Best Dark Fantasy Animated Movies

Highlights

Animated dark fantasy movies appeal to a niche audience that enjoys a mix of gothic atmosphere, chills, and action.
Films like The Black Cauldron and Beowulf push boundaries with dark subject matter not always suitable for kids.
Unique creations like Wizards and Heavy Metal showcase dark fantasy themes in unconventional ways, catering to dedicated fans.

As a kid growing up in the 80s, I remember being utterly captivated by the magical world of Don Bluth’s “The Secret of NIMH.” The animation was breathtakingly beautiful, and the storyline, though dark at times, resonated with my young imagination. It was a tale that combined elements of fantasy, adventure, and even a touch of horror, which I believe is what makes it a timeless classic.

Dark fantasy, a specialized genre, frequently blends with gruesome horror, gloomy visions of bleak futures, or avant-garde science fiction. Its otherworldly aspects make it challenging to create authentic dark fantasy in live-action productions. To realize their concepts, some creators have opted for animated media instead.

The audience for animated dark fantasy movies is even smaller than those for live-action, since these aren’t always for kids and not every adult likes cartoons. Plenty of Japanese animated films have taken on the concept of dark fantasy, with popular movies like Paprika being a famous example. However, plenty of unique films from other parts of the world have also made their mark on the genre.

7 The Black Cauldron

The Unique Darkness Of Disney

Directed By: Ted Berman, Richard Rich
Starring: Grant Bardsley, Susan Sheridan, Freddie Jones
Production Companies: Walt Disney Productions, Silver Screen Partners II
Release Date: July 24, 1985

The Black Cauldron, an animated film produced prior to Disney’s renaissance period, nearly pushed Disney’s animation division into financial ruin. Despite not being a poor movie in itself, it incorporated innovative CGI technology with traditional animation. However, the storyline was rather dark and its intended audience remained ambiguous, which proved problematic.

The film is a retelling of the initial two novels in Lloyd Alexander’s “Chronicles of Prydain” series, inspired by Welsh folklore. It delves into elements of dark magic and ancient enigma. In this narrative, the villainous Horned King clashes with the unassuming swineherd Taran, his ally the bard, a princess, and an unusual creature known as Gurgi. The Horned King aims to harness the power of the Black Cauldron to conquer the world, while our unlikely heroes must thwart his plans.

6 Beowulf

An Ancient Saga Of Monster Slaying

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Robin Wright Penn
Production Companies: Shangri-La Entertainment, ImageMovers
Release Date: November 16, 2007

The film “Beowulf” was one of the pioneering full-length feature films to rely entirely on computer-generated imagery (CGI) for its animation, and it was a bold undertaking back then. This modern adaptation of the old Danish legend about Grendel offers some variations in character and plot. Not only does Beowulf offer a gripping portrayal of dark fantasy, but it also brings to life the ancient world on screen. Expect monsters, magic, and insights into human emotions in this film. Consequently, it’s more than just a movie—it’s a glimpse into the mysteries of the past.

In the classic poem Beowulf, I take on the role of the brave and vocal protagonist, summoned to vanquish the ferocious creature, Grendel, followed by his mother. The movie adaptation introduces an intriguing twist to the original tale. Although the conclusion differs significantly, it’s not entirely off-base as one of the ancient legends suggests that Beowulf did encounter a golden dragon in due time.

5 Wizards

The Subversive Fantastic

Directed By: Ralph Bakshi
Starring: David Proval, Steve Gravers, Mark Hamill
Production Companies: Bakshi Productions
Release Date: February 9, 1977

One standout instance of dark fantasy across all forms of media is “Wizards,” a creation that only Ralph Bakshi could conceive, being both rebellious and distinctive in its nature. The plot unfolds in a post-nuclear war future where radioactive contamination has resulted in humans transforming into mutants. This transformation has given way for the ancient races such as dwarves, elves, dragons, and various mythical creatures to regain control of the planet.

In the story of “Wizards”, we delve into a realm of ominous fantasy, yet it subtly imparts the complex paradox of tolerance as its underlying message. The protagonist, named Avatar, is our virtuous wizard, while his antagonistic brother, Blackwolf, embodies evil. Despite Avatar’s unwavering commitment to peace and non-violence, this very stance allows Blackwolf and his followers to seize control of the world and threaten those who practice magic.

4 Heavy Metal

Classic Dark Fantasy From Canada

Directed By: Gerald Potterton
Starring: John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Don Francks, Eugene Levy
Production Companies: Guardian Trust Company, Canadian Film Development Corporation, Famous Players, Potterton Productions
Release Date: August 7, 1981

A timeless masterpiece cherished by fans, “Heavy Metal” has sparked numerous reinterpretations, spoofs, and fan-written stories since its debut. Originally a comic book series adaptation, this movie delved into gritty themes that interwove elements of the fantastical with bleak apocalyptic science fiction.

As a lifelong fan of science fiction and horror movies, I must say that “Forbidden World” was a unique cinematic experience for me. From the very beginning, the film plunges us into a world of terror with its malevolent entity, Loc-Nar, whose evil influence has left a trail of death and destruction throughout history and the universe. Each episodic story featuring Loc-Nar is stranger and darker than the last, and I found myself on the edge of my seat as I watched the events unfold.

3 The Animatrix

Apocalyptic Dreams From The Matrix

Directed By: Andy Jones, Mahiro Maeda, Shinichirō Watanabe, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Takeshi Koike, Kōji Morimoto, Peter Chung
Starring: Kevin Michael Richardson, Pamela Adlon, Hedy Burress, Phil LaMarr
Production Companies: Warner Home Video, Village Roadshow Pictures, NPV Entertainment
Release Date: June 3, 2003

“The Animatrix” is a collection of various tales, each directed and styled uniquely, set within the universe of the Matrix. Some of these stories delve into the past, providing context for the current state of Earth, but “A Kid’s Story” features both Neo and Trinity and occurs between the two live-action films, “The Matrix” and “The Matrix: Reloaded.”

The initial narrative, titled “The Final Voyage of Osiris“, serves as the foundation for the video game, “Enter The Matrix“. Notably, the Osiris is the same spacecraft that communicated with Zion at the start of “Reloaded” to alert them about the Sentinels. On a different note, the tale known as “Beyond” revolves around a missing cat and a spooky house, predating the concept of creepypasta stories. Despite being set in our world, the integration of virtual reality and the persistent danger from machines classifies “The Animatrix” as a dark, fantastical narrative.

2 The Secret of NIMH

Talking Rats, Guiding Owls, & Animal Testing

Directed By: Don Bluth
Starring: John Carradine, Dom DeLuise, Peter Strauss
Production Companies: United Artists, Aurora Productions, Don Bluth Productions
Release Date: July 2, 1982

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the groundbreaking moment when Don Bluth, while Disney was grappling with their faltering animation division, was crafting the magical tale of The Secret of NIMH. This timeless masterpiece has left an indelible mark on ’80s kids like me and continues to captivate audiences even decades later. It was this very film that catapulted Don Bluth Productions onto the global animation stage, making us all appreciate the brilliance of its creation.

Younger audience members might find certain scenes a bit daunting, yet the film features fantastic music, unforgettable characters, and appeals to children of various ages. Originally based on Robert C. O’Brien’s novel “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,” this movie adaptation includes more fantasy elements compared to the book. The protagonist, renamed Brisby in the film, is on a mission to save her ailing son and accidentally becomes involved with local rats who share an unusual bond with her late spouse.

1 South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut

Kenny Goes To Hell (Again)

Directed By: Trey Parker
Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman
Production Companies: Comedy Central Films, Scott Rudin Productions, Braniff Productions
Release Date: June 30, 1999

Scarcely are many examples of comedy-horror found, yet series like the Evil Dead demonstrate that this blend can indeed succeed. The strange and fantastical align with the aesthetic of South Park, so it’s no wonder that the initial film from their franchise incorporated some aspects of dark fantasy.

In a unique blend of humor and tragedy, this musical comedy opens with an unexpected, heart-wrenching death of a child. The story then delves into disturbing portrayals of the harsh realities of the afterlife. Yet, it manages to elicit laughter in a way that only a masterpiece like “South Park” can achieve. As the tale unfolds, we find Kenny being transported to Hell. A significant part of the plot involves the enigmatic, hooded, and muffled protagonist attempting to persuade Satan against his overbearing boyfriend, Saddam Hussein, who is determined to initiate the apocalyptic war.

2024-08-05 06:34