Fritz the Cat (1972)
The first X-rated animated feature, it pushed the boundaries of what animation could be.

Heavy Traffic (1973)
Combining live action and animation, this urban odyssey using pinball imagery as a metaphor for big-city life.

Watership Down (1978)
A beautifully drawn classic, it is also an allegorical story dealing with profound themes linked to nature and survival.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
A rich, dark tale by the legend Don Bluth, known for its detailed animation and overarching themes of bravery.

Twice Upon a Time (1983)
Produced by George Lucas, it pioneered “lumage” animation, mixing surreal visuals with a whimsical narrative.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
The first official Studio Ghibli film, Miyazaki’s epic showcased nature and environmentalism in a beautiful, hand-drawn masterpiece.

The Black Cauldron (1985)
Disney’s darkest film to that date, it introduced more mature themes and technological innovations, like early CGI.

An American Tail (1986)
The first animated film produced by Spielberg, it depicts immigrant life with sensitivity, while hewing to the traditions of the animated musical.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
A titanic yet gentle Ghibli classic which explores childhood innocence and nature’s magic, and was the origin of many iconic Ghibli characters.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Another Ghibli production—but far from gentle, this devastating anti-war film highlights animation’s power to handle deeply human, tragic narratives.

Akira (1988)
A post-apocalyptic setting and a visual masterpiece, its complex story and detailed animation redefined anime forever.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Blending live action and animation seamlessly in a way that hadn’t been done previously, this family-friendly mystery also honored classic cartoons and animation tropes.

The Little Mermaid (1989)
A return to form of classic Disney, this film revitalized the studio and sparked a renaissance through its memorable music and high-quality animation.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A charming coming-of-age story celebrated for its focus on self-discovery and independence.