Animation: Not Just for Kids

There is a negative stigma in American culture: that only children can enjoy animated movies and shows. This is evident in the large number of light-hearted, G-rated kid’s movies or cartoons, and what the perceived demographic and targeted audience of animated content. However, adults can enjoy and shouldn’t be ashamed of animation; animation is not just for kids.

 In other cultures, this stigma about animation is less prevalent and in some cases, nonexistent. For example, Japanese culture is much less convinced that only kids will watch cartoons, seen in the ridiculously wide variety and number of anime, or the Japanese equivalent of cartoons. There are even specific categories of anime, sorted by their intended audience. One such category, and perhaps the most popular, is shounen, or programming aimed at pre-teen boys. While this branch of anime is aimed at children, there is a large fanbase of adults, who are seen fawning over the show; dressing up and showing their obsession at various conventions. These conventions also exist for cartoons, and some of the more popular animated shows and movies enjoy large and diverse audiences.

Besides, most animated movies and some shows receive high critical praise ; placing at the top of ratings lists and opening to high box office yields. In fact, some of the world’s highest grossing films are animated. And for good reason, too. Animated films and shows have their own awards show, the Annies, and their own category at the Oscars. Many animated films have also been nominated or received awards normally given to live-action features. Two films, UP and Beauty and the Beast, have even been nominated for the best picture Oscar.

Animated films and shows don’t just look good in numbers or on paper; they are also, in my opinion, some of the most original and creative films and shows out there. Some things just don’t translate to live action. The best example I can think of is Avatar the Last Airbender. Originating as a tv series that was and continues to be highly praised and received, a live action movie was made, hoping to ride on the success of the show. However, the film was a complete failure, with low ratings and box office reception. Where the show was complex and well-animated, the movie was awkward and had bad effects.

The effects of movies and films are also an area where animation reigns supreme. Live action is limited by current technology, and in many cases, requires animation for certain special effects, such as Rocket Racoon from Guardians of the Galaxy. On the other hand, anything that the animator or creator wants can be seen. Any crazy body shape, or reality warp, or made-up land or creature can come to life within animation. This lends to more diverse and unique movies and shows that show more creative capacity and imaginativeness.

I do understand where those of you that feel the opposite come from; you feel that you shouldn’t be watching animation because it isn’t ‘mature’ or ‘appropriate’ for your age. To this, I say expand the repertoire of movies you have seen Yes, I won’t deny that there are some animated movies and shows that are frankly idiotic and childish, but if you look beyond those, you will find a genre that is respectable and beautiful. For every Ice Age sequel there is a How to Train Your Dragon. For every Spongebob there is a Gravity Falls. You may refuse to see it, but live action and adult swim shows follow this same trend.

Finally, animated shows and movies are good for adults because of the nostalgia they bring. There is nothing more joyful than revisiting your forgotten childhood friends. You still remember them- because they are designed to be memorable, likable, and full of heart. In fact, if there is any quality that all good animated programming has, its heart. You are a liar if you say you didn’t cry for Simba during The Lion King, or at the beginning of UP. You felt yourself connect to those characters.

Therefore, if you are still convinced that animation can’t be enjoyed by adults, then I invite you to pop in one of your old Disney VHS tapes (admit it- you have the entire collection) and revisit your ‘younger self’.