50. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999)
Back in 1999, South Park had been running for 2 seasons and was running out of steam, struggling to find where the shows focus should lead. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut arguably changed that, with the film glorifying in creating a political and cultural commentary that turned the show on its head. While utilising the traditional technique of computer animation, the film cuts a brilliantly worked satire, mocking everything from the silliness of politics to the obsession with censoring, all the while wrapping obscenity and violence into one gloriously worked musical. The songs contained are catchy but incredibly funny, with Trey Parker receiving an Academy Award nomination for the song "Blame Canada." While the humour within the film can be deluding to some, fans of the show have revered the approach that Parker and Stone took. On paper the film should not have worked, but ultimately it did, rather brilliantly. Controversial, offensive but sharp, witty and unafraid to speak its mind, South Park remains one of the funniest comedies ever produced.
49. Waking Life (2001)
Richard Linklaters philosophical drama focuses in on dreams, the realms of consciousness and existentialism, providing a twisting tale that to some may feel convoluted but to others it is a marvelling achievement. Starring Wiley Wiggins as our protagonist who realises he is in a perpetual dream, others such as Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who reprise their roles from Before Sunrise, turn up to provide additional confusion. Entwined with the intricate plot is the film most obvious asset and that is its visual aesthetic. The film stunningly recreates the process of rotoscoped animation, where real life figures are then drawn over digitally in post-production to give the cell-shaded feel. Its a beautifully rendered process that allows the film simply to be marvelled at from an aesthetic point of view. While the plot can become overwhelming, its hard to deny the scale and ambition the film provides. If youre looking for further viewing that adopts this aesthetic, Linklaters 2006s A Scanner Darkly provides similar results.
48. Perfect Blue (1997)
The 1997 psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon focuses in on the mental insecurities and paranoia surrounding the life of a former pop star who decides to turn to acting. The film adopts a wonderfully creative film noir palette, moulding the Hitchcock-esque themes of fantasy and reality, terror and suspense to create a captivating cinematic experience. Our protagonist Mina, who after finding success in the band CHAM decides to branch out into the world of cinema, a decision that has left her die hard fans with sinister thoughts in mind. The plot of the film is reminiscent of pop stars today who feel their talent should be spent elsewhere, utilising their ability for further critical and commercial acclaim. Kon uses the fickle, superficial world of fame to introduce a far more judgemental enemy, that of Minas own mind, focusing on obsession, vanity and that damage of the psyche. Utilising this and the stylistic techniques of the animation provides a brilliant juxtaposition. While Japanese animation may not appeal to all, the themes here are undeniably intriguing and ones that many can relate too. Perfect Blue is a wholly original piece of animation and one that deserves the attention it has sorely lacked.
47. Watership Down (1978)
Watership Down epitomises the difference between the world of Disney and the harsh realities that animation can provide. Starring a voice cast that includes John Hurt and Richard Briers the film focuses in on the plight of rabbits fighting for survival after a food shortage. The film, offering a brutal look at the dangers of the world, is undeniably emotional, evocative and unafraid to show the audience the grim realities of death and loss. While the hand drawn animation isnt spectacular, it does ooze the atmosphere of darkened, dull tones, evoking the sinister purpose of the film. The true triumph of such an atmospheric film is the way it can capture a viewer, take them away from simply watching hand drawn rabbits and turn it into something far more evocative. Watership Down does that successfully and remains one the greatest animated films ever created.
46. Ratatouille (2007)
Brad Birds first (and certainly not last) appearance on this list starts with the tale of a rat who dreams of becoming the greatest chef in Paris. From a situational perspective, Ratatouille is without a doubt one of Pixars most impressive achievements to date. A strained production where it was admitted that the idea of a sewer rat wanting to be a chef under the backdrop of Paris wasnt quite working, coupled with what Pixar released, shows a masterstroke of salvaging potential and in delivering a magical piece of animation against the odds. Paris has rarely looked more beautiful, with every landmark, building and light effortlessly rendered to give the stunning backdrop to this charming tale. What is ultimately impressive is that Pixar have proven that they can find success through a great narrative and characterisation, allowing anything to have the ability to connect to an audience. Its the magic that animation provides and Ratatouille epitomises that, a mere sewer rat can encapsulate a film. Effectively the story conveys the message that you can be anything you want, to fulfil your dreams despite what others think of you. Coupled with a beautifully written piece performed by Peter OToole about the role of a critic and one realises that Pixar have created a story that transcends what a persons initial preconception of this film would be. A remarkable achievement.