Stop motion animation is an art form that has existed for centuries.
It involves taking a series of images of an object or character and playing them back in rapid succession to create the illusion of movement.
This technique can create truly stunning images, and it remains very popular among filmmakers today, even though its use has decreased in recent years in favor of CGI.
But there are many stop-motion films that are worth watching. In this blog post, we will count down the eleven best stop-motion films of all time.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion film released in 1993, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, based on a poem Burton himself had written.
The plot follows Jack Skellington, the so-called “Pumpkin King” of Halloween Town, a community of monsters and supernatural creatures dedicated each year to the celebration of Halloween.
Jack, tired of the monotony of Halloween festivities, discovers Christmas Town and is fascinated by the concept of Christmas. In his enthusiasm, he decides to take over the holiday and organize Christmas himself, causing a series of problems and confusion.
Despite its dark and macabre aesthetic, characteristic of Tim Burton’s work, the film is largely a comedy and is notable for its music, created by Danny Elfman, who also lent his voice to Jack Skellington in the songs.
The film innovatively combines elements of Halloween and Christmas, and has been acclaimed for its unique visual style and stop-motion animation.
Some viewers may find the plot less cohesive than they would like, as it focuses more on aesthetics and music than on a conventional plot development.
However, The Nightmare Before Christmas has been widely accepted as a Christmas and Halloween classic, and is considered a standout achievement in the field of stop-motion films.
2. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a stop-motion film released in 2005. It was directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, and produced by Aardman Animations, a company co-founded by David Sproxton and Peter Lord, known for their masterful work in clay animation.
The film follows Wallace, an enthusiastic inventor and cheese lover, and Gromit, his smart and silent dog, who reside in the fictitious English town of West Wallaby Street.
Wallace and Gromit run a pest control business called “Anti-Pesto,” and in the film, they must confront a mysterious and voracious “Were-Rabbit” that threatens the town’s gardens, just before the annual big vegetable contest.
“Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” stands out in the stop-motion genre, packed with British humor, endearing characters, exciting action sequences, and a story full of heart.
The stop-motion animation is truly impressive, each frame is filled with intricate details that bring a unique texture and life to the characters and the world they inhabit.
The film may have some slower moments that contribute to character development and plot tension, but these are easily overshadowed by the wit and creativity that pervade the entire work.
In 2006, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was awarded the Oscar for Best Animated Film, a recognition of its high quality and the talent of the Aardman team.
3. The Pirates! Band of Misfits ).
This is a stop-motion film released in 2012. It was directed by Peter Lord and produced by Aardman Animations, the renowned British animation company.
The plot follows an enthusiastic but unfortunate Pirate Captain, not Blackbeard, and his colorful crew of misfits. The Pirate Captain, whose name is never revealed, is obsessed with winning the coveted Pirate of the Year award.
To achieve this, he embarks on a series of adventures that take him from the most exotic seas to the streets of London.
Along the way, he confronts rivals, including the beautifully evil pirate Cutlass Liz and the pompous Black Bellamy. Additionally, he crosses paths with historical characters, such as Queen Victoria of England and the young Charles Darwin, adding a comedic twist to the story.
“The Pirates! Band of Misfits” is a fun and entertaining film that combines Aardman’s characteristic British humor with detailed and creative stop-motion animation. The film is filled with visual gags and puns that will keep viewers laughing from start to finish.
Aardman’s ability to combine humor, creativity, and impressive animation make “The Pirates! Band of Misfits” a standout film within the stop-motion genre, which both children and adults can enjoy.
4. Coraline’s Worlds (Coraline).
Coraline World’s (or simply Coraline), is a stop-motion animation film released in 2009. It was directed by Henry Selick and produced by Laika Studios. The story is based on the successful homonymous novel written by acclaimed British author Neil Gaiman.
The plot follows Coraline Jones, an adventurous and curious 11-year-old girl, who, after moving to an old house with her always busy parents, discovers a secret door that leads her to an alternate and seemingly improved version of her own life.
This parallel world seems like a dream come true at first, with “other” parents who are loving and attentive, a house full of wonders, and neighbors who are charming. However, Coraline soon discovers that this alternate world hides dark and dangerous secrets.
Coraline is a visual spectacle, with incredibly detailed and dazzling stop-motion animation. Selick’s creative vision brings to life a dark and enchanting world that is both wonderful and unsettling. The skilled use of stop-motion animation gives a tactile and tangible feeling to the film’s overflowing imagination.
It’s important to note that, despite being an animation film, Coraline can be quite intense and scary for younger children due to its plot and dark images.
However, for viewers who enjoy a unique mix of fantasy, horror, and adventure, it is an essential film in the stop-motion genre. The film also carries important messages about appreciating what one has and about a girl’s ability to face her fears and challenges.
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animation film released in 2016. It was the first film directed by Travis Knight, and is a product of the innovative Laika Studios, known for its stop-motion animation films.
The story follows Kubo, a young man talented in the art of telling magical stories through his shamisen (a Japanese string instrument). After accidentally awakening a vengeful spirit from his past, Kubo is forced to embark on an exciting quest to find a magical armor, which was once used by his late father, a legendary samurai.
In this epic adventure, Kubo joins two unique and colorful companions: Monkey, a creature who was magically transformed into his protector, and Beetle, a brave but forgetful samurai who was cursed to live in the body of an insect.
Kubo and the Two Strings is a visual spectacle, using stop-motion and CGI techniques to create a beautiful, vibrant world full of wonders and fascinating characters. Knight and the Laika team’s ability to bring this universe to life through animation is impressive, and takes the art of stop-motion to new levels.
Despite its deliberate pace, which some viewers might consider slow, the film is intense and emotional, with a plot full of courage, love, loss, and the importance of memory.
The end of the film will reward viewers with a deep and emotional reflection. Kubo and the Two Strings is not just an impressive animation film, but a cinematic work of art full of heart.
6. Anomalisa
Anomalisa is a stop-motion animation film released in 2015. It was co-directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, and written by Kaufman, who is known for his creative and often surreal scripts, such as “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “Being John Malkovich”.
The plot centers on the life of Michael Stone, a successful author specializing in customer service who feels disconnected from the world and the people around him. During a business trip to Cincinnati, he meets a woman named Lisa, who he nicknames Anomalisa, who seems to be the only person in the world who can break his sense of isolation and alienation.
The film uses stop-motion animation techniques to create an expressive yet subdued universe, reflecting Michael’s perception of his world. The puppets used in the film are incredibly detailed and realistic, bringing the characters to life in a way that enhances the story and theme.
The strength of Anomalisa lies not only in its stunning animation, but also in its deep and emotive narrative. The film tackles themes of loneliness, disillusionment, and the search for connection in an authentic and moving way. It’s a deeply human and relatable story, presented through Kaufman’s unique lens.
Although it is an animated film, Anomalisa is imed at an adult audience, addressing themes and situations that may be too complex for younger viewers. Its distinctive style and focus on the emotional and existential challenges of the main character make it a valuable addition to the genre of animated cinema.
7. ParaNorman.
ParaNorman is a stop-motion animation film that was released in 2012. It was directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, who also wrote the screenplay, and is a product of the renowned Laika Studios.
The plot revolves around Norman Babcock, a misunderstood boy who has the extraordinary ability to see and talk to the dead. In his quiet town of Blithe Hollow, this ability turns out to be more of a curse than a blessing, until he finds himself in a situation that requires his particular skills.
When the town is threatened by a centuries-old curse and the reappearance of zombies, Norman is the only one capable of confronting this supernatural crisis. With the help of a diverse group of friends and relatives, Norman must use his paranormal abilities to save his town.
ParaNorman is a wonderful mix of humor, emotions, and light scares. It has thrilling action scenes and is full of references to classic horror cinema, making it especially appealing to genre lovers.
In terms of stop-motion animation, the film stands out for its exceptional quality and attention to detail, thanks to the talent of Laika Studios. The character design and settings are impressive, resulting in a rich and attractive visual experience.
The plot may have some complications and some characters may seem less likeable at first glance, but these characteristics also add a layer of depth to the film, presenting imperfect characters and complex situations.
ParaNorman is not only an entertaining film, but also one that addresses important issues such as bullying, acceptance of diversity, and the courage to face fears, making it a valuable film for viewers of all ages.
8. Frankenweenie
Frankenweenie is a black and white stop-motion animation film that was released in 2012. This work was directed by the iconic Tim Burton and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is actually a feature-length remake of a short that Burton made in 1984 for Disney.
The protagonist of the film is a boy named Victor Frankenstein, a bright and creative young man with a passion for science. When his beloved dog Sparky dies, Victor is inspired by a science lesson at school to carry out an experiment and revive his pet using the power of electricity.
Frankenweenie is a tribute to classic monster films, filled with humor, emotions, and exciting action sequences. Burton, known for his distinctive visual style and love for the macabre, uses stop-motion animation to create a meticulously detailed and atmospheric world that perfectly embodies the aesthetics of old-school horror cinema.
Although the film is impressively realistic and visually stunning in its design and animation, its dark tone and gloomy themes may not be to everyone’s liking. The story, though full of heart, also addresses death and mourning, topics that can be intense for younger viewers or those not used to Burton’s distinctive style.
However, despite its darker tone, Frankenweenie is a celebration of creativity, science, and unconditional love for pets. Moreover, the film lso addresses the theme of accepting the consequences of our actions and learning to let go, making it a deeply moving and worthy stop-motion film to be seen.
9. Isle of Dogs.
Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animation film that was released in 2018, directed by Wes Anderson and produced by Indian Paintbrush and American Empirical Pictures, with distribution by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
The plot unfolds in a dystopian future in Japan, where a canine flu outbreak has led the authorities to exile all dogs to a waste island called Trash Island. The film follows a group of dogs — Chief, Rex, Boss, Duke, and King — who encounter a boy named Atari. Atari has flown to the island in search of his dog Spot, who has been deported there.
Isle of Dogs is a masterful work of animation. The canine characters are charming and full of personality, and the plot uniquely combines emotion, adventure, and humor in Anderson’s unmistakable style.
However, the film has been subject to some criticism. Some viewers find that some characters are less likeable or less developed than others. Also, the plot may seem convoluted or complicated to some, with multiple narrative threads intertwining.
Despite these potential difficulties, Isle of Dogs remains an essential piece in the genre of stop-motion animation, standing out for its stunning aesthetics, unique narrative, and interesting perspective on loyalty and friendship. It is definitely a film worth watching, especially for lovers of Wes Anderson’s cinema and animation in general.
10. Chicken Run
Chicken Run is a stop-motion animation film that was released in the year 2000, directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park, and produced by Aardman Animations in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation.
The plot of the film follows Ginger, an intelligent and brave chicken who dreams of freedom and constantly organizes escape attempts from the Tweedy chicken farm, a place that more closely resembles a concentration camp than a farm. The arrival of an American flying rooster, Rocky, offers new hope for her escape plan.
Chicken Run stands out for its excellent stop-motion animation, which brings great expressiveness and dynamism to the characters. The story is interesting, incorporating elements of adventure, humor, and tension effectively.
The film’s humor is one of its strong points, with a distinctive British style that manages to effortlessly induce laughter. The dialogues are sharp, and the interaction between the characters is truly entertaining.
As for the duration, some people may consider the film a bit short. However, at approximately 85 minutes, Chicken Run fits the average duration of an animated film and manages to tell its story in a satisfying and concise manner.
In summary, Chicken Run is a must-see stop-motion film that offers an effective combination of humor, adventure, memorable characters, and high-quality animation. It is an achievement in the field of stop-motion animation and a true delight for viewers of all ages.
11. The Lego Movie.
The Lego Movie is an animated film released in 2014, but instead of being a traditional stop-motion film, it’s a computer animation that imitates the appearance and style of stop-motion. It was written and directed by the creative duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
The plot of the film follows Emmet Brickowski (voiced by Chris Pratt), an ordinary Lego construction worker who is mistakenly identified as the “Special”, a legendary master builder who, according to a prophecy, has the ability to save the Lego universe. Emmet embarks on an epic adventure, joining forces with a diverse group of Lego characters to stop the evil Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell), who plans to use a powerful weapon to permanently freeze the Lego world.
The Lego Movie is a visual delight, and despite being computer-animated, it manages to capture the essence and appearance of Lego toys with an incredible level of detail. The action scenes are exciting and the movie benefits from a fast pace and a witty script full of humor, often featuring metalinguistic and self-referential references.
While some might find the movie’s moral, which emphasizes the value of teamwork and individuality, somewhat simplistic, this aligns well with the younger audience it’s targeted towards. Also, although some may view the movie’s humor as juvenile, many consider it one of its strengths, offering a level of entertainment that appeals to viewers of all ages.
Overall, The Lego Movie is a vibrant, action-packed film that has managed to expand the reach of computer animation, successfully imitating stop-motion style and delivering a final product that is both visually appealing and narratively entertaining.
