Best Animation Films for Aspiring Artists

Introduction

Hello! If you’re a budding artist wanting to get inspired by some of the greatest animation out there, you’ve come to the right place. Animation is not only about entertainment—it’s a potent art form that can educate you on storytelling, character design, and visual techniques that can elevate your own work to new heights. In this article, we’re going to discuss five amazing animated movies that all artists should see at least once. They aren’t just beautiful to look at but also filled with valuable lessons on creativity and technique that can inspire you to become a better artist. So, pick up your sketchbook, and let’s get started on these masterpieces!

 

Boy and the World (2013)

IMDb Rating: 7.5 (Boy and the World IMDb)

Boy and the World is a Brazilian treasure by Alê Abreu that’s unlike anything else in animation. It’s about a boy named Cuca who sets out from his village to look for his father, but finds himself in a mad world of consumerism, industrialization, and social injustice. What sets this movie as a must-see for would-be artists is its stunning animation style—a combination of hand-drawn and computer-generated methods that looks like a cinematographic painting. Since there’s no dialogue, the narrative is told through dynamic colors, melody, and imagery, so it’s a masterclass in visual storytelling.

For artists, Boy and the World demonstrates how to use animation to express profound emotions and concepts without words. How it combines simple forms with intricate textures can encourage you to try your own art. It’s a reminder that animation can be both lovely and insightful, challenging you to think outside the box in your creative endeavors.

 

Wolfwalkers (2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.0 (Wolfwalkers IMDb)

Directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, Wolfwalkers is an Irish animated movie that’s as beautiful as it is uplifting. Set in 17th-century Ireland, the movie tracks Robyn Goodfellowe, an apprentice hunter, who befriends Mebh, a girl belonging to a tribe that turns wolves during night. Their bond takes them on a quest that tests their beliefs and revels in the wonders of nature.

The film’s animation is a stunning blend of traditional hand-drawn art and digital effects, creating a world that feels alive with texture and movement. For aspiring artists, Wolfwalkers is a lesson in using light, shadow, and bold lines to bring a story to life. The way it captures the wildness of the forest and the fluidity of wolf movements can spark ideas for your own character design and world-building. This movie demonstrates the way animation can interweave folklore and emotion and create something so memorable.

 

Children of the Sea (2019)

IMDb Rating: 6.5 (Children of the Sea IMDb)

Children of the Sea, released by Ayumu Watanabe, is an animated Japanese movie based on the manga of Daisuke Igarashi. It follows a teenage girl, Ruka, who befriends two enigmatic boys, Umi and Sora, and they share an intimate relationship with the sea. As events of mystery occur, Ruka also finds herself to be connected with the sea, and thus they embark on an enchanting discovery of nature and mystery.

The movie’s animation is a feast to the eyes, particularly its scenes underwater, with fluid motion and bright colors being used to immortalize the sea’s beauty. For artists, Children of the Sea is an animation masterclass on how to animate natural components such as water and sea life. How it employs light and color to conjure a feeling of awe may inspire you to try out visual effects in your own art. This movie shows that animation can inspire wonder and enchantment, challenging you to try new methods in your work.

 

Ponyo (2008)|

IMDb Rating: 7.6 (Ponyo IMDb)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo is a heartwarming Studio Ghibli film about a goldfish princess who dreams of becoming human after meeting a boy named Sosuke. Filled with magic and adventure, it’s a story of friendship and the wonders of the natural world, brought to life with Miyazaki’s signature animation style.

Ponyo excels in character design and world-building. The expressive characters, such as Ponyo‘s inquisitive eyes, and the magical underwater environments are excellent examples of how to build a world that is both magical and realistic. For young artists, this movie teaches lessons in designing lovable characters and engaging environments using animation. It’s a reminder that even simple stories can make a big difference when combined with beautiful visuals.

 

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.7 (Kubo and the Two Strings IMDb)

Directed by Travis Knight, Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animated feature film based in feudal Japan. Kubo, a boy with special powers, must seek out his father’s magical armor in order to defeat his wicked grandfather, the Moon King. The movie is a work of art, with detailed sets and intricate characters that animate each scene.

For artists, Kubo and the Two Strings demonstrates the capability of stop-motion animation. The level of detail in each frame—from Kubo’s emotive face to the magical creatures—is something that can motivate you to try new methods in your own art. This movie demonstrates how animation can mix technical skill with emotional narrative, and it is a must-see for anyone who wants to challenge their artistic abilities.

 

Why These Films Matter

These movies are more than wonderful stories—they’re an inspiration treasure trove for up-and-coming artists. Here’s why they’re special:

• Diverse Animation Styles: From stop-motion to hand-drawn, they demonstrate the various ways animation can animate stories.
• Visual Storytelling: They tell stories through visuals and music, teaching you how to express emotion without words.
• Character Design: Each movie has distinctive characters that can inspire your own work.
• World-Building: The fantastical worlds illustrate how to create worlds that are real and magical.

Watching these movies can teach you animation techniques, inspire new ideas, and take your imagination to new heights. They’re like a free art class that you can sit back and watch from your living room!

 

Discover More Stories

Enjoyed these animated movies? Want more gripping stories that can spark your next art piece? Read our article on the Top 7 Must-Watch Darkest Web Series of All Time. It’s full of riveting tales that could spark your creative flame!

 

Conclusion

Animation is a wonderful medium that allows creatives to bring their most imaginative fantasies to life. These five movies—Boy and the World, Wolfwalkers, Children of the Sea, Ponyo, and Kubo and the Two Strings—are not only enjoyable to view but also full of lessons on storytelling, character design, and animation techniques. Whether you’re doodling your first character or continuing to hone your skills, these films will encourage you to continue creating. So, get some popcorn, begin watching, and let your imagination take flight!