The world of animation has always been a fascinating and diverse one, and 2024 promises to be another remarkable year for animated films. Unlike live-action movies, animated films have no limitations in terms of what can be created on screen, except for the budget and the imaginations of the remarkably talented artists behind them. Whether it is hand-drawn, computer-animated, stop-motion or a mix of all three, animation is an incredibly exciting medium in film. It offers endless possibilities and has the power to transport us to worlds beyond our imagination. Despite the common misconception that animated movies are only for children, they appeal to people of all ages. In fact, at the 2024 Oscars, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel hinted that animation is not just for kids, and he was right. So, get ready to be amazed by the incredible stories and characters that will be brought to life in the world of animation in 2024.
With a plethora of streaming options available nowadays, it can be hard to decide what to watch. However, there are a lot of hidden gems among the offerings from smaller studios that are well worth checking out. Even though Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, and Illumination are always guaranteed to bring in the crowds with their latest films, there are plenty of other animated movies to look forward to in 2024.
From further installments in beloved franchises to hotly anticipated sequels, ambitious anime offerings, and new original stories set to become future favorites, 2024 is shaping up to be a great year for animated movies. Whether you want to catch up on the latest adventures of your favorite characters or discover something completely new, there’s something for everyone.
We’ll be following all of the new releases and keeping track of the year’s best animated movies, so be sure to check back regularly. With so many exciting films on the horizon, you won’t want to miss out on any of the action!
Orion And The Dark
“Orion and the Dark” is a fascinating exploration of childhood fears, crafted by none other than the brilliant writer Charlie Kaufman. Known for his work on critically acclaimed films like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” Kaufman’s latest project is a departure from his usual style. While his last animated feature was an R-rated stop-motion movie about a man dealing with Fregoli delusion, “Orion and the Dark” is a more accessible and family-friendly film. With its imaginative and captivating storyline, this movie offers a unique perspective on the fears that children often experience. Overall, “Orion and the Dark” is a must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking and engaging cinema.
“Orion and the Dark” is a remarkable animated movie that showcases the unique style of its creator, Max Kaufman. While the film features Kaufman’s signature themes, such as existentialism, anxiety, and the importance of facing one’s fears, it is a highly ambitious work that sets itself apart from other animated films of its kind.
One of the film’s standout features is its portrayal of the “Night Entities,” which are colorful characters that resemble those from the Pixar film “Inside Out.” This unique approach to visualizing fear should spark fascinating conversations between parents and children about the things that scare them.
At its core, the movie is accessible to viewers of all ages, mainly due to its central character, Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) and his fear of the dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). Although Orion’s adventures with the Dark are a made-up story for the sake of his daughter, Hypatia (Mia Akemi Brown), there is a clear takeaway for kids about confronting and conquering their fears.
Overall, “Orion and the Dark” is a fantastic example of an animated film that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. It has set a high bar for other animated movies that will follow in the years ahead.
The Tiger’s Apprentice
“The Tiger’s Apprentice” is a delightful animated film that takes on the challenge of bringing Chinese folklore and mythology to a wider audience, while keeping it kid-friendly. The movie doesn’t break new ground in terms of its premise, but it still manages to stand out from similar offerings with its unique blend of adventure, humor, and heart.
The story revolves around a young boy named Tom Lee, voiced by Brandon Soo Hoo, who discovers that he is related to a legendary warrior and must follow in his footsteps to become a hero. With the help of a talking tiger named Mr. Hu, voiced by Henry Golding, Tom embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery that takes him to mystical locations and introduces him to fascinating creatures.
The film does an excellent job of weaving together elements of Chinese culture, such as the use of martial arts and the incorporation of mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes. The animation is also top-notch, with vibrant colors and stunningly detailed backgrounds that bring the world to life.
Overall, “The Tiger’s Apprentice” is a wonderful cinematic experience that will keep kids and adults alike entertained and engaged. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure, magic, and heartwarming stories of self-discovery.
It’s interesting to note how the plot of this particular movie could easily be swapped with that of another panda-centred film on this list and still make absolute sense. Nonetheless, what “The Tiger’s Apprentice” lacks in originality, it makes up for with its sincere effort to pay homage to the source material. This includes not only the novel by Laurence Yep but also the captivating mythology that surrounds it. What truly sets this movie apart, however, is its impressive cast, with the vocal talents of Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh, and Greta Lee being among its major selling points.
While some critics may have found “The Tiger’s Apprentice” to be somewhat generic and uninspired, audiences have given it a much more favourable rating of over 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. While it’s certainly a movie that’s geared more towards young viewers, it’s not to say that older audiences won’t find something to enjoy. There’s a lot to appreciate in this movie, and it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of Laurence Yep’s work or just looking for an engaging family-friendly film.
Kung Fu Panda 4
“Kung Fu Panda” has become one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time. With each entry in the series, the filmmakers have managed to keep things fresh and exciting, introducing new characters and storylines while staying true to the heart and soul of the original film.
In the third and fourth installments of the series, we see lovable panda Po (voiced by Jack Black) confronting new challenges and facing his fears head-on. No longer content to simply be the Dragon Warrior, Po must now take on the role of guardian of the Valley of Peace, a responsibility that weighs heavily on him.
Despite the weighty subject matter, “Kung Fu Panda 4” is still full of the kind of kung fu action and comedic moments that fans of the series have come to expect. The fight scenes are as dynamic and thrilling as ever, and there are plenty of laughs to be had thanks to the comic genius of Po and newcomer Zhen (voiced by Awkwafina).
But what really sets “Kung Fu Panda 4” apart from its predecessors is the depth of character development on display. Po is forced to confront his own insecurities and fears, battling himself both literally and figuratively as he struggles to come to terms with his new role. There are also some touching and poignant moments with Po’s two dads, Mr. Ping (voiced by James Hong) and Li Shan (voiced by Bryan Cranston), who find themselves in a hilarious co-parenting role.
At its heart, “Kung Fu Panda 4” feels like the ending of one era and the beginning of another. Whether we’ll see Po and the Furious Five return for another adventure or if Zhen will take over as the series’ new protagonist remains to be seen. But regardless of what the future holds, “Kung Fu Panda 4” is a fitting conclusion to a truly unforgettable series.
Justice League: Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 1
DC Comics’ animation department continues to produce high-quality content, and “Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1” is no exception. The movie is based on the popular DC Comics storyline and serves as an effective introduction to the main event. The film establishes the key players and sets the stage for the remaining parts of the trilogy.
Despite being the first part of the trilogy, “Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 1” is not short on excitement. It primarily follows the story of Barry Allen/The Flash (voiced by Matt Bomer) and his integration into the Justice League. Allen’s time-traveling and multiverse-hopping antics play a crucial role in breaking everything, and the film does an excellent job of showcasing his character.
One of the highlights of the movie is its voice cast, which includes Jensen Ackles, Meg Donnelly, and Zachary Quinto, among others. The animation is another strong point, with crisp visuals that bring the story to life.
This trilogy is poised to be something special, with the third part set to feature a posthumous Batman performance from Kevin Conroy. Conroy will reunite with Mark Hamill’s Joker for one last time, making the upcoming movie a must-watch for any DC Comics fan.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
“Mobile Suit Gundam” is an anime franchise that has been beloved by fans for over four decades. Since its premiere in 1979, this mecha (or robot anime) subgenre has amassed a massive following worldwide. The franchise consists of TV series, movies, manga, and video games, with a vast and expansive universe that is intriguing and complex. However, the franchise’s vastness can be overwhelming, and understanding the correct order to watch the series can be a bit tricky.
If you are a fan or a newcomer to the franchise and want to brush up on the “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” spin-offs, you will be in an excellent position to enjoy the latest big-screen adventure, “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom.” This movie is a direct sequel to the previous series and picks up where “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny” left off. The story revolves around Lacus Clyne (voiced by Rie Tanaka), who has become the president of the peacekeeping organization called Compass. She is working alongside her friend and pilot Kira Yamato (voiced by Sōichirō Hoshi) as they negotiate new threats and ongoing tensions between Naturals and Coordinators.
Even if you are unfamiliar with the franchise’s overarching storyline, “Freedom” is a thrilling and beautifully animated movie that you can enjoy. The film blends its exploration of the inhumanity of war and the frustration of negotiating through bureaucracy with really cool space fights and deliberately melodramatic relationship theatrics, making it appealing to everyone. Hardcore fans of the franchise will find this long-awaited movie (which has been in development since 2006) even more interesting, but casual viewers can still have fun watching it.
Dragonkeeper
“Dragonkeeper” is a delightful Spanish-Chinese animated fantasy film that brings together the talents of two acclaimed directors, Salvador Simó and Jianping Li. Based on Carole Wilkinson’s book of the same name, the movie follows the journey of a young girl named Ping, voiced by Mayalinee Griffiths, who aspires to become a Dragonkeeper. The film shares some similarities with the popular animated movie “How to Train Your Dragon,” as both are based on novels and feature magical creatures as central characters. However, “Dragonkeeper” distinguishes itself with its focus on Chinese mythology and culture, and a lovable protagonist that captures the hearts of viewers.
The film has been in the making for a long time, with production starting in 2016 and then getting delayed due to the global pandemic. Despite these challenges, the filmmakers have put in a great deal of care and attention to detail, evident in the stunningly simple animation and heartfelt storytelling. The filmmakers have opted for a pared-back approach, with a focus on the story and characters, rather than flashy visuals and special effects. As producer Larry Levene explained in an interview with Animation magazine, “There are no secrets in the tools used, but the artistic approach was more simple and realistic than the classical Disney or Pixar animation, which in this case was perfect for the film … our mantra was ‘less is more.'”
In summary, “Dragonkeeper” is a charming animated movie that will appeal to viewers of all ages, especially those interested in Chinese mythology and culture. Despite its delayed release, the film has been worth the wait, with its heartfelt storytelling, lovable characters, and stunning animation making it a standout movie in the animated fantasy genre.
