top ten: animated films

I may be 18, but that doesn't mean I am an adult. It especially doesn't mean that I can't love animated movies any more, and thank god for that, because they are just so fun and enjoyable to watch. If you think you're above animated films because "they're for children", let me stop you right there. You're missing out on fun, adventure, love, hope, joy, excitement, wonder - basically you are living a sad and unfulfilled life. These movies are not just for kids - in fact, watching them as an adult you pick up so many jokes and references you may have missed as a child.

So, for you out there who want something lovely to watch, or just want to know, I've compiled a list of my top ten recent animated movies, and by recent I mean the last few years, and/or the 3D animation type, rather than the classic flat Disney animations, because let's face it, who hasn't seen those? (My favourites are Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan, by the way.) I tried my best to put them in order, so let's count down from ten to one.


10. Brave (2012)

If ye had the charnce t'cheenge yer feet, would yer? That's the question that this movie answers by means of following the fiery-haired Scottish princess Merida who would do anything to keep her life in her own hands, thank you very much. This movie was famed for having no love interest for the princess (woo feminism) but rather focuses on the family and the magic of it all, and it was adventurous and all very och-aye.

9. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Set in world where arcade games are all interconnected, Ralph decides he doesn't want to be the bad guy anymore, and sets off on a quest into other games to achieve a gold medal that will signify he's done something good with his life. This movie was fabulously creative and had heaps of nerdy references thrown in, and the way the characters moved and talked just like they would in a game was just great. Original, cute, sugar, spice and everything nice.

8. The Lorax (2012)

In a city robbed of nature, young Ted tries to win the heart of his dream girl, Audrey, by going to find her a tree. He meets the Onceler, who tells him the story of the Lorax, a creature who will never stop fighting to protect his environment. The cutest movie I have ever seen, featuring voices with two of my favourite people ever, Taylor Swift and Zac Efron, and the animation is simply gorgeous. Everything is fluffy, bright and happy, there's musical numbers, there's love, there's a comment on environmental issues of deforestation, there's small bears eating marshmallows - what more could you want? Everybody needs a thneed!

7. Toy Story (1995) + sequels 1999 and 2010

If you don't know what these movies are about or how good they are you have been living your life wrong. The emotional conclusion to the trilogy about the adventures of toys when the owners aren't looking came 11 years later and the cinema was full of not young children (well, yes, some of those) but 17+ young adults who had grown up with these movies as a part of their childhood. We all cried in Toy Story 3. Don't lie.

6. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

One of the greater productions of our time, Monsters, Inc. was the story of two scream-factory worker best friends, Sulley and (say it with me) Mike Wazowski(!) as a human child came into their lives and turned them upside down. An original concept with loveable characters and a very scary villain, this movie was so well done in every way - right down to the movement of the individual strands of Sulley's fur. A much anticipated sequel will be released like, soon, so if you haven't seen it or you think it's time for a rewatch, now is the time!

5. How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

Hiccup is a misfit in his Viking town of Berk, which is plagued by dragon attacks, until he finds a friend in Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, and realises that the dragons are not all they seem to be. The companionship in this film is moving, and it just makes your heart burst out of your chest with cuteness. The animation of Toothless is gorgeous - if dragons existed, I'd want one just like him. The perfect mix of fun and adventure, with a little bit of love and family relationships thrown in and a not-so-typical ending (in some ways, anyway), this movie is just great, and hey - you might pick up some tips on how to train your dragon while you're watching. Always handy, right?

4. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

In 1895, Dracula built a hotel far away from the evil humans as a place for monsters to feel safe while also having a relaxing weekend away from hiding. Now, in present day, a human finds his way in to the hotel, and Dracula can't help but be a little overprotective of his darling Mavis, who's just turned 118 and is an adult now, thank you very much. This movie is hilarious and the animation is used comically to further the script. Look at the way Dracula moves - it's just so funny. Plus, it has a comical jab at Twilight, if that's what you're into. It's such a feel good film, and the song at the end will have you in giggles because it's just so ridiculously stupid.

3. Finding Nemo (2003)

When Nemo the clownfish swims too far out to sea to touch the butt, he gets taken by a diver who puts him in a tank in Sydney, Australia (P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney to be exact) and it's up to his father to find him, with the help of forgetful Dory and not without a few complications along the way. Like jellyfish. And sharks called Bruce. This movie is a classic for children then and now and in the future too, and if you go to an aquarium near the tropical fish tank you will literally hear every child go "there's a Nemo!" It's just become a universally understood biological term by now. I know you know how good this movie is. I don't even have to explain.

2. Tangled (2010)

Rapunzel just wants to get out of her tower and see the floating lanterns, and with the help of runaway thief Flynn Rider and armed with a trusty frying pan, she escapes the hold of Mother Gothel (she's bad. You can tell by the name.) and finds her dreams and also, her true identity. This movie has a great adventurous storyline that tugs on the heartstrings just the right amount, a really fun soundtrack (WHEN WILL MY LIFE BEGINNNNNN) and the second most attractive cartoon male I've ever seen. Good. Great. Brilliant. Everyone needs to see this.

1. Rise of the Guardians (2012)

When the evil Boogeyman unleashes his nightmares upon the children of the world, it is up to the Guardians (you know the ones, all the characters you believed in as a kid - the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus) and new recruit Jack Frost to restore the hope, wonder and belief in the children of world. It's a bit of a learning curve for Jack too, who happens to be the most attractive cartoon male I've ever seen (sorry Flynn.) This movie is beautiful in the detail of its animation, the depth of the characters and their relationships with each other - isn't it great to believe all those childhood figures are friends? It's funny, scary, heartwarming and nostalgic - actually my favourite movie of last year, probably. Fantastic.