Animation has long been considered a genre aimed primarily at children. However, over the last few decades, we have witnessed the rise of animated films that not only captivate the little ones, but also offer complex, mature and deep storiescapable of touching the darkest themes of human existence, politics, philosophy and society. Below, we present some of the best animated movies for adultswhich not only explore new forms of visual storytelling, but also challenge the conventions of traditional cinema.
1. “Akira” (1988) – Katsuhiro Ōtomo
Genre: Sci-fi, action, cyberpunk
Synopsis: Akira is a masterpiece of Japanese animation and one of the greatest exponents of the science fiction genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the film follows Kaneda y Tetsuotwo young men from a gang in the city of Neo-Tokyo, as they face a series of supernatural events triggered by Tetsuo’s psychic power. The film addresses themes such as power, corruption, identity and government control.
Why see it: The animation is visually stunning, and the story is a Deep reflection on humanity, violence and the limits of power. Akira greatly influenced Western animated cinema and remains a key piece in cult cinema.
2. “Persepolis” (2007) – Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
Genre: Drama, biography, war
Synopsis: Based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane SatrapiPersepolis tells the story of a girl growing up in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. Through her eyes, we explore the impact of politics and war on the daily life and identity of a young woman.
Why see it: Persepolis uses a unique black and white animation style to tell a deeply emotional and political story. The film addresses themes such as exile, oppression and the fight for freedom, showing the complexity of life in a totalitarian regime. It is one of the most mature animated films and aware of the social and political realities of the world.
3. “Anomalisa” (2015) – Charlie Kaufman y Duke Johnson
Genre: Drama, black comedy, psychological
Synopsis: Anomalisa is a reflection on alienation and existential dissatisfaction. The story follows Michael Stonea middle-aged man trapped in a monotonous routine, who begins to perceive everyone else as identical people until he meets Lisa, a woman who seems different. this movie stop-motion explores themes such as despair, identity and the search for meaning.
Why see it: The film is a work of art both in terms of animation and narrative. The animation of dolls stop-motion brings a unique emotional depth, while the script, written by Charlie Kaufmanis an introspective study of the human mind and the inability to genuinely connect with others. Anomalisa is a meditation on modern loneliness and the midlife crisis.
4. “Spirited Away” (2001) – Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy, adventure
Synopsis: One of the most emblematic films of Studio GhibliSpirited Away follows a girl named Chihiro who, after being trapped in a parallel world inhabited by spirits and supernatural creatures, must find a way to save her parents and return to the real world. Through her journey, Chihiro experiences a profound personal transformation.
Why see it: Although Spirited Away may initially seem like a film aimed at children, its exploration of themes such as loss, resilience, greed and personal growth resonates powerfully with adults. The film’s symbolic richness and emotional complexity make it a universally appreciated masterpiece.
5. “Fritz the Cat” (1972) – Ralph Bakshi
Genre: Comedy, satire, adult animation
Synopsis: Fritz the Cat is one of the first animated films with content explicitly adult. Based on the comics Robert Crumbfollows Fritz, an anthropomorphic cat navigating life in a chaotic city filled with sex, drugs, and political strife. The film is a satire on the counterculture of the 60s and 70s in the United States.
Why see it: This film broke taboos at the time, becoming the first animated film to receive an X rating. Fritz the Cat is a mix of comedy, social criticism and reflection on the youth culture of the time. Even today, it remains an example of experimental and subversive animation.
6. “Waking Life” (2001) – Richard Linklater
Genre: Philosophical, experimental, drama
Synopsis: Waking Life is a rotoscopic animated film that follows a young man as he experiences a series of philosophical dreams. Every conversation you have with strangers in these dreams addresses topics such as reality, perception, free will, and the meaning of life.
Why see it: This is a deeply philosophical film that challenges our perception of reality and invites us to reflect on our existence. The rotoscopic animation, which gives a dreamlike and surreal visual style, perfectly complements the film’s complex existential dialogues.
