Animation is not just for kids anymore - animation continues to show up on the big screen, more and more feature adult themes and the artistry is as beautiful than ever. So whether you have kids or just feel like a big kid - here are five animated movies and shows to stream on Netflix tonight.
The Secret of Kells
Gorgeous artwork and voice over acting bring this fictional story of the Book of Kells to life. This 2009 movie was nominated for an Academy Award, but didn't receive the fanfare of the other movies in its category that year. Kids will love it for the story, but adults will love it for its design choices.
Rango
If you're tired of watching Johnny Depp dress in weird costumes, but still love him despite his recent choices, then Rango is pretty much the perfect movie for you. Who would have thought the Western could be reinvented so successfully? I love everything about this movie, especially the mariachi owls. Yes, mariachi owls.
All Dogs Go To Heaven
There's something extra special about finding yourself wiping away a stray tear when watching an animated movie. It's rare, but it's a sure sign the director and artists responsible for it truly infused humanity into their story. All Dogs Go To Heaven was the first animated movie that ever brought out that kind of emotion in me — and it's still charming and funny to this day.
Home Movies
This animated TV show is a staple for comedy fans. Made by the brains behind Bob's Burgers, this show is sarcastic and witty, taking on family issues with heart. Pay special attention to the voices. Careful viewers will find a couple of Mitch Hedberg cameos.
Tintin
Many young people were introduced to Tintin for the first time last year, when Steven Spielberg brought the series back to life, but many of the original animated movies and series episodes are on Netflix Instant today. They're not as slick as the 2011 remake, but the silly banter between Thompson and Thomson still provide laughs, and kids will get a kick out of early Snowy too.
(Top image: still from Secret of Kells)
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I love Home Movies and The Secret of Kells, but Rango was pretty dreadful. The animation is admittedly pretty incredible, but the movie just drags and only has a few laughs. People who defend it refer to it as being dark, but I'd argue that it's just bleak and boring. And at some point in life, Jonny Depp decided that we all love Hunter S. Thompson as much as he does. Eh.
I loved The Secret of Kells.
Another one to catch: Sita Sings the Blues
http://www.sitasingstheblues.com/
The Secret of Kells is gorgeous! I definitely recommend it; it's animation style is lovely. I had a few good laughs during Rango. It does a drag at a few places, but it's very entertaining nonetheless and I prefer it's subtle humour.
I get that AT is trying really hard to branch out, but movie reviews?
Don't forget The Triplets Of Belleville. A great story about a grandma and grandson.
AT folks like to relax too, and so glad they do and then share info like this!....I love that I saw the Secret of the Kells here...had never heard of it before.....thank you!, thank you!, thank you! AT. Hope more of your readers send in some recs...!
@kmk355 and moonbase alphan,
This site isn't just about interior design. Remember how AT used to have a whole bunch of sub-sites? One of those was Unplugged, and it was devoted to techie stuff. Now that the sites are combined, sometimes there are posts here about streaming movies, or phone apps, or photo equipment. If you're not interested, don't read those posts.
The Secret of Kells was a wonderful movie and is a good point to then introduce children to what the real Book of Kells is and how the Bible used to be not only a sacred work but also a precious hand made book copied letter by letter.
Shaun the Sheep! It's made by Aardman Animations, who made Wallace & Gromit. Shaun is so funny and silly!
What @akay said.
What movie is that beautiful stylized fish at the head of the post from? I don't recognize it, but I love that image...
Love love love Secret of the Kells. I think given that design inspiration can be found everywhere, this post is just fine by me.
Also, the fish is from Kells, too.
You always have the option to not read an a article if it offends your sensibilities. I, however, watch movies at home, so I found the article informative.
shawn the sheep- yes, it's cool looking and pretty funny too :)
We have a four year old, and honestly, I don't know if I'd let her watch The Secret of Kells yet- YES, it's absolutely gorgeous, but I remember some kind of scary fire scenes. Also, we tried watching Tintin, and we had to explain about smuggling, some language (if I remember right), and some other more "big kid" stuff- ended up turning it off. All Dogs go to Heaven we tried a few weeks ago, but it opens with dogs planning a MURDER. She was so creeped out she begged it to stop.
However, she LOVED Ponyo, and that had a tsunami which I thought would scare her ( go figure!)... so for great visuals Miyazaki films are usually a safe bet in our house :)
Man, this makes me sound like a crazy mom... just trying to say, remember your kid's sensitivities as well :)
Secret of the Kells for the win! I had the unexpected pleasure of watching this at Christmas with my niece and sister. I didnt even think of watching it before it was shown on TV.
The animation is gorgeous and the story is excellent, more than I expected from this. My niece was 4 and she was ok with the fire scenes. Honestly, I understand what people are saying above about children being sensitive, but you have to let them get a little bit scared every now and again, otherwise too much will slip them by. Before I get too much grief, the book of Kells does have a "General" rating
I let my kids get scared, all I was saying was a caution to others, all kids are different. sheesh.
Thanks for the recommendation. FYI, apparently All Dogs Go To Heaven is not available on UK Netflix so UK users are SOL unless you use some sort of IP changer like UnoDNS. Basically, UnoDNS lets you to access Netflix US and different regions so you can get the movie you want.
Super happy you posted these. I'd not heard of Home Movies and had been wondering about Secret of the Kells.
I just added The Secret of the Kells to my instant queue on Netflix and saw an expiration date next to it. The movie won't be available after October 5, 2012. I'm chatting with their help person now, and she states the movie will be gone after that but may reappear at some point.
A favourite of mine is "Valhalla" about the gods of nordic mythology. I used to read the comics as a kid and the cartoon brings the books to life beautifully. AND it's on youtube with english subtitles so here you go:http://youtu.be/YNX_Heix390
It's funny and heartbreaking and worth a watch.