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1. The Adventures of Prince Achmed - 1926
The Adventures of Prince Achmed is the oldest surviving animated film in the world, produced between 1923 and 1926. The film draws from motifs in Middle Eastern fairy tales from 'One Thousand and One Nights,' which were adapted by Lotte Reiniger. Even if you're not practicing your German listening skills, this film offers plenty of reasons to watch it.
The film consists of 5 parts:
- Part 1: Introduction
- Part 2: The Story of Prince Achmed
- Part 3: Adventures in China
- Part 4: Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
- Part 5: Ghosts Battle in WAK-WAK
2. The Adventures of Pico and Columbus
The Magic Voyage is a 1992 German animated fantasy film released under the title Die Abenteuer von Pico & Columbus (English: The Adventures of Pico and Columbus) by Bavaria Film on February 14, 1992.
The story centers around the famous explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492. At that time, many people believed the Earth was flat, and ships might sail off the edge into space. However, Columbus, an Italian navigator, had a revolutionary idea – he believed the world was square.
Everything changed when a small wooden worm named Pico overhears him and convinces Columbus that the Earth is round by nibbling away at the corners of his square globe, transforming it to look round. Eventually, Columbus accepts this new view and plans to share his discovery with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Pico joins him, and the two form a close friendship.
This movie offers fascinating inventions and discoveries, and watching it provides an effortless way to absorb German naturally without any struggle.
3. Rusty the Knight - 2013
Watching this movie takes you on a unique adventure with a very special knight who must save his magical kingdom by redeeming his knightly honor.
The characters are incredibly charming and whimsical, making you feel like a child again, full of bold dreams and courage, just like Rusty in this adventurous tale.
4. The Man on the Moon - 2012
The film tells a beautiful story! It follows the lonely Man on the Moon, tired of his life on the moon, who grabs the tail of a comet to visit Earth. During his exploration, the Man on the Moon discovers many wonders on Earth.
His adventure on Earth revolves around dealing with Earth's leader, who has just conquered the entire planet and is now seeking something new to conquer. Throughout the story, the Man on the Moon asks questions like, "What is a friend?" and "What is belief?" His encounter with inventor Bunsen van der Dunkel helps him find answers to these existential questions.
This movie offers plenty of delightful surprises, is highly creative, and full of vibrant colors. Viewers will feel as though they are embarking on a magical adventure, reliving childhood wonder.
5. Felidae - 1994
Felidae is a 1994 German animated mystery film for adults, directed by Michael Schaack and based on Akif Pirinçci's 1989 novel. The story focuses on Francis, a domestic cat, and the grisly murder unfolding in his new neighborhood.
Francis, a smart and cynical cat, moves into a dilapidated, gloomy house with his owner, Christopher Löbel, a romantic writer and architect. The top floor of the house emits a strange, chemical scent. While exploring, Francis discovers the body of a cat killed by a bite to the neck. At the crime scene, he meets and befriends Bluebeard, a one-eyed, smelly Maine Coon with a severed tail...
What happens next in this eerie tale? Watch the film and let your imagination run wild. And of course, it's a great way to learn German, practice pronunciation, and pick up new vocabulary.
6. Lissi and the Wild Emperor - 2007
Lissi and the Wild Emperor is a 2007 German 3D animated film directed by Michael Herbig. It is a reimagining of the 1950s Sissi trilogy, originally created by Ernst Marischka, which remains one of the most successful series in Germany. This charming animated film is perfect for the whole family.
Lissi and Franz make an amazing couple in a magical world! A world filled with harmony, enough paper money to keep warm, and plenty of chocolate balls for playing golf. But suddenly, Empress Lissi becomes the victim of a kidnapping! During the ordeal, Lissi ends up in a frozen lake, only to be rescued by a Yeti. Over time, she becomes friends with the Yeti, persuading him to abandon his arrogant ways, and he begins to change.
Will the story evolve into an adventure with a romantic twist? Watch the film and see for yourself. You'll also fall in love with the film's music, which makes the viewing experience even more captivating.
