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 from 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 a little more light to this method of filmmaking, here’s a list of 5 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—but, however taxing the technique can be, 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:
1. Angles
2. Lighting
3. Overall Composition
4. Reflections
5. Sturdy Sets and Cameras
5 Stop-Motion Animated 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 titular 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 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 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 had received great recognition and praise from both audiences and film critics. Loosely inspired by the non-fictional story of Colonia Dignidad, The Wolf House tells the tale of a young woman who flees from a colony, to a malevolent cabin in the woods. It’s surreal, largely allegorical, and allusions to fairy tale characters like the Big Bad Wolf and little piggies. The Wolf House uses multiple materials in their stop-motion—paper mâché, puppets and clay, to name a few. Through this mixed media and other compositional decisions, the movie captures unsettling, dream-like sequences perfectly.
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.
Conclusion
Stop-motion animation is a great example of a type of art that brings great stories to life. It is a careful task that requires extensive effort in its production. But it is worthwhile, evident from its potential to produce pieces that have the range to explore themes as well as any other medium can. As technology advances, stop-motion movies can only improve—its continuous evolution is eagerly awaited!
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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