Animated films that triumphed at the box office and their unforgettable soundtracks
Animated films have captivated entire generations over time with their exciting stories, endearing characters, unforgettable messages, and, above all, their soundtracks.
From the earliest short films in the early days of cinema to today's blockbusters, music in animated films has played an essential role, creating iconic anthems that live on in our memories.
What was the first animated film?
If we talk about animated films, we can't help but mention the first feature-length film ever released. This film we're talking about is none other than Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), produced by Walt Disney. This project was pioneering, not only for its innovative animation technique at the time, but also for its moving soundtrack. Who can resist singing the iconic "Ay ho!" with the dwarves on their way to work in the mine today?
The highest-grossing animated films in history
However, we'll have to fast-forward a few decades to discover the films that would go on to box office success. These feature films stand out for both their spectacular visuals and their impressive scores, and many of them are in our FSO repertoire! The Lion King, Frozen, The Incredibles, Minions… All of these films have broken box office records and moved millions thanks to their songs and soundtracks.
What was Disney's highest-grossing animated film?
But let's close the circle a little more, because without a doubt, when we talk about animation, the first thing that comes to mind is the giant "Walt Disney." Disney's highest-grossing animated film is Frozen II (2019), grossing over $1.4 billion worldwide. A TON OF MONEY! No wonder, with songs like “Let It Go,” commercial success was guaranteed.
How is music used in animated films?
We can't forget that in animation, even more so than in conventional cinema, music plays a vitally important role as an additional narrative element. It helps convey emotions, define characters, and give strength to key moments in the film.
Composers work to integrate the scores with the story the film tells in order to evoke emotions in viewers and ensure that the scenes remain etched in our memories.
Importance of music in animated films
Music in animated films plays a very special role, as it is able to immediately connect with the audience and enhance the magic of cinema. Can you imagine the dance in the great hall in Beauty and the Beast without that melody accompanying them?
Soundtracks not only enrich the viewing experience, but they also become symbols of the films. You may not remember how a particular scene progresses, but you're sure to sing or hum the melody by heart.
The best animated film soundtracks
This is a tricky point, because if we were to choose, any soundtrack would be the best! It's incredibly hard for us to choose, but we'll talk about a few that are among the best, and which, of course, we always include in our repertoire whenever possible: The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast either Aladdin, whose compositions bear the signature of great masters such as Alan Menken (take advantage and read our post about Alan Menken, you'll love it!).
But we also love the soundtracks of more modern films, like those of Coconut either How to Train Your Dragon, which demonstrate how music remains an essential pillar of animated cinema.
Where can you enjoy the music from the best animated films?
As we've already mentioned throughout this post, we're big fans of animated films, and that's why we couldn't resist dedicating an entire tour to the soundtracks of the films that have captivated us for generations.
