Films about anthropomorphic animals often bring to life endearing and relatable characters that possess human-like qualities. These films typically feature animals with human characteristics such as the ability to speak, think, and act like humans, leading to heartwarming and entertaining storytelling. Now, let's explore some existing films about anthropomorphic animals:
“Zootopia”, 2016
Director: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
In a city populated by anthropomorphic animals, a rabbit police officer teams up with a sly fox to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the harmony between predator and prey.
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Tommy Chong, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Alan Tudyk, Shakira, Raymond S. Persi, Della Saba, Maurice LaMarche, Phil Johnston, Fuschia!, John Di Maggio, Katie Lowes, Gita Reddy, Jesse Corti, Tom Lister Jr., Joshua Dallas, Leah Latham, Kath Soucie, Peter Mansbridge, Mark Smith, Josie Trinidad, John Lavelle, Kristen Bell, Evelyn Wilson Bresee, Hewitt Bush, Jill Cordes, Madeleine Curry, Terri Douglas, Melissa Goodwin Shepherd, Zach King, Dave Kohut, Pace Paulsen, Claire K. Smith, Jackson Stein, David A. Thibodeau, John Wheeler, Hannah G. Williams;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: animation, comedy, crime, detective, adventure, family, action;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Zootopia” on the website imdb.com
“The Lion King”, 1994
Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
This classic Disney film follows the journey of a young lion named Simba as he navigates through life's challenges, including the betrayal of his uncle Scar, in the African savanna.
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin, Niketa Calame-Harris, Jim Cummings, Robert Guillaume, Zoe Leader, Madge Sinclair, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Frank Welker, Cathy Cavadini, Judi M. Durand, Daamen J. Krall, David McCharen, Mary Linda Phillips, Phil Proctor, David Randolph, Jeff Bennett, Pat Fry, Linda Gary;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: animation, musical, drama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
More information about the film “The Lion King” on the website imdb.com
“Robin Hood”, 2010
Director: Ridley Scott
Set in medieval England, this animated film portrays the legendary outlaw Robin Hood as a sly fox who outwits the tyrannical Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham to help the oppressed animals of Nottingham.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Max von Sydow, William Hurt, Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Kevin Durand, Eileen Atkins, Mark Addy, Matthew Macfadyen, Danny Huston, Scott Grimes, Alan Doyle, Douglas Hodge, Léa Seydoux, Jonathan Zaccaï, Robert Pugh, Gerard McSorley, Velibor Topic, Ciaran Flynn, Simon McBurney, Denise Gough, John Nicholas, Thomas Arnold, Pip Carter, Mark Lewis Jones, Bronson Webb, Denis Ménochet, Jamie Beamish, John Atterbury, Luke Evans, Roy Holder, Mark Ryder, Ruby Bentall, Ned Dennehy, Nicolas Simon, Lisa Millett, Stuart Martin, Jessica Raine, Steve Evets, Eric Rulliat, Abraham Belaga, Jack Downham, Richard Riddell, David Bertrand, Arthur Darvill, Giannina Facio, Hannah Barrie, Lee Battle, Nicky Bell;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: action, drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Robin Hood” on the website imdb.com
“Watership Down”, 1978
Director: Martin Rosen, John Hubley
Based on the novel by Richard Adams, this animated adventure tells the story of a group of anthropomorphic rabbits who embark on a perilous journey to find a new home after their warren is threatened.
Starring: John Hurt, Richard Briers, Michael Graham Cox, John Bennett, Ralph Richardson, Simon Cadell, Terence Rigby, Roy Kinnear, Richard O'Callaghan, Denholm Elliott, Lynn Farleigh, Mary Maddox, Zero Mostel, Harry Andrews, Hannah Gordon, Nigel Hawthorne, Clifton Jones, Derek Griffiths, Michael Hordern, Joss Ackland, Michelle Price;
Production year: 1978;
Genre: animation, thriller, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Watership Down” on the website imdb.com
“The Wind in the Willows”, 1996
Director: Terry Jones
This film brings to life the classic characters of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger as they embark on charming and adventurous tales in the English countryside.
Starring: Steve Coogan, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Antony Sher, Nicol Williamson, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Bernard Hill, Michael Palin, Nigel Planer, Julia Sawalha, Victoria Wood, Robert Bathurst, Don Henderson, Richard James, Keith-Lee Castle, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Hugo Blick, John Boswall, Sarah Crowden, David Hatton, William Lawrance, John Levitt, Graham McTavish, Bernard Padden, Richard Ridings, Peter Whitfield, Simon Worgan, Jason Barker, Gary Chookiewicz, Damian Delaney, Chris O'Laughlin, William Walker, Damian Wyard, Tim Faraday, David Stone;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: musical, fantasy, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “The Wind in the Willows” on the website imdb.com
These films about anthropomorphic animals capture the imagination and showcase the timeless appeal of storytelling through the lens of beloved animal characters.
In conclusion, films featuring anthropomorphic animals offer a unique blend of whimsy and depth, captivating audiences of all ages with their ability to convey complex themes through relatable characters. Whether exploring the intricacies of friendship, the struggles of identity, or the importance of courage, these films often transcend the boundaries of traditional storytelling, allowing viewers to engage with profound messages wrapped in delightful animation and humor. From the classic charm of Disney's masterpieces to the modern, boundary-pushing narratives found in independent cinema, the genre continues to evolve, proving that the language of animals can resonate deeply with the human experience. As we look ahead, it is clear that the enchanting world of anthropomorphic animals will remain a beloved and vital part of our cinematic landscape, inviting us to reflect on our own lives through the eyes of our furry (or feathered) friends.
