I feel like it is fair to say it hasn’t been a stellar year for animation. Part of that has been the story of Disney’s woes at the box office, taking the shine off of what are typically a handful of high profile release. Netflix has been increasing its investment in animation over the last number of years, and typically has, at the very least, a couple amicable cult favorites to mine from the mix, not to mention snagging Del Toro’s Pinocchio last year. This year, the best of the bunch is probably Nimona, which is perfectly fine but far from great, along with the much anticipated follow up to Chicken Run, which sort of fizzled out after somewhat tepid reactions. It doesn’t help either that both Suzume and The Boy and the Heron released to somewhat mixed reception too, Suzume still not getting a digital release despite a very brief and short lived theater run, The Boy and the Heron proving to the be the stronger of the two. These were the films that were supposed to dominate the discussion over the course of 2023, and while The Boy and the Heron can definitely lay claim to occupying a significant part of 2023’s cultural conversation, and remains a significant achievement from one of the greatest living directors, this is still a far cry from where we were with the animated category in the last number of years.
Dig a little though, and there are some gems worth highlighting, giving the obvious nods as well to the big hitters in Across The Spiderverse, and the crowd favorite Super Mario Bros. Shout out as well to The Peasants, one of my most anticipated animated films of the year which I have not yet been able to see due to it not getting a wide release.
1. SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE
It would be hard to argue this is not the best animated film of the year given its overall success on a number of levels. Critics loved it. Audiences loved it. And this meant success at the box office, elevating the film to the level of capturing a true cultural moment. Full disclosure- I wasn’t as high on the first one as many others were, so I went into this sequel with some reservations. What I loved about Across the Spiderverse is that it addressed my number one problem with the first film- it incorporated a rich thematic core. It also uses the fan service elements to flesh out a compelling philosophical commentary, and spends time developing its unusually large cast of characters in a way that makes them all feel necessary to the story. All of this comes together to elevate this film above its predecessor, going from good to great
2. ELEMENTAL
We can call this the little film that could, if little could apply to this years high profile Pixar release. If headlines had their way, they would have convinced the masses that this one was dead in the water before it even got started. Rather than the story, it was the films box office woes that dominated the conversation. And yet it kept sticking around, week after week, slowly and steadily bringing in an audience over the course of a lengthy extended run. For my money, and I invested in this one myself, this is because of the simple power of its story. It is from the Director of The Good Dinosaur, a film that often, undeservedly so in my opinion, ends up on the bottom of peoples all time Pixar lists. Here he reaches for something even more expansive. And an older demographic as well. What it ultimately becomes is a wonderful mix of thematic sensibilities, exploring its coming of age context, its underlying love story, discussions about immigration, family and tradition, generational gaps. I was really taken with this from the start, and I was very glad to see it find success.
3. ERNEST AND CELESTINE: A TRIP TO GIBBERITIA
A life without music is unthinkable. So it is with Ernest and Celestine. They make the world a better place. As they fight to bring music and happiness back to Ernest’s home, fighting as one will do, of course, a fascist government regime (take that Pinocchio), they are also fighting for our hearts. Which, frankly put, is not really a battle at all. Whatever darkness lingers in the backdrop of this film’s subtext, what’s far more clear is the abundant optimism that carries it forward and wins the day. It might be tempting to call this comfort food, but that’s not really what this is. It’s as comforting as homemade soup on a winters day. Its also the real deal, like uncovering grandma’s favorite recipe.
4. THE FIRST SLAM DUNK
It’s a phenomenal and quintessential sports movie. As an animated film its also so much more. The pacing is exceptional, building the tension right up to its thrilling climax, and the human drama gets fully fleshed out, offering us endearing characters with real stakes. A definite power player in this years animated slate.
5. THE BOY AND THE HERON
Even lower tier Miyazaki is on a different terrain than most animated fair. This one did end up falling short for me, being too layered for its own good, especially when he is taking so many risks with his storytelling. There is little doubt that the film is coming from a deeply personal place, and the question of legacy looms large here. It also features one of the years best scores, and of course boasts a very creative animation style. Whatever confusion it might evoke in terms of the story beats, which in reading up on the film sounds like it was intentional, is overshadowed by the technical strength. I just really needed a more concrete way into the story for this to fully work, but It is, nevertheless, still Miyazaki, and on that front alone remains a must see and a definite choice for these end of the year lists. One of the greatest living directors without a doubt.
6. RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN
Probably the single animated film to catch me most off guard this year. It really endeared me to its characters and its story, and despite falling off slightly in the third act, features an exceptionally edited and constructed first three quarters. It has a lot going for it, including memorable characters and an old fashioned adventure story revolving around a coming of age scenario and the challenges/lessons of family and peers that flows from this. Perhaps its biggest strength is simply its heart. Authenticity goes a long ways.
7. WISH
A mixed bag, but a film that is much stronger than first appearances might imply. In truth, it is important to support original films such as this, even if the film is imperfect. Wish reflects the look and feel of the Disney classics while forging its own take on a modern fairy tale. It’s a love letter in its own way to what Disney once imagined itself to be, and does its best to carry those values forward, celebrating the strength of an honest story and the imagination. I really liked it, and I personally hope they take more risks on films like this in the future.
8 LAMYA’S POEM
If poetry were a film. Lamya’ Poem would b it, awash as it is in lyrical depth, including an exceptional score, some gorgeous colors, and a compelling story about refugees.
9. THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE
Yes, it’s the popular pick. But hey, it is fun in all the best ways, so what can I say. Loved all the inside takes and easter eggs. Loved that I saw it with someone was able to point that stuff out to me too.
10. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
If you thought this film might crash and burn in a spectacular fashion, for as feverish as the advertising was leading up to its release, you aren’t alone. What a lovely surprise. I don’t know what the bigger surprise is actually; the fact that the turtles are actually cast as teenagers, or the fact that its as fun as it ends up being. Either way, its worth bringing them back to the big screen in this way, even if the grungy animation style might prove to have a short shelf life. It remains a novelty for the moment though.
The Stories of my Life 