One of the best parts about staying home during the holidays is seeing all the animated movies being shown on TV. For a moment, it feels like you’re reliving childhood all over again. Sometimes we’ll even share these movies with our younger relatives—you know, to give them a break from playing on their iPads.
These movies may be years old but they prove to be timeless no matter what generation. If you’re thinking of re-watching some animated films during the holiday break, here’s your dose of nostalgia.
For the mythology geeks: Hercules (1997)
Before Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson did the role in 2014, there was Disney’s Hercules. The movie gives you a fun look at the well-known Greek gods and goddesses, as well as the creatures like Phil the satyr, a centaur, and nymphs. Of course, who could forget the soundtrack? You have Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance,” and the muses narrating everything by song. How I wish I had those ladies to tell my life story too.
For those obsessed with royal families: Anastasia (1997)
This movie is the magical re-telling of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna’s story. Apart from its emotional Cinderella-like plot, anyone who’s watched the film loved how badass Anastasia is and how she doesn’t fit the stereotypical princess mold. Plus, you have to admit that Dimitri was one of your first animated crushes as a kid.
For those looking for a feel-good movie: Toy Story (1995)
Toy Story never fails to put a smile on anyone’s face. Whether you’ve watched this for the first or 20th time, you will root for Woody and Buzz, and laugh at their constant banter. Just make sure you don’t recite all the lines when you watch this with the young ones. You don’t want to spoil them on the fact that Buzz “falls in style.”
For the aspiring dancers: Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)
Admittedly, I thought Barbie in the Nutcracker was a cheesy movie. But then again, it’s Barbie. Regardless, many kids at the time enjoyed it because it showed her as a ballerina rather than the usual fashionista. Now that Barbie’s becoming a relevant figure, especially on social media, maybe it’s time to familiarize the kids more on this iconic doll’s potential.
For the toughies out there: Mulan (1998)
With the live-action Mulan being produced soon, why not re-watch the animated film that started it all? The 1998 movie gave us a great soundtrack (“Reflection” and “Dark Side of Moon” on repeat) and an empowering message for girls of all ages. It’s a must to let every kid watch this to show them that women can be as strong as Mulan, and that they are capable of saving a whole country.
For robot lovers: The Iron Giant (1999)
The Iron Giant is more than just a movie about a giant hunk of metal. It’s about a kid who finds an unlikely friend in a junk yard and their adventures together—it’s like the kid-friendly version of Transformers.
For those who want to escape reality: Spirited Away (2001)
Get on the Studio Ghibli train for the nth time and bring the kids with you while watching Spirited Away. This centers on a 10-year-old girl who’s fighting mystical beings to save her family and get back to the real world. This is perfect for those who are into mind-bending animation and well-thought of characters.
Art by Lara Intong
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