Exploring Hidden Gems in Animation
When it comes to animated movies, some gems don’t get the recognition they deserve. Here, we dive into ten of the most underrated animated movies that boast impressive IMDb ratings, but may have flown under the radar for many viewers.
1. “Grave of the Fireflies” (1988)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
Director: Isao Takahata
Producers: Toru Hara
This heart-wrenching film follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they struggle to survive in Japan during World War II. A poignant depiction of the human cost of war, this movie is as beautiful as it is devastating.
2. “Mary and Max” (2009)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Adam Elliot
Producers: Melanie Coombs
An unusual friendship forms between Mary, a lonely Australian girl, and Max, a middle-aged man with Asperger’s syndrome living in New York. This claymation film poignantly explores themes of isolation, friendship, and mental illness.
3. “The Iron Giant” (1999)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Brad Bird
Producers: Allison Abbate, Des McAnuff
In the small town of Rockwell, Maine, a young boy named Hogarth discovers a giant robot from outer space. As Hogarth befriends the gentle giant, he must protect it from a paranoid government agent determined to destroy it. A touching story about friendship and acceptance.
4. “Song of the Sea” (2014)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Director: Tomm Moore
Producers: Paul Young, Ross Murray
This Irish folklore-inspired tale follows Ben and his mute sister Saoirse, who discover that she is the last of the selkies, women who transform from seals into people. Together, they embark on a journey to free the fairies and save the spirit world.
5. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: Isao Takahata
Producers: Yoshiaki Nishimura
Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young woman. This beautiful, hand-drawn film from Studio Ghibli tells the story of Princess Kaguya and her celestial origins.
6. “Persepolis” (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.0
Directors: Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud
Producers: Marc-Antoine Robert, Xavier Rigault
Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel, “Persepolis” follows a young girl as she comes of age against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. A visually striking and deeply personal story of identity and cultural upheaval.
7. “The Breadwinner” (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Director: Nora Twomey
Producers: Angelina Jolie, Mimi Polk Gitlin, Anthony Leo
Parvana, an 11-year-old girl living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, disguises herself as a boy to support her family. This film is a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of a young girl in the face of oppression.
8. “Waking Life” (2001)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Director: Richard Linklater
Producers: Tommy Pallotta
This philosophical adventure blurs the line between dreams and reality. The protagonist meanders through a series of conversations with various characters, discussing life’s big questions in a visually unique, rotoscoped animation style.
9. “The Little Prince” (2015)
IMDb Rating: 7.7
Director: Mark Osborne
Producers: Aton Soumache, Dimitri Rassam
Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella, this film interweaves the story of a young girl who discovers the story of the Little Prince from her eccentric neighbor. A beautifully crafted film that brings the classic tale to a new generation.
10. “The Secret of Kells” (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
Producers: Paul Young, Didier Brunner
Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege. When a master illuminator arrives with an ancient book brimming with secret wisdom and powers, Brendan embarks on a quest to finish the book and protect his home. A visually stunning film inspired by Irish mythology.
These ten films represent the rich tapestry of storytelling and artistry in the world of animation. Despite their lack of mainstream recognition, their high IMDb ratings attest to their quality and the profound impact they have had on those who have discovered them. Whether you’re a long-time fan of animation or new to the genre, these movies are well worth your time.
