Buzz
Since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences established the Oscar for Best Animated Feature two decades ago, only a single hand-drawn film has won the award—Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 classic Spirited Away. While computer-generated animations like Shrek, Wall-e, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse have dominated the category, with the exception of the stop-motion Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit in 2005, the artistry of 2-D animation remains unparalleled. Films like Toy Story and Toy Story 4 showcase the evolution of 3-D animation, yet they lack the unique charm and expressiveness of hand-drawn styles. Techniques like exaggerated movements for comedic effect, such as Flounder’s hilarious reaction to the shark in The Little Mermaid, are difficult to replicate digitally.
Though hand-drawn animation has persisted, its presence in major films has dwindled, especially in the U.S., while Japan continues to embrace the tradition. The 1990s Disney Renaissance, marked by hits like The Lion King, represented the peak of 2-D animation’s popularity. However, by the time Disney released The Princess and the Frog in 2009, the genre had become a niche interest, overshadowed by blockbusters like Tangled and Frozen. Despite this, hand-drawn animation holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. Below are 12 films that highlight the magic of this art form, proving that a Pixar-level budget isn’t necessary to create unforgettable animated stories.
Pinocchio (1940)
While Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) marked Disney’s first foray into feature-length animation, Pinocchio stands as the studio’s crowning achievement. Despite its outdated techniques, the film’s visuals remain breathtaking, particularly when considering the innovative methods used to create effects like ocean waves and thunderstorms. One animator even documented his year-long journey to perfect the film’s aquatic scenes. For a deeper dive into its creation, check out the hour-long documentary on YouTube, or simply watch the film with a keen eye for its intricate details. Where to stream: Disney+
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Often regarded as the final masterpiece created under Walt Disney’s direct supervision, Sleeping Beauty initially struggled at the box office, not due to poor performance but because of its exorbitant production costs. Despite leading to significant layoffs at the studio, the film is now celebrated for its stunning art deco aesthetic and groundbreaking use of 70mm widescreen format. While the narrative may feel simplistic (a trait inherited from its source material), the breathtaking visuals and the iconic villain, Maleficent, ensure its place as a timeless classic. Where to stream: Disney+
Fantastic Planet (1973)
This 1973 French-Czech sci-fi allegory stands in stark contrast to Disney’s polished style, demonstrating the power of hand-drawn animation even on a modest budget. While some may argue it leans closer to stop-motion due to its use of paper cutouts animated frame by frame, its unique approach is undeniably impactful. The film’s distinctive style may divide audiences, but its artistic merit is unquestionable, making it a fascinating watch for those interested in animation’s diverse possibilities. Where to stream: HBO Max
Akira (1988)
In the U.S., adult-oriented animation has historically trailed behind the mature storytelling found in international markets, particularly in Japan, where anime and manga are embraced as legitimate narrative forms. This late-’80s cyberpunk masterpiece felt groundbreaking to American audiences, especially when viewed outside its cultural origins, yet its breathtaking visuals and gripping tale of motorcycle gangs and government intrigue remain universally captivating. Despite inspiring countless sci-fi works over the past three decades, its originality and artistry continue to shine. Where to stream: Hulu, Funimation
Prince of Egypt (1998)
DreamWorks Animation’s debut traditionally animated feature, spearheaded by co-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg, was a bold statement aimed at his former Disney colleagues. Katzenberg believed animation could elevate epic storytelling, and he turned to biblical tales to prove it. The film is a visual triumph, blending hand-drawn artistry with CGI to create unforgettable scenes like the plagues of Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. While the narrative may feel conventional, the grandeur of its visuals and the haunting melody of “When You Believe” ensure its lasting impact. Where to stream: Peacock
The Iron Giant (1999)
Despite its initial box-office failure, which led to the closure of its studio, The Iron Giant quickly gained critical acclaim and a devoted following. Directed by Brad Bird, who later helmed Pixar hits like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, the film masterfully combines childhood wonder with comic book nostalgia. While the titular giant was crafted using CGI, the seamless integration of traditional hand-drawn animation with modern techniques elevates the film, creating a timeless blend of artistry and emotion. Where to stream: Peacock
The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
One of the most striking aspects of hand-drawn animation is its ability to embrace the bizarre. Drawing impossible shapes and exaggerated forms is far more feasible in two dimensions than in three, which is why Sylvain Chomet’s 2003 surrealist comedy stands out. Its grotesque, unconventional character designs couldn’t exist in a CG world. The film’s style is delightfully inconsistent, as seen in its trailer, which showcases the wild journey of an elderly woman rescuing her cyclist son from the French mafia. (Chomet’s next work, The Illusionist, inspired by an unproduced Jacques Tati script, is equally extraordinary.)
Where to stream: Digital rental on various platforms
Persepolis (2007)
While live-action superhero films dominate the box office, animation offers a purer translation of comic book artistry to the screen. This acclaimed adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel memoir captures her experiences growing up in Iran and Austria during the Islamic Revolution. The film stays faithful to the original’s visual style while ingeniously animating each frame, bringing the story to life with remarkable creativity.
Where to stream: Digital rental on various platforms
The Secret of Kells (2009)
Cartoon Saloon, the studio responsible for this 2009 hand-drawn masterpiece, has delivered four exceptional films, each earning a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination (including this year’s Wolfwalkers). Despite their artistic brilliance, innovative storytelling, and unique style, they’ve yet to win, likely due to a modern bias against hand-drawn animation. These films embrace their hand-crafted aesthetic, avoiding the pursuit of CG’s pixel-perfect realism, and are all the more remarkable for it. Where to stream: Hoopla, Kanopy
World of Tomorrow (2015 - 2020)
Don Hertzfeldt, a one-man animation powerhouse, has repeatedly shown that simplicity can leave a profound impact. His beloved World of Tomorrow trilogy, crafted entirely by hand, pairs minimalist line drawings and mesmerizing backdrops with thought-provoking sci-fi narratives exploring time and existence. A recent Kickstarter campaign for future installments raised over $450,000, a testament to the series’ devoted fanbase. Where to stream: Rent or buy on Vimeo
your name. (2016)
While 2016’s Japanese sensation your name. doesn’t inherently demand animation (a Hollywood live-action remake is in the works), its tale of two teenagers swapping bodies across time and space leverages the medium’s strengths. The film beautifully captures modern Tokyo and delivers stunning sci-fi visuals, enhancing its emotional and narrative depth. Where to stream: Digital rental on various platforms
Studio Ghibli (1986 - present)
If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely frustrated that I haven’t included any Hayao Miyazaki-directed films. The truth is, choosing just one is impossible. Studio Ghibli’s entire portfolio stands as the pinnacle of hand-drawn animation, crafted with unparalleled precision and a shared vision of what animation can achieve. Many of these masterpieces come from Miyazaki, arguably the greatest animator in history, who personally sketches thousands of frames for each film. While Spirited Away is my all-time favorite, other gems like My Neighbor Totoro, The Wind Rises, and Isao Takahata’s enchanting The Tale of Princess Kaguya are equally unmissable. Fortunately, all these classics are now streaming on HBO Max.
Where to stream: HBO Max
