Top 10 Animation Films that Inspire

There comes a point in our lives when a story reveals an answer to us. The story could be from a novel, a real-life story or a film. There are plenty of films that resonate with us, but the ones that stand out are the animated films that touch a direct chord with our hearts.

One of the few films that have remained very close to our hearts is Ratatouille that inspired us with the line ‘Anyone can Cook’ and where Anton Ego writes in his review, “Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” What simple lines, but speak volumes of truth.

Or the Soothsayer from Kung Fu Panda 2 tells Po, “Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn’t make you who you are. It is the rest of your story, who you *choose* to be. So, who are you, panda?”

These lines resonate with us no matter where we are in life today. With tones of films being made every day, there’s always a huge audience who love watching animation films – simply because they make us believe in the miracles of life and that anything is possible if we believe.

We asked our readers about an animation film that they liked the most and why, and hear what they had to share with us:

1. The Lion King (1994 & 2019)

As Manisha Panwar, a Certified Executive and Life Coach puts it, “Life is immensely difficult but the motto of Hakuna Matata (there are no worries) help you deal with life in a positive manner. I quote the movie to drive respect for others, humility, and the karmic circle. In the movie, Mufasa tells Simba, “When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass and so, we are all connected in the great circle of life”.

2. The Good Dinosaur (2015)

For Madhura Kuchekar-Ware an Anaesthetist and Intensivist, it has to be The Good Dinosaur because she says, “This movie not only inspired me but my 5-year-old boys as well as it talks about family, relationships and the principles we are taught as a child, how to never give up the fighting spirit and the best part being, we related to a superhero who is a simple character.” For us, the movie couldn’t have depicted the beauty of ‘letting go’ of something we truly love so well. There’s a lot to be learned from this film.

3. Finding Dory (2016)

“I just loved every bit of the movie, especially the beautiful bonding that the parents shared with Dory, the kind of communication they have between them, what happens when kids don’t listen to their parents, how people you meet in your life become your friends and how they help you to overcome obstacles. In the end how Dory reunites with her parents through whatever she was taught by them in her childhood,” shares Sheetal Dhillon, a Consulting Clinical Psychologist.

4. Up (2009)

Chicago based artist Subha Chaudhuri pitches in, “My favourite movie has to be Up. It’s such a beautiful portrayal of love and loss. Watching the old man struggle and come to terms with the loss of his life partner, his determination to fulfill his wife’s lifelong dream and the process of opening up to new experiences and relationships no matter how old you are.”

5. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

“Look at Po, he was destined to be the Warrior but had no idea of the same. One needs to trust their inner strength and try and create their own destiny. For example, they talk about the empty scroll, which had no secret. There is also a point in the film, which tells you that what you consider as your biggest fault actually becomes a strength to reckon with,” adds Manisha.

6. Inside Out (2015)

For a mother of two, Dipali Ved Inside Out is a fascinating film that portrays the interplay of the mind, the memories, and the emotions. They are an integral part of us yet we know so little about how the brain works. Make it a point to watch with your children as it talks about the various emotions and feelings and is a must-watch for every parent and child.

7. Ratatouille (2007)

This movie is perfect for dreaming big says Manisha. She further continues, “Also the fact that people complement each other. As a team what is ones’ weakness can be another’s strength and the goal can be achieved together as a team. Harmony in a team will sometimes face adversities but understanding individual goals help to achieve the bigger goal.”

8. Shrek (2001)

“I use this film to motivate people when they feel that they are not good enough. Shrek with all his shortcomings still is a hero in the movie. The value of friendship is another value I drive through this movie. Like Shrek’s best friend who never leaves his side is the Donkey and you may have a completely weird guy as your best friend but he is the one who stays with you always,” laughs Manisha.

9. Brave (2012)

This film kind of redefines what a ‘beauty’ is all about in a woman. In this film she’s boisterous, she’s loud, she’s daring – it kind of breaks the barriers of feminity. As life coach Manisha she quotes this film as an example where one should never give up, value relationships with people in one’s life especially when they are around.

10. Finding Nemo (2003)

This is by far one of the most iconic animation films ever made. It talks about fighting all odds for something you believe in and how your weakness can be your strength (remember Nemo’s small fin and how he came to be known as Sharkbait!) For Melbourne based new mom, Sayantani Sengupta, she loves this movie for the sheer resilience of an underdog and the lengths to which a father goes to find his son!

The next time you’re looking for some pep talk, try watching one of these films to lift your spirits or why not share with us your favourite animation and why.

For Baysidejournal.

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