Animation has captivated audiences for over a century, bringing fantastical worlds and endearing characters to life on the screen. In this article, we delve into the origins of animated movies by presenting a curated list of the 10 oldest animated films ever created.
From pioneering techniques to imaginative storytelling, these early animated gems paved the way for the thriving animation industry we know today.
10. “Gulliver’s Travels” (1939)
Year Created: 1939
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Fleischer Studios
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Decent Films
Based on Jonathan Swift’s classic novel, “Gulliver’s Travels” is one of the earliest animated feature films produced in the United States. Directed by Dave Fleischer, this adaptation follows Lemuel Gulliver on his incredible journey to fantastical lands. Explore the adventurous “Gulliver’s Travels” on IMDb.
Did you know?
“Gulliver’s Travels” used rotoscoping, tracing live actor movements, making it the second American animated feature after “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to employ this technique.
9 . “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937)
Year Created: 1937
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Walt Disney Studios
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: IMDB
Considered the first-ever full-length cel-animated feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” is a landmark achievement in animation. Directed by David Hand, this Disney classic tells the timeless tale of Snow White and her interactions with the lovable seven dwarfs. Experience the magic of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on Disney+.
Did you know?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the inaugural full-length animated film in American cinema, involved the collaboration of over 750 artists who meticulously crafted more than 2 million sketches, ultimately resulting in an astounding 250,000 drawings for the movie.
8. “The Old Mill” (1937)
Year Created: 1937
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Walt Disney Studios
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: IMDB
“The Old Mill” is a milestone in animation history, as it introduced various innovative techniques that revolutionized the medium. Directed by Wilfred Jackson, this Silly Symphony short utilizes multiplane camera technology to create a realistic depth of field and breathtaking visuals. Witness the beauty of “The Old Mill” on IMDB.
Did you know?
“The Old Mill,” an inventive animated short film that earned the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1937, also garnered recognition with a Scientific and Technical Academy Award for its revolutionary implementation of the multiplane camera. Furthermore, this remarkable creation was honored by being included in the esteemed National Film Registry in 2015.
7. “Betty Boop: Dizzy Dishes” (1930)
Year Created: 1930
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Max Fleischer
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Amazon
“Dizzy Dishes” signifies the inaugural appearance of the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop, making it a significant milestone in her memorable journey. Created by Max Fleischer, this animated short combines live-action footage with hand-drawn animation, showcasing Betty Boop’s signature charm and flirtatious nature. Explore the beginnings of Betty Boop in “Dizzy Dishes” on YouTube.
Did you know?
Interestingly, Betty Boop started off as a dog, originally depicted as a playful representation of a French poodle.
6. “The Skeleton Dance” (1929)
Year Created: 1929
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Walt Disney Studios
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: The Disney Classics
“The Skeleton Dance” is a delightful macabre animated short produced by Walt Disney and directed by Ub Iwerks. This early Silly Symphony cartoon showcases a group of dancing skeletons, bringing humor and spooky entertainment to audiences. Enjoy the delightful “The Skeleton Dance” on Youtube.
Did you know?
“The Skeleton Dance” holds the distinction of being the inaugural installment in Disney’s acclaimed Silly Symphony series, captivating fans as a cherished Halloween-themed cartoon.
5. “Steamboat Willie” (1928)
Year Created: 1928
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Walt Disney Studios
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Disney Plus
“Steamboat Willie” stands as an iconic animated short film brought to life by the creative collaboration of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. It features the debut of Mickey Mouse, instantly becoming a cultural phenomenon. This groundbreaking film played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the animation industry by synchronizing sound and animation, setting a new standard. Experience the timeless charm of “Steamboat Willie” on Disney+.
Did you know?
Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the short film “Plane Crazy,” but it was in “Steamboat Willie” that he debuted publicly and became one of the first sound cartoons, despite being the third cartoon featuring Mickey to be produced.
4. “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” (1926)
Year Created: 1926
Country of Origin: Germany
Animation Pioneer: Lotte Reiniger
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Kozak’s Classic Cinema
Regarded as one of the oldest surviving animated feature-length films, “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” was directed by Lotte Reiniger. This enchanting silhouette animation tells the story of a prince who embarks on a magical journey to save a beautiful princess from an evil sorcerer. Explore the mesmerizing world of “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” on IMDb.
Did you know?
The style of “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” is known as silhouette animation, where cutout figures are brought to life through the captivating manipulation of light and vibrant colors, making it one of the most notable films in this unique technique.
3. “The Sinking of the Lusitania” (1918)
Year Created: 1918
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Winsor McCay
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
“The Sinking of the Lusitania” is a powerful animated documentary film directed by Winsor McCay. Depicting the tragic sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania during World War I, it portrays a harrowing historical event. McCay’s intricate hand-drawn animation brings the historical event to life, showcasing his artistic prowess and storytelling skills. Discover “The Sinking of the Lusitania” on YouTube.
Did you know?
“The Sinking of the Lusitania”, at twelve minutes, it was the longest animated film of its time.
2. “Gertie the Dinosaur” (1914)
Year Created: 1914
Country of Origin: United States
Animation Pioneer: Winsor McCay
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Created by Winsor McCay, “Gertie the Dinosaur” is widely regarded as one of the earliest examples of character animation. This charming film tells the story of a friendly dinosaur named Gertie and her interactions with McCay himself. Employing pioneering techniques of its time, it ingeniously merged hand-drawn animation with live-action footage, pushing the boundaries of the medium. Explore “Gertie the Dinosaur” on YouTube.
Did you know?
“Gertie the Dinosaur” was one of the earliest films to feature an animated character with a distinct personality and emotional range.
1. “Fantasmagorie” (1908)
Year Created: 1908
Country of Origin: France
Animation Pioneer: Émile Cohl
Still in us: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
“Fantasmagorie” holds the distinction of being the oldest animated movie ever made. French cartoonist and writer Emile Cohl created this short film, featuring a unique animation style where figures fluidly morph in and out of each other. It features line drawings printed in negative, giving the illusion of characters drawn on a chalkboard. Watch “Fantasmagorie” on YouTube.
Did you know?
Fantasmagorie” is considered the first fully animated film featuring 700 hand-drawn frames.
Final Thought
The 10 oldest animated films have made a lasting impact on the animation industry’s history.
From the groundbreaking techniques to the iconic characters they introduced, these films paved the way for the thriving animation industry we know today.
They showcase the remarkable creativity and innovation of pioneering animators, and their enduring appeal continues to captivate audiences around the world. Exploring these early animated gems provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of animation and the rich tapestry of storytelling that continues to evolve in the world of animated movies.
