Depending on whether I’ve seen it during my construction of this list, I’ll include either the official synopsis or my thoughts on that title. Some of these releases might still be unreleased. To note: I’ll be limiting my choices to three per year. And, where possible, will provide links on where it’s available to stream or purchase.
Animated Films of 2000
Dreambuilders (Plex)
Minna misuses her newfound ability to create and control other people’s dreams to teach her bothersome step-sister a lesson. When her stepsister can no longer wake up, it is up to the is young girl has to enter the dream world to save her.
Nahuel and the Magic Book (Apple TV)
I overlooked this Chilean-Brazilian animated fantasy coming-of-age adventure despite its considerable praise since release. It’s a work that certainly lives up to its name, and there’s an early Studio Ghibli type of charm that I like. When the title character has a fear of playing near water, especially the sea, all he can do to get over it is to search for a magical solution!
Unfortunately, there’s an evil sorcerer who figured out that this boy intruded upon his home, and kidnaps this kid’s father. And in true Ghibli-style fashion, this lad will have to confront more than just a wizard. His unprepared adventure is fraught with dangers, and it’s best not to spoil the details.
Violet Evergarden: The Movie (Netflix)
After the aftermath of a war, a young girl who was used as a tool in battle learns how to live for herself. With the scars of burns, she goes back to her past to discover her true feelings towards the Major.
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Animated Films of 2021
Mad God (Amazon Prime)
My movie review of this film, back when it premiered at Fantasia Film Fest, can be read here.
Moonbound
(Streaming on Apple TV and Prime Video)
When Peter sets out on a magical journey to rescue his little sister Anne, he needs to leave Earth to do so. When he finds out aliens from the moon has kidnapped her, that’s because she did something to help someone else from this hunk of rock, and he wasn’t there to watch over her. And along the way, the characters he meets–ranging from Mr. Sandman to the Night Fairy, are very real. When he has to face even more fabled individuals, to survive the might from the Five Spirits of Nature are going to be daunting.
Where Is Anne Frank? (Prime Video)
The film follows the adventure of Kitty, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank often referred to in her diary. In this book, she documented what life was like under Nazi occupation. Because they were actively hunting for Jews in the Netherlands, staying hidden was tough. Her family had to go about life as best they can. The vandalized home brought this fictional character to life.
Although confused, Kitty is believes finding where her “creator” went to is important. Thankfully, this tale is not similar to Harold and the Purple Crayon (movie review). Here, what she discovers about herself is important. And when she learns about the fate of the Frank family, what she must do is save the legacy that her bestie left behind! This movie is also available to purchase on home video.
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Animated Films of 2022
No Dogs or Italians Allowed
(Amazon Prime)
Mechamato Movie
Malaysia has its own version of Gundam for fans to enjoy, and not a lot of prior knowledge is required to get up to speed about a young boy, Amato, fighting alongside his aptly named MechaBot to battle other ‘bots gone rogue. A sequel is in the works, due for release this year, but if you know what the BoBoiBoy franchise is all about, it’s a start!
My Grandfather’s Demons
From Mubi.com: Rosa’s a successful designer living in a generic big city. After the unexpected death of her grandfather, she realizes she’s not been in a place where she felt connected or loved since she left her homeland and returns to her native village on the border between Northern Portugal & Spain’s Galicia.
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Animated Films of 2023
The Birth of Kitaro:
The Mystery of GeGeGe
(Crunchyroll)
In Showa 31 (1956), the Ryuga family, who dominated Japan’s political and financial circles secretly controlled Nagura Village. Mizuki, who worked at the Imperial Blood Bank, entered the village under the pretense of mourning the death of the head of the family, carrying ambitions and a secret mission. At the same time, Kitaro’s father entered the village searching for his wife. Within the Ryuga family, a vicious struggle over succession had begun.
During this time, one of the family members was mysteriously murdered at the village shrine. This marked the beginning of a terrifying chain of supernatural events.
Chef Jack: The Adventurous Cook
(Amazon Prime in select countries)
Jack, a chef who travels the world in search of special ingredients for his dishes, will have to learn about teamwork to win a culinary contest that could help him recover his lost reputation after one of his recipes went awfully wrong.
La Leyenda De Los Chaneques
Just why the Mexican made series, Legend Quest, has not expanded out to other territories remains a mystery. Netflix has produced its own version, but it’s not the same as the original material that started it all! This seventh instalment to the Leyendas franchise, as it’s known, follows up from the events of del Charro Negro (2018), and that’s the last DVD I purchased from eBay! Without this outlet, I’m sure finding a source online is next to impossible.
More recent releases include Origins, a spin-off than reboot in 2022, and I’m hoping distributors are smart to expand the market, as interest in Mesoamerican lore remains high. Also, La leyenda de la Monja is set for release this year!
Synopsis: Five years after the events of Charro Negro, Leo and Nando journey to Veracruz where they meet a boy whose father was kidnapped by the Chaneques. To combat them, Leo would have to face them without his powers he once had.
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Animated Films of 2024
(SBS Australia)
Vincent and his father, Tomas, run the best glassworks in the country, but the onset of war turns their lives upside down. Vincent falls in love with Alliz, the daughter of a colonel, and they both must find the courage to confront their fathers.
Giants of La Mancha
Also curiously known as Storm Crasbers, this movie has yet to get the love it deserves. Here, 11-year-old Alfonso, heir of Don Quixote, and his three imaginary and musical rabbits, are joined by Pancho and Victoria to save their beloved town of La Mancha from a huge storm, caused by an evil corporation who wants to own the land. Along the way, this protagonist discovers the power of friendship and falls in love.
10 Lives
(Available on Amazon to purchase and stream)
Beckett, a pampered cat, totally takes for granted the lucky break he received; But all that is about to change, when he carelessly loses his ninth life. It is a journey that sees this kitty turn from a gloriously self-absorbed pet, to a self-sacrificing hero, and it’s a wonderful comedy to boot! Just how fast he runs through his lives is many, but as for how he can go on really depends on practicing Daoism and cultivation. Readers can find my review here. I feel the lack of marketing for this film in North America sad.
This film is just that good and cat-lovers will find this reverse concept of a Groundhog Day film purrfect!