Animation is arguably one of the best storytelling formats that humans have invented. Without the restraints of the real world, fantasy and imagination can be brought to life through the use of both hand-drawn (2D) and computer-generated (3D) animation. Many kids in America grow up with Disney as their animation staple, and for good reason. The studio has produced many groundbreaking and masterful animated films over the years. However, some of Disney’s competitors are lesser-known yet still have a lot of creative content to offer. Let’s take a look at some animation beyond Disney.
The Animation of Richard Williams
Richard Williams is best known for being the animation director for Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), which blew audiences away with its combination of 2D animation and live action sequences. He designed the iconic character of Jessica Rabbit and oversaw animation that would blend seamlessly with real actors. Williams also directed Raggedy Anne and Andy: A Musical Adventure (1977). Both of these movies are noted for their fluid hand-drawn animation. Roger Rabbit has a quick and classic cartoon style that meshes well with the live action, while Raggedy Anne and Andy is notable for its more imaginative and “trippy” sequences. The wild imagery and captivating colors of the movie make it almost hypnotizing.
Williams was also very passionate about working on what would hopefully be his magnum opus, The Thief and the Cobbler (Or The Princess and The Cobbler... or Arabian Knight...). As you may be able to tell from the inconsistent titles, this movie had a very troubled production history that could have a whole article written about that alone. Production for the movie began in 1964, and was (kind of) released in 1993. It’s considered unfinished as production was seized by Warner Brothers and finished without Williams’ involvement. If you’re interested in seeing something close to what Williams may have accomplished if he’d been given the resources to finish, you can search up “The Thief and the Cobbler Recobbled cut” which is a fan made edit of the movie aligning more with the original vision. Despite the bumps in the road that Thief went through, it’s undeniable that the animation is like nothing else.
The work of Cartoon Saloon
While this studio has provided animation for Disney, I’m referring specifically to their independently made movies. Cartoon Saloon is an Irish animation studio responsible for, arguably, some of the most beautiful movies ever made; coincidentally, the founding animators were inspired by both Disney’s Mulan as well as another movie from this article—The Thief and the Cobbler. Some of their movies, such as The Secret of Kells (2009) and The Song of the Sea (2014), draw their stories from Irish culture and folklore. The aspect of Irish culture in their movies makes them very compelling as well as provides a new perspective that American audiences may not be as familiar with. Their distinct style and focus on character make their movies feel very cared for and lived in. They’re aimed at children without sacrificing the ability to discuss mature themes and contain quiet moments. Cartoon Saloon’s movies are special and completely unique to the studio, and I would really recommend checking them out.
The films of Ralph Bakshi
Ralph Bakshi is a strong advocate that animation is not just a medium for children. Responsible for movies such as Fritz the Cat (1972), The Lord of the Rings (1978), and Wizards (1977), Bakshi’s films are almost antithetical to Disney’s. Many of them were made with adult audiences specifically in mind, and even when they weren’t, they still often incorporated raunchy humor, graphic violence, and heavy themes. At a time when Disney was producing movies for children that didn’t push past some pretty sanitized boundaries, Bakshi’s movies used animation to explore those boundaries and beyond. His movies are polarizing with people either loving or hating them; thinking he’s a genius, or that he’s crazy. There are no movies quite like Ralph Bakshi’s movies, so to decide how you feel about them, the only option is to experience them yourself.
Despite Disney’s cultural chokehold over animation (especially hand-drawn), these creators prove that there are many creative, detailed, and heartfelt movies besides those of “The Mouse.” Hopefully you decide to check a few of these movies out and explore the animated world beyond what Disney has to offer!