As a big fan of motion pictures, I’m constantly savouring the experience of watching a movie for the first time. I often search for the perfect time to watch a film because it is an experience I always want to remember without interruptions. Sometimes, I watch a movie three times in a row to truly enjoy every second. After all, what’s the point of watching films if you can’t recall every specific detail?
As a movie maniac, I have found that animation has become my favourite film style. The cartoonish nature of it has always been soothing and gratifying mainly because it possesses child-like undertones. From the graphics to the soundtracks and many song performances, animated films allow me to dream and reconnect with my inner child.
So, in the spirit of dreams and reliving memories, here are the top five animated films I would gladly pay to watch again.
Coco
When I first watched “Coco,” it felt like an unbeatable experience. The storytelling and the relatability of it were entirely consuming and fascinating. So much so that just as it ended, I pressed play again. “Coco” tells the story of a young boy seeking refuge in music despite his family’s generational disdain for it. Eager to meet his hero, he finds things may not be as they seem. He embarks on a journey of healing, forgiveness, and discovery on behalf of his entire family and helps them make peace with the past. The songs and performances are embedded in my memory, with my favourite songs being “Un Poco Loco” and “The World Es Mi Familia.” “Coco” is truly a masterpiece that deserves immense praise.
Moana
If you’re reading this, I’m sure you’re not surprised. “Moana” has a reputation worthy of its name, and, as fa as animated films go, I consider it a cinematic masterpiece.
The highs and lows of the film, the suspense, and the conspiracy theories that still emerge from it only make it all the better. Offering a cultural depiction that is both captivating and inspiring, “Moana” is a tale of a young girl’s determination to save her people. As the chief’s daughter, she has trained her entire life to lead the people and promise their safety. On her journey, she makes new friends with whom her destiny lies. Her success depends entirely on their determination to do good, despite laying her life on the line. Unlike with “Coco,” I’m obsessed with all the songs in this film, and I refuse to pick a favourite.
Soul 
“Soul” left me with an existential crisis as soon as I was done. It remains one of my all-time favourite films ever, and that is across all genres and film styles. “Soul” aptly touches your soul as it explores various belief systems, the meaning of life, and the true purpose of a person’s life. In “Soul,” we meet Joe, a middle school music teacher who desperately tries to navigate life through his love for Jazz. While he envisions his life going a different route, he discovers the true meaning of having a soul and finds his true purpose. “Soul” is packed with musical masterpieces with a unique story.
Turning red
The metaphoric and literal representation of the coming-of-age experience of a pre-pubescent girl was fully captured through “Turning Red.” However, it had a few cultural references that remain unique to the Chinese people. The film accurately portrayed the dynamic of a solid traditional matriarchal home, with which many cultures can identify. The boy band 4Town in “Turning Red” also displays hyper-realism, and everyone loves them. Of course, my favourite soundtrack in the film is “Nobody Like You.”
Entergalactic
It may sound a bit exaggerated, but “Entergalactic” is truly the most stunning animated film I’ve ever seen.
As an avid fan of Kid Kudi and his artistic nature, “Entergalactic” wrapped me around its frisky finger for the first few days after watching it. “Entergalactic” introduces us to Jabari, an artist quickly rising to fame on the quest for balance between love and success. Things take a turn when he falls for his next-door neighbour. From the mosaic to the illustration, the perfection of “Entergalactic” is one I will drop my savings to witness again for the first time.
Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, but these top five animated films are ones I’ll always love. Do any of these animations make it to your list?
