Animated movies always hold a special place in the hearts of movie lovers. They create fascinating worlds where anything is possible, and the only limit is one's imagination. Thanks to rapid advancements in animation technology, films now boast crystal-clear images similar to those found in IMAX reels, as well as stylized cartoons that resemble sketches come to life.
The year 2023 marked the release of several outstanding animated films, each telling stories that deeply resonated with audiences worldwide. Some of these films had been highly anticipated for quite some time, while others introduced unfamiliar yet delightful stories. Compiling a list of the best animated movies of 2023 was no easy feat, but here they are.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The release of 2023's The Super Mario Bros. Movie can be summed up in one word: Finally! Fans of Nintendo had long awaited a quality Super Mario film, and this movie delivered just that. Previous attempts, such as the short Japanese film Super Mario Bros: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach in 1986, and the ill-fated live-action 1993 Super Mario Bros movie, left much to be desired.
This time, Illumination brought to life a simple yet satisfying story that captivated not only dedicated Super Mario fans but also casual viewers. Boasting a talented voice cast, the movie was infused with humor and heart, beautifully showcasing the iconic worlds that gamers have explored for years.
The film cleverly incorporated nods to the classic games, including nostalgic scores, recognizable characters in their trademark costumes, and seamless transitions into a one-directional 2-D landscape. A particularly delightful surprise was the cameo from Charles Martinet, the original voice actor for Mario and Luigi. Additionally, the film paved the way for a potential new cinematic universe for future Super Mario and other Nintendo films. As the highest-grossing animated film of all time, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a must-see.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Another long-awaited fan favorite, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, finally rekindled the magic of the TMNT franchise, particularly because it returned to its animated roots. While translating classic animated characters into live-action can yield success, the decision to revert to animation proved to be a wise one, immersing viewers in a comic book-like experience. Notably, the film introduced a fresh narrative that resurrected beloved characters in novel ways.
Thanks to the contributions of Seth Rogen, the story was infused with witty humor and profound emotion, while also paying homage to the turtles' love for pizza. Casting younger actors to voice the turtles effectively conveyed their youthful energy and made them more relatable to young audiences, particularly those who may feel like outsiders. TMNT: Mutant Mayhem conveyed a touching message of acceptance and the importance of giving everyone a chance. It imparted a valuable lesson to children and adults worldwide.
3Nimona
In today's era of streaming services, the quantity of content produced often overshadows its quality. However, Nimona stands out as a gem among the offerings. Depicting the journey of a soon-to-be knight and a solitary shape-shifting girl, both outcasts in their own right, Nimona weaves a remarkable tale of understanding individuals for who they are, rather than what others perceive them to be. The film presents commendable representation, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, in a manner that is easily comprehensible and accepted as the norm by children.
The film's setting further elevates its appeal, presenting a unique fusion of a Medieval-style monarchy within a futuristic city adorned with flying cars and whimsical weaponry. Boasting vibrant colors and thrilling action sequences, Nimona embraces a rebellious theme, encouraging individuals to reevaluate their understanding of history. It offers a compelling narrative filled with surprising twists and delves into the complexities of friendship and honesty, making it a worthwhile watch for audiences of all ages.
Elemental
Pixar experienced a period of creative stagnation but has resurged in recent years with hits like Soul, Luca, and Turning Red. This winning streak continued with Elemental. Reminiscent of Finding Nemo and Cars, Elemental unfolds in a world where humans either do not exist or do not take center stage, yet the essence of the story directly resonates with the human experience. Beneath its poignant and tumultuous love story, the film delves into significant themes surrounding immigrants and the prejudices they face due to their backgrounds, despite their enduring hardships in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.
Elemental adeptly personifies the concept of prejudice through the fusion of two incompatible elements: fire and water. Featuring stunning cityscapes and captivating visuals, the film does not disappoint. Elemental takes audiences on an emotional roller coaster, brimming with forbidden love, the pain of losing loved ones, and the burdens and expectations placed on children by their parents. The poignant storytelling makes it a compelling watch for individuals of all ages.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
It should come as no surprise that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has garnered instant acclaim as a spectacular sequel to an already extraordinary movie. Miles Morales easily captures the audience's empathy as he navigates the complexities of being Spider-Man. Expanding further into the notion of Miles' unorthodox path, Across the Spider-Verse unveils a world teeming with a multitude of Spider-People from the seemingly endless tales of New York City's beloved superhero. The film delves into the intricacies of systemic racism by depicting Miles' resistance to conform to the Spider-Society's expectations, empowering him to script his own destiny.
The narrative equally focuses on Gwen Stacy and her internal struggle as she seeks to reconcile her place within her own realm. Parental acceptance emerges as a pivotal theme in Across the Spider-Verse, offering profound character development for both Gwen and Miles. Both grapple with finding their footing as Spider-People and as children in the presence of parents striving to secure their best interests, even in moments of misunderstanding. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse excels in continuing an ongoing narrative, crafting its own standalone story, and setting the stage for a potentially masterful culmination to the Spider-Man saga.