Animated films refer to shows or movies created through various techniques, such as traditional animation, 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop motion. The history of animation is extensive, beginning with what is often regarded as the first animated film, “Humorous Phases of Funny Faces.” This silent short, produced in 1906 by J. Stuart Blackton, features a cartoonist sketching faces on a chalkboard that then comes to life. However, the first widely recognized animated film was Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie, released in 1908. This film showcases transforming characters and objects and was characterized as whimsical and surreal.
Animated films stand apart from other film genres in that they utilize visual media, enabling the creation of any character or world imaginable, unrestricted by the limitations of reality. Additionally, there are distinctive production aspects tied to budget, artistic approach, and time investment. The level of visual detail, including quality, corresponds to the financial resources allocated, as these films often require substantial budgets to achieve more intricate features and superior shading. A strong emphasis on storytelling is crucial because of the differences in funding and time compared to other types of films.
These are the top four picks that the EPHS Tigers voted on as their favorite animated films/TV shows. Number 4, with 10 votes, is Demon Slayer. A tie for 3rd and 2nd place is Cars and Tangled, both getting 18 votes. Lastly, number one, the EPHS Tigers voted for Attack on Titan, with 28 votes.
Here are some of the opinions of our fellow Tigers.
Nikola Striegel – Demon Slayer is considered good for its breathtakingly fluid and detailed animation, particularly during fight scenes, alongside a compelling and emotionally resonant story-line about a determined protagonist seeking a cure for his demon-transformed sister. The series also features memorable and well-developed characters; a beautiful soundtrack and sound design; an effective blend of relatable motifs, like family and brotherhood; high-stakes action; and animation quality.
Izabella Weiss – Tangled is “so good visually and plot wise and who doesn’t love Disney?”
Noah Pantojas – “In the movie, Cars, Lightning McQueen was in 1st place and gave up his Piston Cup to help a veteran in the league to get 2nd place, causing McQueen to then get third place.”
Paytin Schmitz – “Attack on Titan has a very good story line.”
Zach Everett- The show Attack on Titan is “peak.”
My name is Aiden Perez, and, in my personal opinion, from the top 4 voted on by our EPHS Tigers, I would choose the animated movie Cars. But, aside from the top 4, my favorite animated film is Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. In my opinion, it’s a great film due to the amazing animation and all the characters and their development in the film.
My name is Adrian Cervantes, and, out of the top 4, Attack on Titan is the best. Outside of the top 4, my personal favorite animated film is Neon Genesis Evangelion. The reason why this is my favorite animated series is because it has one of the best-written main and side characters but also has philosophical themes.
In summary, animated films not only have a long history but are composed by artists who express themselves in various ways. Animated films are expressions of emotions along with art.
Sources:
– Quick History: Early Animation
– LinkedIn – The difference between video and animation
– Why Short-Form Animated Content is Taking Over Social Media.
(Quick History: Early Animation, 2021)
(Kuhar, 2024,#)
(Spiel Team,Why Short-Form Animated Content is Dominating Social Media 2025)
