1. Cats Don’t Dance 1997，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 8609, ID: 0118829 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Cats Don’t Dance follows Danny, an ambitious kitten pursuing his dream of stardom in Hollywood, where animal actors struggle for recognition amidst a human-dominated industry. Despite numerous setbacks, Danny teams up with a group of animal friends, showcasing resilience and the fight for equality in the pursuit of dreams.
2. The Pagemaster 1994，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 25819, ID: 0110763 Photo by fantascienza.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 In The Pagemaster, shy Richard, played by Macaulay Culkin, accidentally stumbles into a fantastical world of books, where he meets three talking books—Adventure, Fantasy, and Horror—who guide him on a journey to confront his fears. This film blends live action with animation and is a celebration of classic literature, emphasizing the power of imagination.
3. The Brave Little Toaster 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 27975, ID: 0092695 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Brave Little Toaster narrates the journey of a small toaster and his appliance friends—a lamp, an electric blanket, a radio, and a vacuum—as they venture out to find their lost owners. This heartwarming tale not only highlights their loyalty but also delves into themes of belonging and companionship in the face of abandonment.
4. The Iron Giant 1999，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 231159, ID: 0129167 Photo by researchparent.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Iron Giant tells the story of Hogarth, a boy who befriends a giant robot that falls from the sky during the Cold War, challenging societal fears and prejudices as the government seeks to capture the metal giant. This poignant film explores themes of friendship, choice, and the idea that one can rise above their perceived destiny.
5. James and the Giant Peach 1996，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 74544, ID: 0116683 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 In James and the Giant Peach, based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, orphaned James escapes his cruel aunts to embark on a magical journey inside a giant peach, accompanied by a group of friendly insects. This delightful film combines live-action with stop-motion animation, showcasing James’s incredible adventures across the seas as he faces numerous challenges.
6. The Secret of NIMH 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 45809, ID: 0084649 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 The Secret of NIMH is about Mrs Brisby, a brave field mouse who seeks the help of a group of experimentally modified intelligent mice to save her ailing son. Faced with the impending threat of farm relocation, Brisby must overcome her fears and rely on the mice’s intelligence to protect her family.
7. Rock-A-Doodle 1991，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 10686, ID: 0102802 Photo by wikiwijs.nl, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Rock-A-Doodle features the confident rooster Chanticleer, who believes his crowing causes the sun to rise, but when he leaves the farm, a young boy named Edmund teams up with animal friends to bring him back. Bursting with vibrant animation and catchy songs, this film immerses audiences in a whimsical fantasy world.
8. Bebe’s Kids 1992，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 5549, ID: 0103783 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Bebe’s Kids introduces us to the chaos that ensues when Robbins looks after his friend Bebe’s three mischievous kids during her date. Their amusing escapades at an amusement park provide a humorous glimpse into social issues through a distinctive animation style, making it a standout piece of ’90s animated cinema.
9. Thumbelina 1994，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 18897, ID: 0111419 Photo by wikimedia.org, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Thumbelina tells the enchanting tale of a young girl kidnapped and on a quest to find her way home and true love, encountering a host of peculiar creatures along the way. With stunning animation and delightful songs, this film captures her determination and unwavering hope in the face of adversity.
10. Kaze no tani no Naushika 1984，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 184626, ID: 0087544 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind follows the courageous Princess Nausicaä as she strives to protect her home while mediating a fragile balance between humanity and nature in a world ravaged by toxic gases and giant insects. Acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki crafts a rich narrative that beautifully conveys the message of living in harmony with the environment.
11. The Swan Princess 1994，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 27316, ID: 0111333 Photo by telepedia.net, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 Adapted from the classic Swan Lake story, The Swan Princess follows the adventures of Princess Odette, who has been turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer, and Prince Derek, who embarks on a journey to break the curse and regain his freedom. As the two go through various trials and tribulations, the film conveys themes of true love and perseverance.
12. An American Tail 1986，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 58575, ID: 0090633 Photo by wikifur.com, is licensed under CC BY ND 4.0 An American Tail tells the heartfelt story of Fievel, a young mouse who emigrates from Russia with his family seeking a brighter future in America. Separated from his loved ones during the journey, Fievel faces numerous trials and adventures, ultimately conveying themes of family, hope, and resilience in a world of change.
Rediscover 12 Hidden Animated Classics from the ’80s and ’90s You Can’t Miss!
