Mulan (1998)ĭisney goes full wuxia in a winning blend of female empowerment, high-stakes fights and bright, sometimes anachronistic humor. Remade as a live-action, lifeless and infamously whitewashed Hollywood action pic in 2017.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)īombing in its first run before rapidly achieving cult status on home video, futuristic animé follows a cyborg agent, pondering themes of identity and technology. Jon Favreau‘s electrifying 2016 live-action hybrid reimagining remains the high-water mark for Disney remakes, by a margin. Released 10 months after the death of Walt Disney (this is the final film he produced), The Jungle Book adapted Rudyard Kipling‘s 1894 book with memorable characters and catchy songs. Product placement meets multiplex entertainment meets art in a witty, meta surprise critical darling that, along with Guardians of the Galaxy the same year, made Chris Pratt one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Everything was a little less awesome in the so-so, less streamlined and belated sequel. Simmons helped 2016’s part three end the series on a high note. The voice talents of Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson and J.K. It was the highest-grossing film directed by a woman until Frozen two years later the highest-grossing film directed solely by a woman until 2017’s Wonder Woman. Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Kung Fu Panda 2 grossed $665 million. Kung Fu Panda trilogy (2008-2016)Īll three vibrant films in this series are highly recommended-but part two is the best. A sequel that’s deeper, darker, more artistic and ambitious than its predecessor, Po ( Jack Black) and the Furious Five battle evil white peacock Lord Shen ( Gary Oldman), who’s attempting to conquer China.

Minions: The Rise of Gru is slated for a summer release. The voice of Steve Carell stars as Gru, a supervillain who discovers his soft side after adopting three young daughters. Multiple sequels and prequels followed in this now-mega-franchise. Minions mania began here, with this heartwarming computer-animated family film that’s got more irreverence and belly laughs than most pictures of its ilk.

English cartoon movies 2014