Animated Wonders: Essential Animated Movies You Can’t Miss
Welcome to our exploration of the vibrant world of animated cinema, where imagination knows no bounds and artistry meets storytelling in spectacular ways. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into a selection of essential animated films that showcase the best of animation, from classic Japanese anime to beloved Western animated features. We'll uncover details about directors, actors, awards, and premieres, and we'll explore how you can enhance your collection with the best original movie posters and film wall art. Let’s dive into the magical realm of animated wonders!
1.Adventure Time (2010-2018)
**Creators:** Pendleton Ward
**Voice Actors:** Jeremy Shada, John DiMaggio, Hynden Walch
**Awards:** Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program (2017)
**Premiere:** April 5, 2010, Cartoon Network, USA

Adventure Time is a groundbreaking animated series that captured the hearts of both children and adults with its whimsical adventures and inventive storytelling. Pendleton Ward’s creation became a cultural phenomenon, blending fantasy with humor in a post-apocalyptic setting. The series won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program. For fans of Adventure Time, movie film wall art and TV show posters featuring characters from the series are perfect for adding a touch of the Land of Ooo to your home.
2. Akira (1988)
**Director:** Katsuhiro Otomo
**Voice Actors:** Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Miki Ito
**Awards:** Nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Long Form Presentation (1991)
**Premiere:** July 16, 1988, Japan
Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is a cornerstone of anime, renowned for its groundbreaking animation and cyberpunk narrative. Set in a dystopian future Tokyo, this film is celebrated for its complex story and stunning visuals. While it was not a major award-winner, Akira earned a Hugo Award nomination. For collectors, the best original Cinema Movie Posters of Akira offer a stunning glimpse into this iconic film’s artistry. The movie retro posters and British film posters available online capture the film's essence beautifully.
3. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
**Director:** Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
**Voice Actors:** Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Haydn
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Awards for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture, Best Soundtrack (1952)
**Premiere:** July 28, 1951, USA
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland remains a timeless classic, bringing Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale to life with vibrant animation and unforgettable music. The film’s innovative animation and enchanting characters earned it Academy Award nominations. Vintage mid-century posters of Alice in Wonderland and movie illustrations are perfect for adding a nostalgic touch to any collection. The movie Art posters and handmade poster illustrations capture the charm of this beloved film.
4. Belle (2021)
**Director:** Mamoru Hosoda
**Voice Actors:** Kaho Nakamura, Ryō Narita, Shota Sometani
**Awards:** Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film (2022)
**Premiere:** July 16, 2021, Japan
Mamoru Hosoda’s Belle is a visually stunning anime that explores the intersection of technology and human connection. The film’s breathtaking animation and heartfelt story earned it a Golden Globe nomination. For those interested in Belle, the original movie posters and collectibles movie poster options provide a beautiful way to celebrate this modern animated masterpiece. The most beautiful posters and wall art for your interior can include prints from this enchanting film.
5. Coraline (2009)
**Director:** Henry Selick
**Voice Actors:** Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman
**Awards:** Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2010)
**Premiere:** February 6, 2009, USA
Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, is a dark and imaginative stop-motion film that has captivated audiences with its unique visual style and eerie tale. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. For fans, movie posters UK offers various movie Art posters and top-selling collectibles that showcase the film’s distinctive aesthetic. Movie illustrations and film wall art can add a touch of the film’s mysterious charm to any room.
6. Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
**Director:** Shinichirō Watanabe
**Voice Actors:** Kazuya Nakai, Steve Blum, Wendee Lee
**Awards:** Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Anime (2001)
**Premiere:** April 3, 1998, Japan
Shinichirō Watanabe’s Cowboy Bebop is a genre-defining anime series known for its stylish blend of science fiction, jazz music, and compelling storytelling. It won the Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Anime. The British posters and original movie posters of *Cowboy Bebop* capture the cool, noir-inspired aesthetic of the series. For those who want to celebrate this influential series, handmade poster illustrations and rare movie posters make excellent additions to any collection.
7. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
**Director:** Daisuke Nishio
**Voice Actors:** Masako Nozawa, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Ryō Horikawa
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** April 26, 1989, Japan
Dragon Ball Z is one of the most iconic anime series of all time, known for its intense battles, memorable characters, and epic storylines. One interesting and amusing fact about the production of the English dub involves the voice actors, particularly Sean Schemmel, who voices Goku.
During the recording of one of Goku’s most famous scenes—the Super Saiyan 3 transformation—Sean Schemmel pushed his vocal cords to the limit. The transformation scene is incredibly intense and long, requiring a prolonged scream. Schemmel was so dedicated to delivering the perfect performance that he ended up passing out in the recording booth from lack of oxygen! Fortunately, he was okay, but the incident highlights just how much effort went into bringing these powerful moments to life.
This dedication from the voice actors contributed greatly to the series' success and helped make those moments unforgettable for fans.
8. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
**Director:** Mamoru Oshii
**Voice Actors:** Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ōtsuka
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** November 18, 1995, Japan
Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell is a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, exploring themes of identity and technology with its groundbreaking animation. While it did not receive major awards, its influence is far-reaching. For collectors, the original movie posters and movie Art posters of *Ghost in the Shell* offer a stylish way to commemorate this classic. The movie illustrations and film wall art available capture the film’s futuristic vision beautifully.
9. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2006)
**Premiere:** November 20, 2004, Japan
Howl’s Moving Castle is another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, renowned for its enchanting story and stunning animation. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The movie retro posters and original movie posters for Howl’s Moving Castle highlight the film’s whimsical charm and are perfect for any anime fan’s collection. The best selection of posters and gifts related to this film can be found through online retailers like 98types.co.uk.
10. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Kirsten Dunst, Minami Takayama, Rei Igarashi
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** July 29, 1989, Japan
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming tale by Hayao Miyazaki about a young witch learning to find her place in the world. Though it didn’t receive major awards, its charm and beautiful animation have made it a beloved classic. For fans of Kiki’s Delivery Service, movie posters UK offers a range of mid-century modern posters and movie film wall art that capture the film’s magical essence.
11. My Hero Academia (2016-present)
**Director:** Kenji Nagasaki
**Voice Actors:** Daiki Yamashita, Kenta Miyake, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** April 3, 2016, Japan
My Hero Academia has quickly become a fan favorite with its exciting take on the superhero genre. Though the series is ongoing, it has garnered a strong following for its dynamic animation and compelling characters. For those looking to celebrate this modern anime phenomenon, the best original Cinema Movie Posters and movie illustrations related to My Hero Academia are a great way to showcase your fandom.
12. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Shuichiro Moriyama
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** April 16, 1988, Japan
My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the heartwarming story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside and encounter magical creatures, including the gentle forest spirit Totoro. The film is celebrated for its beautiful animation, enchanting story, and the creation of Totoro, who has become an iconic character in popular culture.
A funny and interesting tidbit about the production of My Neighbor Totoro involves the recording of the voice acting for the two sisters. In the Japanese version, the roles of Satsuki and Mei were voiced by real-life sisters, Noriko and Chika Hidaka. To capture the authentic sibling dynamic, the studio decided to record many of their lines together, allowing for a natural and spontaneous interaction between the two.
However, working with young children in the recording booth led to some unexpected moments. Chika Hidaka, who voiced Mei, was very young and sometimes found it difficult to focus or deliver her lines in a precise manner. There were moments where she would go off-script, adding her own little improvisations, or get the giggles, which would cause everyone in the booth to burst out laughing. These instances of genuine sisterly interaction actually helped infuse the film with the warmth and realism that audiences loved.
This natural, unforced chemistry between the sisters added to the authenticity of the characters and contributed to the film's enduring charm.
13. Naruto Shippuden (2007-2017)
**Director:** Hayato Date
**Voice Actors:** Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** February 15, 2007, Japan
Naruto Shippuden continues the saga of the young ninja Naruto Uzumaki with thrilling adventures and emotional growth. Though it didn’t receive major awards, its popularity is reflected in its dedicated fanbase. For collectors, the best original vintage and contemporary movie posters of *Naruto Shippuden* and related film wall art offer a great way to celebrate this influential series.
14. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Shia LaBeouf
**Awards:** Nominated for the Seiun Award for Best Japanese Short Story (1985)
**Premiere:** March 11, 1984, Japan
Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a visually stunning film that explores environmental themes with a rich, fantastical story. It was nominated for the Seiun Award for Best Japanese Short Story. The best original Cinema Movie Posters and movie illustrations of *Nausicaä* are perfect for fans looking to add a piece of this influential film to their collection.
15. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)
**Director:** Hideaki Anno
**Voice Actors:** Megumi Ogata, Yuko Miyamura, Koichi Yamadera
**Awards:** Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Anime (1997)
**Premiere:** October 5, 1995, Japan
16. Perfect Blue (1997)
**Director:** Satoshi Kon
**Voice Actors:** Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shōzō Iizuka
**Awards:** Nominated for the Fantasporto Best Film Award (1998)
**Premiere:** February 28, 1997, Japan
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of fame and identity. Though it didn’t win major awards, its impact on the genre is significant. The best original Cinema Movie Posters and rare movie posters for Perfect Blue offer a striking visual representation of this complex film. Movie Art posters and handmade poster illustrations capture its intriguing essence.
17. Ponyo (2008)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Noah Cyrus
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2009)
**Premiere:** July 19, 2008, Japan
Ponyo (2008) is a delightful animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of a young goldfish named Ponyo who wishes to become human after befriending a boy named Sosuke. The film is known for its vibrant animation, whimsical storytelling, and the charming relationship between the two main characters.
During one of the recording sessions, Noah Cyrus was so immersed in her character that she accidentally knocked over her microphone while trying to mimic Ponyo’s enthusiastic movements. Instead of getting upset or breaking character, she laughed it off and continued to record as if nothing had happened. This playful and carefree attitude actually helped bring a lot of authenticity to Ponyo’s character, who is full of energy and curiosity.
The playful interactions between the young voice actors added to the film's charm, making Ponyo and Sosuke's friendship feel even more genuine and endearing. The lighthearted atmosphere in the recording booth clearly translated into the film, contributing to its overall sense of joy and wonder.
18. Princess Mononoke (1997)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (1998)
**Premiere:** July 12, 1997, Japan

19. Spirited Away (2001)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino
**Awards:** Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2003), Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature (2003)
**Premiere:** July 20, 2001, Japan
Spirited Away (2001) is a critically acclaimed animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The movie tells the enchanting story of a young girl named Chihiro, who finds herself trapped in a mysterious and magical world, working in a bathhouse run by spirits. It's a visually stunning film, filled with rich details that have made it a favorite for fans of mid-century posters, especially those interested in mid-century modern posters, which capture the timeless style and artistry reminiscent of the film's aesthetic.

An interesting and funny moment during the recording of the English dub involves the voice actress Daveigh Chase, who played Chihiro. Chase was relatively young at the time and, during the recording sessions, she had to capture the emotions of a character who was often scared, confused, or out of breath due to the many running scenes. To get the best performance, the director asked her to run around the studio to make her sound more realistically out of breath. So, between takes, Daveigh would sprint around the recording booth, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere that translated perfectly into her portrayal of Chihiro.
This energetic approach during the dubbing process added an authentic feel to the character’s reactions, which have since become iconic in film wall art, movie film wall art, and TV show posters. The film’s success has also led to a high demand for best original Cinema Movie Posters, including rare movie posters and memorabilia. Collectors often seek out movie art posters and original movie posters from Spirited Away, as these items have become valuable collectibles, especially in the realm of posters Hollywood enthusiasts admire. The film's rich visuals and emotional depth make it a prime candidate for movie and memorabilia collections and original movie posters that are now considered rare treasures.
20. The Cat Returns (2002)
**Director:** Hiroyuki Morita
**Voice Actors:** Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Akiyo Matsumoto
**Awards:** N/A
**Premiere:** July 19, 2002, Japan
The Cat Returns is a delightful film from Studio Ghibli, known for its whimsical story and charming animation. While it didn’t receive major awards, it remains a favorite among fans. The movie illustrations and British film posters for The Cat Returns capture its enchanting style. Explore the best selection of posters and gifts to add a touch of this charming film to your collection.
21. The Secret World of Arrietty (2012)
**Director:** Hiromasa Yonebayashi
**Voice Actors:** Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Moises Arias
**Awards:** Nominated for the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (2013)
**Premiere:** July 17, 2012, Japan
The Secret World of Arrietty is a beautifully animated film about tiny people living secretly among humans. It was nominated for an Annie Award for Best Animated Feature. For fans, the best original vintage and contemporary movie posters of The Secret World of Arrietty and related film wall art make excellent additions to any anime collection.
**Director:** Isao Takahata
**Voice Actors:** Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Nobuko Miyamoto
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2015)
**Premiere:** November 23, 2013, Japan
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a visually stunning film by Isao Takahata, known for its unique art style and emotional story. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The original movie posters and movie illustrations for *The Tale of the Princess Kaguya* offer a beautiful way to celebrate this artistic achievement.
23. The Wind Rises (2013)
**Director:** Hayao Miyazaki
**Voice Actors:** Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt
**Awards:** Nominated for Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2014)
**Premiere:** July 20, 2013, Japan
The Wind Rises is a historical drama by Hayao Miyazaki that tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. For collectors, the best original Cinema Movie Posters and rare movie posters of The Wind Rises capture the film’s historical and emotional depth.
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As you explore these animated wonders, enhance your collection with the best original movie posters and film wall art. From mid-century modern posters and movie retro posters to rare movie posters and memorabilia, there’s something for every fan. The top-selling designs and handmade poster illustrations available at online stores like 98types.co.uk offer unique and collectible pieces that celebrate your favorite films. Buy a unique and collectable piece of art today and bring the magic of animation into your home with stunning movie Art posters and wall art prints.