Animated films always have a way of making everybody, regardless of age, excited. Currently, there is a whole world of cartoons that have stellar stories and brilliant animations, thanks to the advancement in technology. However, the good-old animated films of the 1970s strike a different code as the colors, the storylines, and the characters are quite different from the ones produced today. In fact, these cartoon films can be quite nostalgic as they have the ability to take you back to a time when animated movies include artists experimenting with different technologies like CGI. So, yes, they are not exactly perfect nor do they burst in bright and vivid colors like the ones we have today, but they do contain some heartwarming stories and beloved characters.
Here is a list of some of the best animated films of the 1970s that you might want to revisit again just to get a sense of the old-fashioned cartoon styles. They might pique an interest in the young generations of the present, as they have the much seeked out “vintage” aspect. Moreover, some of these characters have been revamped in different films and cartoons today. Seeing their old versions might give you an idea of their origins.
15 The Aristocats (1970)
Decades later, this Disney animated film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Disney fans. The Aristocats was the first Disney film to be “completely made” after Walt Disney’s death. However, he did approve the film’s production before he departed in 1966. Unlike many other films of the 1970s, The Aristocats look modern and have strong characters. In fact, Marie, the middle child of the cat family, is seen as one strong female lead. Funnily enough, the film was inspired by the true story of a Parisian family of cats that existed in the 1910s and went on to inherit a large fortune.
14 Snoopy, Come Home (1972)
As the title suggests, this particular film, which is a part of the infamous Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, follows the story of how Snoopy says farewell to Charlie Brown and friends after finding his original owner, Lila. Snoopy decides to live with her, only to find out that the building has a “No Dogs Allowed” policy. Ultimately, Snoopy ends up returning to Charlie Brown. This particular film can be quite emotional as there are a lot of goodbyes. It also gives the viewers a glimpse of Snoopy’s origins, making it one unique film in Peanuts. Moreover, the simple animations are a delight to the eyes and remind one of the simplicity of what cartoons used to be.
13 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
With a rating of 100% on the tomatometer, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a must-watch for any Pooh-lover. The film is not your ordinary animated movie, as it is a combination of three stories of the original materials of A. A. Milne. By linking Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree, Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day and Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too and adding some additional scenes, the film has created one cohesive storyline that focuses on different messages like friendship, identity and helpfulness. Humor is evoked through the characters’ interaction with the unseen narrator.
12 Charlotte’s Web (1973)
Yet another beautiful and heartwarming story about friendship, Charlotte’s Web takes a unique direction in using farm animals to send some powerful messages to the viewers. The story’s focus on Wilbur’s life and attempt at trying to save himself from slaughtering with the help of the brilliant and intelligent Charlotte comes off as a reminder of the preciousness of animal lives. The ending is sure to make the viewers sad, but the film overall is a warm companion to anyone needing a friend or feeling lonely. Charlotte’s Web is also a story that is important to adults as it is to children.
11 Robin Hood (1973)
Disney’s version of Robin Hood might be quite different from the English folk tale which acts as the source material for this specific film, but it still goes on to capture the importance of the hero we know, Robin Hood. The film, rather than using human characters, converts the folk tale’s heroes to animals, with a fox taking over the role of Robin Hood and a bear taking over Little John. What makes this film perfect for children (and adults) is that it captures the historical context of the reign of King Richard, in turn, keeping in par with the timeline. The film does exaggerate and oversimplifies things to make it easy for children to access. But, this only makes it more entertaining.
10 The Rescuers (1977)
Even though The Rescuers received criticism following the inclusion of an image of a “topless woman” during the scene where Bianca and Bernard fly through the city in a sardine tin, the film is still a beautiful portrayal of a simple story of helping those in need of help. By resembling the organizations that come to the aid of victims of abduction and displacement, the film simplifies activism for young viewers. Thus, it, in a way, caters to the creation of good Samaritans. Moreover, by having two mice from different backgrounds as the protagonists, the film reminds us that neither size nor one’s social status matter when it comes to helping others.
9 A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Yet another Peanuts special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is all about educating the viewers about the true spirit of Thanksgiving and what it truly means. By using the opportunity to emphasize the fact that Thanksgiving is not about fancy meals and big feasts, this particular film tries to bring to light the importance of being thankful for each other during the season. In fact, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving would be a perfect Thanksgiving film for the family, which will allow the children to understand the essence of the holiday and how it is supposed to be not materialistic.
8 The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
For anyone who wants to get an idea of the old stop-motion animations, this would be the perfect film. The Year Without a Santa Claus might not have the smooth-running stop-motions of the present day, nor does it have phenomenal visual effects, but it is one cheering film that is ideal for the holiday season. As the title suggests, the film focuses on a disheartened and ill Santa Claus, who decides to cancel Christmas. But, like any other Christmas movie, the film ends with a jolly Santa jumping to celebrate Christmas. What makes this film unique is the fact that unlike most Santa Claus films, where he livens up the people, The Year WIthout a Santa Claus focuses on others livening up Santa. It is refreshing to see a more humane Santa.
7 The Hobbit (1977)
Before Peter Jackson’s film series, The Hobbit, there was an animated film based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s 1937 novel. The film attempts to stay close to the novel and includes the key elements necessary, like the characters. However, for Tolkien fans and lovers of The Hobbit film series, this animated version might be too simple. In fact, The Hobbit might be the perfect film to introduce Tolkien’s famous stories to kids. It is the perfect chill watch one would look for and is definitely quite contrary to the Jackson films. Nonetheless, the animated film might be an easy watch for anyone looking for Tolkien in the cartoon world.
6 Fantastic Planet (1973)
An animated film for adults that depicts a very important message. Fantastic Planet is a great example of how cartoons can be used to portray important messages for adults. The film might focus on a conflict between a tyrannical group of aliens who are controlling humans and humans who are revolting for their freedom, but when analyzed closely, it illustrates the issues of racism, othering, dictatorship, minority vs. majority, and also animal rights. In so many ways, Traags, the blue humanoids, represent us and our dark side. However, the film is definitely not for those who expect brilliant animations. Nonetheless, the storyline makes it worth a watch.
5 Watership Down (1978)
Based on Richard Adam’s 1972 novel, this particular film can be quite distressing to watch. In fact, it is hard to consider Watership Down as a children’s movie. The film’s portrayal of death and the grotesque images containing blood might come off as harsh and brutal but Martin Rosen, one of the two directors, posed the argument “Is there something about death you don’t want children to know about? It’s going to happen to us all” when questioned by censors in Sweden.
Interestingly, many have tried to assign different meanings to the film by regarding it as an allegory for communism or that it was influenced by Nazi Germany. But, according to Adams, it was simply a story he spun when his children asked for a story. Thus, Watership Down might come off as a complex film, but it breaks down the harsh truth about life and acts as a bridge between childhood and adulthood, in turn, making it a brilliant portrayal of reality told through the lens of animals.
4 Taro The Dragon Boy (1979)
Japanese folk tales are always fascinating and have something important to say. Taro the Dragon Boy is an animated film based on such a folk tale that follows a little lazy boy who is suddenly granted magical powers. If you are looking for a film to motivate your kids (or even yourself) or to teach them about the importance of helping, then this is the perfect one. The animation itself is visually pleasing, especially since it is on par with the Japanese aesthetic. Taro’s journey in finding his mother is also a beautiful take on the mother-son relationship. However, what is interesting is Taro making amends for his mother’s past flaws. It allows the young character to come off as a strong and smart leader, in turn, setting a good example for the viewers.
3 Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
With a 95% rating on the tomatometer, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is regarded as an anime classic. In fact, for lovers of Studio Ghibli, this particular film is a must-watch. The reason is that the director, Hayao Miyazaki, is one of the founders of Studio Ghibli. The animations, thus, have a subtle similarity. Moreover, the protagonist, Lupin III, is somewhat of a hybrid between Robin Hood and James Bond. Not only is he a thief with morals, but he also ends up saving the day. Another remarkable fact about this character is that he is the descendant of Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin. Viewers of Netflix’s Lupin might find this movie fascinating.
2 Galaxy Express 999 (1979)
What makes Galaxy Express 999 different from other sci-fi animated films is that it includes a large group of different characters and also, different planets. As Tetsuro joins Maetel as they board the 999 to embark on a journey to different planets. Each stop teaches Tetsuro something different and thus, the film focuses on this particular character’s growth. Tetsuro might have boarded the train with vengeance in his mind but at the end, he proves to be a savior. The animation itself might not be remarkable and might not do justice to the vivid storylines, but given the year of its production, the creators have done a brilliant job. It might come off as vintage for some.
1 The Cat in the Hat (1971)
There might have been different adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s infamous book, but this particular version might be one of the best. Hawley Pratt’s The Cat in the Hat is simple, and attempts to keep on par with Dr. Seuss’s storyline while bringing in the colors to the big screen. The film is quite entertaining as it takes the viewer on a weird but exciting journey. In a way, the two kids might resemble the viewers themselves. Thus, the Cat’s entrance to the kids’ house can be seen as his entrance to the viewer’s world. The film is chaotic and humorous and is a perfect watch for a rainy day.