Animation is far more than just kids’ stuff. Over the decades, the medium has deftly utilized its unique visual artistry and imaginative freedom to tell profoundly moving stories on par with traditional live-action dramas. From poignant art films to epic adventures, here are 10 animated movies that transcend age.
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997) | MAX
Princess Mononoke is an acclaimed animated film that offers plenty for adult viewers to appreciate. The 1997 movie explores thoughtful themes about humanity’s relationship with nature, the complexity of good and evil, and the motivations that drive civil unrest. The characterization of the heroes avoids simplistic archetypes, showcasing inner conflicts plaguing Princess San and the cursed Prince Ashitaka. While children may enjoy the fantastical creatures and action set pieces, Princess Mononoke offers complex stories and themes that make it equally impactful for adult viewers.
‘Shrek’ (2001) | Fubo
On the surface, Shrek seems like a cute, animated fairy tale for kids. However, it offers plenty for grown-ups with its witty dialogue filled with innuendos and cultural references that will go over children’s heads. The movie also features subversive takes on fairy tale tropes that adult viewers can appreciate. With humor tailored to different age groups, emotion depicted through its memorable characters, and themes of accepting yourself and not judging based on appearances, Shrek engages both children and adult audiences alike.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001) | MAX
While Spirited Away features young protagonists and fantastical spirits, it also tells a memorable coming-of-age tale that speaks to viewers of all ages. The supernatural fantasy highlights complex themes of greed and moral decay that adult viewers can appreciate. With stunning, hand-drawn visuals, thought-provoking commentary about the environment, and a strong heroine overcoming challenges, Spirited Away leverages animation to tell an impactful narrative beyond a simple fable.
‘The Incredibles’ (2004) | Disney+
The Incredibles tackles surprisingly mature themes. The lovable characters work through many challenges adult viewers can relate to, including midlife crises, marital dysfunction, and the loss of purpose. The Pixar film pairs these complex emotional themes with stunning CGI animation, imaginative superhero powers, and an intriguing villain plot to create a balanced, multifaceted watching experience. Through the superhuman lens, the movie explores realistic conflicts of family, relationships, and personal growth in a way that resonates with adult audiences.
‘Coraline’ (2009) | MAX
While marketed as a children’s movie, Coraline crafts a creepy, unsettling world that fascinates adult viewers as much as younger ones. The dark fantasy mixes disturbing imagery with emotional resonance as Coraline navigates a sinister, parallel realm. It explores familial relations, neglect, and finding your voice with artful stop-motion animation and imaginative creativity. The whimsical film balances child-like wonder with grown-up scares and timeless messages that stick with audiences.
‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009) | MAX
Featuring sophisticated stop-motion animation and dry wit, Fantastic Mr. Fox creatively adapts Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel into an unexpectedly quirky film. Through anthropomorphic woodland creatures, the movie provides funny yet intelligent commentary on themes of growing up, the struggle for purpose, and anti-establishment angst. With an all-star cast, including George Clooney and Meryl Streep bringing the foxes and farmers to life with clever banter, Fantastic Mr. Fox spins a zany, eccentric animated tale perfect for fans of Wes Anderson’s indie style.
‘Up’ (2009) | Disney+
Though seemingly geared toward children, Up explores profoundly mature themes of love, grief, and our connections with others in remarkably poignant ways. The Pixar film beautifully depicts the highs and lows of an elderly widower’s life and journey for adventure through imaginative animation (and without much dialogue). Both silly and serious, Up combines a heartwarming story about personal growth and fulfilling promises.
‘WALL-E’ (2008) | Disney+
Wall-E appears to be kid-centric science fiction focused on its robot hero, but it also explores thought-provoking commentary on consumerism and the environment that resonates with grown-up audiences. The Pixar film builds whole worlds and conveys poignant themes about humanity’s connection with nature largely through visual storytelling rather than dialogue. Between the charming romance between Wall-E and EVE and the eventual human quest to restore Earth, Wall-E highlights societal issues for adults wrapped in an accessible animated package.
‘Inside Out’ (2015) | Disney+
While marketed as a children’s film, Inside Out ingeniously personifies emotions themselves to deliver a heartfelt story for audiences of all ages. The Pixar movie creatively builds layered inner worlds inside the mind, using colorful animation to bring Joy, Sadness, and more to life with endearing humor and sincerity. It tackles mental health, growing up, and embracing life’s full emotional spectrum through imaginative metaphorical means. Both fun-filled yet hard-hitting, Inside Out crafts an accessible yet poignant viewing experience that resonates beautifully with grown-up viewers and kids alike.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018) | Fubo
Though Spider-Man is one of pop culture’s most iconic teenage superheroes, Into the Spider-Verse crafts a one-of-a-kind animated adventure equally thrilling for adult comic fans. The film modernizes the Spider-Man mythos through Miles Morales while incorporating alternate “multiverse” versions of him. With its hyper-stylized animation, non-stop excitement, and heartfelt coming-of-age storyline, Spider-Verse goes beyond escapist fare to offer a poignant, contemporary superhero tale. Both children and adults will find something to marvel at with this critically acclaimed animated fresh take on the Spider-Man legacy.
