Animated movies nowadays are criminally underrated, whether they were released during COVID and have not gotten enough love, or people brand them as “childish” and do not give them a chance. But animation is a wide genre, and although some movies are seen as “corny and immature,” there is adult animation, well-done animated movies, and just enjoyable movies overall to see with friends.
Have you ever tried to ask your friends to watch an animated movie and then ended up feeling childish? Or have you thought that an animated movie could not possibly be very scary or realistic, seeing as it is only a cartoon? Or are you even one of those darned people who think animation is just for kids? Well if so, I hope I can comfort your love for animation, or open your mind to its joys.
I would like to start by saying that I do not actually think everyone has to like animated movies; this is merely my opinion and I would love to be taken with a grain of salt and an open mind. I even have friends who refuse to watch animated movies with me, and I still find a way to love them, believe it or not.
For example, some animated movies are not only well-loved but highly acclaimed. “KPop Demon Hunters” has not only taken over everyone’s hearts, but been notably amazing enough to win not one, but two Academy Awards at this year’s Oscars. Even though both speeches were rudely cut off by the show, it was a memorable moment for an animated movie to win best song, and more importantly the first Oscar won by a K-pop group.
I would like to establish the fact that animated movies are absolutely not always for kids. Animation is such a broad genre that sometimes kids should absolutely not watch it, at least not for a few years.
Shows like “Arcane”, “Love, Death & Robots”, and “Cyberpunk” are all much better enjoyed for older audiences. I would highly recommend those to anyone who thinks animation cannot be properly gory, sad, relatable, or amazing.
Cartoons are also often underrated and underappreciated. I personally have not seen many cartoons, but I know of some die-hard cartoon fans who will argue for their worth. For example, the cartoon “Bluey” has an outstanding IMDb rating of 9.3/10, and though I have not seen it, I know of many adults, teens, and kids who appreciate its enjoyability, as well as intelligence.
But if you do not feel like jumping into a technically “kids” cartoon as a young adult or adult, there are many adult cartoons that are very beloved for their humor and enjoyability. I do not think I need to tell many people how good adult cartoons can be, such as “Family Guy”, “South Park”, “Bojack Horseman”, and my personal favorite, “Boondocks”.
If you are a person who really does not see the point of watching animated movies, I implore you to do a little research on one you think you would like, and see it with a friend who you know will enjoy it. This will make your friend very happy, because movies are very fun to be experienced together, and animated ones are especially enjoyable.
It does not have to be the “Spongebob Movie”, or “Zootopia 2”, if that does not interest you. But I think it is hard not to enjoy a nice Studio Ghibli movie, or even a stunningly made, well-written, wholesome movie with fun voice actors and a great soundtrack. This is also to say that people who go to theaters to see movies like “The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants” probably are not looking for a cinematically amazing movie, they are looking for something to laugh at with friends.
Again, this is all my opinion, because I absolutely and shamelessly loved “Luca”, “Turning Red”, “Elementals”, “Soul”, and, especially, “Goat”. My favorite movie is “Sing”, though “Ratatouille” and “Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse” are tied for second.
One big reason I am interested in this topic is for the sake of movies like “Luca” and “Turning Red”, which both came out around COVID. This meant that people did not go see them in theaters, and were therefore influenced by certain negative opinions rather than positive ones. For example, I have heard many heartbreaking testimonies about how “Luca” or “Turning Red” was corny, awkward, and controversial. But personally, I never noticed these things when I saw these movies for the first time. Maybe it was because I was young, but I enjoyed them for what they were: cute, funny, friendship-based, and just overall adorable.
jake.panian.art/Instagram
This picture depicts the art of “Goat” through the main character’s home town Vineland.
Upon asking multiple of my friends for their opinion on seeing a new animated movie, in particular the new movie “Goat”, in theaters, they said: “I would see it alone or with friends but it would be better with friends,” and “I would love to see it because I love animated movies.” So opinions vary and thankfully I have some open-minded friends.
I also understand that many people just prefer live-action, and trust me I get it. As a habitual movie watcher, most of what I watch is naturally live-action. My only goal today is to bring up a couple points to get someone to see what I see in animated movies.
My final point is just that animation might not be as corny and immature as it seems, and my call to action is pretty simple: Go grab a friend, do some research, hit the theaters, and have some good old cartoon fun.