Anthomation Assesses The Top 5 Animated Films of 2021

Howdy guys, Anthomaton here. Today I shall review the best of the best from this past year. 

There were certainly more films released in 2021 than 2020, and boy were we glad. Whether they came out early or later in the year, if they were well known and looked over, it’s the job of this critic to celebrate those animation highlights.

5. Ron’s Gone Wrong

Barney is a socially awkward schoolboy who receives a robot named Ron — a walking, talking, digitally connected device that’s supposed to be his best friend. Barney is excited to finally have his own robot — until his new toy starts to hilariously malfunction, drawing the attention of a shady executive who wants to protect his company’s stock price at all costs. It is the first film from Locksmith Animation and was distributed by 20th Century Studios, serving as the company’s first animated film to release since the closure of Blue Sky Studios. The best way to explain this film is that it is a little messy, but its heart is in the right place. The story, animation, and characters all seem slightly above average, but not enough to truly stand out. This is worth a watch for the casual viewer, but not worth running to for a rewatch.

Score:

6/10

4. The Loud House Movie

With his parents and all 10 sisters in tow, Lincoln Loud heads to Scotland and learns that royalty runs in the family in this global musical journey! The film is based on the Nickelodeon series of the same name. This is the most surprising animated film I have seen in a LONG time. Despite a lackluster story, the film supplies more than enough animation and wonderful characters to make for a worthwhile experience. This is a film that I thought I may not enjoy the first time that I think I will watch a second time! Kudos to this film!

Score:

7/10

3. Raya and the Last Dragon

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned, and it’s up to a lone warrior to track down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good. This is the 59th feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. This movie delightfully surprised me. With a well thought out premise, gorgeous animation, and characters that are good but not great, it makes for a film that has a lot to offer. It’s a must-watch for Disney fans and worth watching for non-Disney moviegoers alike.

Score:

7.5/10

2. Encanto

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. Oh look, another film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the 60th animated film from the studio. Encanto is a win for Disney Animation. This film has all of the pieces in place to be a Disney gamechanger, but falls just short of that because of its thematic predictability. But with bright and colorful animation, a likeable protagonist, and an intriguing setting, this film will certainly keep kids entertained the entire time, as well as parents alike.

Score:

7.5/10

1.Luca

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, the original animated feature is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the water’s surface. This is the latest addition to the Pixar cannon, and it definitely earns its keep. The story is well thought out, the animation is gorgeous to look at, and the characters are very endearing. With lots of humor and heart to spare, this film separates itself from the rest of this year’s lineup.

Score:

8/10