Highlights
- Illumination’s animated films, while not Pixar-level, have grabbed a wide audience with fun narratives and by adapting iconic characters like Mario and Luigi.
- Despite occasional mixed reviews, Illumination continues to grow, with standout movies like
The Grinch
capturing the Christmas spirit in a fun family adventure. - The Secret Life of Pets
franchise maintains its quality, with humor and cute pets in a familiar yet entertaining animated world.
As a long-time animation enthusiast with a soft spot for family films, I’ve had the pleasure of watching countless animated movies over the years. Among them, there are a few that truly stand out and leave a lasting impression. Having grown up in the 2010s, I was fortunate enough to witness the rise of Illumination Entertainment and their groundbreaking Despicable Me franchise.
I’ve discovered that Illumination Entertainment may not have the same level of recognition as Pixar’s masterpieces, but their animated films have managed to capture my attention and that of many other gamers out there. With intriguing narratives under their belt, they’ve created cultural sensations like those adorable Minions, and even breathed life into legendary gaming characters such as Mario and Luigi. These creations are all part of Illumination Entertainment’s mission to leave an indelible mark in the animation industry.
Illumination’s catalog overflows with distinctive tales, and they keep expanding, most recently unveiling the fourth installment of “Despicable Me.” Although it hasn’t received the best criticism among their works, it remains popular, aligning with Illumination’s ongoing expansion. Notwithstanding Illumination’s general prosperity, certain movies from their collection merit appreciation for their compelling narratives and exceptional animation techniques.
10 The Grinch
IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Released: November 3, 2018
- Director: Yarrow Chenney and Scott Mosier
- Runtime: 85 minutes
Adapting one of the most cherished Christmas tales into an entertaining family adventure was no easy feat for Illumination. Although not as critically acclaimed as the live-action version, The Grinch successfully preserved the iconic grump’s essence and infused it with Dr. Seuss-inspired artwork brimming with holiday cheer.
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be drawn in by the familiar voice of the protagonist in this updated version of a beloved game. Nostalgia kicks in as I watch the captivating animation unfold. While it doesn’t quite reach the legendary heights of its predecessor or live up to the hype, it still manages to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
9 The Secret Life Of Pets 2
IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Released: May 24, 2019
- Director: Chris Renaud and Jonathan de Val
- Runtime: 86 minutes
Despite not surpassing the original in terms of having a superior sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2 managed to preserve the high-quality standard set by its predecessor. Although the first movie introduced us to this captivating world, the second film increased the laughs that were so effective in the initial release.
The Secret Life of Pets 2‘s major advantage and disadvantage lies in its resemblance to the initial film. By not pushing boundaries, it caters well to fans of the series, providing another enjoyable journey filled with amusing and adorable pets.
8 The Secret Life Of Pets
IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Released: July 8, 2016
- Director: Chris Renaud
- Runtime: 86 minutes
In the beginning of the “The Secret Life of Pets” series, this entertaining franchise offers a humorous peek into the hidden lives of pets once their human companions are absent. Chock-full of laughter and novelty, the debut film unveiled a captivating world brimming with funny situations, lovable animals, and an inventive concept.
Although this film adheres to a typical plotline found in many family movies, it distinguishes itself through its unique comedic elements and endearing theme focusing on beloved pets.
7 Minions: The Rise Of Gru
IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Release: June 13, 2022
- Director: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, and Jonathan de Val
- Runtime: 87 minutes
The “Despicable Me” films from Illumination have achieved immense success, primarily because of the appeal of the tiny, yellow and bumbling Minions. Nevertheless, the initial Minion-centric spin-off didn’t go over too well with audiences. Consequently, Illumination needed to revitalize the franchise by refocusing attention on the overalls-wearing characters once more.
In the second Minions film, Minions: The Rise of Gru, I was thoroughly entertained by the return of the hilarious antics and mispronounced quotes from our beloved Minion pals. The storyline took a darker turn with a formidable villain at its core, but still managed to capture the unique charm that only the Minions can provide. While it may not surpass the greatness of some Despicable Me installments, it certainly stands on its own merit as we delve into the origin of Gru’s enduring bond with these mischievous creatures.
6 Migration
IMDb Rating: 6.7
- Released: December 6, 2023
- Director: Benjamin Renner and Guylo Homsy
- Runtime: 83 minutes
A more simplified version could be: The latest original tale from Illumination follows a duck clan as they hatch prematurely and unwittingly journey to the vibrant yet chaotic city of New York. Though not an entirely novel concept, it explores themes of family and venturing into the unknown with some amusing mishaps along the way.
In their effort to expand beyond popular brands, Illumination’s film “Migration” is commendable for delivering a fun and amusing journey, even with its more conventional narrative structure.
5 The Super Mario Bros. Movie
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Adapting one of the most popular gaming franchises into a movie is a challenging task, but Illumination managed to deliver with their unique take on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Featuring an original storyline about the plumbing brothers, Mario and Luigi, this animated film demonstrates Illumination’s ability to create enduring tales.
The film boasted convincing voice-acting, stunning visuals, amusing scenes, and nods to the past. Its departure from the original video game proved inconsequential, ensuring its triumph.
4 Sing
IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Released: December 3, 2016
- Director: Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet
- Runtime: 108 minutes
As a big fan of animation, I have to admit that talking animals aren’t exactly a groundbreaking concept. But Illumination managed to breathe new life into this idea with their movie “Sing.” Despite having produced several animal-centric films before, “Sing” stands out by bringing all these creatures together for an epic singing competition featuring some of the most popular tunes from the past decade.
From Rocket Man to Taylor Swift, Sing has a bit for everyone, showcasing an A-list cast with Matthew McConaughey as the koala protagonist, and an A-List cast to follow. Sing is definitely an original animation worth watching, especially for music lovers, with only top-notch voice performances throughout.
3 Sing 2
IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Released: November 14, 2021
- Director: Garth Jennings and Christophe Lourdelet
- Runtime: 110 minutes
There may be some discussion on whether the first or second movie in the franchise is the best, but there is no denying that the long-awaited Sing sequel was able to keep the core of the first movie alive while bringing something new to the table. Starring the famous The Police fromtman, Sting, Sing 2 was able to build on the solid foundation that the first feature established.
In this animated film, Buster Moon, brought to life by Matthew McConaughey’s voice, encounters another unexpected predicament. This unique production stands out with an extraordinary singing competition among animals. Featuring familiar voices, popular tunes, and heart-stirring instances, it’s a must-watch that leaves you with goosebumps.
2 Despicable Me 2
IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Release: July 3, 2013
- Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
- Runtime: 98 minutes
As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but be impressed by how Despicable Me 2 expanded the villain-centered franchise into something much bigger. I never imagined that there were so many intriguing stories left to tell about Gru and his Minions. This game-changing sequel not only maintained the high-quality standards of the series but also bravely ventured into a new territory: heroism. It was as if the creators opened up a whole new level for us to explore, keeping me hooked and eager for more.
The film is packed with laughter-inducing scenes, exciting action segments, innovative weapon designs, an excellent ensemble of voice actors, and a heartwarming redemption journey – all embodying the distinctive Illumination brand of entertainment for families.
1 Despicable Me
IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Release: July 9, 2010
- Director: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
- Runtime: 95 minutes
The “Despicable Me” series by Illumination Entertainment has gained prominence for a good reason. Its first installment stands out with its original storyline, side-splitting humor, and memorable characters that left a lasting impact on popular culture. Among all the company’s productions, this animated film is considered their finest.
In this film, the Minions were introduced to audiences for the first time. It spotlighted a wicked character undergoing a heartfelt transformation full of laughter and emotion, highlighting Illumination’s exceptional storytelling abilities and comedic talents.
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2024-07-16 09:37