The 8 Most Perfect Animated Movies of the 1980s, Ranked
The article ranks eight animated films from the 1980s, a decade when studios beyond Disney experimented with animation and Japanese films helped anime reach wider audiences. It argues that the films’ varied styles and care in 2D filmmaking have helped many remain classics.
The article text describes three of the ranked films: *An American Tail*, praised for pairing Don Bluth’s detailed animation with a story about immigrant hardship; *The Little Mermaid*, credited with launching Disney’s Renaissance through its music, characters and underwater visuals; and *The Secret of NIMH*, noted for its richly imagined world and determined mother protagonist. The supplied text cuts off before the full ranking is shown.
- The 1980s brought a wide range of ambitious animated films.
- Three highlighted titles are *An American Tail*, *The Little Mermaid* and *The Secret of NIMH*.
- The article praises their artistry, storytelling and lasting appeal.
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The 1980s was a transformative decade for animation. While Disney had been a dominant force in animation for decades, this period saw other studios experimenting with new styles and stories, whilst Japanese anime began reaching much larger international audiences. This created a rich variety of animated films with different approaches to storytelling and visual style.
Several films from this era became enduring classics. Don Bluth's "An American Tail" combined intricate hand-drawn animation with a narrative about immigrant experiences and hardship. Disney released "The Little Mermaid", which revitalised the studio with its memorable characters, musical score, and innovative underwater animation. "The Secret of NIMH" created a richly detailed world and featured a determined mother as its protagonist, standing out for its ambitious storytelling.
These films demonstrate why 1980s animation has endured and remained culturally significant. The decade's varied approaches to 2D animation, combined with compelling narratives, created works that still resonate with audiences. Examining which films were most accomplished helps us understand how animation evolved and which creative choices made certain works particularly successful.