2009 was a remarkable year for animation, with some of the most iconic and beloved films of the decade emerging during this time. It’s unlikely that there will ever be another year that has had as much of a lasting impact on animation as 2009. From big-budget films from the largest animation studios to smaller indie projects that made massive waves across the world, 2009 had almost everything an animation fan could want.
Summer Wars, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is a delightful film that follows teenage misfit Kenji as he becomes embroiled in a strange plot involving a virtual world and an apocalyptic armageddon. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is a wildly creative film that showcases the duo’s charm and wit. Redline, directed by Takeshi Koike, is an over-the-top action film that showcases the endless possibilities and flashiness that animation provides for action films.
A Still From The Secret of Kells (Via IMDB)
A Town Called Panic, directed by Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, is a delightfully absurd stop-motion film that celebrates its chaotic world and characters. The Secret of Kells, directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, is a beautifully stylistic 2D animation film that draws inspiration from Irish mythology. Mary and Max, directed by Adam Elliot, is a heartwarming story of an unlikely bond between a young girl and an adult man.
The Princess and the Frog, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, is a glorious return to 2D animation and princess stories. Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, is a beautifully crafted stop-motion film with a dark and gothic tone. Fantastic Mr. Fox, directed by Wes Anderson, is a quaint and charming adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic. Up, directed by Pete Docter, is a masterful film that tackles themes of age and living life to the fullest.
These films showcase the diversity and excellence of animation in 2009, with styles ranging from 2D to 3D, stop-motion, and everything in between. Whether it’s action-packed adventures, heartwarming stories, or dark and gothic tales, 2009’s animated films have left a lasting impact on the medium.
