Beyond the Renaissance: Exploring Animated Obscurities
The decade of flannel shirts, dial-up internet, and Tamagotchis also gifted us a golden age of animation. The nineties were a time of incredible innovation, with traditional hand-drawn techniques blending with the burgeoning world of computer-generated imagery. While the “Disney Renaissance” rightfully holds a prominent place in animation history, the decade offered far more than just the hits of the Mouse House. Many other studios and international productions created animated films that, for various reasons, haven’t received the same level of recognition. These hidden gems offer a range of stories, artistic styles, and emotional resonance. It’s time for a nostalgic trip back to rediscover some truly memorable animated films of the nineties you might have forgotten, and remind ourselves why they deserve a second look.
While `The Lion King` and `Beauty and the Beast` dominated the box office and pop culture conversations, several other animated movies were quietly telling their own stories. Some suffered from limited releases, others were overshadowed by bigger blockbusters, and some simply didn’t have the marketing muscle to compete. However, these films often possess unique qualities that make them worth seeking out. These films are hidden gems for any animation aficionado!
A Forest’s Plea: The Magic of Ferngully
`FernGully: The Last Rainforest` came out in nineteen ninety-two. It is a vibrant environmental parable about a fairy who shrinks a human logger to the size of an insect, showing him the magic and fragility of the rainforest.
Why might it be forgotten? Released amidst the Disney animation boom, FernGully’s independent spirit and environmental message were sometimes perceived as preachy. It was also marketed towards a younger audience, leading some to dismiss it as a simple children’s film.
However, `FernGully` boasts stunning visuals. The hand-painted backgrounds are breathtaking, and the character designs are whimsical and engaging. More importantly, the film’s core message about environmental responsibility is as relevant today as it was then. With climate change becoming an ever-pressing concern, `FernGully` serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting our natural world. It’s a film with heart, humor, and a timeless message.
A Royal Adventure: The Forgotten Swan Princess
Also released during the ninety’s animation boom was `The Swan Princess`. This movie premiered in nineteen ninety-four. `The Swan Princess` retells the classic fairy tale of Swan Lake with original songs, beautiful animation and a heartwarming story of loyalty and true love.
Why you might have forgotten it: `The Swan Princess` was not as heavily advertised as others, and suffered some marketing issues. Furthermore, the story, although timeless, was released during the height of more modern fairytales.
With stunning musical numbers, vibrant animation and a fairytale with a message, `The Swan Princess` is a worthwhile addition to any animated movie lover’s collection.
Central Park’s Unusual Resident: The Tale of a Troll
Released in nineteen ninety-four, `A Troll in Central Park` told the whimsical story of Stanley, a troll with a magical green thumb banished from his kingdom to New York City. Stanley befriends two young children, Gus and Rosie, and uses his powers to bring life and color to Central Park, all while evading the evil Queen Gnorga, who seeks to destroy his magic.
Why did `A Troll in Central Park` fade into obscurity? The film received poor reviews upon release. The animation style was considered unremarkable, and the plot was deemed simplistic. It was also released during a time when audiences were expecting more sophisticated storytelling from animated films.
Despite its flaws, `A Troll in Central Park` has a certain charm. The concept of a kind troll creating a magical garden in the heart of a bustling city is inherently appealing. It’s a gentle, family-friendly film that might resonate with those looking for something simple and sweet.
Musical Prowess: The Allure of Cats Don’t Dance
Moving into nineteen ninety-seven, we find the truly spectacular `Cats Don’t Dance`. Danny, an optimistic cat with Hollywood dreams, moves to Tinsel Town and discovers the reality of being an animal actor in a human-dominated industry. He teams up with Sawyer, a cynical feline dancer, to fight for equality and prove that cats can dance just as well as humans.
What caused its relative anonymity? `Cats Don’t Dance` was a critical darling but failed to connect with a wide audience. Its release was hampered by studio politics, and it was quickly overshadowed by other animated films that were heavily marketed.
`Cats Don’t Dance` is a true gem, with its infectious musical numbers (written by Randy Newman), dynamic animation, and witty writing. It satirizes Hollywood’s Golden Age while delivering a heartwarming message about pursuing your dreams and fighting for what you believe in. It’s a film that deserves to be rediscovered and celebrated.
Beyond Disney: The Adventure of Anastasia
`Anastasia` came out in nineteen ninety-seven, and tells the story of the lost Russian princess, Anastasia Romanov, who escapes the Bolsheviks and embarks on a journey to find her family in Paris. Along the way, she is aided by a charming con man, Dimitri, and faces the wrath of the evil sorcerer Rasputin.
Why might it be overlooked? Although commercially successful, `Anastasia` was often viewed as a “Disney wannabe” due to its musical numbers and fairytale-like plot. Its historical inaccuracies also drew criticism from some viewers.
`Anastasia` features stunning animation, particularly the ballroom scene, and a sweeping score. The characters are engaging, and the story is filled with romance, adventure, and a touch of historical intrigue. It’s a beautifully crafted film.
A Giant’s Heart: The Iron Giant’s Enduring Message
In nineteen ninety-nine, we were introduced to the masterpiece, `The Iron Giant`. Set during the Cold War, the story revolves around a young boy named Hogarth Hughes who befriends a giant robot from outer space. Together, they must protect the giant from the U.S. military, who believe it to be a threat.
Despite receiving critical acclaim, `The Iron Giant` initially struggled at the box office. Its release was hampered by Warner Bros.’ lack of marketing support. This is largely considered a cult classic, and not remembered by many.
`The Iron Giant` is a timeless story about friendship, sacrifice, and the power of choice. The animation is stunning, the voice acting is superb, and the emotional depth is surprising for an animated film. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Studio Ghibli: Tales That Transcended Borders
While often associated with a different era, several Studio Ghibli films saw wider releases in the U.S. during the nineties, significantly impacting the animation landscape. Though released in Japan in nineteen eighty-nine, `Kiki’s Delivery Service` saw its official US release in nineteen ninety-eight.
`Kiki’s Delivery Service` tells the charming story of a young witch who leaves home to start her own delivery service in a bustling seaside town. It’s a heartwarming tale of independence, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up.
It is overlooked for not being “new” or “modern”. The simplicity of the story can sometimes deter more advanced viewers.
`Kiki’s Delivery Service` is a masterpiece of character animation and storytelling. Kiki is a relatable protagonist, and the film beautifully captures the magic of everyday life. It’s a film that appeals to audiences of all ages.
Another that found its way west in the 90s was `Princess Mononoke`. Premiering in nineteen ninety-seven, `Princess Mononoke` offers a complex and visually stunning epic about the clash between humanity and nature. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a demon god, as he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the human residents of Irontown and the gods of the forest, led by the fierce wolf-girl San.
The film might be forgotten because its deeper themes and complex plot were not as readily digested by younger audiences.
`Princess Mononoke` boasts breathtaking animation, a powerful message about environmentalism, and complex characters. It remains one of the most influential animated films of all time.
A Literary Gem: Finding Magic in James and the Giant Peach
Premiering in nineteen ninety-six, `James and the Giant Peach` is a magical story based on the novel by Roald Dahl. James, an orphan, escapes his cruel aunts by entering a giant peach and embarking on a fantastical journey with a group of insect friends.
`James and the Giant Peach` is often remembered for its unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation. It boasts memorable characters, fantastic landscapes and a unique twist of a popular children’s novel.
With a whimsical adventure story and familiar characters, `James and the Giant Peach` is a family film to remember!
Remembering the Magic: Celebrating 90s Animation
The nineteen nineties offered a diverse range of animated films that extended far beyond the well-trodden paths of Disney. From environmental parables to tales of giant robots and environmental stories, these films showcased the creativity and innovation of the animation industry during a time of great change. By revisiting these often-overlooked gems, we can rediscover the magic and artistry that made the nineteen nineties such a special decade for animation. We hope this trip down memory lane has sparked your interest in seeking out these films and sharing your own memories of these cinematic treasures. What other animated films from the nineteen nineties hold a special place in your heart?
