Unmissable Top 25 Pieces of Stop-Motion Animated Cinema
In numerous ways, stop-motion precedes the actual film medium itself. Way before the introduction of celluloid film bases in 1888, innovations such as the zoetrope allowed viewers to witness brief sequences crafted from a string of images. During the initial silent movie era, filmmakers utilized stop-motion techniques for special effects. However, for the majority of modern spectators, stop-motion is essentially associated with animated productions that utilize puppets, clay (also known as claymation), paper cuts, or other physical objects to narrate a story. This form of animation is renowned for its labor-intensive nature but is dearly admired. Although stop-motion animated films can incorporate various materials, they all share a common trait – they are created by manipulating objects between individually captured frames, imparting the illusion of independent movement. The most successful stop-motion movies span various genres, with children's movies, art films, and countless others, including surprising horror films, heavily relying on stop-motion animation.
Prominent Stop-Motion and Claymation Films
This list might bend the rules a bit with respect to the term “film”. It includes short films and television specials. Regardless, these entries have all been made available for home viewing and are frequently watched as individual films. The genre of stop-motion movies is remarkably diverse. While it is popular for family-oriented productions, many stop-motion films delve into the disturbing, eerie, or fear-inducing. Even some family-friendly titles touch upon the macabre.
This list takes into account various factors, such as quality, original storytelling, and impact; it also acknowledges the film's aesthetic appeal. In the realm of stop-motion animation, the craftsmanship, design, and artistry of the film are paramount. The main stars of many of these films are not human actors but the physical characters sculpted from clay and paper. While design and art are crucial for all types of animation, the painstaking process of stop-motion animation, coupled with its tactile nature, infuses these films with an artistic sensibility.
25. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)
Although not particularly innovative, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride offers a captivating visual aesthetic and some enchanting music. The film centers around a anxious young man who inadvertently marries a deceased undead bride, just before his actual wedding.
The film draws loosely on 17th-century Jewish folklore, a story shared with Burton by animator Joe Ranft. While the film does not explicitly reference its Jewish roots, it carries an almost folkloric feel. Directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton, Corpse Bride stars Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp, and Emma Watson. It is available for rental here.
24. Missing Link (2019)
The first of several stop-motion films produced by Laika Studios, Missing Link tells the story of an 1800s sasquatch seeking his long-lost family. Directed by Chris Butler, the film's tone is notably lighter than other Laika productions and has a family-friendly feel.
Missing Link boasts an impressive cast, including Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Fry, Matt Lucas, Timothy Olyphant, Emma Thompson, and Zach Galifianakis. Despite its box office underperformance, Missing Link made history as the first non-CGI animated film to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It is available for streaming here.
23. Wendell & Wild (2022)
A divisive film directed by Henry Selick, Wendell & Wild features an abundance of ideas, which can be both a blessing and a curse. However, the animation in this film is undeniably impressive, and thematically, it is thought-provoking.
Wendell & Wild follows a young girl who confronts her literal demons – two scheming brothers named Wendell and Wild. Wendell & Wild stars Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele (who also co-wrote it with Selick), Angela Bassett, Ving Rhames, and James Hong. It is available here.
22. Marcell the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
A contentious choice for this list due to its hybrid nature, Marcell the Shell with Shoes On is not a purely stop-motion animated film. The mockumentary merges stop-motion with live-action and narrates the story of a chatty shell in search of his separated family.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film is based on a series of 2010s shorts from Camp and Jenny Slate. The film stars Slate, Rosa Salazar, Thomas Mann, Camp, Lesley Stahl, and Isabella Rossellini. Marcell the Shell with Shoes On is a heartwarming and charming film. Although it was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the Golden Globes and Oscars, it ultimately lost to another stop-motion animated film, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, at both. Marcell the Shell with Shoes On is available on multiple platforms.
21. The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)
The Adventures of Prince Achmed is an essential film in animation and silent film history. Besides holding historical significance, it carries a cautionary note regarding racist caricatures. Directed by Lotte Reiniger, the film is often described as the first animated feature film and utilizes a technique similar to the Indonesian art form of Wayang shadow puppets.
The movie is influenced by Hanna Diyab's One Thousand and One Nights, integrating various stories. Reiniger's earlier work, 1922's "Cinderella," employed a similar paper cut style, positioning her among early experimental German animators. Despite working in cinema till the 70s, she had to depart Germany due to the Nazi regime's rise and her radical political views. Her masterpiece, "The Adventures of Prince Achmed," was heavily censored in the 20s due to two openly gay characters showing affection. Reiniger advocated for de-stigmatizing homosexuality and felt it was significant to include it in a children's film. This classic can be accessed on various platforms, including Kanopy for free.
20. Reimagined Tales (2012)
Laika's Reimagined Tales is a heartfelt film about a gifted child communicating with spirits. It may not be their finest work, but it's a well-crafted film with stunning animation.
This film made history as the first mainstream animated feature to showcase an openly asserted LGBTQ+ character. It was also the first PG-rated film to be nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.
Directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, the film features Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Man, Jeff Garlin, Elaine Stritch, Alex Borstein and John Goodman. It is available for viewing here.
19. The Haunted Residence (2022)
Strictly speaking, The Haunted Residence is a TV special. However, with its 97-minute runtime and release on Netflix, it feels more like a film. The Haunted Residence is a three-part horror anthology centered around different families living in the same eerie house throughout different eras.
The first installment is directed by Emma de Swaef and Marc James Roels, while the second is crafted by Niki Lindroth von Bahr. Paloma Baeza helms the third. The series stars Mia Goth, Jarvis Cocker, Susan Wokoma and Helena Bonham Carter. Despite its intentional unsettling nature, it may not appeal to everyone. However, it showcases remarkable animation and a captivating narrative style. Stream it here.
18. Sheep's Escapade (2015)
Surprisingly, a spin-off of a spin-off, like this film, can be as remarkable as this one. Sheep's Escapade is based on the TV series Sheep the Sheep, itself a spin-off of the Wallace & Gromit short A Close Shave. Directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzak, the film follows the titular sheep as he saves his farmer from peril in the metropolis.
Certainly meant for kids, this film is incredibly delightful. As noted by Inkoo Kang in The Wrap, "In a refreshing twist for children (and adults), there are no lessons to teach and no faults to reprimand. Instead, it's an 84-minute distillation of all the innocent fun we wish childhood could be.” Available for streaming on multiple platforms.
17. Garbage World (2021)
Takehide Hori's Garbage World is a Japanese sci-fi stop-motion film set in a dystopian future with a declining population. It is intriguingly odd yet intriguing.
The film was made almost entirely by Hori, who juggled roles as writer, director, character sculptor, editor, voice actor, and camera operator. Impressively, Hori is self-taught and dedicated seven years to the project. Brian Tellerico spoke about the film in his Fantasia Fest round-up for Roger Ebert, “One watches Hori’s film marveling at the artistic accomplishment of his craft more than getting invested in its story—I’m not sure I could fully convey to anyone what it’s about—but it still casts a spell.” The film can be watched here.
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Another TV special that fans revisit every Christmas, Rudolph feels like a beloved holiday classic now. Rudolph features Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, and Larry Mann. Loosely based on the Johnny Marks song, the special follows Rudolph's journey to the Land of Misfit Toys. It has endearing character designs whose appeal remains unrivaled. Enjoy it here.
15. The Haunted House (2018)
The Haunted House is one of the most unnerving films on this list. A strange and unsettling stop-motion horror film, it will leave an indelible impression on audience's minds long after watching. The film follows a young girl escaping an isolated German colony, pursued by a wolf, and finding refuge in an abandoned house.
Directed by Cristobal León and Joaquín Cociña, the film combines stop-motion and drawn animation. It also utilizes papier-mâché, clay, and puppets. The film has a spooky handcrafted appearance that sets it apart. You can stream it here.
King Kong combines stop-motion special effects with real-world settings. Though this technique isn't widespread now, it holds significant value in special effect history. It was instrumental in creating fantastical scenes, and King Kong is an excellent emblem of this. Willis H. O'Brien was the special effects mastermind behind the film. He also employed similar techniques for dinosaurs in 1925's The Lost World and 1918's The Ghost of Slumber Mountain. However, his work on King Kong paved the way for a new genre: monster movies.
King Kong follows a movie crew capturing a massive ape and transporting him to New York City. Directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the film stars Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot. It was added to the Library of Congress' preservation list in 1991 and has spawned numerous sequels and remakes. The original can be found here.
13. Chicken Run (2000)
Directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park, Wallace and Gromit's aces, Chicken Run remains the highest-grossing stop-motion film ever. The film revolves around a cocky American rooster trying to save a group of Yorkshire hens from becoming pies.
Though the themes are quite grim, the film strikes a balance with tributes and humor. It features Mel Gibson, Phil Daniels, Lynn Ferguson, Tony Haygarth, Imelda Staunton, and Julia Sawalha. The film was a collaboration between Pathé and Aardman Animations, in association with DreamWorks Animation. Chicken Run inspired the 2023 sequel Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, but many prefer its original version, which is available to rent on multiple platforms.
12. Street of Crocodiles (1986)
Though short, Street of Crocodiles is a must-mention in any stop-motion list. Crafted by The Brothers Quay, it showcases a puppet navigating a desolate, lonely world.
The film has been featured in various home video releases, including The Brothers Quay Collection: Ten Astonishing Short Films 1984–1993, Quay Brothers – The Short Films 1979–2003, and Phantom Museums – The Short Films of the Quay Brothers. It was also showcased in Christopher Nolan's 2015 tribute documentary Quay. Sadly, it is not available on streaming.
11. Fantastic Planet (1973)
Different from typical stop-motion films, Fantastic Planet stands out using cutouts, giving it a more 2-D feel. While cutout stop-motion was popular in the 70s, Fantastic Planet is unique in its animation and storytelling.
Directed by René Laloux, the film tells a fable of humans living on a strange planet ruled by giant humanoid aliens. It won the Special Prize at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival. It was the first animated film to get a PG rating in the US. It can be found on multiple platforms.
10. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
A discussion on stop-motion cinema doesn't feel complete without Wallace and Gromit and Aardman Animations. Despite the duo's shorts being more famous, Wallace and Gromit have also starred in two feature films. Directed by Nick Park and Steve Box, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit marks the beginning of their feature-length adventures.
The film follows Wallace and Gromit's pest control business as they strive to halt a giant rabbit's attacks on the town. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. The latest Wallace and Gromit film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, was globally launched in January 2025. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit can be found here.
9. The Tale of the Fox (1937)
Directed by Ladislas Starevich and Irène Starevich, The Tale of the Fox is based on Renard the Fox's medieval tales. The film follows the cunning fox disrupting the lion king. It stars Claude Dauphin, Romain Bouquet, Laine, Sylvain Itkine, and Léon Larive.
The film is one of the earliest animated feature films (one of three surviving ones) and uses puppets. Despite its 1930s origin, the animation maintains a timeless appeal. Regrettably, it is not available on streaming but can be found online.
The movie delves into topics of loneliness, seclusion, and psychological well-being, showcasing impressive claymation animation. Titled "Coraline", it utilized over 100 sets, 212 puppets, and nearly 500 small-scale props, including a functional miniature Underwood typewriter that took nine weeks to develop and construct. The film had its premiere on the inaugural night of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and is accessible on various platforms.
7. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson, this revised version of the classic woodboy story, "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio", stars Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, and Tilda Swinton.
This film deviates from Carlo Collodi's 1883 novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, as it takes place 20 years after Geppetto loses his son in a WWI bombing and investigates the rise of Italian fascism between the two world wars. The movie won both the Golden Globes and Oscars for Best Animated Feature Film and Annie Awards, and is available for viewing.
6. Mad God (2021)
Although many films on this list may not be suitable for children, "Mad God" stands out as being the least appropriate for younger audiences. Directed by Phil Tippett, who is renowned for his work on stop-motion and go-motion special effects, this experimental horror film follows an unnamed assassin who descends into an underworld inhabited by monsters.
Mad God is Phil Tippett's first feature directorial film. Although he started working on the project in the 1990s, he put it on hold while focusing on "Jurrasic Park". This film is dark, unusual, and has the potential to become a future cult classic. It can be streamed online.
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is one of two stop-motion animated films directed by Wes Anderson. While "Island of Dogs" is a fantastic film, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" captivates audiences for its unique charm.
Based on the Roald Dahl novel and co-written by Noah Baumbach, the film follows a fox who, after a failed farm raid, must protect his pregnant wife and friends. George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, and Bill Murray provide the voice work.
Although it underperformed at the box office, it received praise from critics. Alexandre Desplat composed the brilliant score for the film, which was nominated for two Oscars: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score. The film features the vibrant color of orange, contributing to its captivating autumnal appearance. It is accessible on various platforms.
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is a hit stop-motion film that has become both a Halloween and holiday classic. The film follows Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, as he attempts to incorporate Christmas into his life as part of a midlife crisis.
The film has an all-star cast, including Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, and Paul Reubens, but its most iconic aspect is its Danny Elfman musical score. Although Burton is often mistakenly credited as the director, he could not due to commitments to "Batman Returns". However, the film is based on a poem written by Burton while working as a Disney animator in the 1980s. Burton has also directed other stop-motion animated projects, such as "Vincent". "The Nightmare Before Christmas" has a dedicated following and various adaptations, including concerts, comics, video games, toys, and theme park rides. Watch the movie here.
3. Anomalisa (2015)
Anomalisa is another stop-motion film that is categorically not intended for children. The psychological stop-motion comedy-drama was co-directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, with Kaufman also penning the film, based on his 2005 audio play of the same title. The film follows a customer service expert's life, which changes after he encounters a woman.
Anomalisa stars David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tom Noonan. It premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. The movie was highly acclaimed by critics and has a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Stream the movie on multiple platforms.
Based on a French-Swiss animation film named similarily, "My Life as a Cucumber" (released in 2016) narrates the tale of a young boy's journey through his childhood in an orphanage following his mother's demise. The film is a stop-motion animation masterpiece, directed by Claude Barras, and boasts both French and English versions. The English version includes performances by actors like Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Will Forte, and Elliot Page. However, the French version offers a more intimately nuanced feel.
Despite its light-hearted appearance and whimsical nature, the movie doesn't shy away from tackling serious topics such as abandonment and belonging. The film received a superb 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also bagged two Cesar Awards for Best Animated Film and Best Adapted Screenplay. Unfortunately, the film is not yet available for streaming.
In a Nutshell
From creepy horror tales to heartwarming clay-sheep stories, stop-motion animation has something for everyone – from children to mature film enthusiasts. This innovative and artistic genre never fails to amaze.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What Exactly is Stop-Motion Animation?
Stop-motion animation is a technique where objects are photographed sequentially after minor changes are made to them. These photos are then compiled to create the illusion of continuous movement. Puppets, clay figures, and even cut-out paper are commonly used as stop-motion animation tools.
Stop-motion animation's history dates back to the very beginning of film (and possibly earlier). In 1898, the first stop-motion animation film, "The Humpty Dumpty Circus," was released. Despite being lost now, the film used dolls with jointed limbs to reenact a circus performance. Since then, stop-motion animation has found its way into various movies as an animation and special effects technique.
Stop-Motion versus Claymation – What's the Difference?
Claymation is a form of stop-motion animation that uses clay figures instead of other materials. These claymation figures and backgrounds are made by covering a flexible metal armature with Plasticine, a modeling clay made of calcium salts, petroleum jelly, and aliphatic acids. The benefits of using Plasticine are its non-drying nature and ease of manipulation.
Plasticine was developed in 1897 by William Harbutt. It made its animation debut in the short film "Fun in the Bakeshop" in 1902. Since then, it has been a vital part of Aardman Animations' creations, including Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph.
Which Stop-Motion Film Has Generated the Most Revenue?
The highest-grossing stop-motion animated film to date is "Chicken Run," released in 2000. It is followed closely by "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and "Coraline." As of now, only nine stop-motion animated films have surpassed $100 million at the box office, with "My Life as a Courgette" coming in at number twenty with $10,245,743. The most successful stop-motion animated film, "Chicken Run," has so far grossed $227,983,197 worldwide.
Three stop-motion films have all vied for the top spot on the list of highest-grossing animated films: 1975's "The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix," 1993's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Chicken Run." However, none of these movies rank in the top 50 highest-grossing animated films currently.
Who are Some Notable Stop-Motion Filmmakers?
There are several influential figures in the stop-motion animation world. Henry Selick, a notable director, is behind famous stop-motion movies like "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "James and the Giant Peach," "Monkeybone," "Coraline," and "Wendell & Wild." Travis Knight is another prominent name, having directed movies like "Kubo and the Two Strings" and "Wildwood," and serving as CEO of the stop-motion animation studio Laika. He also played substantial roles in Laika productions as a producer and animator.
Across the Atlantic, Peter Lord, the founder of Aardman Animations Limited, has directed beloved stop-motion films like "Chicken Run" and "The Pirates! Band of Misfits." He often works with another Aardman Animator, Nick Park, who has directed hits like "Creature Comforts," "Chicken Run," "Early Man," and the upcoming "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl." Park is famous for his stop-motion animated segments in "Pee-wee's Playhouse." Many stop-motion movies are co-directed due to the time-consuming and complex nature of the medium.
In the realms of stop-motion animation, the business of crafting these intricate films often involves a dedicated team of artists. (Business related to animation)
The success of stop-motion animated films can be attributed to their unique artistry and painstaking production process. (Business aspect of stop-motion animation)
