1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Walt Disney PicturesWho Framed Roger Rabbit is, without a doubt, one of the best films to integrate animation and live-action. The film takes place in a world where humans coexist with "Toons", and follows the murder investigation of a high level executive at Acme, a company that produces cartoons. The lead suspect in the case is toon star, Roger Rabbit, who turns to private investigator Eddie Valiant to help him clear his name. There are so many things that make this film spectacular, but the most impressive part is how seamlessly it merges live-action and animation. It is extremely self-aware, and treads carefully, avoiding using its animation for shameless gags or cheap use of its medium. Unlike other live-action/animation hybrids, Who Framed Roger Rabbit doesn't scream "look at me!" The script is charming and doesn't take itself too seriously, and finds a star in Bob Hoskins, who appeared to be at the end of his career when the film was released. It has been argued that this film spurred a greater interest in the "Golden Age of Cartoons" and paved the way for the Disney Renaissance. This is definitely a film that you should check out - if nothing else, only to see Jessica Rabbit, perhaps one of the most beautiful animated characters ever to have been drawn.
Like this article? Let us know in the comments section below.