Frozen (2013)
With a box office revenue of nearly £1.3 billion, “Frozen” is one of the most famous and successful animated films of all time. Set in the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, the powerful magic of Princess Elsa has plunged the kingdom into eternal winter, and her sister, Anna, must embark on a journey to save their home and mend their relationship.
On the surface, “Frozen” appears to be a typical fairy tale, but upon deeper reflection, the film explores complex emotional issues through Elsa’s struggle with isolation, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy due to her uncontrollable magical powers. Elsa’s battle to gain control over her abilities can be seen as a metaphor for mental health struggles, revealing her vulnerabilities.
“Frozen” tells a story of triumph over adversity through the power of love. The characters in this journey fight hard to overcome emotional turmoil and ultimately realize the true value of unconditional love.
It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)
“It’s Such a Beautiful Day” is an animated film directed by Don Hertzfeldt. The film follows the life of Bill, exploring his struggles with various mental health issues including depression, memory loss, and other symptoms related to cognitive decline. It is regarded as one of the best animated films of all time.
“It’s Such a Beautiful Day” has received numerous accolades from audiences for its unique approach to exploring complex emotional issues, combining dark humor with artistic style and a philosophical narrative. The film is consistently ranked in the top 10 animated films of the modern era by various outlets, including IGN’s CineFlex.
My Life as a Zucchini (2016)
“My Life as a Zucchini” is a poignant animated film that tells the story of a young boy named Zucchini living in a foster care environment after losing his mother. In this completely different setting, the boy faces numerous emotional challenges that deeply affect his mental well-being. Throughout the film, Zucchini finds comfort and love with a girl named Camille, who enters his life amidst a backdrop of tragedy.
This film is both a deep study of childhood trauma and a beautifully crafted stop-motion animation that provides audiences with profound emotional moments. With a runtime of just under 70 minutes, the film is perfectly designed to be accessible to younger viewers. By depicting emotional struggles in a relatable way, the film helps audiences better understand the emotional experiences of its characters.
“My Life as a Zucchini” has won multiple awards at the Cannes Film Festival, European Film Awards, the César Awards, and many others at various animated film festivals.
Finding Dory (2016)
“Finding Dory” successfully delivers a heartfelt narrative for children, addressing themes of mental health through an engaging storyline and stunning visuals. The film follows Dory, a forgetful fish on a quest to find her family after being separated. Dory is characterized by her upbeat personality and resilience despite her short-term memory loss. Accompanying Dory on her journey are Marlin and Nemo, a clownfish duo.
Throughout her journey, Dory faces numerous obstacles, including physical challenges and emotional trials, as she seeks to reconnect with her family. However, her spirit remains unbroken. “Finding Dory” resonates with audiences, offering moments of heartfelt emotion while inspiring resilience to overcome life’s challenges, even in the face of adversity.
Soul (2020)
The film “Soul” invites audiences to embark on a journey to the afterlife, following jazz musician Joe Gardner as he falls into a deep coma after an accident. During this time, he strives to connect back to his physical body. Featuring voice talents like Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, and Richard Ayoade, the film received critical acclaim, achieving an impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
During his time in the afterlife, Joe reflects on the meaning of life and his purpose. He realizes that his life is not solely defined by his jazz career or professional success. For him, the essence of life lies in family, friendships, and sharing knowledge with others. The film beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery, encouraging viewers to appreciate the little moments that make life meaningful.
