7 Best Stop-Motion Movies to Watch
- Leia Emeera
- Jul 11, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Table of Contents
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 Great 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
To create good stop-motion films, they must have compelling storytelling and detailed visuals that capture the viewers' attention, keeping them glued to their screens.
So, besides knowing animation know-how, stop-motion animators possess skills in technical craft in production and the ability to create movement with a stiff figure. Their creativity in movement and design is a source of inspiration for different types of animators.
7 Famous Stop-Motion Movies Worth Watching
1. Coraline (2009)
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 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." One of the famous stop-motion films that 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 (2009)
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 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 neighbouring 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 (2018)
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 (2016)
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 (2016)
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. It's 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 calls forth angered spirits who aim to inflict pain on 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. A worthwhile addition to the list of the best stop-motion movies for animators.
Read more: 8 Best Silent Animated Movies to Watch
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 Humour)
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.
An iconic children's animation for its light-hearted storyline and simple plot, it reminds animators that sometimes, to make good films, it doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with plot twists.
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 humour, and groundbreaking stop-motion animation techniques.
Key Takeaways
These 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.
So, when it comes to creating something stunning that could stand the test of time, compelling story, attention to detail, technical mastery and artistic vision are important to produce that for any project, not just stop-motion animation movies.
If you’re an animator looking for solutions to manage your projects better, feel free to explore our Scene Hub feature and enjoy a more seamless workflow!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most famous stop-motion movies?
While the most famous stop-motion movies can be subjective to many, currently the highest-grossing stop-motion movie is Chicken Run (2000) with a worldwide gross of 224 million USD. However, there is a lot of love for Coraline (2009) and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Both are fan favourites.
Are stop-motion films still being made today?
Yes, stop-motion films are still being made today. The latest stop-motion movie is Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) on Netflix.
What can animators learn from stop-motion movies?
Animators can learn the tenacity and patience that these stop-motion animators have. Their attention to detail and dedication to capture a frame-by-frame animation are the grit that not many people have. Not to mention the lighting work and camera skills to pull off natural movements and atmosphere when animating.
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
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, including parodies of animated shows and plots for board games like Dungeons & Dragons. She loves to read anything and everything, from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. One day, she is eager to publish her book. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.