The greatest stop-motion animated movies are some of the most creative cinematic works, from obscure films like Alice to modern classics like Coraline.
Stop-motion animation is one of the most creative and beloved subgenres — and it only seems to get better with time. The greatest movies in this category showcase the hard work and artistry of the inventive minds behind these stories, which often take a long time to commit to film. Each frame is a painstakingly crafted work of art, all aimed at creating immersive worlds full of unforgettable narratives and characters.
From obscure modern classics like The Wolf House to genre-defining masterpieces like The Nightmare Before Christmas, the best stop-motion animated movies highlight the full potential of the medium to deliver complex stories alongside gorgeous and distinct visuals. The craftmanship on display in these films is a testament to the power of animation and those who boldly push the genre’s boundaries to create enchanting realities.10. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
James and the Giant Peach is a musical fantasy film that depicts a one-of-a-kind journey across the ocean. It follows James Henry Trotter (Paul Terry), a young orphan who lost his parents to a flying rhinoceros on his birthday. Tired of living with his oppressive aunts, Spiker (Joanna Lumley) and Sponge (Miriam Margolyes), James decides to escape to New York City by befriending a group of anthropomorphic insects living inside a magical giant peach.
Three years after the success of The Nightmare Before Christmas, director Henry Selick released this 1996 genre classic. The director brings Roald Dahl’s children’s book to life in a bright and inspiring, yet still slightly dark and emotional way. It may not have been a box office success, but the stop-motion animated film undoubtedly has a special place in the hearts of fans who regard it as a magical part of their childhoods.9. Mary and Max (2009)
Director Adam Elliot’s first animated feature film, Mary and Max, gained international acclaim and is now counted among the best Australian movies to date. It tells the story of a lonely eight-year-old named Mary Daisy Dinkle (Toni Collette), who strikes up an unlikely pen-pal relationship with 44-year-old Max Jerry Horovitz (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an obese man living with Asperger’s syndrome in New York City.
Mary and Max explores some truly dark subject matter in its attempt to depict its raw and authentic characters, who grapple with mental health issues, loneliness, and loss as their connection evolves in unexpected ways. The 2009 film manages to be both disturbing and heartwarming, which is a contradiction that’s complemented by its contrasting palettes. Max’s stark black-and-white world and Mary’s sepia suburbia also underscore the differences between the two characters’ lives and daily realities.8. Anomalisa (2015)
Anomalisa is a psychological comedy-drama written and directed by Charlie Kaufman that follows the experiences of lonely and disillusioned customer service expert Michael Stone (David Thewlis). The protagonist has the unique problem of perceiving everyone around him as having the same face and voice, until he meets Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Their brief encounter in a Cincinnati hotel sparks a new energy in Michael, who desperately tries to cling to it.
Like many of Kaufman’s works, Anomalisa can be interpreted and characterized in many ways. Depending on the viewer, it could be a tragicomedy, a portrait of narcissism, or even a great existential movie that reminds audiences to break through the mundanity of daily life.
