45. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
An adaptation of the 1982 book "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH," The Secret of NIMH is a startlingly underrated yet evocative hand drawn piece of animation. The film taking inspiration from other hand drawn classics such as Robin Hood and The Fox and The Hound provides an extravaganza of movement, light and beautifully created effects that provide the audience with an aesthetically pleasing and wonderfully structured animated film. Like Ratatouille before it, the film manages to incorporate an ostensibly complicated subject matter with a broader appeal. It manages this through its simple story, where a mouse must find a new home after their old one is destroyed, and with a tale that is clearly not particularly complex the film allows people of all ages to find reason to see this as an enjoyable experience. Children will marvel at the colourful backdrops and charm to each character while adults may find the mechanics of the animation far more appealing. The Secret of NIMH is a brilliant representation of moulding both fantasy with something more approachable for a family audience. A memorable tale that incorporates vivid visuals, an element of peril and a wholesome message.
44. Batman: The Mask of Phantasm (1993)
Potentially the most faithful big-screen adaptation of The Dark Knight before Christopher Nolan came along. The film features Batman facing off once again against The Joker but also against a mysterious, seemingly impenetrable villain named The Phantasm. The film employs memory to move the plot along by intertwining both present day Bruce Wayne with flashbacks of Bruce Wayne in the past, allowing the mystery to gradually develop and the clues behind the masked menace to be resolved. While again featuring the incredible voicing talents of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman & The Joker respectively, the animation takes it influence from the animated series with noir-esque shadows, blackened tones and bright oranges and red for explosions providing an impressive range of palettes, showcasing Gotham as the gloomy, crime ridden city it is. The film coming out at a time when its campy, more family friendly companion Batman Forever was in pre-production, Mask of The Phantasm provided the gritty, character driven Batman experience that fans were craving after the two dark and murky Tim Burton installments. Featuring moments of violence that the animated series would not be able to include and a far more progressive character study, Mask of The Phantasm remains the best animated Batman installment yet.
43. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit was the 1988 film starring Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd with the film being directed by Robert Zemeckis. Inspired by the cartoon violence most synonymous in the 1940s with Tom & Jerry, Roger Rabbit follows the trials and tribulation of detective Eddie Valiant, played wonderfully by Bob Hoskins as he fights to clear Roger Rabbit of a false murder. Along the way, the characters meet our antagonist Judge Doom played by Christopher Lloyd and the seductive, flirtatious Jessica Rabbit. While the film of course isnt a fully animated feature, the integration of live action and animation is seamlessly done, with both the creators and actors earning praise for managing to make both art forms seem a very natural thing. It could so easily have felt static or out of place but the work by Disneys animation team cannot be understated; the assimilation of both shading and perspective while the camera moves around the scene is nothing short of staggering. It really is a technical accomplishment. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is an intense viewing experience, one of visual spectacle and one that uses animated characters to explore a deeper social meaning. The film certainly has a layered feel to it depending on your viewing perspective. For pure entertainment the aesthetic of animation and story are brilliantly composed, compelling the viewer in, while others may choose to explore the darker side of the film. Either way, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a pure technical achievement and more importantly a brilliant animated film.
42. Coraline (2009)
Coraline was a 2009 film based on the childrens stories by writer Neil Gaiman and was directed by Henry Selick. The plot focuses on the curiously minded Coraline Jones, who after succumbing to boredom decides to explore the flat she is currently staying, ultimately leading her to a gateway between her reality and the side world. From here, the story twists and turns into far creepier territories and it is here where the film really begins to shine. The stop-motion animation is beautifully rendered, something which has now become expected from legendary animation director Henry Selick. Like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sellicks attention to detail is paramount to the films success. Detail is infused within the film from the characters to the backdrops, from the contrast in the environments to the shift in styles; all are stunningly recreated to allow the viewer to be sucked into the world Coraline inhabits. While certainly not for the youngest of audiences, its darker, creepier tone conveys a more mystical vibe that could alienate families from watching this, it certainly cannot be denied that this aesthetic benefits the film. Upon release, there were plenty of other bright, colourful, more family orientated animated offerings, but here, Coraline was a definite risk and one that most certainly paid off.
41. Aladdin (1992)
Released in 1992, Aladdin proved to be a continuation of the success Disney had forged in the previous decade. Merging various traits from other Disney films such as Beauty and The Beast and The Little Mermaid, Aladdin managed to generate its own unique personality by transporting the viewer into a world of mystical charm, magic and the inevitable quest for love. Its bright vibrant animation continues the trend set so strongly by Disney in the past and as Aladdin was a critical and commercial success allowed this success to develop into the future. What allows the film to stand out from its potentially turgid material is the energy that is imparted from the characters, in particular that of The Genie played spectacularly by Robin Williams. Here, he is the comic relief; the slightly more ludicrous childish side of the film that provides the wit and charm allowing to develop a brilliant contrast in personalities between himself and Aladdin. The manic energy and free disposition is a breath of fresh air and one that enhances the film. This differing shift in tone allows a break from the potentially overbearing romantic/musical side of the film, which while appealing to some, may feel superfluous to others. Ultimately Aladdin is an incredibly enjoyable 90 minute film that provides humour, danger and brilliantly written songs that remain devoted Disney classics.