American Film Institute (AFI for short) pays homage to the art of filmmaking and tends to single out films and directors who have had a lasting impact on the industry. Between 1998 and 2008, AFI released a series of lists in which they ranked the greatest aspects of cinema, whether it be the greatest quotes, pieces of music, songs, or any other element of filmmaking.
They also released the AFI Top 10 Movies where they counted the ten greatest films in ten different genres. One of those genres was animation. Like everything subjective, the AFI list is open to discussion. As such, it's interesting to note the disparate Rotten Tomatoes scores for each individual film. (Percentages are positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes)
10. Shrek (2001) - 88%
Shrek is definitely one of the most unique animated films of all time. Led by brilliant vocals by Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, Shrek has received massive praise for its sense of humor and constant subversion of long-established fairy tale imagery.
It is a fairy tale for modern times, transforming images into an original and charming love story that is also full of youthful jokes. However, it is the lowest rated film on this list, holding an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.
9. Bambi (1942) - 90%
Bambi is an undeniable classic and has long been integrated into the wider consciousness of pop culture. The name "Bambi" has become synonymous with the cute deer, and the famous scene in which Bambi's mother is shot by a hunter is considered one of the saddest scenes in film history.
Even people who have never seen Bambi know the general gist of the story, her influence is so powerful. However, for some, it may seem too outdated, resulting in it ranking second in the 90% ranking.
8. The Lion King (1994) - 93%
Considered one of the best Disney movies, The Lion King really has it all. Shakespeare's tragedy is based on a fantastic and tragic story (it's no secret that The Lion King is modeled after Hamlet). There are also iconic characters such as Scar, Simba, Mufasa, Nala, Zazu, Rafiki and Timon and Pumbaa.
And, of course, there's a great soundtrack composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, with classic songs like "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" and what is arguably the biggest villain song in Disney history, "Be Prepared."
7 Beauty And The Beast (1991) - 94%
Disney enjoyed a stellar string of films in the early 90s and it all started with Beauty and the Beast. Arguably the greatest and most influential Disney film of the modern era, Beauty and the Beast made cinema history by becoming the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture. He does everything the Lion King does, only (perhaps) better.
With iconic characters, a great love story, breathtaking animation, and the best soundtrack in Disney canon, there's simply nothing wrong with Beauty and the Beast.
6. Fantasy (1940) - 95%
Fantasia is the weirdest cartoon on this list, and arguably the most experimental mainstream animated film of all time. The film, of course, is not for everyone, consists of eight separate fragments written to classical music. Moving away from Disney tradition, Fantasia doesn't tell a story in the traditional sense of the word.
On the contrary, it is more of a visual and aural treat with the aim of being more "artful" than its predecessors. The mileage varies by Fantasia, but those willing to explore will find a unique and unforgettable experience.
5. Cinderella (1950) - 97%
Like much of the old Disney repertoire, Cinderella is a cult entertainment that has long enjoyed high profile in popular culture. In many ways, the Cinderella story is better known than the film itself. Everyone knows about the evil stepmother and stepsisters, the pumpkin carriage, the ball and the glass slipper, even if they have never seen a single frame from the movie.
It's the type of movie that goes beyond itself, and it's arguably the most famous of all the Disney stories.
4 Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937) - 98%
At the very least, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs deserve credit for their contributions to film history. Snow White, Disney's first feature-length animated film, made an immediate impact, earning high praise for its animation and capturing the very essence of Disney as we know it today.
Although apparently a little dated today, Snow White remains very interesting and serves as an important time capsule. There is nothing like it.
3. Finding Nemo (2003) - 99%
One of two Pixar films on the AFI list, Finding Nemo was released in 2003 and is the most recent entry. Despite not being anything like Snow White or Cinderella, Finding Nemo has a special meaning in film history.
It tells a beautiful father-son story, it's filled with iconic characters and great animation, and Ellen DeGeneres delivers one of the greatest vocal performances of all time as the oblivious Dory.
2. Pinocchio (1940) - 100%
Another Disney classic, Pinocchio, was the second Disney production to continue the company's newfound legacy. Pinocchio himself has long been a popular character, and his growing nose has been integrated into wider cultural usage to denote someone who lies.
There is a certain charm to old school animation. "When You Wish Upon a Star" is one of the greatest Disney songs of all time, and supporting characters like Jiminy Cricket and Geppetto prove to be as iconic as the main character himself.
1. Toy Story (1995) - 100%
The second Pixar movie on the list, Toy Story is one of those rare films that has a 100% score for Rotten Tomatoes. Simply put, there is nothing in this film that one could not love.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen have incredible chemistry, just like Woody and Buzz, and this story is a beautifully told tale of friendship, growing up, and striving for change. And, of course, animation is iconic, introducing the very concept of computer-generated imagery and changing the way animated films are made. Its influence is still felt today, and it is considered a classic.
