For this week’s top ten, I found inspiration from watching Coraline.
Honourable mentions include: Fantastic Mr Fox (2009) – I wasn’t a fan of the film itself, as Wes Anderson films just don’t seem to tickle my fancy, but I can certainly recognise that the stop-motion was done ever so well.
Without further ado, here is my top ten…
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Not a favourite in terms of the narrative, but the stop-motion is beautifully done; of course in Burton-style!
9. Frankenweenie (2012) – I wouldn’t exactly advise children to view this film, as it could be seen as quite disturbing for an animation. Very different from the rest, unique, and underrated.
8. Paranorman (2012) – More like “Paranorman Activity”… Great animation and funny characters, though not particularly for children, as initially promoted…
7. The Box Trolls (2014) – It has a refreshing look that’s unique compared to most in the animation genre out there. Artistically speaking, the animation was incredible!
6. Chicken Run (2000) – Very original. The crafting of the film is absolutely beyond all praise – the details, the mise-en-scene, the characters. I couldn’t care less about the formulaic plot; Chicken Run is and is supposed to be, a feast for the eyes.
5. James and the Giant Peach (1996) – Very cleverly crafted. It deserves a little more praise in my opinion. A film that cleverly combines stylised live action with stop motion sequences.
4. The Wind in the Willows (1983) – There have been several adaptations of The Wind in the Willows, but this one is undoubtedly the best of the bunch! A lovely experience for both children and adults alike.
3. Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) – Who doesn’t love Wallace and Gromit?! This was the first ever full-length Wallace and Gromit film, and it certainly will not disappoint fans of the duo. It’s great fun for all ages!
2. Coraline (2009) – The animation was almost perfect! For a stop-motion, the flow of it was seamless. A magical experience; one to be treasured!
1. Mary and Max (2009) – Honestly the greatest stop-motion film I have ever seen. This film will forever hold a small place in my heart, and I highly recommend it. Not a film you want to watch when you’re in the mood for a feel-good film…it’s quite the opposite. It’s deeply moving, humourous, and will most likely leave quite an impact on you. This is a wonderful, wonderful film.
What are your favourite Stop-motion films? Who else is a fan of Mary and Max? Let me know below in the comments section!
I rarely watch stop motion films as they’re probably my least favorite kind of animation, but from the ones that I have seen, I would place it as
1. Coraline
2. 9
3. Nightmare Before Christmas
4. Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Still, my array of films in this category is extremely limited.
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Hmm, I haven’t seen a lot, but I do enjoy Frankenweenie and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
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It’s nice to see that it’s not just me who really enjoyed Mary and Max, but I think that if I had to choose a favourite it would definitely be The Nightmare Before Christmas.
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That’s good to hear – Mary & Max is such an underrated film. Thanks for commenting!
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All in all, I pretty much agree with this list, except Coraline and Mary and Max would be tied for first and Frankenweenie would be 10. Also, may I point out that 3 of these films are from Laika, and they’ve only made 3 big films. Wes Anderson may not be your thing (he is mine), but Laika might be (they are mine).
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Yes, it was quite hard to decide between the too, but I think Mary & Max touched me slightly more than Coraline did. But Coraline was a brilliant film nonetheless!! Oh right, I hadn’t heard of that name before, I’ll take it Paranorman & The Box Trolls are? Which is the third?…
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Coraline.
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I’ve never even heard of Mary and Max. Will definitely be on the lookout and give it a go.
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Yes, do check it out!
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I saw the Shawn the Sheep Movie recently with my brother who’s a big fan of Wallace and Gromit and the company that made it. It had no dialogue, but it didn’t need it. It was excellent. Highly recommended.
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100% agree with your number 1. Mary & Max is something really special.
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Mary and Max is so touching and wonderful, I can never get enough of it.
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Great to see someone else who is so fond of it! I agree, it’s one of those films I could watch again and again!
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I love The Nightmare Before Christmas and Wallace and Gromit.
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