As the holiday season approaches, the spotlight shifts to joy and celebration, particularly through the eyes of children and the young at heart. However, it’s essential to recognize that the spirit of youth and exuberance must not be confined to holiday festivities alone. Below is a carefully curated list of animated films created for and geared toward embracing cultural richness. Each film holds significance, offering a nod to the collective spirit of wonder and merriment, making them noteworthy.
Soul
The 2020 animated feature “Soul” truly embodied its name, offering a film filled with profound depth and a poignant message that left a lasting impact on its audience. The story revolves around a passionate jazz musician yearning to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing with a professional jazz band. Despite settling for a life as a music teacher, he finally gets a chance at his dream, only to lose his life. Now existing as a disembodied soul, he embarks on a soul-stirring journey to find his way back home and realize his aspirations. Along the way, he discovers the importance of reaching beyond oneself to help another soul find their spark. In unraveling this universal truth, the film imparts a resonant message that has the potential to affect those who embrace it profoundly.
Princess and The Frog
“The Princess and the Frog” is not an entirely original creation, with its roots reportedly tracing back to the 13th century and finding a creative revival in the works of The Grimm Brothers, known for their iconic Grimm Fairytales. Over time, many of these stories, including this one, have undergone adaptations, often taking on a lighter and more polished tone. As a major player in the adaptation arena, Disney took on the challenge in 2009, providing a cultural facelift to this classic narrative.
In Disney’s rendition of “The Princess and the Frog,” the central character is Tiana, a captivating and strong-willed woman. Set in New Orleans, Tiana is portrayed as an enterprising entrepreneur determined to make her family’s business a success. Her heart and soul are invested in this pursuit. The story takes an unexpected turn when Tiana encounters a frog needing her assistance, leading to an incredible and adventure-filled narrative. Beyond its charm, this adaptation stands out in Disney’s collection as one of the few with a lead character of color.
Wendell and Wild
“Wendell and Wild,” a distinctive cinematic offering that debuted in 2022, stands out as a unique narrative, venturing into a genre not commonly explored in animation – horror. At the core of this tale are two mischievous imps, or demons, harboring aspirations of ascension. Their plan is unorthodox, involving a venture into the real world and entangling a little girl in their scheme to achieve their goals. The storyline unfolds as a captivating and adventurous journey, enriched by an exceptionally diverse cast and infused with comedic elements.
Adding to the allure of “Wendell and Wild” is the notable involvement of Jordan Peele, who not only graces the film with his presence alongside Keegan-Michael Key but also contributes as one of the writers. This collaboration adds an extra layer of intrigue and creativity to the project, showcasing a fusion of horror, animation, and comedy that promises to captivate audiences with its distinctive storytelling and unexpected twists.
Entergalactic
In animated storytelling, the rare gem “Entergalactic” emerged in 2022, presenting a love story that delves into more mature themes. What sets this narrative apart is its exploration of black love, a subject seldom tackled in animation, particularly on such a grand scale. The film not only stands out as a one-of-a-kind feature but also boasts an impressive lineup of creative minds behind its conception. Penned by the talented trio of Kenya Barris, Kid Cudi, and Ian Edelman, “Entergalactic” brings a unique blend of vision and storytelling expertise.
Adding to its allure is the fact that the film draws inspiration from Kid Cudi’s recording artistry, sharing the same title. This artistic synergy promises an immersive experience as the animated tale unfolds through the lens of Kid Cudi’s creative expression. By centering the narrative around black love, “Entergalactic” contributes to a refreshing and much-needed representation in the animation landscape. Beyond its thematic significance, the collaboration of creative forces ensures a cinematic journey transcending traditional boundaries, offering audiences a fresh perspective on love and relationships in a visually captivating and emotionally resonant manner. As a result, “Entergalactic” emerges not only as an animated feature but as a cultural and artistic statement, enriching the storytelling landscape with its distinctive voice and narrative depth.
Proud Family movie
Debuting on the Disney Channel in 2001 and enjoying a successful four-year run, “The Proud Family” provided a delightful glimpse into the lives of an extended middle-class family of color and their everyday experiences. Serving as a refreshing offering, it became a source of representation for young viewers from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to see animated characters who looked and lived like them.
In 2005, the narrative of “The Proud Family” expanded to the big screen with the premiere of “The Proud Family Movie.” This cinematic venture condensed the essence of the series into a comedic and drama-filled adventure featuring the family as they navigated the challenges posed by a mad scientist. Infused with humor and drama, the movie also carried a poignant moralistic center, adding depth to the animated storyline.
Remarkably, the legacy of “The Proud Family” continued in 2022 as the series made a comeback, a rare feat in animation. This revival further solidified its significance as a timeless and enduring piece of animation. Even in its return, the series remains available for streaming, ensuring new audiences can still enjoy the heartwarming and entertaining tales of the Proud family and their vibrant adventures.
Spies in Disguise
What do you get when you mix Will Smith, animation, and espionage “Spies and Disguise.” Spies in Disguise is a 2019 release. While it’s animated, it is certainly entertaining for all audiences. Within this animated narrative, the central character, a skilled spy, Lance Sterling, encounters a most unexpected twist of fate. Through a mysterious transformation, he finds himself turned into the seemingly unassuming form of a pigeon. This unforeseen predicament sets the stage for a riveting and humorous tale as Lance Sterling grapples with the challenges of navigating his spy duties while trapped in the body of a bird. To overcome this predicament, he must rely on his unlikely colleague, Walter, an intelligent but socially awkward colleague with a knack for technology.
The dynamic between the suave but feathery Lance and the brainy Walter forms the crux of the storyline, injecting a delightful mix of espionage, humor, and unexpected camaraderie. “Spies in Disguise” not only captivates with its entertaining animated sequences but also delivers a message about the power of teamwork and embracing unconventional solutions.
Home
The saying “home is where the heart is” finds animated resonance in the 2015 release of the heartwarming film “Home.” This delightful animation unfolds the story of a young girl who encounters a misunderstood and displaced alien companion named Boov. Together, on a captivating adventure, they forge a bond that helps them find their way back to where they truly belong.
This emotionally charged narrative is a tapestry of heartwarming moments and the transformative power of love. Adding a touch of star power to the mix, the talented Barbadian singing sensation Rihanna brings the title character to life. Her portrayal adds an extra layer of charm and depth to the animated tale, making “Home” a visually captivating experience and a resonant exploration of connection, understanding, and the universal quest for a place to call home.
Hair Love
“Hair Love,” a creation of the talented Black creator Matthew W. Cherry, stands out as one of the rare short films that has been expanded and developed into an exceptional animated series. SFFilm Education notes that the inspiration behind “Hair Love” stemmed from the observed lack of representation in mainstream animated projects and a desire to foster a culture of hair love among young men and women of color.
In its concise, short form and expanded narrative, “Hair Love” offers a nuanced and captivating exploration of the dynamics within a black family from diverse perspectives. It is a remarkable jewel in animation, deserving recognition for its commitment to addressing representation gaps and promoting positive cultural narratives. This unique creation by Matthew W. Cherry is a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering understanding, celebrating diversity, and leaving a lasting impact on audiences.