Filmmakers never know if their new movie will be a hit or not. However, sometimes a movie comes along that touches people on all levels. While anime movies are mostly known to be aimed at children or families, some anime movies have that special touch that touches everyone.
A great movie like this sends studios and filmmakers scrambling to create an entire franchise behind their success. Sometimes the sequels are better than the original, and sometimes the first movie is just plain unbeatable. No matter the franchise, there’s always one movie that stands out among the rest.
8 How to Train Your Dragon Was Surprisingly Tender
The first film in the animated franchise based on the books by Cressida Cowell, How to train your dragon surprised the audience with its depth and emotion. Tagged more as action than drama, Hiccup and Toothless’ story has left viewers wanting more of their story.
While the movies aren’t at all similar to the books aside from the character names and settings, the movies took on a life of their own with a second and third movie as well as several Netflix and Hulu series. However, nothing can beat the original movie about a boy and a dragon that didn’t fit anywhere until they met.
seven Shrek 2 made everyone love each other a little more
Shrek always maintains the idea that the real you are the most beautiful and important there is. When Shrek 2 was released, it further accentuated this idea when Shrek and Fiona find themselves human for the sake of their love.
In the end, Shrek and Fiona embrace their true ogre identities and love each other for them. The film also has a big villain in Fairy Godmother and a surprising but impressive appearance from Simon Cowell. Shrek 2 has a great message about the power and confidence behind loving yourself as well as an amazing story that kept audiences entertained.
6 Toy Story 3 had sobbing adults
While the first two toy story the movies led to the birth of Pixar as an animation giant, a plethora of toys and action figures, and even a ride to Walt Disney World, it was the third installment in this animated franchise that has really hit the audience.
Growing up is inevitable. When Andy grows up and goes off to college, it’s time for him to ditch his toys. As Andy ends up giving the toys to Bonnie on the street, Woody, Buzz and the gang go through everything from battling an evil teddy bear to being nearly incinerated. Audiences who grew up with these characters felt like this movie had found a good ending.
5 Frozen encouraged everyone to let it go
The 2013 Disney Animation Hit Frozen had a lot of unexpected twists, but perhaps the best twist of events is when Elsa decides early in the movie to drop the image people expect of her and be who she really is.
With a spectacular musical number and a legendary dress, Elsa encouraged onlookers to do the same. Letting go of other people’s expectations and embracing her true self, Elsa makes a bold statement that helped Frozen’spopularity and start the franchise. Although there was a sequel, shorts and an attraction at Walt Disney World, Frozen stands out as the leader of the pack.
4 The Incredibles brought families together
No two families are identical. They come from different places, have different backgrounds and face different challenges. However, The Incredibles allowed audiences to connect with Bob, Helen, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack not for their powers but for each of their roles within the Parr family.
While that film sparked a sequel in 2018, the original 2004 film made parents feel seen by their children and vice versa. The families could understand each other better thanks to the actions of the Incredibles. Audiences didn’t have to be a super with powers to feel like the Parr family was their family. The first one Incredibles the film stands the test of time and remains the better film of the two.
3 Finding Nemo pulled on the heartstrings
Pixar has a way of telling stories that audiences can connect with, no matter who is at the center of the story. When clownfish Marlin watches his son Nemo get kidnapped by divers, he stops at nothing to find him and bring him home.
Putting his bravery to the test, Marlin encounters sharks, jellyfish and sea turtles, teaming up with a forgetful fish named Dory to find Nemo. The lengths Marlin would go for those he loved, had viewers hugging their loved ones tighter and relating to a fish. Whereas The world of Nemo sparked a sequel and attraction at Walt Disney World, the original film remains the top story.
2 Lilo and Stitch made everyone feel like they belonged
A little outcast girl befriends an exiled alien. The premise of lilo and stitch seems far-fetched at first, but the heart of the story lies in finding family and where you belong. Lilo and Stitch have found a home with each other despite their differences.
lilo and stitch became a Disney classic that launched a multi-film and series franchise because of the heart behind the aliens. Lilo, Nani, David, and Stitch all had to fight to stay and be with their families, and it was worth it for them in the end. The original 2002 film remains an iconic animated film that makes audiences believe there’s a place for everyone.
1 The Lion King taught the true meaning of home
The 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King became an international sensation that would later spawn several movie sequels, a television series, and a Broadway musical that would win six Tonys.
The story of Simba and his struggles touched audiences with themes of family, friends and belonging. Simba steps into the role he was always meant to play as he saves his home from his Uncle Scar and reclaims his birthright. The story, mixed with an incredible soundtrack and timeless messages, proves why the original film remains the franchise’s best.
