The Top Animated Films of the 1980s

The 1980s were so much more than hair metal bands, neon workout attire and mass consumerism.

It was a decade that laid the foundation for the animation industry boom we saw in the 1990s and 2000s. 

In this article

1. The Golden Age of Animation in the 1980s
2. The Rise of New Animation Studios
3. Technological Advancements in Animation
4. The Impact of Japanese Animation
5. Popular Japanese Animated Films of the 1980s
6. Iconic Animated Films of the 1980s
7. The Little Mermaid (1989)
8. The Land Before Time (1988)
9. An American Tail (1986)
10. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
11. The Role of Music in 1980s Animation
12. Memorable Soundtracks and Songs
13. The Impact of Music on Storytelling
14. Conclusion

So, it may not be obvious but when discussing the golden age of animation, the 1980s is a decade that can’t be overlooked. This period produced a plethora of iconic animated films that continue to be loved by audiences of all ages. 

From the emergence of new animation studios to the impact of Japanese animation, the 1980s was a decade that pushed the boundaries of animation. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top animation films of the 1980s and the factors that made them so successful.

The Golden Age of Animation in the 1980s

The 1980s was a period of transformation in the animation industry, as new studios emerged and technological advancements were made. This period also saw a rise in the popularity of animation, as audiences became more receptive to animated films. The success of films such as ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘The Lion King’ in the following decade can be traced back to the innovations made in the 1980s.

The Rise of New Animation Studios

One of the key factors that contributed to the success of animation in the 1980s was the emergence of new animation studios. 

The most important of which was Pixar, which was founded in 1986, and went on to create some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Their first animated short film, ‘Luxo Jr.’ (1986), showcased the potential of computer animation in storytelling. 

Pixar’s first feature-length film, ‘Toy Story’ came almost a decade later in 1995, and was a groundbreaking achievement in animation history.

Other studios such as ‘Don Bluth Production’s also had success with films like ‘An American Tail’ (1986) and ‘The Secret of NIMH’ (1982). These films showcased the artistry and creativity of traditional hand-drawn animation, which continued to be a popular form of animation throughout the 1980s.

Technological Advancements in Animation

The 1980s was a decade that saw significant advancements in animation technology. Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) was introduced, allowing for more realistic and intricate animation. Disney’s ‘Tron’ (1982) was one of the first films to utilize computer-generated visuals. 

Another groundbreaking film that utilized animation technology was ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988). This film combined live-action and animation in a way that had never been seen before. The film utilized a technique called “rotoscoping” to integrate the animated characters seamlessly into the live-action world. This film was a critical and commercial success and paved the way for future films that utilized similar techniques.

The Impact of Japanese Animation

Japanese animation, or anime, also had a significant impact on the animation industry in the 1980s. This was a time when anime was beginning to gain popularity in the West, and its influence can be seen in many animated films of the decade.

One of the reasons for the success of anime was its unique style. Unlike Western animation, which often featured exaggerated facial expressions and movements, anime was known for its more subtle and nuanced approach. This allowed for a greater depth of emotion and storytelling, which resonated with audiences around the world.

Popular Japanese Animated Films of the 1980s

Surprisingly to some, many Japanese animated films of the 1980s were also highly successful in the West. 

‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988) and ‘Castle in the Sky’ (1986) are two examples of films that gained a cult following in the West and continue to be beloved by fans of all ages.

‘My Neighbor Totoro’ is a heartwarming story about two sisters who move to the countryside with their father and encounter a magical creature named Totoro. ‘Castle in the Sky’ is an epic adventure film about a young girl named Sheeta who possesses a mysterious crystal that holds the key to a legendary floating city. 

Iconic Animated Films of the 1980s

Now that we understand the cultural time and place of the 1980s, let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic animated films of the 1980s.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of generations. The film tells the story of Ariel, a mermaid who dreams of exploring the world beyond the sea. With its catchy songs, colorful animation, and strong female protagonist, ‘The Little Mermaid’ is often credited with kickstarting the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s. The film’s success paved the way for other animated classics such as ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Aladdin,’ and ‘The Lion King.’

The Land Before Time (1988)

‘The Land Before Time’ is a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure that has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. The film tells the story of Littlefoot, a young dinosaur who sets out on a journey to find his family after a devastating earthquake separates them. Along the way, he meets other young dinosaurs who become his friends and help him navigate the dangers of the prehistoric world.

An American Tail (1986)

‘An American Tail’ is a heartwarming story of hope and perseverance that tells the tale of a young mouse named Fievel who emigrates to America with his family in search of a better life. The film’s themes of immigration and family resonated with audiences and helped establish Don Bluth Productions as a major player in the animation industry.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)

‘The Secret of NIMH’ is a dark and haunting tale about a widowed mouse named Mrs. Brisby who seeks the help of a group of intelligent rats to save her sick son. The film’s stunning animation and mature themes made it a cult classic.

The Role of Music in 1980s Animation

One final thing to note was how much music played a significant role in many animated films of the 1980s. Let’s take a closer look at how music contributed to the success of these films.

Memorable Soundtracks and Songs

Many animated films of the 1980s featured memorable soundtracks and songs that have become iconic in their own right. ‘The Little Mermaid’ had a soundtrack full of catchy tunes, while ‘The Land Before Time’ featured the heartwarming song ‘If We Hold On Together’.

The Impact of Music on Storytelling

The music in animated films of the 1980s often helped to enhance the film’s storytelling. ‘The Secret of NIMH’ used music to create a sense of tension and danger, while ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ used music to establish the film’s film noir aesthetic.

Conclusion

The 1980s was a decade of innovation and change in the animation industry. The emergence of new studios, technological advancements, and the influence of Japanese animation all contributed to the success of animated films of the decade. 

The iconic films of the 1980s continue to be loved by audiences of all ages and have left a lasting impact on the animation industry. As we look back at this golden age of animation, it’s clear that the films of the 1980s helped to define the genre for generations to come.