The 2020s have brewed up a storm of animated feature films that have left audiences alternatively cheering and rolling their eyes. Driven by massive studios like Disney, Pixar, and newcomers like Netflix, this decade is packed with films sparking both delight and debate. So, what makes these films significant? Let’s dig in.
First up on our list is Pixar’s masterpiece Soul released in 2020. This flick didn’t just entertain; it made many question the meaning of life. Set against New York City’s vibrant backdrop, it tells a story crafting existential questions into family-friendly charisma. Few would question the artistry, but some might wonder if such depth is needed when all many want is some cartoon fun.
Then comes the action-packed heroics of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon in 2021. A dazzling Southeast Asian-inspired tale, this film thrilled audiences with its stunning visuals and dynamic storytelling. However, one couldn't help but notice the narrative pushed a heavy-handed lesson on ‘trust.’ Fun fact – real-life politics often shows that blind trust doesn’t exactly work out.
Let's talk about The Croods: A New Age, also in 2020. This sequel brought prehistoric hilarity back into fashion with its caveman family navigating a whole new world. Critics praised it for its humor and heart, but its clever nods to modern societal issues made it more than just a rock-age laugh.
In 2022, the world got a taste of Netflix’s brilliance with The Sea Beast. Here, monster hunting became an artistic canvas of gorgeous animation and sharp storytelling. A classic adventure feeling but still managing to sneak in commentary about accepting others, even if they threaten your way of life.
One cannot skip over Encanto from 2021, Disney’s burst of Colombian magic. It was filled with colors, music, and a story about reconciling family harmony. Yet, the story’s flip side subtly told audiences to respect boundaries, perhaps a timely jab at our often overreaching cultural movements today.
Plus, Ghibli’s Earwig and the Witch (2020) showcased another animated legend with its tales of magic and wit. While not quite Miyazaki’s typical craft, it still spun a yarn on self-reliance—an important reminder in these dependence-heavy times.
Trolls World Tour (2020) spun off in a different direction. This film, a fun burst of music and color, felt more like a raucous pop concert than a cerebral journey. Its underlying message of unity deserves applause, but unlucky for the pop trolls, not all world tours get rave reviews!
How about a scare within the fold of laughs? Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022) takes beloved characters and flips them in ways unimaginable, keeping humor at the forefront while parodying outsiders-turned-insiders—a story twist that echoes broader society’s ironic acceptance of the bizarre.
Finally, there's Luca (2021), another gem from Pixar, drenching us with a warm-hearted friendship story set amongst Italian seaside splendor. But don’t mistake its playful chord for simplicity; buried beneath the surface is a tale of hiding true identities—some would say it's just a mask of a different color.
While the animated films of the 2020s strive to enchant with tales of wonder, it's clear these productions are as much about messages as they are about mirth. Wrapped in colorful spectacles, the studios weave narratives that intersect family, society, and occasional wokeness, captivating adults who ponder over multiple layers while kids marvel at the grandeur. A sprinkle of magic or a brush of politics can dramatically shift a viewer’s perception.