There are 93 DVDs in my house containing some form of animation, and I can quote every one.
This is a skill I’ve mastered through many years of movie marathons with my family the moment it starts to get cold outside, where the six of us curl up on the couch with microwave popcorn and bags of candy to rewatch animated classics.
Many of those movies, however, have never met the light of day for other families.
As the weather finally grows cold, I’ve drawn up a list of the best, most underrated animated films that everyone needs to watch from underneath a heap of blankets.
- “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (Sony — 2009)
Paired with an amazing sequel, this hilarious film takes a unique twist on the classic “mad scientist” and awkward main character. It follows a scientist who manages to make it rain food and has to stop it when it turns into storms. I will watch this any day of the week in any mood with no complaints, and I’ll laugh the whole time. Nothing hits harder than the ragtag team of misfits trying to stop the impossible from happening.
- “Atlantis” (Disney — 2001)
This movie was Disney’s biggest flop at the box office, but one of the best to watch. I love every moment of this movie, from the dorky characters learning to be brave to the plot twist that gets me every time. Whenever my family goes on roadtrips, one of the first DVDs we pack is “Atlantis,” and it’s for good reason.
- “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (Disney — 1998)
Though only halfway animated, this movie is a classic for everyone to enjoy. The film takes place in a world with live-action and cartoon characters, where a detective attempts to figure out who is framing famous cartoon character Roger Rabbit. This film is the best-friend comedy no one knew they needed and deserves to be recognized 25 years later.
- “Rio” (BlueSky Studios — 2011)
A box office smash and one of the few successful movies BlueSky studios made, this film warmed the audience’s hearts. In it, Blu — a bird raised in captivity — falls in love with a newly-captured bird, Jewel, and the two try to escape. A combination of adventure and romance, this light-hearted film has the cutest storyline ever.
- “Rise of the Guardians” (DreamWorks — 2012)
One of my all-time favorite movies, “Rise of the Guardians” is the perfect movie for families and friends. It follows Jack Frost as he teams up with the Guardians of Childhood — Santa, the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy and SandMan — to stop the boogeyman, Pitch Black. This movie keeps me at the edge of my seat, whether it was the first time I watched it or the 100th. A perfect mixing pot of action, adventure and humor, this is one of the best movies to ever grace the screens.
