Most people have places, music or food that brings them back to their childhood years. Some people’s nostalgic spark is animation. Yes, animation has always been seen as something for children; while this may be true in the context of animations from our childhood, there are plenty that hold up despite age!
Now, we may be able to fully comprehend the messages behind the animation. It is uncertain how things may change when viewing a movie past a child’s memory, and through the lens of an adult.
5 Nostalgic Animation Recommendations
From the late the 1990s to 2010s, here are 5 animated shows for you to revisit. Whether it be subtle references you may have missed as a kid, or simply the quality of production, there’s plenty to love in the following list.
1. The Iron Giant
Release date: July 31st, 1969
Genre: Science Fiction
Animation method: Traditional, CGI
Country of Origin: US
Director: Brad Bird
Rated: PG
The animated movie features a star-studded cast, skillful storytelling, and the charm of traditional animation. The story sets off when a young boy stumbles across a giant robotic alien and befriends it. With the help of an artist, the two work against the U.S government to keep the Iron Giant safe.
While it did not reach its reported budget in the initial weeks of its release, it went on to become a staple in the animation industry in due time. The sleeper hit has been crowned the best animated movie by many, living in other pieces of media beyond its early days of release.
Allusions to The Iron Giant in other animated shows include, but are not limited to: ‘Futurama’, ‘Teen Titans Go!’, and ‘Unikitty!’. So, even if you didn’t grow up watching The Iron Giant, the shows that you deem nostalgic may have paid homage to the animation!
2. Spirited Away
Release date: July 20th, 2001
Genre: Fantasy
Animation method: Traditional Animation
Country of Origin: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Rated: PG
Studio Ghibli is the home to many critically acclaimed animated movies—Spirited Away notably so. It follows Chihiro and her parents, who finds themselves in a world governed by gods and spirits. They stumble across stalls of food, to which Chihiro’s parents help themselves to.
Consequently, they turn into the physical manifestation of gluttony as punishments; pigs. Chihiro spends her days in a bathhouse for the dead and the divine, trying to work off the debt her parents have gotten themselves into.
Does this ring any bells? The Oscar award winning movie, with its release being in the early 2000s, played a large part in the childhoods of many. From its stunning soundtrack by Joe Hisashi to the careful, hand drawn animation of the anime, it’s no wonder that the movie had left an impact so big on both memory, and culture. Its success surpassed the bounds that were set by language, and the assumption that animation is a juvenile piece of media.
Rewatch—or watch—this nostalgic animation if you’re looking to rekindle your childlike wonder towards the world, and what it could have in store.
3. Natsume's Book of Friends
Release date: July 8th, 2008
Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life
Animation method: 2D Animation
Country of Origin: Japan
Director: Takahiro Omori
Rated: PG-13
Natsume's Book of Friends is a show where humanitarian concerns are deeply explored humourously. Running from 2008, it’s a show many adolescents grew up watching. It centres around Takashi Natsume, a psychic who possesses a book that contains the names of spirits.
He ends up working with others to free spirits and to ward off malicious ones. This anime manages to soothe viewers, without shying away from moments that make your levels of adrenaline spike.
This slice of life is fondly looked at as a comfort show to many, reaching the hearts of many. Its consistent popularity has earned it a runtime of 6 seasons, so there’s plenty for you to rewatch.
4. Coraline
Release date: February 6th, 2009
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Drama
Animation method: Stop-motion
Country of Origin: US
Director: Henry Selick
Rated: PG
In the unsettling worlds of Coraline, we follow the titular character as she journeys between two realities. The one she has always known, and the one tucked behind a small door—called “The Other World”.
The latter resembles her own closely, besides everyone there having buttons for eyes. This 2009 stop-motion dark fantasy was the introductory horror movie to countless of children across the world.
This nostalgic animation took over 4 years to complete due to the painstaking nature of miniature making and stop-motion, but evidently, their efforts have paid off. The artistry in its animation and clever writing has earned Coraline a spot as one of the highest-grossing stop-motion movies.
Some may argue that Coraline is a horror movie, due to the imagery and tension throughout the animation, but it has been rated otherwise. It has been deemed as a fantasy drama by many, but if you have not seen Coraline yet—watch it and come to your own conclusion!
5. Adventure Time
Release date: April 5th, 2010
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Surreal
Animation method: Traditional Animation
Country of Origin: US
Director: Larry Leichliter
Rated: PG
Despite being the newest animation in this list, it’s a series that many teens and adults hold dear. This 2010s 2D animation is set in the post-apocalyptic land of ‘Ooo’, and follows two main characters; Finn the Human, and Jake the Dog. It’s a surreal comedy that borrows elements from both science fiction and fantasy and aired from 2010 to 2018.
The hand-drawn series received much praise for its worldbuilding, storytelling and original music. Its success earned it multiple forms of merchandise, video games and spin offs- despite the onslaught of content, nothing beats the nostalgia that the original series brings. Whether it be the differences in writing, or simply looking at the past through rose-coloured glasses, Adventure Time is heeded as a cult classic that cannot be emulated.
Everybody experiences Adventure Time in different ways. Whether you love it for its comedy, characters, worldbuilding or any other of its qualities, it’s a show full of charm and wonder. Surely, you’ll be able to find something, or someone to connect to.
Conclusion
Much like any other emotion, everyone has different triggers for nostalgia, such as from nostalgic animation. This list may not cover every possible animation that could evoke the feeling, but you’ll find a show here to be enjoyed!
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved Labrador Retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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