Some things just get better over time, and animated movies are no exception. Animated films are no longer just for kids, as adult animation has recently been on the rise. Movies like Sausage Party and Anomalisa are directly targeted toward adult audiences. While some animated movies are beloved by both adults and children, other films only get better when viewers are adults.
Sometimes, it takes a bit more maturity to appreciate every aspect of a film. Certain jokes or themes might fly over one’s head when they’re younger, and only on a re-watch can they truly understand what the filmmakers were going for. Audiences may have enjoyed some animated classics as a kid, but they’re even better once fans are adults.
10 Beavis And Butt-Head Do America Is A Satire Of American Culture
With two dim-wits as the leads and toilet humor, it would seem Beavis and Butt-Head Do America is only for its PG-13 audience. However, it might surprise viewers to know that beneath the silly jokes and comedy, Beavis and Butt-Head is really a satire of American values.
Beavis and Butt-Head are products of the world around them and reflect how the show’s creator, Mike Judge, views American ideals. Judge is saying that Beavis and Butt-Head's behaviors are learned, pointing the finger back at those who critique the show most, asking, "who taught them to be this way?"
9 The Incredibles Teaches The Importance Of Family
The Incredibles is universally loved by many fans, regardless of age. Kids love the movie for its brilliant action sequences and cool superpowers, and adults can appreciate this Pixar classic for its deeper themes that stress the importance of family. These themes aren't always recognized by younger audiences.
Mr. Incredible is very adamant about working alone, which ultimately becomes his undoing. It isn’t until The Incredibles' end that he realizes working together and embracing his family is the only way to save the day. The older fans get, the more they learn to appreciate this important message.
8 Zootopia Speaks On Prejudice In Society
Zootopia is a fantastic Disney animated film about a world filled with animals who are supposed to mirror and parody real life. What younger audiences might not pick up on is the film’s message about prejudice and bias within society.
Disney elevates the classic trope of making animals act like humans into an inclusive message that completely throws away the notion that kids' movies can’t be thought-provoking. Zootopia is an important film that asks its audience and its characters to look past stereotypes and think before they judge. This theme only gets more and more important as viewers age into adulthood.
7 Chicken Run Is Actually A Lesson In Ethical Labor
When Chicken Run was released, it was a major hit and became the highest-grossing stop-motion animated movie of all time, a record that still stands today. Children loved this movie for its unique animation style, easy-to-follow plot, and eccentric characters. What they might not have picked up on was Chicken Run’s themes of labor exploitation and the pursuit of freedom.
"The fences aren’t just in the farm; they’re in your heads," is something Ginger says to the rest of her flock. Ginger seeks liberation in both the physical and mental sense from Tweedy farm. Ginger best reminds Chicken Run viewers that the film is actually quite profound and important, despite being a kids' movie about chickens.
6 WALL-E Becomes More Relevant With Each Passing Year
This Pixar film became universally loved while making a strong and important political statement. At WALL-E’s core is a hard-to-miss social commentary about the necessary protection of the environment and the dangers of mass consumerism.
WALL-E is a great gateway for children to learn about environmental issues without scaring them. What makes WALL-E so special is that it’s not a bleak dystopia, but rather a cautionary tale with a hopeful message. The film will have adults question their lifestyle choices and think about the impact they make on the planet.
5 Coraline Gets Less Creepy When Fans Are An Adult
Coraline is a beautiful stop-motion animated film with a touching message. The animated film teaches viewers to appreciate what they have, even if their lives aren't 'perfect'. Unfortunately, all kids could focus on was how creepy the movie is.
Coraline is perhaps best described as a horror film masquerading as a children’s movie. A major theme in the movie is learning to overcome fear, but it ironically gave audiences countless new fears of their own. The scariest aspect of Coraline is the Other Mother, a monstrous, spider-like creature who first appears in the form of Coraline's mother but with creepy button eyes. The film becomes less scary when fans are older, and its more important messages about family and gratitude are easier to spot.
4 A Goofy Movie Hits Different When Viewers Become A Parent
Perhaps nostalgia plays a bit of a role when re-visiting this '90s Disney gem, but as an adult, A Goofy Movie has a much deeper meaning. The opening scene sees Max have a nightmare about turning into his dad, which is something every adult has had once in their life.
As a kid, it’s easy to relate to Max. Many kids know the feeling of having their first crush, being embarrassed by their parents, and the boredom when spending time with dad. However, as a parent, it’s impossible not to relate to Goofy, who's simply just trying to be a good dad and bond with his son while constantly embarrassing him.
3 The Iron Giant Contains A Timeless Message
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The Iron Giant was initially a box-office failure that eventually developed a cult status years later. Perhaps the movie had too many complex themes for younger audiences to gravitate towards.
The Iron Giant centers around the relationship between a young boy named Hogarth and a colossal robot from outer space who crash lands in Hogarth's backyard. Throughout the movie, Hogarth teaches the robot that violence is never the answer. The movie preaches peace and denounces guns, but ultimately, The Iron Giant is about identity and choosing what kind of person to be, something that every adult can relate to.
2 Inside Out Is The Most Important Animated Film For Kids And Adults
What makes Inside Out such an important film is that it asks parents to have a meaningful discussion with their kids about their emotions. Inside Out mainly takes place within the mind of an 11-year-old girl and the five emotions who reside there. The animated picture explores the transition from youth to adolescence and the complexities that come with it.
Inside Out teaches kids that it’s okay not to be okay and to embrace emotions and feelings, which helps Riley grow as a person. At some point, everyone is forced to grow up. As a kid, though, it’s important to understand that feelings are valid. This message only resonates more when viewers are adults.
1 Shrek Only Ages Well
While Shrek may have become a meme since its release in 2001, it's also an incredible movie. Shrek is the best example of an animated kids' film that adults can also enjoy. The movie also boasts the honor of winning the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
While the Shrek franchise has become more kid-oriented in their later films, the first two in the series are filled with countless jokes and pop culture references that one can only be appreciated when viewers reach adulthood. What also makes Shrek such a beloved movie is its timeless message to not judge a book by its cover, something that becomes more meaningful when fans reach adulthood.