Owen and I recently shared our top five favourite animation features of all time and now we are sharing our favourite shorts. This list was equally as difficult to curate. But guys, I only went and bloomin’ did it.
Expect more nostalgia. Expect more favourites and probably some disappointment... So in no particular order here they are.
1. Lava
Pixar’s shorts are all brilliant but this one gets me every single damn time. Its sweet and musically beautiful plus such a wonderfully mythological retelling of a destructive/creative
cyclical geological phenomenon. It's great for practicing your harmonising skills too.
2. Wallace and Gromit a Grand Day Out
Wallace and Gromit are a staple from my childhood. I chose ‘A Grand Day Out’ as it is the first Wallace and Gromit I remember seeing. It shows such animation prowess as well as being hilarious and a bit creepy. I love that about the whole franchise. This cute and hilarious vibe with a vein of sinister running through it. Stunningly British.
3. Animatrix - Matriculated
I am a massive matrix nerd. I bloody love it. The Animatrix as a whole is something I only recently saw though and I was blown away by the episode ‘Matriculated’
It’s the one where they collectively delve into consciousness to sway the minds of the machines that are captured. It is devastatingly beautiful to look at, philosophically stimulating and just drop dead brilliant.
4. Silly Symphony - Three Little Pigs
This is another short from the annals of my childhood. I remember seeing it at the end of a film? The old Disney VHS’s used to come with shorts and this was one of them. Great classic animation, music and just a fuzzy warmth is felt on remembering this one. It was embroiled in some anti-Semitic representation which I do not condone in any form I hasten to add.
5. Looney Tunes Wile E Coyote and Road Runner
I know, I know this one is cheating BUT the Looney Tunes again were such a massive part of growing up and for some reason I still can’t explain Roadrunner and Coyote were always my favourite by a long way. The scenery is so beautiful, the antics always tickled me. On reflection there is something reassuringly calming about it. Odd, I know.
So there you have it. My Top 5 Favourite Shorts of all time! What do you think? Agree or disagree let us know!
Keep an eye out for Owen's coming soon.