Movies starring or centering around animals who can talk have been popular for both children and adults since the earliest years of film. They have won many awards, spawned sequels and television shows, and have even set industry records. The following films are the most beloved, memorable and, in most cases, high-quality talking animal films created.
1. Babe (1995)
An Australian film starring a young, naive pig who dares to dream of being a sheep-dog, Babe was a box office success when it first debuted. More notably, it was nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. It won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. James Cromwell as Babe's "boss" Farmer Hoggett gave a rich, human aspect to this unforgettably inspiring film.
2. The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King was produced during the 1989-1999 decade that has become known as the "Disney Renaissance," and rightfully so. This beautifully animated feature, based in no small part off of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, was a box office sensation, and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture - Musical or Comedy. Its musical score went on to become a best-selling soundtrack and Oscar winner.
3. Bambi (1942)
A true Disney classic, this animated feature won the hearts of viewers along with 3 Academy awards for its beautiful score. Bambi is a remarkably tragic film for an animated feature of its era. Nonetheless, its warm-hearted title character and dazzling forestry scenes helped to make it one of Walt Disney's crowning achievements.
4. The Dogville Comedy Shorts (1929-1931)
These little-known parodies spoofed famous films during the Depression using dogs dressed as humans and voice-dubbing. The humor is silly and obvious, but such was entertainment during the Depression, and these shorts films are a classic example of low-cost production during that era. While the dogs appear at times to be uncomfortable in their surroundings, their treatment as movie stars was likely much better than that of most Depression-era dogs. Of particular comedic value are the spoofs The Dogway Melody and So Quiet on the Canine Front.
5. Finding Nemo (2003)
Winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature was only one of the many successes of Finding Nemo. It was also a worldwide box office hit and became an instant children's favorite. Ellen DeGeneres as Dory backed by one of the best animation teams in the world tell a great story about the father/son bond and the tension between humans and animals attempting to thrive together.
6. Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Even though Lady and the Tramp is an animated feature, it plays out as a classic romance film, and is remembered as such. The music, casting and storyline of this film cement it not only as a great animal story, but as a great love story.
7. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
Based on the 1963 film The Incredible Journey, Homeward Bound entertained children and adults alike when it debuted successfully in 1993. Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, and Don Ameche highlight the film as the voices of Chance, Sassy, and Shadow. Homeward Bound is now known for its humor, strong animal characterizations, and ability to convey deep emotion even though most of the dialogue is dubbed.
8. Ratatouille (2007)
Ratatouille was a hit with children when it debuted, particularly in France, where the film took place. Besides winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it speaks volumes about prejudice and reflects the growing slow food movement of its era.
9. Milo and Otis (1989)
Using a perfect formula, Milo and Otis stars a dog and a cat, two of the most beloved animals in the world. It has become a classic children's film due to its moral lesson on the importance of deep friendship and its incredibly cute characters. The film has been the subject of many animal rights abuse allegations. While none of the charges have been proven, and are not likely to be proven years after the filming, rumors still remain. But so does Milo and Otis at #9.
10. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Successful sequels and re-releases prove the lasting popularity of this Disney classic. A box office success, its style mimics Lady and the Tramp, a previous Disney hit revolving around the dog world. It was the first Disney animated film set in a contemporary setting.
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