Netflix has been a strong leading force as a platform for animated films. Along with offering up a remarkable depth of exciting tale, it always appeals to young and old alike. The streaming behemoth has provided heaps of high-quality animated shows over the years and boasts an incredibly robust animated studio. It combines new stories with some familiar favorites. This article highlights some of the best animated movies available on Netflix, exploring their creative teams, voice casts, and the stories they tell.
Klaus: A New Take on a Classic Tale
One of the best films to come out of Netflix’s animated stable is Klaus. Directed by Sergio Pablos, this hand-drawn 2019 Netflix film is one of the most original ever takes on the Santa Claus legend. Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons voices Klaus, the reclusive toymaker of the title. He inadvertently brings joyous holiday spirit to a dark and gloomy town. In the meantime, Jason Schwartzman provides the voice of Jesper, a postman who strikes up an unexpected friendship with Klaus.
Klaus has been praised by critics for its groundbreaking animation techniques and emotional narrative. Critics have praised its simplicity and charm, with one reviewer noting that it is “mostly because it never tries to be more or less than what it is.” The film’s emotional depth and stunning visuals have made it a favorite among viewers, further cementing its place in the holiday film canon.
“The story admiringly delves into how such monsters are in fact created by a society that refuses to accept their differences.” – K.J.
Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood
Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood is another notable entry in Netflix’s animated offerings. Released in 2022, this film tells the story of a young boy’s imaginative experiences during the early days of the space race. With Jack Black voicing the lead character, the film captures the excitement and wonder of childhood against the backdrop of a significant historical event.
Linklater’s distinctive narrative style merges live-action and animation to transports viewers to a time period filled with possibility, further appealing to audiences longing for simpler times. The documentary examines what happens when momentous events define our individual narratives. It strikes a deep chord with Makoto Shinkai’s philosophy of focusing on the impact of massive disasters on a personal level.
“While there is this massive backdrop of a large-scale disaster, I look at how it affects people on an individual and personal level.” – Makoto Shinkai
The Croods: An Animated Adventure
The Croods, another delightful animated adventure now streaming on Netflix that transports you back to prehistoric Times with plenty of laughs and love. The movie includes voice contributions from current Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey and multiple-nominee Charlize Theron, who play Grug and Eep, respectively. Read along as their characters journey through a world fraught with danger, discovery, and beauty as they pursue both security and thrilling adventure.
The overall animation style of the film is very colorful and playful, perfectly encapsulating the near-exploratory nature of the film itself. It showcases not only the comedic elements of their journey but deeper themes surrounding family and survival in an ever-changing world.
“A marvel — a visually stunning, richly imagined oasis in a sea of candy-colored safety.” – K.J.
I Lost My Body: A Unique Perspective
French animated film I Lost My Body, directed by Jérémy Clapin, adopts a surrealistic narrative style. The animated film centers on a magical disembodied hand’s odyssey to track down its body and former owner, Naoufel, who is voiced by Hakim Faris. This personal story-telling approach draws audiences into a deeper, more holistic perspective on love and loss. Because of this, it’s unusual among modern, mainstream animated features.
I Lost My Body received critical praise around the world for its unique animation style and poignant story. It’s a perfect example of how animation avoids the mainstream storytelling tropes and goes deeper to tell the intricacies of the human experience.
Nimona: A New Heroine
Nimona, directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, introduces audiences to a bold new character in the world of animation. Chloë Grace Moretz stars as the eponymous Nimona (a gender-neutral name), a rebellious shapeshifter who teams up with knight Ballister Boldheart, voiced by Riz Ahmed. The movie dives deep into themes of identity and acceptance as Nimona forces her peers to confront their biases in a vibrant medieval-scientific world.
With its vibrant animation style and engaging narrative, Nimona embodies the potential for animated films to address contemporary social issues while entertaining viewers.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio: A Timeless Classic Reimagined
Finally, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is one more reminder that animation often offers the most imaginative, highest-quality storytelling. Co-directed by del Toro and Mark Gustafson, this adaptation of the classic tale brings new depth to its beloved characters and themes. Del Toro’s inspired vision deepens the originally intended darker tones, all while staying true to the overall story’s theme of love and transformation.
Many critics have lauded this adaptation of Pinocchio for its breathtaking artistic vision. Its emotional depth charms audiences of all ages, young and old. It’s an example of how beloved tales can be retooled for contemporary audiences, guaranteeing they’ll continue inspiring future generations.
