Today, whenever anyone mentions animated films, the name Walt Disney immediately comes to mind. It’s impossible to overlook the profound influence and presence of this “legend” in the global animation industry. However, despite the long-standing reputation of Disney, there remain “magical” gems that, while perhaps not as dazzling, are still incredibly worthy of our attention.
Continuing from the previous discussion, we will dive into the remaining part of the list of 20 outstanding animated films that you may not have heard of:
11. Azur & Asmar: The Princes’ Quest (2006) / France, Belgium, Spain, Italy
“Azur & Asmar” is a beautifully animated tale that engages deeply with themes of humanity and cultural diversity. Inspired by “One Thousand and One Nights”, it transcends traditional fairy tales by addressing prejudice and identity. The film combines 3D “flat” animation with 2D backgrounds, along with North African and Middle Eastern artistic influences, creating a visual feast that captivates both the heart and the senses.
12. From the Sea (2007) / Spain, Portugal
This animated feature from Spain/Portugal is a notable debut by Galician comic artist Miguelanxo Prado. It can be described as a visual poem, with stunning sound and artwork that combines striking abstract imagery and deeply emotive compositions. The film draws inspiration from the works of Egon Schiele and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and despite its simple vector animation style, Prado has transformed “From the Sea” into an incredibly artistic masterpiece.
13. From Inside (2008) / USA
“From Inside” is a unique “comic book” style film that merges elements of horror and tragedy, produced by artist John Bergin. The film draws inspiration from Lars von Trier’s “The Element of Crime” and was created solely using Photoshop, After Effects, and Maya on a low-budget computer. Remarkably, it creates an incredibly atmospheric experience filled with haunting imagery and chilling soundscapes.
14. Metropia (2009) / Sweden, Denmark, Norway
Set in a dystopian future where resources are scarce, “Metropia” employs a unique cut-out animation style. With its gray and green color palette, the film creates an oppressive atmosphere that resonates with viewers, perfectly matching the themes of despair and existentialism presented throughout the storyline.
15. Daredevils of Sasun (2010) / Armenia
Due to budget constraints and local resources, the production of “Daredevils of Sasun” extended over 8 years, supported by $700,000 from the government. Finally, in 2010, Armenia’s first feature-length animated film premiered in Moscow and later in Yerevan. The film combines traditional animation styles with vibrant colors and lively character designs that make it a captivating experience for all audiences.
16. Sky Song (2010) / Estonia
“Sky Song” is a stop-motion animated film that delves into unique surrealistic themes. With visually striking images, it creates an experience that challenges viewers’ perceptions. It’s a film for those with a taste for the unconventional, pushing boundaries of animation that can be both captivating and thought-provoking.
17. Wrinkles (2011) / Spain
“Wrinkles” presents a heartfelt and humorous story about life and friendship. Most of the events occur in a nursing home, where the elderly reside, showcasing their struggles and joys as they confront the final moments of their lives. The emotional weight carried by characters Emilio and Miguel is both touching and relatable, making “Wrinkles” a profoundly impactful film.
18. The Art of Happiness (2013) / Italy
What is happiness? Where is it found? These are the questions that director Alessandro Rak attempts to address in his debut feature through the story of two brothers, Sergio and Alfredo. As the narrative explores the nuances of life—love, loss, joy, and the passage of time—its CGI and rotoscoping blend seamlessly with a rich soundscape, making “The Art of Happiness” a vivid cinematic experience.
19. The Golden Horse (2014) / Lithuania, Denmark, Latvia, Luxembourg
“The Golden Horse” is a collaboration between Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Denmark, inspired by the traditional tales of the Baltic region. While the film may not have the most complex plot, it offers familiar themes such as sibling rivalry, the quest for power, and the struggle against evil. The animation style is a blend of traditional storytelling and modern techniques, creating a uniquely charming film that is worth watching.
20. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2015) / Japan
Following the success of the animated series “Tích Lịch” and “Thành Thạch Truyền Thuyết”, the Hoàng family continued to produce animated films with “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”. The story is inspired by a classic folktale and includes elements of Vietnamese mythology, combined with a unique industrial revolution perspective. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” offers a truly immersive experience, with stunning visuals and beautifully rendered character designs that captivate the audience.
Source: Tasteofcinema
