As Halloween season draws near, there is renewed interest in the animated films that evoke a certain type of unease, wonder, and imagination. These movies tend to appeal to a sense of nostalgia in viewers, as they incorporate elements of childhood wonder with fear. In doing so, they evoke the supernatural while conveying themes of curiosity and bravery, making them distinct for their craft and ability to convey tension and emotion with pinpoint accuracy.
5. ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman, directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell and produced by Laika, not only utilized the technique of 3-D printing but also incorporated full-color replacement faces for their puppets. The plot revolves around Norman, a young boy who has the ability to talk to ghosts, as he faces an old curse that hangs over his town. The movie features one of the first openly LGBTQIA+ characters in mainstream animation.
4. Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride, co-directed by Tim Burton and Mike Johnson, is based on a Jewish folk tale from the 19th century about a groom who accidentally marries a corpse while practicing his wedding vows. Johnny Depp lends the voice to Victor Van Dort, who in the film exudes a vulnerable side that corresponds to the dark beauty of the film. The contrast between the muted world of the living and the colorful Land of the Dead contributes both irony and complexity to the story.
3. Coraline (2009)
The film is directed by Henry Selick and produced by Laika. Coraline is an adaptation of the novella of the same name written by Neil Gaiman and translated into a detailed stop-motion 3-D movie. The movie marked the inaugural stop-motion production completely recorded in stereoscopic 3-D. The story revolves around Coraline as she travels to an alternate world where she encounters the Beldam, who exhibits both nurturing and threatening qualities. There is a delicate balance of tone between danger and fascination.
2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
With a story conceptualized as a poem by Tim Burton, the stop-motion film was directed by Henry Selick. It was released under Touchstone Pictures because Disney felt that the movie was too dark for children. Eventually, it was re-released under the Disney brand in 2006. The musical undertones of the story were given emotional depth by Danny Elfman’s score and Jack Skellington’s singing voice. Burton’s design sensibilities, pungent humor, and melancholic tone have served as a defining force in modern animation.
1. Monster House (2006)
Monster House is mistakenly believed to be a stop-motion animated film, but it is actually a computer-animated movie using motion-capture technology. The movie revolves around three kids who realize that the house next door is alive, this being the result of the revengeful spirit of Constance, the deceased wife of the owner. The movie has been influenced by 1980s horror comedies such as The ‘Burbs and Ghostbusters.
