Filmmakers Reveal Their Top Cartoon Picks From the '70s: From "The Lord of the Rings" to "The Rescuers"

The top cartoons and animated films from the 1970s were marked by innovation and exploration. This piece features insights from contemporary animators and directors who reminisce about the animation trends of that era which left a significant impact.

In the 1970s, fantasy and science fiction films saw an upsurge in popularity and excitement, with animation offering a vibrant, diverse, and creative platform for both genres.

The experimentation within the feature film genre was also prominent during the 1970s animation era, exemplified by works such as "Belladonna of Sadness" from 1973, which showcases an mature perspective.

In France, genres and experimental styles merged successfully in a science fiction film that remains highly acclaimed. Meanwhile, in China, "Nezha Conquers the Dragon King," which blends anime with Chinese Communist propaganda, achieved significant success. This reflects the ongoing legacy and cultural heritage of animation in China as seen in their latest release, "Ne Zha 2." the globe's highest-grossing animated film ).

As experimental animation thrived, the creation of family-oriented animated films persisted. In the UK, a specific animated feature was made and quickly turned into a timeless classic, remaining popular for nearly five decades. Meanwhile, in Japan, anime production kept expanding, marking the entrance of Hayao Miyazaki into this realm (check out our guide to the). best anime movies ).

Here you can find out which animated movies from the 1970s experts regard as top picks; however, for deeper analysis, check out our feature articles on this topic. top animated shows from the 1960s and the top boxes from the 1950s .

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01. Fantastic Planet (1973)

(Argos Films, 1973)

Set in the future, this French animated movie stands out due to its creative visual approach and how it employs animation to deliver sharp observations about society. According to animation writer Andrew Osmond, the film features a "flat illustrative style" along with trippy imagery.

Rene Laloux directed this movie that narrates the struggle against tyranny. The medium of animation truly lends itself well to symbolism and fables, doesn’t it?

According to Dr. Chris Holliday, an animation scholar at King’s College London and member of the Fantasy/Animation Research Network: "Fantastic Planet utilizes animation's potential for visual allegory and metaphor as a crucial aspect of its political impact. The assembly of blue humanoid figures inhabiting surreal Daliesque environments brimming with symbolic visuals does not detract from or weaken its storyline about brutal political suppression; instead, it reinforces the film's critical message unequivocally."

The widespread use of psychedelic surrealism in "Fantastic Planet" enhances its hints at the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, making them even more thought-provoking. As Laloux and Topor leverage the potential of animated portrayals, they effectively reinforce their anti-fascist stance.

02. Watership Down

(Nepenthe Films, 1977)

Based on Richard Adams' eponymous novel, Watership Down has undoubtedly emerged as a classic and was created during a time when British animation was relatively dormant.

John Hubley, the movie's initial director, was taken off the project due to his slow-down in production speed as he delved into excessive experimental work.

Dr. Catherine Lester, an animation specialist from the University of Birmingham’s Department of Film and Creative Writing, comments on the distinctive environmental aspects of "Watership Down," noting that its "employment of color reaches a peak during scenes of peril and discomfort, with bizarre, nightmarish visuals disrupting the otherwise subdued tones of the natural setting."

03. The Rescuers

(Disney Animation Studios, 1977)

An important Disney animated film released during the decade following Walt Disney's passing, The Rescuers gained popularity among audiences.

Adapted from Margery Sharp’s book titled "The Rescuers: A Fantasy," this film follows two mouse operatives, Bernard and Bianca, part of an organization known as the Rescue Aid Society. Their mission takes them deep into the bayous where they must save a young girl called Penny from being held captive by the notorious Madam Medusa.

The movie featuring personified mice upholds the legacy of Disney animated films. The Rescuers highlighted the artistic skills of several of Disney’s 'Nine Old Men,' including Frank Thomas, Wolfgang Reitherman, John Lounsbery, Milt Kahl, and Ollie Johnston, all nearing the ends of their distinguished careers.

04. Wizards

(Ralph Bakshi, 1977)

"Wizards" came out in February 1977 and depicted a post-apocalyptic tale involving warring wizards who use both magic and technology. Undoubtedly, Ralph Bakshi considered it an anti-war movie.

Here is Chris Kirshbaum, the Animation Director at DNEG Animation , sharing his insights on Wizards: "While most of my peers were obsessed with Star Wars during our childhood, I was far more captivated by the fantasy and science fiction elements in Ralph Bakshi's 'Wizards.'"

He goes on to say, "This film was the first one that truly shaped my preferences for animation and cinema, and I've remained captivated by similar works ever since. To those of us who found conventional popular content too tame, Bakshi resonated with our bolder sensibilities and showed us that there existed more beyond the realm of Disney."

For Dr. Alexander Sargeant, the Deputy Course Leader for BA Film at Westminster University, stated: "Bakshi’s Wizards is akin to a punk rock band performing an opera."

Alexander notes, "This work emerged amid a surge of countercultural sentiments prevalent across American society, influencing its narrative, characters, and animation style. Rather than adopting classical and romantic aesthetics akin to his forebearers such as Walt Disney, Bakshi intentionally crafts a universe that appears ready to collapse at any moment."

05. The Lord of the Rings

(Warner Bros / United Artists / Ralph Bakshi, 1979)

Following Wizards, Ralph Bakshi directed an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring along with the initial portion of The Two Towers. However, no subsequent movie was made to complete the rest of Tolkien’s monumental story.

Chris Kirshbaum, the Animation Director at DNEG Animation, shares about the film, stating, "Wizards first ignited my artistic path, followed by The Lord of the Rings which served as the link connecting my passions for literature, animation, and visual arts. This film cemented my enduring affection for fantastical animated works."

He comments, "Even though it might appear outdated by modern standards, this version was groundbreaking when it first appeared. 'The Lord of the Rings' sat at the intersection of science fiction, fantasy, art, and cinema, serving as my initial realization of the vast potential that animated films can achieve."

06. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro

Directed and co-written by Hayao Miyazaki in his first venture into directing a full-length movie, Lupin III draws inspiration from a beloved manga series. This iconic protagonist finds himself included in our list. top anime characters to sketch .

The movie centers around Lupin III's pursuit to track down the origin of fake currency that he pilfered from a casino. Packed with action scenes and featuring dynamic character animations, the film remains a timeless action favorite.

Miyazaki proceeded with numerous additional successful, stunning, and accolade-filled animated movies such as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Princess Mononoke," and one from 2023. The Lad and the Heron .

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