BoD: Animated movies

Animation has come a long way in the aughts. While Pixar turned its late-’90s success to all-’00s domination, a few other studios and filmmakers were able to deliver us intriguing and compelling animated journeys. Here is the (Pixar-heavy) list of 15 best animated films of the decade, in no particular order.

“WALL-E” (2008) – The finest of Pixar’s recent masterpieces, the charming love story of a binocular-eyed trash robot hit home with so many people because of its emotional depth and statements on big business, the environment and technology. For the adults turned off by “WALL-E’s” silent start, take a page from your kids and rediscover what makes this film so great.

“Spirited Away” (2003) – Hayao Miyazaki is perhaps the only singular auteur of animation today, and the 2002 gem “Spirited Away” is both a dark and whimsical film with an inherent mood and symbolism that arguably surpasses any of his other films. The film’s message about both nature and human desires too is timeless.

“Finding Nemo” (2003) – “Finding Nemo” is a precious, adorable movie that can be watched time and time again. The jokes, the goofiness and the mood grow on you every time you see it. But Pixar’s charming mark and Ellen Degeneres’s added hilarity are almost superseded by the film’s attention to detail in how fish look, swim and act.

“Up” (2009) – Yet another Pixar and the most recent of the bunch, “Up” is Pixar’s tenth film and the first in 3D. It is a lovely story of adventure and fatherly bonding told through the eyes of such an unconventional character in mainstream animated films, an old man.

“Shrek” (2001) – “Shrek” is simply a hilarious animated adventure funnier than some mainstream comedies. It is now iconic because of its voice work by Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy and because the film is accessible to all audiences simply looking for a good time at the movies.

“Coraline” (2009) – “Coraline” is the best film to incorporate 3D ever. Created by Henry Selick of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” fame, the stop motion animation used throughout the film is remarkable and unmatched visually. Although lacking a strong narrative, the meticulous creations of Selick become individual works of art.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004) – When all films are going digital nowadays, “Howl’s Moving Castle”  stands out as a masterpiece of classically hand-drawn animation. Miyazaki’s moving adventure and epic is a visual wonder.

“Monster’s Inc.” (2001) – A highly underrated Pixar classic, “Monster’s Inc.” is charming and intelligent without sacrificing familiar comedy from the likes of Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi.

“Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” (2005) – Perhaps too eccentric for mainstream moviegoers or children, this claymation is still touching and full of heart. And who doesn’t love a story about a guy and his dog?

“Persepolis” (2007) – Emotionally powerful and stunning with its black and white images, this autobiographical tale about growing up amid the Iranian revolution is a stellar adaptation of the graphic novel.

“Ratatouille” (2007) – This one is perhaps the most inaccessible Pixar film ever and might not be as memorable as the others on this list, but being a damn solid Pixar film says a lot more than being a really great non-Pixar film.

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009) – It might have only been released last month, but Wes Anderson’s adaptation of the old-school Roald Dahl classic story is quirky, imaginative and appealing to everyone from ages three to 93 – and that counts for a lot.

“Happy Feet” (2006) – Some parents were turned off by Robin Williams’ sexual euphemisms that were frequent in “Happy Feet,” but most were enchanted by the joy of watching a penguin tap dance. What could be cuter?

“The Incredibles” (2004) – Not to flood the list with Pixar products or anything, but this is flick is not only one of the animation superpower’s best films, it’s also one of the better superhero movies of the decade. It’s an exciting little thrill-ride from start to finish, with solid voice performances all around.

“Waltz With Bashir” (2008) – Like “Persepolis,” this one is an autobiographical look at life in the Middle East, only this time the country is Israel. The compelling story is backed up by really different-looking animation.