35. Tale of Tales (1979)
The shortest animated feature on this list, running at a mere 29 minutes, this wondrous Russian animation created by Yurly Norshteyn explores the realms of memory and how events and situations are recalled by the objects that were associated with a particular memory. Its a typically experimental piece of animation. Produced in 1979, the animation reflects the period of time the film is set, World War 2, with the film placing heavy emphasis on the catastrophic losses incurred by the Soviet Union during this time. The animation subtle embraces silhouettes, shadows and washed out colours all designed to encapsulate the detail of the film Regularly acclaimed as one the greatest animated films of all time, Tale of Tales is again one of the more understated animated films on this list. While the subject matter and unconventional narrative may not make this a appealing watch, its beauty and message that is conveyed should certainly not be passed up.
34. Yellow Submarine (1968)
Is there any other film on this list that is as brilliantly mad as Yellow Submarine? Arguably not. It truly is one of the few pieces that really grapples with the idea of limitless possibility within animation. Directed by George Dunning this surrealist piece of cinema contemplates various messages of innocence, fame and '60s psychedelia, while the famous four from Liverpool gallivant once again through the twisted tale set in Pepperland. While there isnt any coherent plot, the film flows between melancholy and mysteriousness, introducing creatures, a little bit of science and of course a plethora of Beatles songs, all of which remain timeless and evoke a distinct charm to the film. Eleanor Rigby is one of the more morose pieces as Ringo walks through a gloomy Liverpool, while the title track buzzes with colourful effervescence with one being immediately introduced to why Yellow Submarine remains the beginning point for young children. Of course, the film doesnt actually include the four Beatles stars, instead impersonators produced the voiceovers and while the stench of a cash-in may of have been in the air, the film treads carefully and conveys the message The Beatles wished to impart rather well. As a piece of animation it thoroughly sets itself with the psychedelic vibe of the '60s, in your face but not pretentious, experimental but not ostentatious, its a beautifully made piece of pop art that remains a glorious watch.
33. Porco Rosso (1992)
Another Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece with potentially his most grown-up piece of animation. The action follows a middle aged fighter pilot in 1920s Europe who has been cursed with a pigs face. Deciding to retreat into exile, he works as a bounty hunter, doing battle with air pirates and generally giving off a mysterious disposition. The animation is bright, bold and enthused despite the enigmatic nature of our protagonist. To have such a location as the Mediterranean, Porco Rosso was never destined to be an aesthetically gloomy affair and so it proved, the sun shines over the calm, crystal sea with battles and the underlying motives of German fascism contrasting these eye-pleasing treats. Add to that a tale of a past love and a certain connection arises between viewer and protagonist. Porco Rosso certainly feels like a particularly personal piece from Miyazaki, especially considering his known love of aviation history as well a series of sly references toward Casablanca, it can arguably be seen as the closest Miyazaki has ventured toward a full on historical drama. Add to that the westernisation of locations and characters as well as comments on the superficiality of showboating and Americanism and Porco Rosso can be seen as the realisation of an overall commentary. A piece of animation that both kids and adults can fully appreciate.
32. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
What may seem to some to be a project by Tim Burton is actually another stop motion masterpiece by legendary animated Henry Sellick. After going on to create Corlaine, here Sellick found his stride with the tale of Jack Skellington and his journey from Halloween Town to Christmas Town, all the while providing a timeless tale and cementing Jack Skellington as a synonymous figure of the Emo community. Using the traditional animated method of stop-motion, the action is fluid, detailed and incredibly impressive. The feel of stop-motion gives the film a slightly macabre, gothic feel, its beautifully toned and the stop-motion fits this film perfectly. Stop-motion is a greatly under-appreciated form of animation, particularly in contemporary cinema but The Nightmare Before Christmas is yet another example of the visual delights and addition to character that it can provide. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a wonderful alternative to the regular, bubbly animation normally reserved for films at Christmas. Centering its heart in the depths of horror it stills provide warmth, heart and celebrates the fantastical elements of both narrative and animation itself.
31. Dumbo (1941)
Released by Disney in 1941, Dumbo followed the tale of the eponymous elephant, who after being segregated from the travelling circus by all except his loving mother due to his oversized ears, gradually builds confidence to complete a journey of self-discovery and self-confidence. Running at a particularly skinny 64 minutes, the film was only originally meant to be a quick, easy way of recouping the losses made by Fantasia. What Disney achieved however was something far better than those cynical conceptions could ever have imagined. Dumbo is a tale of isolation, loneliness and loss, particularly reverent to everybody at somepoint during their life. Its evocative narrative coupled with one of films most heartbreaking scenes with Dumbos mother reaching out to him through the cages cements its place amongst the animated elite. It elevated itself about the standard childrens output, containing messages of learning to harness your emotional and physical potential while providing a magical tale.