Animated Movies Are Important, And So Is Discernment
By Movieguide® Staff
While validation at the Academy Awards has little bearing on the success of a movie at the box office, animated movies have long taken the backseat to live-action movies for the best-of-the-best.
However, some Hollywood directors like Phil Lord and Chris Miller recognize the importance and validity that animated movies have on audiences.
Despite appealing to whole families, the Academy Awards have only nominated three animated movies for Best Picture in history: 1991’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, 2009’s UP, and 2010’s TOY STORY 3.
In an op-ed for Variety, Lord and Miller reported:
And if in 2022 we marked the 28th anniversary of “Pulp Fiction,” in 2023 we can celebrate the 31st anniversary of the historic best picture nomination for “Beauty and the Beast.”
That nomination caused such a stir that some worried an animated movie might win best picture every year, a sentiment that, in part, led to the creation of the best animated feature award, both to acknowledge the contributions of animation to the current cinema, and, for some, to keep animated films from winning the “real” prize.
At least we used to be taken seriously.
Surely no one set out to diminish animated films, but it’s high time we set out to elevate them.
In years past, animated features have contained moral worldviews and biblical themes—often in contrast to their live-action counterparts—that help shape a child’s view of the world positively.
Some recent examples of animated movies honored at the annual Movieguide® Awards Gala for uplifting, inspiring, and moral content are THE PEANUTS MOVIE, ZOOTOPIA, HOME, THE LEGO MOVIE, SING 2, and THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS.
Animated movies prove that excessive language, violence, and sex do not outperform movies that are safe for the whole family.
According to Variety, 13 of the 50 highest-grossing movies of all time are animated.
Most animated content remains a bastion of safety and even valuable moral lessons for young developing minds. But even if Hollywood elites downplay animated movies’ significance in the realm of film, they understand fully the potential they have to indoctrinate young minds.
Movieguide® has honored several Pixar and Disney movies for their promotion of pro-family ideas and even some biblical themes. These are found in classics such as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, FINDING NEMO, WALL-E, A BUG’S LIFE, and FROZEN.
But recent installations have begun to blur the lines of morality. Most recently, Pixar released TURNING RED promoted ancestor worship and an abortion joke at the end of the movie where the main character exclaims, “My panda, my choice, mom!”
A portion of Movieguide®’s review reads:
TURNING RED has a lively, fun plot and colorful animation. It also has a big finish, strong characters and some pro-family themes. However, the movie is marred by false theology, including references to ancestor worship, Zen Buddhism, magical transformations, and polytheism. Despite the conflict between Mei and her mother, the resolution of that conflict isn’t a rejection of family but ultimately an affirmation of the family ties that bind families together. Nevertheless, MOVIEGUIDE advises extreme caution for the false theology in TURNING RED.
Moreover, Disney Pixar and the creators of LIGHTYEAR, a prequel to the beloved TOY STORY character Buzz Lightyear, recently reinstated a kiss between two female characters.
Movieguide® previously reported:
While Walt Disney Company held its ground to focus on story versus sexuality in the past, LIGHTYEAR could mark a significant turning point.
After a recent letter from LGBTQ employees working at Pixar Animation Studios, Disney announced that it would restore a same-sex kiss between two female characters that was initially pulled from the upcoming LIGHTYEAR.
Studios recognize the power that animated movies have, and it will take biblically-based discernment from parents and their families to promote the good and avoid the bad.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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