8 Animated Movies That AREN'T Disney
Start writing a post
Entertainment

8 Animated Movies That AREN'T Disney

These are a few nonDisney films that I feel deserve recognition.

157
8 Animated Movies That AREN'T Disney

I am what you might call a Disney fanatic (or "Disnerd"). However, there are some fantastic animated films out there that aren't produced by Disney. Here is a list of some (although not all) excellent films that I feel deserve just as much recognition as many Disney films:

1. Anastasia (1997)

Although it is often mistaken as a Disney movie, Anastasia is a 20th Century Fox film by former Disney animation directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. Anastasia is based on a real-life figure,the daughter of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II. The royal adviser Rasputin plotted to kill off the Romanov family; however, rumor had it that Anastasia was able to escape. Although we are not certain of what really happened, Bluth and Goldman take advantage of the story and turn it into an epic adventure starring Meg Ryan and John Cusack.

2. Hoodwinked! (2005)

Okay, this one may be a bit cheesy, but cheesy films can still be enjoyable. And who doesn't love a good fairy tale with a spin on it? In this film, we get to see the story of Little Red Riding Hood told by four different characters: Red, Granny, Kirk the Woodsman, and Wolf W. Wolf. Between Anne Hathaway (Red) and Patrick Warburton (Wolf W. Wolf) it's worth watching at least once.

3. Joseph: King of Dreams (2000)

Although it is a DreamWorks film, Joseph: King of Dreams is lesser known. For the most part, the plot remains true to the biblical story that the film is based on. It is an excellent story about forgiveness and perseverance. And besides, who can pass up a film with a cast that includes Ben Affleck, Mark Hamill and Jodi Benson?

4. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)

Can we just take a minute to appreciate the musical genius Hans Zimmer? Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron has one of the greatest yet most underrated soundtracks, in my personal opinion. Besides the music, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is a visually beautiful film about a horse with a wild spirit despite man's attempts to tame him. Voiced by Matt Damon, Spirit the horse narrates his coming-of-age journey from freedom into captivity and after.

5. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

Another DreamWorks film based on a biblical story, The Prince of Egypt focuses on the story of Moses and his leadership and salvation of his people. The soundtrack is quite phenomenal, thanks once again to the brilliant composition of Hans Zimmer. Val Kilmer stars in this epic tale which also features Michelle Pfeiffer, Ralph Fiennes and Sandra Bullock.

6. The Quest For Camelot (1998)

Underrated, underappreciated and often unheard of, The Quest For Camelot is a quirky yet delightful film about the legendary sword, Excalibur. However, unlike most Camelot films, King Arthur is only a minor character in the film. The protagonist Kayley (Jessalyn Gilsig) teams up with a hermit named Garrett (Cary Elwes) and together they encounter a two-headed dragon (Eric Idle, Don Rickles) and battle the wicked antagonist Ruber (Gary Oldman) in order to save Camelot.

7. The Swan Princess (1994)

It is not difficult to guess which story--and ballet (hint hint)--The Swan Princess is based on. As children, Princess Odette and Prince Derek are forced together by their parents who hope to create a merger between their two kingdoms. Like most romance stories, at first the two loathe having to spend time together and loathe each other; however, once they are older, they fall in love. Of course no happy ending can last, and Derek must come up with a plan to save his cursed Princess. Meanwhile, Odette befriends a frog named Jean-Bob (voiced by John Cleese), a turtle named Speed and a puffin named...well, Puffin. With the help of her new friends, Odette must find a way back to Derek. And of course no animated romance is complete without a musical number or two.

8. Thumbelina (1994)

Another film by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, Thumbelina is the story of little Thumbelina (Jodi Benson) and her adventures after being kidnapped, lost and trying to find her way back home.

This is far from being a comprehensive list--there are many more films out there that deserve recognition. If I were to list them all, however, it would take all night. These are only a few of my favorites, many of which I grew up with. (Ah, childhood...) Which are some of your favorites?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71483
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133493
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments