Many animated films throughout the years have been associated with the media giant that is Disney. But not all cartoons come from the House of Mouse. Universal Pictures has been a part of the animated movie landscape in conjunction with studios like Amblin Entertainment.
Other independent studios like Nest Family Entertainment have also added to the childhood canon of beloved animated films. The director, who most often brought such nostalgic movies to life was Don Bluth. While he is not a household name, his movies are known across the board. Here are 10 animated films you forgot about that are not Disney.
We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story (1993)
Time-traveling scientist Captain New Eyes takes a time machine to the era of dinosaurs and feeds them his Brain Grain concoction. The formula increases the dinosaurs’ intelligence, which leads to a species of nonviolent creatures.
Captain New Eyes brings the dinosaurs back to his time to meet Dr. Bleeb and make Louie and Cecilia’s dreams come true. But along the way, the Captian’s evil brother Professor Screw Eyes gets a hold of the dinosaurs and takes them for nefarious purposes. It’s up to the kids to save them.
An American Tail (1986)
While emigrating from Russia to America, Fievel Mouskewitz gets separated from his family. His family fled to America to run from the cats that plagued Russia and hunted them. Fievel soon finds that America is not without its own vicious cats and must navigate his new world while avoiding the terror of his family’s natural enemies.
But relations between the species are not all they seem as Fievel befriends a cat named Tiger who helps him reunite with his family. The movie’s success led to its sequel, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West.
Balto (1995)
Following the escapades of an outcast canine that’s half dog and half wolf, Balto proves your bloodlines do not define who you are, but they do inform it. When the kids in Nome, Alaska come down with an epidemic case of diphtheria, it’s up to the local sled team to get through the brutal winter to deliver the medicine.
But Steel and his crew get lost and injured. Balto must embrace the part of himself he’s always denied to become the best version of himself to save them and the kids of Nome.
Swan Princess (1994)
Prince Derek and Princess Odette start as annoyed children who cannot stand one another. As they get older though, they fall in love. But Prince Derek missteps when he can’t define why he loves Odette beyond her beauty.
After they argue, the princess runs off and is caught by the evil Lord Rothbart, a sorcerer with a vendetta against her father, the king. He curses her to a half-life in which she turns into a swan by night. Derek must dig deep and find why he loves Odette to save her.
Thumbelina (1994)
Thumbelina believes she is the only person in the world like her, the size of her thumb. She loves her mother but longs to find a world she belongs in, with others her size. The prince of the fairies comes along and shows her that such a world exists.
She gets swept up in the romance of a fairy prince, but that leads to misadventures. A family of toads kidnaps her and wants to marry her to their son while a creepy beetle wants her to dance for his club.
The Pebble and the Penguin (1995)
Hubie plans to propose to his chosen mate at the pebble festival, but when he finally gets the nerve to present her with a pebble, his nemesis Drake shoves him out of the way and sends Hubie spiraling into a series of mishaps. A ship picks him up and takes him away from his home.
Here, he meets Rocko who agrees to help him return home in time to present his pebble or else lose his chance at love forever. Meanwhile, Rocko deals with his distant dreams of flying somewhere sunny.
The Prince of Egypt (1998)
The biblical tale starring the voices of Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes and Michelle Pfeiffer is a fan favorite that many often think is Disney, but is DreamWorks Animation, a Universal-owned company. The Prince of Egypt tells the classic story of the orphan Moses taken in by the royal family.
When he finds he is born of the people his adopted family enslaves Moses must decide which side is the right side of history. Choosing the Hebrew people means betraying his brother Ramses II, whom he adores. It’s a beautiful film with iconic music.
The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Another DreamWorks Animation film, The Road to El Dorado tells the story of Spaniards searching for the City of Gold. Con artists Tulio and Miguel get there first and are mistaken for gods. At first, they indulge in the status and enjoy the riches they receive.
But the situation gets real when they’re called upon to protect the people from the invading Cortes and the conquistadors. Meanwhile, a magic practitioner of the tribe discovers they’re mortal. Miguel and Tulio get in over their heads.
The Land Before Time (1988)
There are several sequels to this movie, but the original film of the ’80s tells the story of brontosaurus Little Foot as he tries to find the Great Valley after being orphaned. He and his friends traverse the dangerous terrain of the Earth and dodge run-ins with T-Rexes to make it to a utopian land where all dinosaurs live in peace.
As the planet undergoes chaotic changes with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Little Foot, Cera, Petrie, Ducky and Spike learn to take care of each other and work as a team.
A Troll in Central Park (1994)
Stanley is a kind and friendly troll happily living as a subject of the troll kingdom, enjoying the flowers when the mean Queen banishes him. She sends him to New York City, a place she thinks nothing natural and green can grow.
While there, Stanley makes friends with Gus and Rosie, two young kids who need reminding of how magical the world is. The Queen gets wind of his adventures and takes matters into her own hands, seeking to turn everything in New York City to stone.
