The cartoons they have been accompanying us throughout our lives, first on television and then in cinema.
In the next lines we will do a review of several of the best animated films. We will cover only the classic or traditional style of sequential animation of 2D images, without dwelling on other styles or techniques such as Stop Motion or exclusive generation in computer programs.
Cartoons = Walt Disney?
Although he was not a pioneer in cartoon cinema, Walt Disney developed a sustainable and long-lasting technique, so much so that most of the films that we will mention below bear the mark of the Mickey Mouse studio.
Cartoon movies throughout history
The Apostle by Quirino Cristiani (Argentina-1917)
Officially, it is the first animated feature film ever. A political satire of which, unfortunately, only a few frames survived.
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs (United States-1937)
First feature film from the Disney factory. Produced by Walt Disney himself and directed by 5 different animators, the film became an instant classic, despite everyone in the film industry claiming it would be a failure that would bankrupt the studio.
The bull phenomenon by Fernando Marco (Spain-1919)
While in Argentina it premiered The Apostle, in Spain it was already quite advanced in its production of this short, parody of bullfighting and of which, unfortunately, no copy survived.
The little Mermaid by Ron Clements and John Musker (United States, 1989)
This tape would mark the start of Disney's Second Golden Age. Based on the tragic tale by Hans Cristian Andersen, transformed into an innocent children's story suitable for all audiences.
Shin Chan: The Invasion by Mitsuru Hongo (Japan-1993)
The peculiar character created by Yoshito Usuai has had 25 cinematic adventures, all with the same success as the manga and anime.
Lifting anchors by George Sidney (United States-1945)
This is the first feature film to combine live action with cartoons (an effect that had already been successfully achieved in several previous short films). Gene Kelly dances in a scene with Jerry, the mouse that teams up with Tom the cat.
Mortadelo and Filemón: The Wardrobe of Time by Rafael Vara (Spain-1971)
First feature film of the popular characters created by Francisco Ibáñez, although it was not the first time they had been shown in theaters. A commercial success, which was not very well received by Ibáñez.
El Rey León by Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers (United States-1994)
It is the traditional animation film highest grossing in film history, and No. 33 on the overall list of all time, grossing $ 968.5 million.
Sponge Bob. A hero out of the water by Paul Tibbitt and Mike Mitchel (United States-2015)
The second film of the famous character created by Stephen Hillenburg, is a quirky and very well accomplished combination of live action images and computer generated objects, with classic 2D animation. To the surprise of many, most critics consider it one of the best animated films ever.
Peter and the Dragon Elliot by Don Chaffey (United States-1977)
Another film that combines real action with two-dimensional cartoons. It is also another Disney brand movie.
El viaje de Chihiro by Hayao Miyazaki (Japan-2001)
Chihiro is a girl who is trapped inside a magical world and must find a way to escape. Its director is considered to be the Japanese Walt Disney. Is the film highest grossing within Japanese cinematography, winner of the Oscar for Best Animated Film and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.
Space Jam by Joe Pytka (United States-1996)
Another combination of Live Action with cartoons (traditional 2D, but "rendering" on computers). Ported by Michael Jordan and Bugs BunnyIt was a success at the public level, but not critically. Since 2016 there has been a rumor about a sequel which would star LeBron James.
Aladdin by Ron Clements and John Musker (United States-1992)
Based on the tale Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, This Disney classic is one of the most memorable films of the 90s. Robin Williams voiced the Genie in the Lamp in English, displaying a vast repertoire of sounds difficult to emulate.
Kirikú and the witch by Michel Ocelot (Belgium, France, Luxembourg. 1998)
One of the most sympathetic bets of the european animation, highly awarded at film festivals on various continents.
Chickpea from La Mancha by Arturo Moreno (Spain-1945)
First animated feature film produced in Spain and the first in color shot outside the United States. Based on the homonymous story by Julián Pemartín.
Who Framed Robert Rabbit? By Robert Zemeckis (United States-1988)
One of the most successful cases of movies that they combine real action with cartoons. Steven Spielberg produced this film, which was shot with a very high budget for the time of 70 million dollars.
La bella y la bestia by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise (United States-1991)
If something has characterized Disney as a producer of animated films, it is its ability to turn dark and gloomy tales into children's stories.
Doraemon: Nubita's Dinosaur by Hiroshi Fukutomi (Japan-1980)
Another Japanese manga, created in 1969 by Fujiko F. Fujio and whose anime adaptation it is so successful that it has never stopped catching on.
Princess and the Frog by Ron Clements and John Musker (United States-2009)
The sixth collaboration between Clements and Musker meant Disney's return to traditional animation, after a five-year hiatus, at the height of the 3D digital technique.
Anastasia by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman (United States-1997)
Fox recruited two former Disney animators in an attempt to compete within the animated feature film segment. Blockbuster and audience.
Fantasy fabric (United States-1940)
The second animated film from Disney Studios is another classic of universal cinema. In addition, it is an experimental proposal, without dialogue. It was also one of the first tapes exhibited with stereo sound.
Tarzan by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck (United States-1999)
La children's version of the famous novel about The King of the Jungle written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, it was not nearly as successful.
Image sources: El Tijuanense.com / El Rincón de Jose Carlos / eCartelera / PelisPlus / Taringa!