Animated Films You Might Have Missed: A Week of Movies!

The Pinchcliffe Grand Prix (1975)

This Norwegian film became one of the most wildly successful films in the national cinema at the time, selling more than 5.5 million tickets. It follows the story of an inventor who uses his steampunk-esque contraption of a car to compete against foreign supercars. This is the film that inspired a young Christian von Koenigsegg to enter the automotive industry.

The Painting (2011)

La tableu is a French film that uses CGI animation to represent a much older medium: paint. Follow Lola and company as they set out to unite the completed Alldunns, the half-finished Halfies, and the rough Sketchies by seeking the Painter.

Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

When three homeless people -- the drunkard Gin, the runaway Miyuki, and the former drag queen Hana -- find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve, they set out on a quest to discover the child's true home in a story of forgiveness, love, and the unity of strangers.

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

An orphaned boy is taken in by his grandmother. When she buys him a tricycle, he becomes determined to win the Tour de France. But when trouble arises, grandma will stop at nothing to rescue her little champion, with the help of three aged music hall singers and her loyal and obese hound. Fusing hand drawn appearances with CGI depth, Triplets has a beautiful style.

Paprika (2006)

A sort of psychological thriller, Paprika is beloved in the anime community for its mesmerizing animation that rivals Ghibli. This film is not just your run of the mill dream/reality narrative, it's an enlightening mind-trip.

Persepolis (2007)

Adapted from the autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, Persepolis is an experience brought to you by a voice that is not often heard from. Set in Iran, this coming of age story captures the fear and isolation of a girl in the middle of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Waltz with Bashir (2008)

Though certainly honored in award season, Waltz with Bashir does not get the respect it truly deserves among the public sphere. This film is banned in Lebanon for a reason. This animated documentary follows its director, Adi Folman, as he deals with the realities of the Sabra and Shatila massacre.

BONUS: Ghost in the Shell (1995)

For those considering starting to think critically about animated film, this is a good place to start. From the elegiac narrative to the representation of bodies; from the dialogue on the soul to the intense sequences of motion and dynamic cinematography, Ghost in the Shell is the nearly perfected source of cyborg stories.