Movies from 20th Century Fox have been known for their live-action features; the studio has also released several successful animated films over the years. Here are 18 of our favourite 20th Century Fox animation movies.
1. The Lion King (1994)
One of the most No list of 20th Century Fox animated films would be complete without The Lion King. The film was a massive success upon its release, grossing over $967 million worldwide. The film unfolds the story of Simba, a young lion heir to his father’s throne, Mufasa. When Mufasa is killed by his brother, Scar, Simba is forced to flee the kingdom and live in exile. Years later, he is drawn back home by his childhood friend Nala’s love and the call to reclaim his rightful place as king. The Lion King is a beautifully animated film with unforgettable characters and songs.
2. Anastasia (1997)
Anastasia is a 1997 American animated musical drama film produced and directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman for Fox Animation Studios. The film is loosely based on the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, which claims that she escaped the execution of her family. The film follows the story of a young woman named Anastasia living in Paris in the 1920s. The animation in “Anastasia” showcases a variety of dynamic angles and techniques that enhance its storytelling. Sweeping panoramic shots capture the grandeur of settings like Russian palaces and Paris, while close-ups convey the characters’ emotions effectively. Using low and high angles emphasizes the scale of the environments and the characters’ vulnerabilities. Fluid movement, especially in musical sequences, adds an organic feel and beautifully painted backgrounds provide depth. Symbolic imagery, such as light and shadow, further enriches the narrative, making the animation a vital aspect of the film’s emotional impact.
3. Ice Age (2002)
Ice Age is an iconic animated movie. It is a comedy movie about the Ice Age era. The story revolves around a mammoth, a sloth, and a tiger. This film was made on a relatively small budget compared to other animated films. The budget for this movie was around 60 million USD. Ice Age features vibrant, detailed animations that bring its prehistoric world to life. The shots often showcase sweeping landscapes of icy terrain, enhancing the sense of scale. Clever angles emphasize character expressions, adding humor. A cool blues and whites palette contrasts with warm, earthy tones, enhancing the film’s lively, adventurous tone.
4. Robots (2005)
Robots” is a vibrant animated film set in a futuristic world inhabited entirely by robots. It tells the charming story of a young inventor named Rodney Copperbottom, who dreams of making the world better through innovation. Initially slated for a 2004 release, the film was eventually launched in 2005, captivating audiences with its whimsical characters and engaging storyline. The animation, produced by Blue Sky Studios, is notable for its colorful and detailed visuals, bringing the bustling robot city to life. The creators employed advanced CGI techniques to ensure smooth movements and expressive faces, making the robots relatable and endearing to viewers of all ages.
5. Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Horton Hears a Who! is a 2008 American computer-animated adventure comedy film based on the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. The film was produced by Blue Sky Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film stars the voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, and Amy Poehler. The film tells the story of Horton the elephant, who discovers a tiny world on a speck of dust and must protect it from the dangers of the jungle. Horton Hears a Who! is a 20th-Century Fox animation marvel due to its vibrant visuals and imaginative character designs that bring Dr. Seuss’s world to life. The stellar voice cast, led by Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, delivers humour and heart, while the film’s themes of kindness and community resonate with audiences of all ages.
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion animated comedy film based on the Roald Dahl children’s novel of the same name. The film follows Mr. Fox, a sly fox who lives a life of luxury with his family until his theft of a farmer’s chickens leads to escalating conflicts with the farmers. Mr. Fox must outwit the farmers and find a new home for his family before it’s too late. The animation in “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is notable for its meticulous stop-motion technique, giving the characters a distinctive and charmingly crafted look. Detailed sets and intricately designed puppets bring Roald Dahl’s whimsical world to life, capturing humor and heart in every frame. This unique style adds a tactile quality that enhances the storytelling and immerses viewers in the adventure.
7. Rio (2011)
Rio is a 2011 American 3-D computer-animated musical adventure-comedy film produced by Blue Sky Studios and directed by Carlos Saldanha. The film stars the voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jorge Hernandez, and Jamie Foxx. It tells the story of Blu, a rare blue macaw who is taken from his home in the Amazon rainforest to Rio de Janeiro, where he meets a feisty female macaw named Jewel. The two must cooperate to escape the evil cockatoo Nigel and return to the Amazon.
8. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Rise of the Guardians showcases stunning animation through its rich, vibrant visuals and detailed character designs. The film employs advanced 3D computer graphics, which bring the fantastical elements to life, enhancing the action and adventure. The seamless integration of textures and lighting creates an immersive world that captivates audiences of all ages.
9. Epic (2013)
Epic is a 2013 American 3D computer-animated action-adventure film produced by Blue Sky Studios. It became a box office success, grossing over $268 million worldwide against its $100 million budget. The film tells the story of a young girl named Mary Katherine who is transported to a secret world of elves and fairies. With the help of her new friends, she must stop the villainous Boggan leader from taking over the world. The animation in “Epic” is vibrant and visually stunning, blending intricate details with lush environments. The characters, from elves to fairies, are designed with unique features that bring them to life. The dynamic and fluid action sequences showcase a whimsical, magical world filled with vivid colors and imaginative landscapes.
10. Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
Mr. Peabody & Sherman is a 2014 American 3D computer-animated time travel comedy film based on the characters Mr. Peabody and Sherman from the 1960s cartoon Rocky and Bullwinkle. The film stars the voices of Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, and Stephen Colbert. It tells the story of Mr. Peabody, a talking dog, and Sherman, his adopted son. When Sherman accidentally activates Mr. Peabody’s time machine, the two go on a series of adventures through time. Important scenes are enhanced by dramatic angles, like wide shots during time travel, close-ups on characters’ expressions, and whimsical perspectives in historical settings, bringing humor and emotion to their adventures.
11. The Book of Life (2014)
The Book of Life is a 2014 American 3D computer-animated musical fantasy film. The film is produced by ReelFX Animation Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film features the voices of Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, and Ron Perlman. The film tells the story of Manolo, a young man torn between fulfilling his family’s expectations and following his heart. He must choose between the real world and the Land of the Remembered. The animation in “The Book of Life” is vibrant and visually stunning, combining Mexican culture with a unique art style reminiscent of paper cut-outs. The colorful landscapes and intricate character designs bring the story to life, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the emotional depth and cultural themes of the film.
12. Home (2015)
Home is a 2015 American 3D computer-animated science fiction comedy film. The film is produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film features the voices of Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin, and Jennifer Lopez. The film tells the story of an alien race who invade Earth and take over the bodies of humans. They can do this because humans are too obsessed with their technology to notice. The film follows the story of a group of humans who must band together to stop the aliens and take back their world. The animation in “Home” is vibrant and colorful, featuring a whimsical design that enhances its comedic elements. Characters are stylized with exaggerated features, lending a playful tone to their interactions. The environments are richly detailed, combining futuristic elements with familiar Earth landscapes, creating an engaging visual experience for viewers of all ages.
13. Ferdinand (2017)
The animation in Ferdinand is vibrant and visually stunning, capturing the essence of its lively Spanish setting. The film features bright colors and smooth movements, bringing characters and landscapes to life. Ferdinand, with his gentle demeanor and expressive features, resonates with audiences on an emotional level. The animators skillfully portray subtle nuances in his emotions, enhancing the storytelling without needing words. Additionally, the use of color and light effectively sets the mood for each scene, creating a rich emotional experience. Overall, Ferdinand’s animation beautifully complements the narrative, showcasing the creativity and artistry behind this delightful film.
14. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Isle of Dogs (2018) is a stunning example of stop-motion animation, blending meticulous craftsmanship with Wes Anderson’s distinct visual style. The film’s intricate sets and detailed character designs bring the dystopian Trash Island to life, while vibrant color palettes and symmetrical compositions enhance its charm. The expressive dogs, with lifelike textures and nuanced movements, evoke emotional depth, making them both relatable and endearing. Japanese cultural elements, from architecture to calligraphy, enrich the world-building, adding authenticity and depth. The result is a visually striking, narratively compelling film that seamlessly combines artistry and innovation, standing as a testament to the magic of stop-motion animation.
15. Spies in Disguise (2019)
Spies in Disguise (2019) delivers vibrant and dynamic animation that perfectly complements its action-packed, comedic spy narrative. The film features sleek, futuristic designs and colorful, high-energy sequences that bring its espionage world to life. Characters are animated with exaggerated yet expressive features, adding charm and humor to their personalities. The transformation of suave spy Lance Sterling into a pigeon is particularly creative, blending comedic visual gags with smooth, fluid animation. The attention to detail in action scenes and character interactions enhances the storytelling, making Spies in Disguise an engaging and visually delightful adventure for audiences of all ages.
16. Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021)
Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021) features vibrant, colorful animation that captures the charm of its futuristic yet relatable world. The design of the malfunctioning B-Bot, Ron, contrasts sharply with the sleek and polished robots around him, visually emphasizing his uniqueness and charm. The animators skillfully use humor and expressive character designs to enhance emotional moments, making the story both heartwarming and engaging. The detailed environments, from bustling cities to serene outdoor settings, provide a rich backdrop for the narrative. Overall, the animation beautifully complements the film’s themes of friendship, individuality, and technology, delivering a visually and emotionally impactful experience.
17. The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022)
The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild (2022) brings back the charm of the beloved franchise with colorful animation and adventurous energy. While the film’s visuals aim to maintain the series’ signature style, the animation feels simpler compared to earlier installments. Buck, the fearless and quirky weasel, is brought to life with lively expressions and comedic physicality, driving the story’s humor and action. The environments, from lush jungles to perilous caves, add vibrancy to the setting. Despite its lighter approach, the film delivers fun visuals and lighthearted moments, appealing to younger audiences and fans of the series’ whimsical tone.
18. The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022)
The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022) elevates the beloved TV show’s animation with enhanced visuals and cinematic flair while retaining its quirky charm. The film features richer colors, smoother movements, and more detailed backgrounds that bring the seaside town and its characters to life. The musical numbers and comedic set pieces benefit from dynamic animation that adds energy and humor. Despite the upgrade, the movie stays true to the show’s hand-drawn aesthetic and expressive character designs, maintaining its heartfelt, offbeat style. It’s a visually delightful extension of the series, blending humor and warmth in a way fans will thoroughly enjoy.
In conclusion, 20th Century Fox has delivered a remarkable array of animated films that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. These 20th-century animation movies stand as a testament to the creativity and storytelling prowess that animation can achieve. If you’re inspired by the magic of animation and want to bring your ideas to life, consider hiring Atellier Studio for your 3D product animation and rendering needs. Our talented team is dedicated to creating visually stunning animations that convey your vision and engage your audience. Let’s work together to bring your project to life—contact us today!
