And of course a happy ending! An evil witch Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) is filled with jealousy when Princess Aurora (Mary Costa) is born and bestows upon her a curse to die on her 16th birthday. But her quirky and dim-witted fairy godmothers Flora, Merryweather and Fauna change the curse so she instead falls into a deep sleep which can only be broken by true loves' first kiss. 

2. Megamind; Tom McGrath Click here to see trailer

This star-studded animation is comedy gold. When very lame and unsuccessful villain Megamind (Will Ferrell) actually manages to defeat his long time enemy and beloved hero Metroman (Brad Pitt), everybody is surprised. But now Megamind is bored and creates a new superhero who quickly turns to the dark side. You can tell Will Ferrell has had some input in this hilarious and very quotable script. 

4. Anastasia; Don Bluth and Gary Goldman Click here to see trailer

This film puts a magical touch onto one of the world's strangest unsolved mysteries. When the royal Romanov palace is overrun by the evil wizard, Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd), Anastasia (Meg Ryan) is separated from her family and disappears. Years later she has no memory of who she used to be, until two scheming Russians (John Cusack and Kelsey Grammer) convince her that she may be the Grand Duchess and take her to claim the big reward. 

 

4. Wall-E; Andrew Stanton Click here to see trailer

Set in the not-so distant future, Wall-E is a tiny and lonely robot designed to clean up the mess humans have made of the now absconded Earth. As he sifts through the huge piles of trash he meets his female companion, Eve. This little romance is cute and funny, and definitely a comment on the state of humankind. 

5. The Rescuers; John Lounsbery Click here to see trailer

Two mice members of the Rescue Aid Society, Bernard (Bob Newhart) and Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor) embark on a mission to rescue a young orphan Penny (Michelle Stacy) who has been kidnapped to help steal diamonds. This film is so adorable and detailed, with many lovable characters and a great soundtrack.

6. 9; Shane Acker Click here to see trailer

Produced by Tim Burton you can expect something a little different. This strange film follows nine dolls sewn by a scientist during the last few days of humanity. Each of the dolls represents a part of the scientists soul, and together they must destroy the evil machines which have taken over Earth. 

7. Tarzan; Chris Buck and Kevin Lima Click here to see trailer

This was my absolute favourite movie as a child, and not to mention the awesome Play Station 1 game that came with it. Orphaned Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) grows up in the jungle, raised by the gentle gorilla Kala (Glen Close). When a group of British people on an expedition enter the jungle, Tarzan is amazed that there are others like him and quickly falls in love with the young woman, Jane (Minnie Driver). This film was funny, and sad, and a little graphic! With an awesome soundtrack and beautiful sceneries. 

8. Big Hero 6; Don Hall Click here to see trailer

This sweet story about intelligence, love of family, loss and forgiveness was remarkable. We follow Hiro (Ryan Potter) who is a robotics genius and worships his brother Tadashi who is at a technology institute designing Baymax (Scott Adsit), the robot whose soul purpose is to look after people. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be on the edge of your seat.