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What is Stop-Motion?
Stop-motion is an animation technique where photographed objects are manipulated gradually, to then be pieced together to form coherent movement. It’s a method that provides a lot of freedom and accessibility. Animators can use any object for stop-motion animation—from household objects to elaborate props.
Having traces that date back to 1898, stop-motion is one of the oldest methods of animation. Elusive films like “The Humpty Dumpty Circus” and the iconic 1933 “King Kong” are titles that are often tossed around within the industry—and yet, stop-motion tends to be overlooked and underappreciated.
In an effort to bring more light to this method of filmmaking, here’s a list of 7 Stop-Motion animations—but before we get there, let’s discuss:
What Makes a Good Stop-Motion Animation Movie?
Stop-motion animation is in no way an easy process. It takes time, patience, and dedication to masterfully create a piece. Although the technique can be more complicated, the outcome is typically fulfilling. Here’s a quick overview of details that should be taken into consideration when making a stop-motion animation movie:
Angles
Lighting
Overall Composition
Reflections
Sturdy Sets and Cameras
7 Famous Stop-Motion Movies Worth Watching
1. Coraline
Release date: February 6th, 2009
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Drama
Type of Stop-motion: Claymation
Country of Origin: US
Director: Henry Selick
Rated: PG
This 2009 stop-motion dark fantasy was the introductory horror movie to countless of children across the world. In the unsettling worlds of Coraline, we follow the main character as she journeys between two realities.
The one she has always known, and the one tucked behind a small door – called “The Other World." This famous stop-motion movie highlights the importance of familial connection and being appreciative of your present reality. This timeless classic took over 4 years to complete due to the painstaking nature of miniature-making and stop-motion, but evidently, their efforts have paid off.
2. Fantastic Mr. Fox
Release date: October 14, 2009
Genre: Fiction, Adventure
Type of Stop-motion: Puppet Animation
Country of Origin: US
Director: Wes Anderson
Rated: PG
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion animation adaptation of the famous Roald Dahl’s book. Through uncannily realistic furry models, the movie tells the story of the retired thief Mr. Fox. He breaks a promise to his wife and steals from neighboring gluttonous farmers—only to be caught and chased underground. It is then up to Mr. Fox and his animalistic cunningness to get out of the hole he had dug himself into. It’s a movie about greed, pride and triumph.
3. The Wolf House
Release date: February 22, 2018
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Type of Stop-motion: Claymation, Puppet Animation, Paper mâché, Chalk
Country of Origin: Chile
Directors: Cristóbal León, Joaquin Cociña
Rated: (mixed ratings, but generally 13/15 plus)
This stop-motion animation movie terrifies both visually and thematically. It depicts themes of fear, loneliness, and abuse—and received great recognition and praise from both audiences and film critics.
Loosely inspired by the true story of Colonia Dignidad, The Wolf House follows a young woman who escapes from a colony only to find herself in a sinister cabin deep in the woods. This famous stop-motion movie is surreal and heavily allegorical, weaving in allusions to fairy tales such as the Big Bad Wolf and the three little pigs.
Employing a range of stop-motion techniques using materials like papier-mâché, puppets, and clay, The Wolf House masterfully creates haunting, dream-like sequences that leave a lasting impression.
4. My Life as A Zucchini
Release date: October 19, 2016
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Children
Type of Stop-motion: Puppet Animation
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Director: Claude Barras
Rated: PG-13
This comedy-drama from 2016 with stop-motion achieved with latex figures of silicone arms and resin faces, surrounds a boy named Icarus—nicknamed Zucchini—who is thrown into the foster system at the death of his mother.
It’s an animated movie adaptation of the Gilles Paris novel called “Autobiography of a Zucchini”, and deals with themes of loss, trauma and found family—packaged in a subtly bright, hand-crafted world filled with characters that brim with personality.
5. Kubo and the Two Strings
Release date: August 19, 2016
Genre: Action, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Children
Type of Stop-motion: 3D Printed Animation
Country of Origin: US
Director: Travis Knight
Rated: PG
Set in a small, fictional village in Japan, the creators of Coraline bring their audiences another masterfully created stop-motion animation movie. Its art inspired by the ukiyo-e art movement.
This movie is led by a young Japanese boy named Kubo and his Shamisen—traditionally a three-stringed instrument—who unintentionally call forth angered spirits who aim to inflict pain onto him and his diseased mother.
Thematically, it relays ideas of loss, memory and love. This journey of his is filled with 3D printed creatures of both myth and realism, and it is one he does not traverse alone. Alongside an anthropomorphic beetle and speaking monkey, Kubo uncovers the secrets of his lineage.
Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
Release date: Aug 5, 2015, Wide
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Type of Stop-motion: Stop-frame animation technique
Country of Origin: US
Director: Mark Burton, Richard Starzak
Rated: PG (Rude Humor)
In the famous stop-motion animation movie Shaun the Sheep Movie released in 2015, everything seems peaceful at Mossy Bottom Farm—except for the animals’ determination to avoid work at all costs.
Shaun and his mischievous friends come up with a clever plan to make their master fall asleep, but things go awry when the farmer ends up in the big city with no memory of who he is. Now, Shaun, Timmy the lamb, Shirley the ewe, and the rest of the gang must embark on a daring adventure to rescue him—without getting into even more trouble along the way.
Chicken Run (2000)
Release date: Jun 21, 2000, Wide
Genre: Kids & Family, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Type of Stop-motion: Claymation
Country of Origin: United Kingdom, France, and the United States.
Director: Peter Lord, Nick Park
Rated: G
This famous stop-motion animation movie is a captivating claymation adventure that follows an American rooster who finds himself on a British farm, where he falls in love with a beautiful and determined hen. As the farm's chickens live under the oppressive rule of a cruel farmer, they soon discover a terrifying fate awaits them—they are destined to be turned into chicken pot pies.
Determined to escape before it’s too late, the rooster and his newfound feathered friends band together to hatch an elaborate plan. With teamwork, courage, and a bit of comedic charm, they embark on a mission to break free from their captor’s clutches. This beloved animated classic is celebrated for its charming characters, witty humor, and groundbreaking stop-motion animation techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these five stop-motion animated movies showcase the unlimited creativity and dedication that go into this unique art form. Each film brings its own style and story, proving that stop motion is as captivating and powerful as any other type of animation.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a long-time fan, these recommendations are sure to inspire and entertain. Have you seen any of these movies, or do you have other favorites? Feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations!
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Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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