Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best stop-motion movies ever made! Stop-motion animation is a unique and captivating art form that brings inanimate objects to life. It does this by meticulous frame-by-frame manipulation. This technique has produced some of the most enchanting and memorable films in cinema history.
In this blog, we’ll explore timeless classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas. This holiday staple seamlessly blends Halloween and Christmas in a magical tale.
We’ll also delve into the charming Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, a 1964 Rankin/Bass production. Over time, this film has become a beloved holiday tradition.
Another classic on our list is James and the Giant Peach. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, audiences are taken on a journey with a boy and his insect friends.
We’ll also spotlight short films that have made significant contributions to the genre. These include Ernie Biscuit and Harvie Krumpet.
Before we start the list of the best stop motion movies ever made, you might be wondering, what is stop motion?
Stop motion is a filmmaking technique in which objects are physically moved in small increments between individual photographs. When the frames are played in sequence, this creates the illusion of motion.
In the simplest form, think of a flip book. A flip book is a small book with a series of pictures that vary slightly from one page to the next. When the pages are quickly flipped, the images appear to animate. Similar to how stop-motion works, this also creates an illusion of motion.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion animated musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton.
Released on October 29, 1993, it follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. He discovers Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday. Ignoring warnings from Sally, who loves him, Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and delivers frightening gifts to the real world. This leads to chaos.
Realizing his mistake, Jack rescues Santa and Sally from the villainous Oogie Boogie and restores Christmas. The film is celebrated for its unique animation and memorable music by Danny Elfman.
2. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a 2022 stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson.
Released on December 9, 2022, it reimagines the classic tale set in Fascist Italy. Pinocchio, a wooden puppet brought to life by a Wood Sprite, seeks to understand his purpose. Eventually, he is manipulated by a showman, conscripted into a military camp, and ultimately sacrifices himself to save his father, Geppetto.
Revived by a wish, Pinocchio learns valuable lessons about life and love. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
3. The Tower (2018)
The Tower (Norwegian: Tårnet), directed by Mats Grorud, is a 2018 Norwegian animated feature film.
This drama follows Wardi, an 11-year-old Palestinian girl living in a Lebanese refugee camp. Through stories told by three previous generations of her family, Wardi learns about their history and experiences as refugees.
The film was screened at several international film festivals. This includes the Cairo International Film Festival and Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of The Tower here.
4. The Little Prince (2015)
The Little Prince is a 2015 animated fantasy adventure drama directed by Mark Osborne.
Released on July 29, 2015, it features voices from Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, and Paul Rudd. The film adapts Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s novella, blending stop-motion animation with a new story.
A young girl befriends an elderly aviator who recounts his encounter with the Little Prince. As the girl delves into the whimsical tale, she learns about love, loss, and the importance of imagination.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and received praise for its animation and heartfelt homage to the original story. It has become the most successful French animated film abroad.
5. My life as a zucchini (2016)
My Life as a Zucchini (French: Ma vie de Courgette) is a 2016 stop-motion animated comedy-drama film directed by Claude Barras.
Released on May 20, 2016, it follows Icare, nicknamed Courgette, who is sent to an orphanage after accidentally causing his mother’s death. Initially bullied, he befriends Simon and develops a crush on new arrival Camille. The children bond over their shared traumatic backgrounds.
Courgette grows close to Police Officer Raymond, who eventually adopts both Courgette and Camille. The film received critical acclaim for its visual style and emotional depth. It has won multiple awards and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
6. Mary and Max (2009)
Mary and Max is a 2009 Australian stop-motion animated comedy-drama film directed by Adam Elliot.
The film stars the voices of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette, Eric Bana, and Bethany Whitmore. It follows the pen-pal friendship between Mary, a lonely Australian girl, and Max, an obese American man with Asperger’s syndrome. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond over many years. As they navigate personal struggles and misunderstandings, their letters offer solace and understanding.
The film, inspired by Elliot’s pen-friendship, received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and storytelling. The film has won several awards including the Annecy Cristal and Best Animated Feature Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of Mary and Max here.
7. ParaNorman (2012)
ParaNorman is a 2012 American stop-motion animated comedy horror film directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler (making his feature directorial debut). The film is written by Chris Butler.
Produced by Laika, the film features voices including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jodelle Ferland, and John Goodman. It follows Norman Babcock, a young boy with the ability to communicate with ghosts, tasked with lifting a centuries-old witch’s curse on his town of Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts.
As Norman confronts zombies and supernatural forces, he learns empathy and acceptance. Praised for its animation and humor, the film was released on August 17, 2012, received positive reviews. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
8. Harvie Krumpet (2003)
Harvie Krumpet is a 2003 Australian clay animation comedy-drama short film directed by Adam Elliot.
The film chronicles the life of Harvie Krumpet, a Polish-Australian man born with perpetual bad luck but an unwaveringly optimistic outlook. From his tumultuous upbringing in Poland during World War II to his migration to Australia as a refugee, Harvie faces numerous adversities. This includes Tourette syndrome, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Despite these challenges, he embraces life’s eccentricities, marries, adopts a daughter, and ultimately finds solace in living every moment to the fullest. Premiering at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, the film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2004.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of Harvie Krumpet here.
9. Ernie Biscuit (2015)
Ernie Biscuit is a 2015 calligraphy film directed by Adam Elliot, depicting the life of a Deaf Parisian taxidermist named Ernie.
Ernie’s solitary existence is disrupted when a deceased pigeon unexpectedly appears at his doorstep. This event sets off a chain of unusual and transformative experiences for Ernie, leading him to navigate newfound challenges and interactions with others.
Through Elliot’s signature clay animation style, the film explores themes of loneliness, resilience, and unexpected connections.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of Ernie Biscuit here.
10. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town is a classic 1970 stop-motion animated Christmas television special directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr.
The film explores the origins of Santa Claus, beginning with Kris Kringle’s youth as an orphan adopted by the Kringles of the mountainous Sombertown. As Kris grows older, he defies the town’s ban on toys imposed by the grumpy Burgermeister Meisterburger.
He does this by secretly delivering toys to children with help from his friends, including the penguin Topper and Jessica, a schoolteacher. Despite the Burgermeister’s efforts to stop him, Kris perseveres, eventually becoming the beloved Santa Claus.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town holds the top spot on our list titled 10 Best Animated Christmas Classics Ranked by Nostalgia. Some consider this film one of the best stop motion movies ever made. You can check out the full list here.
11. Mad God (2021)
Mad God is a 2021 American stop-motion adult animated experimental horror film directed by Phil Tippett.
Premiering at the Locarno Festival on August 5, 2021, it was released in the United States on June 16, 2022, by Shudder to critical acclaim. The story follows an assassin who descends into a ruined, nightmarish underworld armed with a map and a suitcase.
As he journeys through a landscape filled with grotesque creatures and dystopian horrors, he uncovers unsettling secrets about the world and his mission. This leads to a climactic confrontation with the eerie forces that govern this hellish realm.
12. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) is an American independent animated mockumentary that is a combination of live-action and stop-motion.
It is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp. The film follows Marcel, a one-inch-tall talking shell living with his grandmother, Nana Connie. Eventually, Marcel becomes a viral sensation after a filmmaker documents his whimsical daily life.
As Marcel’s popularity grows, he hopes to reunite with his long-lost family, who were accidentally taken away by the home’s previous owners. The film explores themes of resilience, community, and the impact of newfound fame. The profound messaging and themes in this film makes it one of the the best stop motion movies ever made.
Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, it was released by A24 in June 2022 to critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
13. Anomalisa (2015)
Anomalisa (2015) is an adult stop-motion animated psychological comedy-drama directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson.
The film follows British customer service expert Michael Stone, voiced by David Thewlis, who perceives everyone as having the same face and voice. The only exception is Lisa who is voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh.
During a business trip to Cincinnati, Michael meets Lisa at his hotel, and her unique presence disrupts his monotonous perception of the world. The film, based on Kaufman’s 2005 audio play, explores themes of isolation and connection.
Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, it received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
14. No Dogs or Italians Allowed (2022)
No Dogs or Italians Allowed (2022) is a claymation animated film directed by Alain Ughetto. The film is a co-production involving companies from France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and Portugal.
It tells the story of Ughetto’s grandfather, Luigi, who emigrated from Italy to France in the early 1900s. Luigi facing significant anti-Italian discrimination.
Based on stories told by his grandmother Cesira, Luigi’s widow, the film explores Luigi’s journey and the challenges he faced in seeking a better life.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of No Dogs or Italians Allowed here.
15. The House (2022)
The House (2022) is a British stop-motion animated anthology film produced by Nexus Studios and released on Netflix.
The film is Directed by Emma de Swaef and Marc James Roels, Niki Lindroth von Bahr, and Paloma Baeza. The House presents three distinct stories set within the same house. Each segment explores themes of madness, wealth, and the pursuit of true happiness, creating a cohesive yet varied narrative experience. The unique use of storytelling is why The House is considered one of the the best stop motion movies ever made.
Originally intended as a miniseries, it was consolidated into a film showcasing different worlds and characters, with a story co-written by Johannes Nyholm for the second segment.
Be sure to check out Movie Prairie’s review of The House here.
16. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kubo and the Two Strings is a 2016 American stop-motion animated action fantasy film directed by Travis Knight in his feature debut.
Set in feudal Japan, the film follows Kubo, a young boy with a magical shamisen and only one eye, as he embarks on a quest to find his father’s armor. Accompanied by a snow monkey and a beetle warrior, Kubo must battle his evil aunts and the Moon King. The Moon King is his grandfather, who stole his eye.
Produced by Laika, the film features the voices of Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, and Matthew McConaughey. It premiered on August 13, 2016, receiving critical acclaim for its animation and storytelling.
17. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Fantastic Mr. Fox is a 2009 American animated adventure-comedy film directed by Wes Anderson.
Featuring stop-motion animation, the film stars George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Jason Schwartzman. The plot follows Mr. Fox, who, after a spree of thefts from three farmers, finds his family and community targeted by the vengeful farmers.
To protect his loved ones, Mr. Fox must outsmart his adversaries. The film, based on Roald Dahl’s novel, premiered on October 14, 2009, and was praised for its humor, animation, and direction. It received an Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
18. The Inventor (2023)
The Inventor is a 2023 biographical stop-motion/2D animation film directed by Jim Capobianco and Pierre-Luc Granjon.
Featuring voices of Stephen Fry, Marion Cotillard, and Daisy Ridley, it explores Leonardo da Vinci’s life. Set in 1516, Leonardo, pressured by the Pope to cease his scientific inquiries, relocates to the French court of Francis I. There, he continues his research and designs an ‘Ideal City’ with Marguerite’s help.
Amid political tensions and grand festivities, Leonardo falls ill but unveils his ultimate discovery about life and the universe. The film premiered at Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 12, 2023, and was released in the U.S. on September 15, 2023.
19. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Isle of Dogs is a 2018 stop-motion animated film. The film is directed by Wes Anderson.
The film is a dystopian satire set in a fictional Japanese city infected by a canine flu. This prompts Mayor Kobayashi to exile all dogs to Trash Island.
The plot follows Atari, the mayor’s nephew, who seeks his lost dog, Spots. Atari seeks Spots with the help of a group of dogs led by Chief.
Amid political intrigue and a fight against corrupt authorities, Atari’s journey reveals deeper conspiracies, leading to a heartwarming resolution.
20. Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Jason and the Argonauts is directed by Don Chaffey and released in 1963. It is a fantasy adventure film featuring legendary stop-motion animation by Ray Harryhausen.
The film follows Jason (Todd Armstrong) on his quest to find the Golden Fleece to reclaim his throne. Later, with the help of the goddess Hera, Jason assembles a crew of heroes, the Argonauts. Together, they faces numerous mythical challenges. This includes the bronze giant Talos and a fierce Hydra.
The film is celebrated for its innovative special effects and iconic battle scenes.
21. Wendell and Wild (2022)
Wendell & Wild, directed by Henry Selick, was released in 2022 as an American stop-motion animated horror comedy film.
The story follows Wendell and Wild, two demon brothers. They must face off against a nun (Angela Bassett) and her teenage niece (Lyric Ross) who plan to exorcise them.
Set in a supernatural world, the film explores themes of sibling rivalry and redemption.
22. Wallace and Gromit (1989)
Wallace and Gromit is a British stop-motion animated comedy franchise created by Nick Park. It produced by Aardman Animations.
The series follows Wallace, a cheese-loving inventor, and Gromit, his loyal anthropomorphic beagle. Known for their comedic adventures, the franchise began with the short film “A Grand Day Out” released in 1989.
Wallace embarks on whimsical journey’s often involving inventions gone awry. Gromit, on the other hand communicates non-verbally, uses his intelligence to his advantage.
The series has earned acclaim for its humor, characters, and animation. Wallace and Gromit have become iconic figures in British culture. It has spawned multiple films and spin-offs, highlighting their enduring popularity and cultural impact. Because of this, movies with Wallace and Gromit are considered some of the best stop motion movies ever made.
23. Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride (2005), directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton, is a stop-motion animated musical fantasy comedy set in a Victorian-era town in England.
Victor Van Dort, voiced by Johnny Depp, accidentally proposes to Emily, the corpse bride, voiced by Helena Bonham Carter. He does this while rehearsing his vows in the forest. Transported to the Land of the Dead, Victor seeks to return to Victoria Everglot, voiced by Emily Watson, whom he truly loves.
As Victor navigates between the worlds of the living and the dead, he faces challenges from Emily’s tragic past and a conniving suitor, Lord Barkis Bittern. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and redemption against a backdrop of whimsical animation and dark humor.
24. Hell & back (2015)
Hell and Back (2015), directed by Tom Gianas and Ross Shuman, is an American stop-motion adult animated black comedy fantasy film.
It follows friends Remy, Augie, and Curt who accidentally summon a portal to Hell while breaking a blood oath over a mint. They venture into the underworld to rescue Curt from demons and the Devil himself. To do this, they have to move through bizarre and dangerous landscapes.
Along the way, they encounter allies like the demon Deema and the mythical figure Orpheus, while facing funny and dark challenges. The film explores themes of friendship, redemption, and supernatural chaos.
25. Coraline (2009)
Coraline (2009), directed by Henry Selick, is an American stop-motion animated dark fantasy film based on Neil Gaiman’s novella.
It follows Coraline Jones, who discovers a secret door in her new home leading to an idealized but sinister alternate universe. There, she encounters button-eyed doppelgängers of her parents who initially shower her with attention. However, Coraline soon realizes the Other World’s dark intentions and must muster the courage to save herself and her real parents.
The film, produced by Laika Entertainment, combines eerie visuals with a compelling narrative about bravery and family bonds.
26. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
James and the Giant Peach (1996), directed by Henry Selick, is a musical animated fantasy film based on Roald Dahl’s novel.
It combines live-action and stop-motion animation to tell the story of James Trotter. James is an orphan living with cruel aunts after his parent’s tragic death. Soon after, James discovers magical crocodile tongues that transform a peach into a massive fruit inhabited by anthropomorphic insects.
Together, they embark on a journey across the Atlantic to New York City, facing dangers like skeletal pirates and a rhinoceros.
The film, released on April 12, 1996, received praise for its imaginative storytelling and visuals.
27. Frankenweenie (2012)
Frankenweenie (2012), directed by Tim Burton, is a 3D stop-motion animated science fiction horror comedy film.
Set in 1957, it follows young scientist Victor Frankenstein who resurrects his beloved dog Sparky using electricity after its tragic death. Later, when his classmates discover his experiment, they attempt their animal resurrections. This leads to chaos in their town of New Holland.
The film is based on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” It combines dark humor with Burton’s signature style of Gothic visuals. Released on October 5, 2012, it received positive reviews for its storytelling and visuals.
28. Missing Link (2019)
Missing Link (2019), directed by Chris Butler, is a stop-motion animated adventure comedy film.
It follows Sir Lionel Frost, a British explorer, who sets out on a journey to the Himalayas with the help of Mr. Link, a Sasquatch and Adelina Fortnight. Ultimately, their mission is to find Mr. Link’s elusive Yeti cousins.
Meanwhile, they are pursued by a bounty hunter hired to stop their expedition. Released on April 12, 2019, the film received positive reviews for its animation, humor, and voice performances.
29. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
The Little Drummer Boy is a stop-motion television special directed by Rankin/Bass Productions, based on the classic song.
First, it aired in Canada on December 19, 1968, and subsequently on NBC in the United States four days later. The story follows Aaron, a young Jewish boy whose peaceful life is shattered when bandits attack his farm. This act makes him an orphan.
Captured by the caravan of Ben Haramed, Aaron reluctantly joins their troupe as a drummer. Along the journey to Bethlehem, Aaron encounters the Magi following a bright star and learns the true meaning of giving when he plays his drum for the newborn baby Jesus.
Released during the holiday season, it blends themes of faith, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas.
For more information about The Little Drummer Boy, you can read Movie Prairie’s article on the top 10 animated Christmas classics ranked by nostalgia.
30. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Released on December 6, 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved Christmas stop-motion animated television special produced by Videocraft International, Ltd.
The story centers around Rudolph, a young reindeer ostracized for his shining red nose. Determined to find his place, Rudolph leaves on a journey where he discovers his uniqueness is not a flaw but a gift.
Alongside quirky companions like Hermey the elf and Yukon Cornelius, Rudolph learns valuable lessons. These include lessons on courage, acceptance, and the true spirit of Christmas. Praised for its memorable characters, charming animation style, and enduring soundtrack, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become a timeless holiday classic.
Is this film one of the best stop motion movies ever made? To find out more, Check out 10 Best Animated Christmas Classics Ranked by Nostalgia on Movie Prairie to see where we ranked Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.
The Best Stop Motion Movies Ever Made Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of stop motion?
Stop motion animation encompasses several types, each offering unique visual styles and techniques.
Claymation, or clay animation, involves molding characters and props from clay. This is done by capturing each frame as the clay figures are incrementally adjusted.
Puppet animation uses articulated puppets or figures with movable joints, manipulated frame by frame to create motion.
Cut-out animation involves moving flat characters or objects cut from materials like paper or fabric.
Object animation utilizes everyday objects, such as toys or household items, animated through manipulation and frame capture.
Pixilation involves filming live actors frame by frame, creating a jerky, surreal effect.
Each type of stop motion requires meticulous planning, patience, and creativity to bring characters and scenes to life through the best stop motion movies ever made.
How is stop-motion animation created?
Stop-motion animation is created through a process where physical objects are moved in small increments between individually photographed frames.
Each frame captures a slight change in position or expression of the objects. Thus, building the illusion of movement when played in sequence at normal speed.
The animator meticulously plans each shot, ensuring smooth transitions and realistic motion. Lighting and set design are crucial to maintaining consistency throughout the filming process. Modern stop motion often incorporates digital enhancements for effects like backgrounds or facial expressions. Thus, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology.
The creation of the best stop-motion movies ever made requires patience, precision, and boundless creativity. This meticulous technique brings to life captivating animated films that resonate with audiences of all ages.
What are Stop Motion Puppets Made of?
The best stop motion ever made relies heavily on puppets, which play a crucial role in bringing the animation to life.
Stop-motion puppets are typically made from various materials depending on the desired aesthetic and flexibility required for animation. Armatures, which are metal skeletons, form the framework of the puppets, providing support and allowing for precise positioning of limbs and joints.
The outer layers of the puppets can be crafted from materials like silicone, foam latex, or plasticine clay, depending on whether the animator seeks realism, flexibility, or stylization. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand the frequent manipulation needed during filming while maintaining consistency in appearance.
Detailed facial features and textures are often sculpted or molded separately and then meticulously applied to the puppet to enhance expressiveness.
The combination of durable armatures and carefully selected outer materials ensures that stop-motion puppets can withstand the rigors of filming while bringing characters to life with expressive movements and personalities.
The Best Stop Motion Movies Ever Made Conclusion
That wraps up our list of the 30 best stop-motion movies ever made! Don’t miss out on our detailed reviews of some of the films—they delve deep into their themes and meanings. For more insightful animation content, subscribe to our email list and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram.
Which movies would you consider to be the best stop motion movies ever made? Let us know is the in the comments below. Keep exploring and enjoying the world of stop-motion animation with us!
As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
