You already know that cartoons and animated movies are not just for kids. (Hello, Inside Outand Toy Story!) But when these kinds of movies are only being marketed to young kids, it can be easy to miss a gem — either because you didn’t realize it existed, or because you think it’s “just a kids' movie.”
Well, we’ve created a rundown of every animated flick out this year that you have to see — they’ll capture your heart, and give you a good excuse to eat movie-theater popcorn for dinner.
1. Finding Dory
Obviously, this is the movie we’ve all been waiting for: It’s the follow-up to Finding Nemo, a timeless Pixar classic with years of quotable lines. Dory is more for everyone than it is just for kids, especially since you were probably a kid when the original film came out. Wave your weird fin high for this one, guys.
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Will be released in theaters June 17, 2016.
2. Zootopia
Why should you see this one? It’s kind of a no-brainer: It’s got cute animals, a good vs. evil theme, and it does a decent job of explaining race and privilege. Yeah, that last one sounds like a tall order, but the reviews stand by that claim. Why not check it out? http://feverbux.com/ten-best-animated-movies-of-all-time/
Was released in theaters March 4, 2016.
3. Trolls
Have you ever played with the crazy-haired troll dolls from the ‘90s, or at least seen pictures of them? Well, now they’re coming to life — and they do the Whip/Nae Nae in the trailer. Crazy hair + popular dance moves = Worth it.
Will be released in theaters November 4, 2016.
4. The Angry Birds Movie
You’ve played the game, right? The one with the disgruntled birds who really want to destroy mansions and other structures built by evil pigs. That’s basically the concept of the movie, but it’s TBD if the movie is more or less fun than playing the game on your little cousin’s iPad. (Guess you’ll have to watch to find out!)
Will be released in theaters May 20, 2016.
5. The Little Prince
The Little Prince is a famous, gorgeous children’s book, and now it’s getting the animated treatment by Mark Osborne, the director of Kung-Fu Panda. The story follows a young girl who is trying to make her mother proud by working hard, but gets distracted by the fanciful story of a little prince.
Will be released on Netflix, exact date TBD.
6. The Secret Life of Pets
This movie was created for anyone who has ever wondered what their pets do when the humans are away, or what they’d say if they could talk. Now, imagine if the pets had voices of celebrities: Kevin Hart, Louis CK, Eric Stonestreet, Ellie Kemper, Jenny Slate, Lake Bell, and Hannibal Buress. Can you imagine Kevin Hart as a fluffy white rabbit? No? Then you’ll have to see this movie for the full experience.
Will be released in theaters July 8, 2016.
7. Moana
If you were at all into Lilo and Stitch — or, heck any Disney princess movie — then you will probably be down to see Moana. The animated film takes place in Hawaii and is centered around a brave girl named — you guessed it — Moana. What’s doubly cool about this movie is that the creators casted a 14-year-old Hawaiian local, Auli’i Cravalho, to voice the lead. Props to Disney for doing representation right in this one.
Will be released in theaters November 23, 2016.
8. Norm of the North
In a sort of Elf-esque plot, this movie follows a sweet polar bear from the north in his journey to crush it in the big city. You can check it out in select theatres now.
Was released in theaters January 15, 2016.
9. Storks
The plot of Storks seems pretty hilarious: Instead of only delivering babies, the storks in this film also deliver packages that were ordered online. The movie will feature voice acting by Andy Samberg, Kate Winslet, Keegan-Michael Key, and Jordan Peele. If this strange film wasn’t meant for kids and adults alike, then we don’t know what is.
Will be released in theaters September 23, 2016.
10. Kubo and the Two Strings
This is probably the least-known film on this list, but we know it’s going to be one of the biggest hits. The look of it is incredible, combining the hard edges of sketch-style classic cartoons with new animation. And the story is unique: Viewers are introduced to clever Kubo, a storytelling kid who accidentally summons an evil spirit to his seaside town, forcing him to go on a quest to save his family. (Plus, George Takei lends his voice to the movie!)
