1. “The Lion King”
“The Lion King” is a cult classic and is nostalgic for any millennial. The movie premiered in 1994 and was written by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts and Linda Woolverton. The film was directed by Roger Allen and Bob Minkoff. The plot of the story revolves around the main character, Simba. The film goes through Simba’s childhood and showcases his growth and character development throughout the story. The antagonist is his uncle, Scar, who wishes to dethrone his father and take the kingdom by any means necessary. With the help of his friends, Timon and Pumbaa, Simba fights his way back to reclaim the throne after experiencing a traumatic event as a lion cub. This film is great because it makes viewers feel all the emotions and root for the little guy in the story.
2. “Osmosis Jones”
“Osmosis Jones“ is an amazing film from 2001. Starring Chris Rock, this film brought together the genres of science, comedy and crime to create an intriguing and comedic animated film. Written by Marc Hyman and directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly, the movie combines live-action with animation to educate audiences about how the body’s immune system works. The film’s main character, Osmosis Jones (played by Chris Rock), is a white blood cell policeman in an animated city reminiscent of New York City or Chicago.
He takes matters into his own hands when he learns of a killer virus that has infected the body of Frank (Bill Murray), which is where the animated city resides. This movie was amazing to watch as it was the first movie I saw that combined animation and live-action into one film. With the comedic moments provided by Murray and Rock, the movie is not only funny but taught me about how viruses and the human body and immune system work.
3. “Holes”
Adapted from the children’s novel by the same name, “Holes” used historical fiction and many years of bad luck to show what happens when you don’t keep your word to others. The main character of the story, Stanley Yelnats, is a descendant of a curse placed on his family by way of his great, great, great grandfather, Elya Yelnats. Elya forgot to keep the promise he made to the village priestess, dooming his family with bad luck for 100 years.
Stanley is sent to Camp Greenlake after being caught with a stolen pair of shoes that fell from the sky and hit him on the head. Once there, he is forced to dig holes to “build character,” according to the mysterious and cruel warden. Stanley also becomes friends with the assumed mute, Zero. As the two develop their friendship, the secrets of the past begin to surface.
This movie was amazing because of the genuine friendship that develops between Stanley (Shia LaBeouf ) and Zero (Khleo Thomas). This film also tackles difficult issues, such as racism, discrimination and the struggle between what is right and wrong.
4. “Space Jam”
“Space Jam” premiered in 1996. It stars the all-time greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, and the film was an instant hit. The story combines animation and live-action to bring a comedic and action-packed movie to life. Bugs Bunny and the other Looney Toons characters are forced to play in a basketball tournament in order to fight for their freedom from a tyrant named Swakhammer.
Realizing that they are vastly outnumbered in skill, they enlist the help of Michael Jordan to help them practice for the tournament and win. This movie was so much fun to watch, and I loved seeing my favorite Looney Tunes characters on the big screen, along with Michael Jordan.
5. “Happy Feet”
“Happy Feet” was an amazing movie that incorporated music and penguin migration. Premiering in 2006, the animated film tells the story of a penguin named Mumble. Mumble is part of a colony that sings in order to find their mate. However, Mumble finds that he does not have a heart song and cannot sing. He does have a talent for tap dancing, but this talent makes him an outcast in his community.
After the community leaders exile him, he wanders and finds new friends and realizes that life is more beautiful when you embrace who you truly are. This movie was amazing because it not only had amazing music but also talked about penguin migration, global warming and pollution’s effect on oceans and animal life.
These movies are not only great on their own but help to make one’s childhood even more enjoyable. By watching these movies, you will find joy, morals and life lessons that inspire you to be a better human being.
