As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless movies that have left me in awe, touched my heart, or simply made me laugh out loud. This year, however, has been an exceptional one, filled with cinematic gems that have truly stood out. Among the plethora of films that graced our screens this year, I’d like to highlight ten that I believe deserve special recognition.
With each passing day, animation as a form of narrative artistry is expanding its horizons, prompting directors to think outside the box and explore uncharted territories of creativity. These innovative attempts frequently leave viewers spellbound. The captivating storylines, vividly developed characters, and breathtaking visuals craft an enchanting world that transports us into realms hitherto unexplored. The year 2024 has been exceptionally rich in delivering some of the most imaginative, heartwarming, and visually appealing animated masterpieces.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how live-action blockbusters and animated films continue to flood our theaters and streaming platforms, offering us an endless array of enchanting tales. It seems that every year, we’re treated to a new batch of cinematic gems, brimming with magic, mystery, and wonder. In fact, some of these movies have achieved such astronomical success at the box office that they’ve earned a place among the top-grossing films of the year. With that in mind, I’m thrilled to present you with my countdown of the 10 most anticipated animated movies of 2024!
10 Kung Fu Panda 4
In Kung Fu Panda 4, the Dragon Warrior, Po, finds himself on the brink of a fresh endeavor when he is summoned to assume the position of the Valley of Peace’s Spiritual Leader. This role requires him to discover and mentor his successor, who will then step into the shoes of the new Dragon Warrior. However, mischief arises as a shape-shifting, malevolent sorceress named Chameleon makes her move to seize the kung-fu prowess of all masters throughout China. To thwart this scheme, Po joins forces with a cunning fox thief known as Zhen and embarks on an adventure aimed at subduing Chameleon.
Another Epic Entry to the Beloved Franchise
Just as with other films in the series, Kung Fu Panda 4 delivers the same level of excitement and adventure you’d anticipate. Directed by Mike Mitchell, it seamlessly blends action, humor, and emotional depth. It also rekindles the nostalgia of teamwork and martial arts prowess, but this time with a fresh perspective on new characters. Jack Black once again lends his voice to Po, and he’s joined by Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Bryan Cranston, and more. The film was a massive success at the box office, earning $549 million globally.
9 Orion and the Dark
A DreamWorks Animation movie titled “Orion and the Night’s Mysteries” debuted on Netflix in February. This film narrates the tale of a 11-year-old named Orion, who is quite fearful by nature, with one of his phobias being darkness. However, his dread of darkness comes to life as a somewhat playful and pesky character called Dark, who is exasperated by Orion’s constant complaints. In an attempt to silence his whining, Dark decides to take Orion on a nighttime adventure to reveal the myriad of marvels that lie hidden in the shadows.
There’s Light Within the Shadows
The film titled “Orion and the Dark” marks Sean Charmatz’s first directorial venture. He based it on a children’s book authored by Emma Yarlett, along with a screenplay penned by Charlie Kaufman. Despite being primarily aimed at children, it skillfully encapsulates childhood fears and imagination. However, it resonates with older audiences too, thanks to its fanciful atmosphere and profound emotional undertones. It garnered immense praise for its stunning visuals and ability to create a lasting impact.
8 IF
Following his acclaimed work in directing the post-apocalyptic horror movies, A Quiet Place and its sequels, John Krasinski ventured into animation with IF, a cheerful comedy blended with sci-fi and fantasy elements. This story revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Bea, who stumbles upon an unusual creature one day. Eager to learn more, she chases the creature to a house where she encounters Cal, who shares about his friends (or IFs) who separated from their human peers as they grew older because they transformed. Together, Bea and Cal set out on a journey to assist these IFs in reconnecting with new human companions.
Takes You to an Enchanting World
The intricate animation and vibrant characters in IF make for a visually captivating experience, as critics have noted. They describe the film as classic family entertainment that ticks all the right boxes with its imaginative world-building and enchanting storyline. Additionally, it offers an adventure that is hard to look away from due to its emotional depth and gripping quality.
7 Transformers One
As a die-hard Transformers fan, I can’t hide my excitement about the latest addition to the franchise – Transformers One. This film takes us back to where it all began, delving into the untold origin stories of Optimus Prime and Megatron on their home planet, Cybertron. It’s a journey through their childhood years, testing friendships, and shaping choices that ultimately transformed them from inseparable allies to sworn adversaries.
A Visually Stunning Origin Story
While the initial trailer for Transformers One seemed unpromising, the film exceeded expectations across the board. Directed by Josh Cooley, it offers a unique twist on the popular franchise, weaving an engaging narrative, boasting vibrant animation, and showcasing a talented voice cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, and Brian Tyree Henry in lead roles. Despite underperforming at the box office, it left both critics and viewers captivated.
6 Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
In a new small-screen installment of the renowned British claymation series featuring Wallace and his canine partner Gromit, we find ourselves embarking on another exciting escapade. This time, Gromit expresses affectionate worry over Wallace’s growing reliance on inventions, particularly Norbot – an AI-driven garden gnome. Trouble ensues when Norbot malfunctions and wreaks havoc in town. To make matters worse, they discover that the culprit is none other than a cunning penguin villain named Feathers McGraw, who orchestrates the chaos from behind the scenes.
A Delightful, Quirky, Crime-Fighting Comedy
Under the guidance of Nick Park, the movie titled Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl preserves the unique allure of the series while intertwining its distinctive slapstick humor with an entirely new mystery that leaves viewers in suspense from beginning to end. Featuring a heartwarming storyline, a setting brimming with tension and creativity, and a profound reflection on society’s reliance on artificial intelligence, it manages to be both innovative and comfortably familiar.
5 The Casagrandes Movie
Surprisingly overlooked and underappreciated, “The Casagrandes Movie” proves to be a charming newcomer among 2024’s animated film lineup. The story revolves around Ronnie Anne Santiago and her vibrant family of different generations. As Ronnie prepares to celebrate her twelfth birthday, the family embarks on an unexpected trip to Mexico for the occasion. Unbeknownst to them, a young, ancient demigoddess is waiting in Mexico, eager to express her teenage angst and rebellion in a clash with Ronnie.
Celebration of Family and Teenage Rebellion
In the vein of the cherished Nickelodeon show The Casagrandes, this feature film version, helmed by director Miguel Puga, presents a lively, laughter-filled journey that highlights the charm of maturing and appreciating the lasting essence of family ties. It boasts an impressive voice cast consisting of Izabella Alvarez, Paulina Chávez, and Carlos PenaVega, earning acclaim from critics as an “exceptionally animated children’s film.
4 Despicable Me 4
In this fourth part of a well-loved series, Despicable Me 4 finds Gru and his endearing Minion clan adapting to a different way of life, leaving behind their previous criminal pursuits. Now a devoted family man, Gru is also delighted to welcome a new addition – Gru Jr. Yet, the menacing Dr. Vector reappears with a fresh scheme to disrupt Gru’s idyllic existence, compelling him to balance his duties as a father and thwart the evil ex-villain once more.
Hilarious Hijinks and Familiar Fun
In keeping with the franchise’s tradition of vibrancy, zest, and humor that often lands more than it misses, Despicable Me 4 continues the streak of successful installments. The legendary voice cast, featuring Steve Carell reprising his role as Gru, joined by Kristen Wiig, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Sofía Vergara, and Stephen Colbert, once again shines brilliantly. Critically, the film grossed an impressive $968 million globally against a production budget of just $100 million, securing the third-highest-grossing movie title of 2024.
3 Memoir of a Snail
A heartfelt Australian comedy-drama titled Memoir of a Snail is penned and helmed by Adam Elliot. This tale unfolds in a realm where the tiniest beings are often overlooked. The narrative revolves around Grace Pudel, a young girl who resides with her twin brother and takes delight in assembling snails as a pastime. Tragedy strikes when their father passes away, leading to their separation by child services. They’re left to cope with the intricacies and abuse prevalent in youthhood on their own, clinging to the dream of reuniting someday.
Unique, Slice-of-Life Animated Gem
A Snail’s Tale delivers a heartwarming lesson on self-acceptance and the courage to celebrate your unique identity, regardless of the challenges you face. The director’s vision, Elliot, is truly remarkable, and the animation is meticulously crafted, lending the film its distinctive, poignant, and extraordinary charm. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 95% positive rating, with critics hailing it as an “inspiring journey.
2 Inside Out 2
The long-anticipated sequel from Pixar, titled Inside Out 2, is likely one of the top (and undeniably the most financially successful) films of 2024. This movie continues the narrative of Riley Anderson as she ventures into her teenage years and encounters puberty, leading to a flood of new, intricate emotions. Her previous feelings – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger – must now learn to adjust and cohabit with the novel emotions – Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. As Riley’s emotions become increasingly chaotic, she encounters more obstacles in her daily life.
An Emotionally Charged Sequel
Inside Out 2 delved deeper into the complexities of a teenager’s mind, providing a profoundly relatable and empathetic portrayal that resonates with many of us. After all, we’ve all had days when we feel like we just want to shout into the abyss for a few moments. Even as adults, these feelings can still linger. This movie beautifully encapsulates those sentiments, boasting exceptional voice talents such as Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, and others. It’s wrapped in a thoughtful, insightful, and emotionally intelligent film that leaves us in tears.
1 The Wild Robot
Title contender The Wild Robot could potentially outshine Inside Out 2 as this year’s top movie. Let me share with you its engaging storyline. Roz (an abbreviation for ROZZUM Unit 7134) is a versatile robot who finds herself stranded on a secluded island without knowing how she arrived there. Immediately taking charge, she initiates interactions with the local wildlife and seeks her first assignment. Understandably, the island’s animal populace initially views her with apprehension. One fateful day, Roz inadvertently crushes a goose’s nest, leaving behind an egg, which she subsequently adopts and raises as her own gosling.
Weaves Its Own Heartfelt Magic
Drawing inspiration from Peter Brown’s cherished children’s book, “The Wild Robot” seamlessly combines enchanting animation with profound reflections on the essence of family, friendship, and what it means to truly belong, all while delving into a heartwarming journey about surviving in the wild and artificial intelligence evolving towards consciousness. The story may seem dense at first glance, but this is not due to complexity; rather, Chris Sanders presents the narrative with such brilliance and finesse that the film leaves viewers deeply moved by its conclusion.
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2024-11-11 01:02