Animation has the incredible ability to bring characters to life, tell exciting stories, and make us laugh, cry, and dream. Every year, on October 28th, we celebrate International Animation Day, a day dedicated to honoring the magic of animated films and the artists who create them. It’s a day for fans of all ages to celebrate the amazing stories told through animation, from classic cartoons to the latest CGI blockbusters.
So, grab your popcorn, get cozy, and let’s take a look at some of the most famous animated films of all time — and what makes them so special!
🎬 1. Toy Story: The Birth of 3D Animation Magic
When Toy Story was released in 1995, it changed animation forever. Created by Pixar, it was the first feature-length movie made entirely with 3D computer animation. The film tells the story of Woody, the cowboy doll, and his journey with Buzz Lightyear, the space ranger toy, as they struggle to accept that they’re not the most important toys anymore.
But what makes Toy Story so special isn’t just the stunning animation; it’s the heartfelt storytelling. The movie shows how toys feel when their owners aren’t around, making kids and adults alike think about the relationship between toys and their owners. And who can forget the catchy song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”? It’s the perfect mix of imagination, emotion, and friendship.
Activity Idea: Ask kids to share their favorite Toy Story character and why they love them. Do they prefer the brave Woody, the cool Buzz, or maybe even the mischievous Mr. Potato Head?
🌊 2. Finding Nemo: A Heartwarming Underwater Adventure
Finding Nemo (2003) is a beautiful underwater adventure by Pixar, telling the heartwarming story of a clownfish named Marlin who goes on a journey to rescue his son, Nemo, who was captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. Along the way, Marlin meets new friends, like the forgetful fish Dory and the wise sea turtle Crush.
What makes Finding Nemo unforgettable is its stunning visuals and deep emotional journey. The ocean world is filled with vibrant colors, cool sea creatures, and realistic underwater landscapes that make it feel like you’re diving into the ocean with Marlin and Dory. But it’s also about family, bravery, and letting go. Marlin learns to trust that his son can take care of himself, and Nemo learns that he can do big things on his own.
Activity Idea: Have kids draw their favorite Finding Nemo character and create a short story of their own underwater adventure.
🎈 3. Up: An Adventure of a Lifetime
In Up (2009), Carl Fredricksen, a grumpy old man, decides to fulfill his late wife’s dream of traveling to Paradise Falls by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying away. Along the way, he accidentally brings along Russell, an eager young boy scout.
What makes Up special is how it combines humor with deep emotion. The opening scene — a silent, beautiful montage of Carl and his wife’s life together — can bring even the toughest hearts to tears. Up teaches us that life is full of unexpected adventures, and no matter how old we are, there’s always a new journey waiting. It’s a story about friendship, memories, and adventure.
Activity Idea: Ask kids to draw their dream adventure in the sky, just like Carl’s house with balloons, and share where they would go if they could float anywhere in the world.
🦁 4. The Lion King: A Timeless Story of Family and Destiny
Released in 1994, The Lion King is one of Disney’s most iconic animated films. The story of Simba, the young lion who must grow up to take his place as king, resonates with people of all ages. From the breathtaking animation of the African savannah to the unforgettable soundtrack (yes, we’re talking about Hakuna Matata and Circle of Life!), The Lion King is a celebration of life, family, and the circle of nature.
What makes this film special is its deep themes of self-discovery, leadership, and responsibility. Simba’s journey from a carefree cub to a wise king mirrors the journey many of us take to understand our own potential. It’s a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty.
Activity Idea: Let kids write their own version of Simba’s journey, where they discover their own strengths and leadership qualities. They could also draw their favorite animal character from the movie and explain what makes them important in the story.
🐶 5. Zootopia: A Modern Animated Masterpiece
Released in 2016, Zootopia is a brilliant mystery-adventure that takes place in a city inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. It follows Judy Hopps, a rabbit who becomes the first bunny police officer, and Nick Wilde, a sly fox, as they work together to solve a mystery.
What makes Zootopia stand out is how it mixes fun animation with important life lessons. The film cleverly addresses issues like bias, stereotypes, and prejudice, teaching kids the value of equality, acceptance, and teamwork. The stunning city of Zootopia — with its diverse districts and colorful characters — is both exciting and thought-provoking.
Activity Idea: Have kids create their own animal character and design a unique district in the city of Zootopia, explaining how their animal’s skills help solve problems.
🎉 Host Your Own Mini Animation Party!
Now that you’ve learned about some of the most famous animated films, it’s time to celebrate International Animation Day with your own Mini Animation Party! Here’s how you can do it:
Vote for Your Favorite Animated Film: Ask everyone to choose their favorite animated movie — whether it’s one of the classics like Toy Story or something more recent like Frozen.
Share Why You Love It: Have each person share why they love their movie — what part made them laugh, cry, or think?
Watch Clips: Pick a few famous scenes from each film and watch them together. Discuss what makes each scene special, whether it’s the animation, music, or characters.
Creative Activity: Encourage everyone to create their own animation scene using simple tools like Scratch or Toontastic. They can animate their favorite movie character or come up with a completely new idea!
🌈 Conclusion: Animation is for Everyone!
Animation isn’t just for kids — it’s a way to tell stories, express emotions, and explore new worlds. Whether you love the classic charm of Toy Story, the underwater adventures of Finding Nemo, or the heartwarming journey in Up, there’s an animated film for everyone.
At Codingal, we believe that everyone has the power to create and share their own animated stories. So, why not try your hand at animation? You can start by learning the basics of coding with animation tools like Scratch, where you can make your own moving characters, games, and stories. Who knows? Maybe the next big animated film will come from you!
Activity:
What’s Your Favorite Animated Film? Share your favorite movie and why it’s so special to you in the comments below! Then, get creative — try animating your own characters and scenes with Scratch or Toontastic. You never know, you could be the next animator to tell a story that touches the hearts of people all over the world!
