25 underrated animated movies worth rediscovering

A sea creature washes up on land and becomes a human. No, it's not The Little Mermaid. It's the story of two boys bonding on the bubblegum streets of Cinque Terre, where they get into all sorts of fish-out-of-water shenanigans. Not everyone saw this Pixar romp, but those who did got a little splash of paradise.

Fantasia nearly caused Disney to go brankrupt, since they decided to install something called "Fantasound" that was the first-ever stereo theatrical recording. We say it was worth it. I mean, where else can you watch Mickey Mouse fight a broomstick? 

It's clear that this science fiction movie was made to expand the mind, with blue monsters keeping humans as their pets while they wander a gonzo, post-apocalyptic landscape. But what really makes you think is the director's metaphor for colonialism, which is not as obvious as you might think. 

What would happen if Studio Ghibli made a remake of Cast Away? We actually have an answer for that. Even if it isn't an official remake, The Red Turtle tells a similar story of a man stranded on an island, where he runs into a magical turtle named "Wilson." OK, the turtle isn't actually named Wilson, but it's his sole companion for most of the film. 

Who didn't cry watching this as a kid? A lot of people, actually. Since The Iron Giant wasn't a hit, it wasn't in as many homes as movies like Toy Story or The Incredibles. That's a shame, since this story of a boy and his robot is one of Warner Bros.' most emotional pictures. 

Nausiccaa of the Valley of the Wind sees a little girl become a hero, thanks to her confident, good-hearted nature. She would also become the genre's savior and the impetus for future Miyazaki heroines and the heroine who helped create Pixar. When John Lasseter went to Disney with the idea, he showed them this film for inspiration. 

Another movie inspired by Miyazaki. This one sees a girl befriend a wolf who can shapeshift into a girl. In scene after scene, you will be dazzled by their adventure. 

Animation doesn't have to be fun, you know. It can also be used to tell stories that are really sad, like this story of an Iranian immigrant who doesn't feel at home in her own country, which is a devastating character study. 

A history lesson about Ireland? Good, now I can get some extra sleep. A movie about Ireland's history might sound like a snooze, but not when it comes from Cartoon Saloon. The studio behind such titles as Wolfwalkers and Secret of Kells, this mystical adventure will have you glued to the screen.  

How to Train Your Dragon made a fortune at the box office, but not everyone sees it as one of the best animated movies of the century, which it is. It's not often you come across something this witty, charming and magical, especially when our hero takes flight with his pet dragon.

Ah, the '60s: when dad used to drive around with a beer and kids used to run around without supervision. It was a time of sunshine, suburbia and moon landings, all of which are brought to life in Richard Linklater's childhood reminiscing.

Most Studio Ghibli movies feature a heroine, a monster and some sort of creature, which makes Only Yesterday stand out. That and the movie's tone. It's hard to think of a quieter, more lyrical rumination on childhood in animation. It moves at a countryside pace, with only the strolling shadows and prancing trees to remind you of time passing.  

Rango has got to be one of the strangest kids movies ever made. A movie that applies surrealist techniques to kid fare, you'd be hard pressed to find another family picture that is inspired by acid trips in the desert. When a lizard and rattlesnake duel, it's aimed at the adults in the crowd. 

Located at the intersection of Mulholland Drive and Sunset Boulevard, this movie dives into the fragmented mind of an actress. It's as if David Lynch directed an anime movie. You never know what's going to happen next in this dark, existential thriller.

Are you embarrassed by your screen time? We've got the cure for you! Ironically, it involves watching a movie on a screen, but don't let that stop you from watching this comedy about iPhones taking over the world. It'll have you laughing at the family dynamics and gulping at the metaphor. 

A device allows people to enter each other's dreams, causing everyone to question what is real and what isn't. Sound familiar? Paprika was the inspiration for Inception, another movie about a dream within a dream. The difference is in the style, which here, is a parade of surreal images that will blow your mind. 

It's bird! It's a plane! No, it's a pig in a plane! Porco Rosso is about a fighter pilot who transformed into a pig, but retained his human personality. It's another masterpiece from Miyazaki, whose poetic animation stays with you long after the credits roll like a cinematic contrail.

There are certainly better Peter Pan adaptations out there, but we still have a soft spot for Disney's classic. The sight of our hero flying into Neverland remains a dreamy escape.

The movie that put Cartoon Saloon on the map, Secret of Kells follows a boy who tries to ward off Vikings from his village. Like much of Cartoon Saloon's stuff, it's got elements of Irish folklore that make it stand out.

Kudos to the kids movie about talking animals who don't sing or make poop jokes. In this one, a bear and mouse are friends, but aren't accepted by society for being different. It's a sweet allegory about accepting others who look different from you.

Sherlock Holmes...with mice! Do I need to say more? 

There is so much to adore in Your Name. From the main characters who body swap to the fantastical intricacies of the screenplay, this movie has more going for it than almost any other title in the genre. It's a light show with personality; a meteor shower with an emotional bang. It's pretty on the eyes yet stirs the soul. It's one of the best films in animation, period. 

An emperor turns into llama, which means he's going to have to regain his power the hard way. With the help of some pals, jokes and antics, this movie turns out to be a solid pick for family night.

Miyazaki is known for his fantastical stories that draw you in (most of which are masterpieces), but there's something special about this story of a boy who is obsessed with planes and grows to build them. It's a deeply personal story, since the director is obsessed with planes and his father built them for the war. And that emotion shines through in one soaring moment after the next. 

Another masterpiece from Miyazaki, Ponyo tells the story of a fish who becomes a human girl. The animation is great, the emotions are lush and the entire thing warms your heart. It's the kind of thing that makes you say "aww" before your eyes water with joy.