Creepy Things Hidden In Disney Movies

From Isao Takahata, starring Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Rated Not Rated

Grave of the Fireflies is a 1988 Japanese animated war drama film, directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. The film tells the story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, and their desperate struggle to survive during the final months of the Second World War in Japan. After their mother is killed in an air raid, the two are left to fend for themselves in a bleak and unforgiving landscape. With limited resources and no one to turn to for help, the two must rely on each other for survival as they try to find a way to make it through the war. The film is a powerful and heartbreakingly realistic portrait of the human cost of war, and an exploration of the bonds of family and the strength of the human spirit.

From Brad Bird, starring Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel
Rated PG

The Iron Giant is a 1999 animated film directed by Brad Bird and based on the 1968 novel by Ted Hughes. The story follows a young boy named Hogarth Hughes, who discovers a giant robot from outer space in the small town of Rockwell, Maine. With the help of a beatnik artist named Dean McCoppin, Hogarth befriends the robot, naming him the Iron Giant, and teaches him about the joys of life and friendship. However, the Iron Giant’s presence in Rockwell draws the attention of a paranoid government agent, Kent Mansley, who is determined to destroy the Giant. It is up to Hogarth and Dean to protect the Iron Giant from Mansley and his military forces and convince the Giant that there is more to life than fighting and destruction. The Iron Giant is ultimately saved, and Hogarth and Dean continue to be friends with the Giant for years to come.

From Tomm Moore, starring David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Lisa Hannigan, Fionnula Flanagan
Rated PG

"Song of the Sea" is a 2014 animated fantasy film directed by Tomm Moore. The film follows a young Irish boy named Ben and his little sister Saoirse, who is a selkie, as they embark on a journey to return to the sea. Along the way, they encounter mythical creatures from Irish folklore and must work together to protect their home from the forces of darkness. With the help of their grandmother's stories, Ben and Saoirse learn the secrets of their ancestry and the powerful connection between their family and the magical world of fairies. In the end, Ben and Saoirse are successful in their mission and are reunited with their mother, who is revealed to be a selkie as well. Through the course of their journey, Ben and Saoirse learn to accept and celebrate the differences between their two identities, that of a human and a selkie.

From Directors: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi, starring Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Danielle Darrieux
Rated PG-13

Persepolis is a 2007 animated film directed by Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi. It is based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi which chronicles her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The film follows the nine-year-old Marjane as she navigates the complex political and social landscape of Iran during the 1980s, striving to maintain her freedom, express her identity, and find her place in the world. As her family grapples with the effects of the revolution and war, Marjane struggles to find her true self, despite all the challenges she faces. The film is a coming-of-age story that poignantly explores themes of identity, family, and freedom.

From Yoshifumi Kondô, starring Yoko Honna, Issey Takahashi, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Muroi
Rated G

Whisper of the Heart is an animated, coming-of-age film directed by Japanese filmmaker, Yoshifumi Kondô. It follows the story of young Shizuku Tsukishima, a fourteen-year-old girl living in Tokyo. She discovers a mysterious cat figurine that seems to be following her around, and soon after she meets a young man named Seiji Amasawa. As their friendship develops, Shizuku starts to develop feelings for Seiji, and finds the courage to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. With the support of her family and Seiji, Shizuku embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she struggles to overcome her own insecurities and shortcomings. Along the way, she discovers her true passion, and learns important lessons about life and love.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy, Charles Fleischer
Rated PG

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 American live-action/animated comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis. The film follows Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a private investigator who must exonerate 'Toontown' resident Roger Rabbit, who is accused of murder. Along the way, Valiant is aided by Jessica Rabbit, Roger's voluptuous toon wife. The film is set in 1947 Hollywood, where humans and Toons coexist. However, the relationship between the two species is strained, as the Toons are frequently victims of discrimination. When Marvin Acme, the owner of Toontown, is found murdered, all evidence points to Roger. Valiant must then prove Roger's innocence and find the real culprit, the sinister Judge Doom. The film was a critical and commercial success and is widely regarded as a classic. It won three Academy Awards and was nominated for six more. The film is credited with revitalizing the animation industry and sparking interest in animation/live-action hybrids.

From Mark Osborne, starring Jeff Bridges, Mackenzie Foy, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard
Rated PG

The Little Prince is a 3D animated adaptation of the beloved children's story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The film follows a little girl who moves to a new city with her mother, who is focused on her job and raising her daughter the "right" way. One day, the girl meets an eccentric old man who tells her about the story of the Little Prince, a young boy from another planet who travels the universe in search of what is most important in life. With the help of the little girl, the old man brings to life the story of the Little Prince and teaches her what it means to be truly alive. Through its captivating visuals and charming characters, The Little Prince delivers a heartfelt story about the importance of love, friendship, and innocence.

From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, starring Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Nanako Matsushima, Susumu Terajima
Rated PG

When Marnie Was There is an animated coming-of-age film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. It follows Anna, an introverted 12-year-old girl who is sent to stay with relatives in a small seaside town for the summer. There, she meets a mysterious girl named Marnie, who lives in an abandoned mansion on a marsh, and the two quickly become close friends. But as Anna learns more about Marnie, she discovers secrets about her past that threaten to change the course of their friendship forever. Through this story, Yonebayashi delivers a heartfelt exploration of friendship and self-discovery in a visually stunning world.

From Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, starring Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett
Rated PG

The Lego Movie is a 2014 computer-animated adventure comedy film directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. It tells the story of an ordinary Lego construction worker, Emmet, who is mistakenly identified as the prophesied “Special” who is destined to save the Lego universe from an evil tyrant. With the help of his friends, Emmet must go on a quest to stop the tyrant and restore harmony to the Lego universe. Along the way, he must confront his own self-doubts and inner conflict as he discovers his own unique creativity. The film features an all-star cast, including Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, and Morgan Freeman. The film was a critical and commercial success and won numerous awards, including the 2015 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Miori Takimoto, Masahiko Nishimura
Rated PG-13

The Wind Rises is an animated film from the legendary studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of Jiro Horikoshi, a young Japanese engineer who dreams of building the world’s greatest airplanes. As he works to make his dream a reality, he meets a variety of people, each with their own stories, and falls in love with a girl named Naoko. Despite the war raging around him, Jiro continues to strive for his dream, and ultimately succeeds in creating a revolutionary new airplane. The Wind Rises is a story of ambition, determination, and love in a time of great conflict and sorrow. It is a timeless tale of hope and perseverance, and a beautiful tribute to the power of the human spirit.

From Sylvain Chomet, starring Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin, Monica Viegas
Rated PG-13

The Triplets of Belleville is a 2003 animated comedy film directed by Sylvain Chomet. The film follows the story of Madame Souza, an elderly woman living in France with her beloved dog, Bruno. When her grandson, Champion, is kidnapped by the French mafia, Madame Souza and Bruno embark on a daring rescue mission. Along the way, they enlist the help of the triplets of Belleville, a trio of quirky cabaret singers from the 1930s who help them in their quest. Together, they embark on an adventure across the Atlantic Ocean to the bustling city of Belleville, where they must battle the mafia, the police, and a host of other obstacles in order to save Champion and put an end to his kidnappers' nefarious plans.

From René Laloux, starring Barry Bostwick, Jennifer Drake, Eric Baugin, Jean Topart
Rated PG

Fantastic Planet is a 1973 French-Czech animated science fiction film directed by René Laloux and written by Laloux and Roland Topor. Set on a distant alien world, the film tells the story of a human-like race of Oms living on the planet Ygam, which is dominated by a technologically advanced race of blue-skinned giants known as the Draags. The Draags have adopted the Oms as pets, and the film follows the story of Terr, an Om who escapes captivity and attempts to join a group of free Oms in the wild. The film is a mix of surrealism, political allegory, and psychedelic imagery, and is hailed as a classic of world cinema.

From Directors: Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey, starring Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Christen Mooney
Rated Not Rated

The Secret of Kells is a 2009 animated fantasy film directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey. Set in 9th century Ireland, the film follows a young monk named Brendan who works at the monastery of Kells, diligently transcribing a grand illuminated book known as The Book of Kells. When a Viking raid threatens their safety, Brendan is tasked with an important mission to drive away the intruders and protect the book. Along the way, Brendan meets a forest spirit named Aisling who teaches him about the power of imagination and the importance of protecting the ancient book. Along with the help of his guardian Abbot Cellach, Brendan embarks on a heroic journey to save Kells from the invading forces and to help create the book that will become a symbol of hope for his people.

From Hiromasa Yonebayashi, starring Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Mirai Shida, Ryûnosuke Kamiki
Rated G

The Secret World of Arrietty is a 2010 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, based on The Borrowers by Mary Norton. It tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny “borrower” girl who lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. When a human boy discovers their secret world, the greater-than-life troubles that follow threaten to destroy Arrietty’s family and home. The film follows Arrietty and her family’s attempts to remain hidden and protect their fragile community. Along the way, Arrietty forms a bond with the human boy and learns the importance of friendship and courage.

From Directors: Martin Rosen, John Hubley, starring John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Michael Graham Cox
Rated PG

Watership Down is a 1978 British animated adventure drama film based on the novel of the same name by Richard Adams. Directed by Martin Rosen and John Hubley, the film follows a group of rabbits on their search for a new home after their old warren is destroyed. The film features the voices of John Hurt, Richard Briers, and Michael Graham Cox and tells a powerful story of loyalty, courage, and hope, as the rabbits struggle against the forces of nature and man to survive. Along the way, they must also contend with the evil General Woundwort and his army of vicious rabbits, who are determined to take over their new home. The film earned critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Animated Film.

From Hayao Miyazaki, starring Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Tomoko Yamaguchi
Rated G

Ponyo is a magical fish-girl princess who lives in the sea with her father, a powerful sorcerer, and her numerous siblings. When she encounters a human boy named Sosuke, she yearns for a life on the surface. The pair soon develop a strong bond and Sosuke helps Ponyo escape from her father’s control. However, the imbalance created by Ponyo’s magical powers threatens to cause a great flood that could devastate the world. With the help of the goddess Granmamare, Sosuke and Ponyo embark on a quest to find a way to restore balance and harmony to the world. Along the way, they must overcome many obstacles and adversaries, including the fearsome magical sea creatures sent by Ponyo’s father. In the end, through their courage and determination, Ponyo and Sosuke are able to save the day and Ponyo is finally accepted as a human girl.

From Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., starring Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury, Alan Arkin
Rated G

From Steven Spielberg, starring Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg
Rated PG

From Directors: Duke Johnson, Charlie Kaufman, starring David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan
Rated R

From Peter Ramsey, starring Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine
Rated PG

From Directors: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, starring Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, Kelsey Grammer
Rated G

From Shane Acker, starring Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Christopher Plummer
Rated PG-13

From Bill Plympton, starring Sophia Takal, Jeremy Baumann, Alex Markowitz, Sita Steele
Rated TV-MA

From Directors: Roger Allers, Gaëtan Brizzi, Paul Brizzi, Joan C. Gratz, Mohammed Saeed Harib, Tomm Moore, Nina Paley, Bill Plympton, Joann Sfar, Michal Socha, starring Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, Quvenzhané Wallis, John Krasinski
Rated PG

From Don Bluth, starring Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, Erica Yohn, Nehemiah Persoff
Rated G