1. "Wendell and Wild"
You might know director Henry Selick from his work on movies
like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and "Coraline," and this movie is no less weird and
wonderful. Great tunes from Black punk bands dominate the soundtrack, while the
story is about a young orphan who teams up with demons to bring them to the
land of the living. Jordan Peele produces and provides his voice along with
comedy partner Keegan-Michael Key.
2. "Abominable"
This story of a cuddly yeti and the kind human girl who helps
him return home was so adorable, we don’t know how it flew under the radar.
After watching this, you’re going to want a yeti, too.
3. "Nimona"
A shape-shifting teen knows she will be the perfect
sidekick if a knight, wrongly accused of a crime, can put aside his vow to destroy
her. The action-packed animated film is perfect for younger and older viewers
alike.
4. "Onward"
Two mythical creature brothers go on a quest to bring their
dad back to life, even if it’s just for the day. Armed with an unpredictable
magical staff, Tom Holland and Chris Pratt make this film funny, sweet and
sad. It definitely did not get its fair shake when it premiered in March of
2020.
5. "The Mitchells vs. the Machines"
When an army of evil robots tries to take over the world, a family
on a road trip from hell tries to save everyone, if they can figure out how to
work together. If this isn’t the most relatable family film ever made, we don’t
know what is.
6. "Missing Link"
When a gentlemanly missing link implores an explorer to help
his long-lost family in Shangri-la, they set out together and have adventures
around the world. The stop-motion animation is a technical feat, but the fun story
will keep viewers glued.
7. "Kubo and the Two Strings"
This film gives off an ancient, mythical vibe, but it’s still
very accessible to younger viewers. Kubo must battle the Moon King with nothing
but a magical instrument and the help of two mystical companions. It has humor,
rock n’ roll energy and really cool stop-motion animation tricks.
8. "Wish Dragon"
A wish-granting dragon allows a struggling young man to
reconnect with his former best friend, now famous, but others are conspiring to
get the wishes before he can. Yes, the “Aladdin” comparison is inevitable, but this
film has way cooler martial art sequences and is just as funny.
9. "Ron’s Gone Wrong"
B-bots, or personal robot companions, may be the must-have
accessory for kids at Barney’s school, but Ron, Barney’s budget bot, is
glitching, causing mayhem wherever he goes. It’s like “Big Hero 6,” but sillier
and more hilarious.
10. "The Boy and the Heron"
Fans of “Spirited Away” will welcome the return of filmmaker
Miyazaki with a new magical tale about a boy entering the dreamlike world
between the living and the dead. This won the Oscar for Animated Feature in
2023 and after watching, you’ll understand why.