Disney's The Little Mermaid reignited the studio's animated musical legacy. This classic fairytale adaptation tells the story of Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of life above the waves. She makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human and win the heart of Prince Eric. The film is celebrated for its catchy songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, its spirited heroine, and its lush underwater animation. Interestingly, Ursula was reportedly inspired by the drag performer Divine. The film's success paved the way for the string of hits that followed in the Disney Renaissance. It's a charming story about longing, sacrifice, and finding your place in the world.

The film that changed animation forever, Toy Story is a groundbreaking computer-animated classic from Pixar. It introduces us to the secret life of toys, focusing on Sheriff Woody, the favorite toy of a young boy named Andy. Woody's world is turned upside down when Andy gets a new, high-tech action figure, Buzz Lightyear, who doesn't realize he's a toy. Their rivalry leads them on an unexpected adventure outside the safety of Andy's room. A cool fact is that during early development, Woody was originally conceived as a ventriloquist's dummy and a bit of a tyrant before being refined into the lovable cowboy we know. The film's success proved the viability of feature-length CGI animation and launched Pixar into superstardom. It's a witty, heartfelt story about friendship and acceptance that holds up incredibly well.

A cornerstone of the Disney Renaissance, The Lion King is an epic coming-of-age story set in the African savanna. It follows young lion cub Simba, who is forced into exile after the tragic death of his father, King Mufasa. Living a carefree life with his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba must eventually confront his past and reclaim his rightful place as king. The film features stunning hand-drawn animation, a powerful score by Hans Zimmer, and iconic songs by Elton John and Tim Rice. Did you know that for the stampede scene, the animators studied the movement of wildebeests and used computer animation to manage the thousands of animals on screen – a pioneering technique at the time? It's a timeless tale of responsibility, destiny, and the circle of life that continues to resonate with audiences.

Disney's Frozen became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa possesses magical powers to control ice and snow, which she struggles to conceal, leading to her accidental isolation. When her powers are revealed, she flees, inadvertently plunging their kingdom into an eternal winter. Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister and save their home. The film is known for its catchy songs, particularly the powerhouse anthem 'Let It Go', and its focus on the bond between sisters. A neat detail is that the animators developed entirely new software to handle the complex animation of snow and ice, which are practically characters themselves in the film. It's a modern Disney classic with a message about self-acceptance and true love in its many forms.

Dive into the ocean with Finding Nemo, a beautifully animated adventure that follows the overprotective clownfish Marlin as he searches the vast ocean for his son Nemo, who has been captured by a diver. Along the way, he teams up with Dory, a friendly but forgetful blue tang fish, and encounters a host of fascinating sea creatures. The underwater world is rendered with incredible detail and color. Interestingly, the animators studied marine biology extensively and even took scuba diving trips to accurately depict the ocean environment and the behavior of the fish. The film was a massive success, praised for its stunning visuals, humor, and emotional depth. It's a heartwarming story about family, overcoming fear, and the power of friendship.

Before the superhero genre dominated cinema, Pixar gave us The Incredibles, a stylish and action-packed film about a family of superheroes forced to hide their powers and live a suburban life. When Bob Parr, formerly Mr. Incredible, gets a mysterious assignment, the whole family is pulled back into the world of crime-fighting. The film works as both a thrilling superhero flick and a sharp commentary on family dynamics and societal expectations. A cool fact is that the animation team developed new technology specifically for animating Syndrome's cape, which was notoriously difficult to render convincingly. The film's retro-futuristic design and jazz-infused score give it a unique flavor, making it a standout in both the animation and superhero genres.

Up takes audiences on an unexpected adventure, beginning with one of the most emotionally resonant opening sequences in animation history. The film follows Carl Fredricksen, a curmudgeonly widower who ties thousands of balloons to his house to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. He finds he has an unexpected stowaway – an overly enthusiastic young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. Their journey is a wonderful mix of slapstick comedy, thrilling action, and poignant moments. Did you know that the character of Carl was partly inspired by actors Spencer Tracy and Walter Matthau, known for their gruff but lovable personas? The floating house concept is visually stunning, and the bond that develops between Carl and Russell is truly heartwarming. It's a story about adventure, companionship, and finding new purpose at any age.

Brad Bird's Ratatouille is a charming and witty film about an unlikely culinary genius – a rat named Remy. Remy dreams of becoming a gourmet chef, a rather challenging ambition for a rodent. His path intertwines with Linguini, a clumsy kitchen worker, leading to a hilarious and inventive partnership where Remy secretly guides Linguini's cooking. The film is not only a love letter to French cuisine and Paris but also a story about breaking barriers and finding your true calling. Interestingly, the animators took cooking classes and visited real restaurants in Paris to accurately depict the kitchen environments and food preparation. The film even features a cameo voice role by famous chef Thomas Keller. It's a delightful blend of comedy, heart, and mouth-watering animation.

Pixar explores the mysteries of the afterlife and the importance of family in the visually spectacular Coco. The story follows Miguel, a young boy with a passion for music who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family's generations-old ban on it. A magical accident on Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) sends him to the Land of the Dead, a breathtaking, multi-layered world where he seeks out his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. The film is a feast for the eyes and ears, steeped in Mexican culture and tradition. A fun detail is that the design of the Land of the Dead was inspired by the city of Guanajuato in Mexico, known for its colorful buildings built on hillsides. The film beautifully handles themes of death, remembrance, and pursuing one's dreams, all wrapped in a heartfelt musical adventure.

Pixar takes us on an incredible journey into the human mind with Inside Out. This ingenious film personifies the core emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – living in the mind of a young girl named Riley. When her world is turned upside down, these emotions must navigate the complex landscape of her thoughts, memories, and personality islands. It's a clever and insightful exploration of how we feel and process experiences. Did you know that the filmmakers consulted with psychologists and neuroscientists to accurately represent the complexities of human emotions and memory? The visual representation of Riley's mind, from the vast 'Long Term Memory' stacks to the abstract 'Abstract Thought' area, is wildly creative. It’s a film that’s both hilarious and deeply touching, offering a unique perspective on the inner workings of our own minds.

Laika studios delivers a stop-motion marvel with Kubo and the Two Strings, a visually stunning epic steeped in Japanese folklore. The story follows young Kubo, a boy with a magical shamisen (a Japanese lute), who must embark on a perilous quest to defeat a vengeful spirit from his family's past. His companions, a wise monkey and a brave beetle samurai, are as mysterious as the challenges they face. The animation is painstakingly detailed, showcasing the incredible artistry of stop-motion. A fascinating fact is that the giant skeleton Kubo fights is the largest stop-motion puppet ever created, standing at over 16 feet tall! The film beautifully explores themes of storytelling, family, and loss with a unique, enchanting atmosphere. It's a truly original adventure that feels both ancient and fresh.

Another fantastical journey from the legendary Studio Ghibli, Howl's Moving Castle weaves a complex tale of curses, magic, and war. Based loosely on Diana Wynne Jones's novel, the film centers on Sophie, a young woman turned into an old one by a witch's curse, who finds refuge in the chaotic, mechanical castle of the enigmatic wizard Howl. The castle itself is a character, constantly shifting and moving, a physical representation of Howl's own turbulent nature. The animation is simply stunning, with intricate details in both the magical landscapes and the steampunk-inspired technology. Interestingly, Miyazaki took over directing this film after the original director, Mamoru Hosoda, left the project. He blended his anti-war sentiments into the narrative, giving the film a deeper layer beyond the fantasy romance. It's a film that rewards rewatching, with new details and emotional nuances revealing themselves each time.

Prepare to be transported to a world of breathtaking beauty and unsettling mystery with Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece, Spirited Away. This film is a true enigma, following young Chihiro as she stumbles into a secret spirit world and must navigate its bizarre rules and eccentric inhabitants to save her parents. The sheer imagination on display is astounding, from the enigmatic bathhouse run by the sorceress Yubaba to the silent, intriguing No-Face. It's a journey filled with metaphor and wonder, unlike anything else you'll experience. Did you know that Miyazaki originally wrote the story for the 10-year-old daughter of his producer, Toshio Suzuki, and her friends? He wanted to create a heroine they could look up to, not a typical damsel in distress. The film's success was unprecedented, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the only hand-drawn, non-English language film to ever do so. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking animation that is both deeply personal and universally captivating.