All Of Your Favorite Animated '90s Movies Not Made by Disney

Clay Keller
Updated November 4, 2024 73.6K views 59 items
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Vote up the animated films that don't need the Magic Kingdom.

An era brimming with fantastical tales and vibrant characters, the '90s conjured a cornucopia of animated delights that weren’t confined to the Disney kingdom. These non-Disney animated movies captured hearts and minds, thriving with creativity and unorthodox storytelling. Often overshadowed by the enchantment of Disney, these cinematic gems offered an alternative blend of innovation and artistry. From lush, hand-drawn animation to deeply woven narratives, these films brought an unparalleled sense of wonder. They showcased that magic wasn't exclusive to Disney, unveiling a tapestry of tales that defined a generation. This spotlight on best non-Disney cartoon movies is the ideal way to reacquaint with those enchanting bits of nostalgia.

Take Anastasia, for instance, a rich and thrilling journey that dives into Russian royal folklore. Its captivating storyline combined with mesmerizing visuals and unforgettable music made it one of the best non Disney animated movies. Moving into the heart of the rainforest, FernGully: The Last Rainforest enchanted viewers with its ethereal depiction of an endangered forest. The film’s environmental message wrapped in magical lore created a lasting impression. Additionally, The Iron Giant stood out with its compelling narrative and poignant themes of friendship and self-discovery, solidifying its place as a classic among animated movies not Disney. These titles not only highlight the diversity in storytelling but also demonstrate the unique flavor these non-Disney ventures brought to the table.

By revisiting these great non Disney animated movies, it's clear they offered a refreshing divergence from the mainstream. They proved that the animation world was vast and varied, with different studios putting forth tales that resonated deeply with viewers. Whether exploring lost princesses, magical forests, or a friendship between a boy and a giant robot, these films exemplified the best non Disney animated movies, enriching the tapestry of '90s animation. Their legacy lives on, providing that there’s more than one path to creating animated masterpieces, enriching the genre with their distinct charm and imaginative prowess.

Most divisive: Once Upon A Forest
Over 5.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Best '90s Movies That Weren't Disney
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.
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  • Anastasia
    1
    Animation, Kids, Music
    1,963 votes

    Anastasia redefined the art of non-Disney animation in the '90s with its innovative blend of traditional hand-drawn characters and computer-generated effects, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Delving into the Russian folklore and history surrounding the lost princess, this beautifully crafted masterpiece presents a magical story filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure. The stunning character designs, expressive animation, and grandiose backdrops effectively bring to life the characters' emotions and the rich world they inhabit. Moreover, the film's mature themes, combined with its memorable musical score and engaging plot, elevate Anastasia from just another animated feature to an enduring classic that remains beloved today.

    • Actors: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria
    • Released: 1997
    • Directed by: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
  • FernGully: The Last Rainforest
    2
    Animation, Kids, Fantasy
    1,800 votes

    FernGully: The Last Rainforest breathed new life into environmental awareness through its captivating, vibrant animation and compelling story. Set in a magical, lush Australian rainforest, the film utilized its enchanting aesthetic to communicate the importance of preserving nature and respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems. The diverse cast of richly-designed characters, both heroes and villains, served as vehicles for imparting valuable lessons about teamwork, empathy, and the consequences of greed. By integrating these timely messages within the intricately layered narrative and breathtaking visuals, FernGully offered a rare treat that entertained and educated simultaneously, securing its place as one of the best animated films of the '90s.

    • Actors: Tim Curry, Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Jonathan Ward, Robin Williams
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Bill Kroyer
  • The Iron Giant
    3
    Animation, Kids, Adventure
    1,839 votes

    The Iron Giant emerged as a distinctive triumph within the realm of '90s animation, drawing on Cold War anxieties and exploring the complex themes of fear and friendship. Set against a nostalgic 1950s backdrop, the film's crisp, clean animation style, and inventive character designs captured a timeless, heartwarming charm that resonated with audiences of all ages. By employing a masterful blend of traditional animation techniques and cutting-edge computer technology, The Iron Giant effectively showcased the emotional journey of a young boy and the empathetic, sentient machine he befriends. This landmark film transcended genre boundaries and broke new ground in the animation field, becoming a timeless classic that is revered to this day.

    • Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick, Vin Diesel, Christopher McDonald
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Brad Bird
  • An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
    4
    Animation, Kids, Adventure
    1,576 votes

    An American Tail: Fievel Goes West boldly continued the adventures of Russian immigrant mouse Fievel Mouskewitz, capturing the spirit of the Wild West with dynamic animation and engaging storytelling. The richly detailed landscapes and colorful character designs brought forth the wonder and perils of the frontier, immersing viewers in a world filled with excitement and danger. Utilizing traditional cel animation techniques, the film vividly depicted the heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and courage in the face of adversity. With its impressive animation, catchy tunes, and memorable characters, Fievel Goes West secured a well-deserved spot among the most celebrated animated films of the '90s.

    • Actors: Phillip Glasser, James Stewart, Erica Yohn, Cathy Cavadini, John Cleese
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Phil Nibbelink, Simon Wells
  • The Prince Of Egypt
    5
    Animation, Kids, Music
    1,731 votes

    The Prince of Egypt brought the biblical tale of Moses to life with groundbreaking visuals and a grand narrative scope, showcasing the immense power of animation. Utilizing both traditional hand-drawn and computer-generated techniques, the film artfully captures the splendor of ancient Egypt, conveying the epic story with stunning detail and emotion. From the masterful character designs to the awe-inspiring rendering of the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, the animation elevates the film to a truly cinematic experience. This ambitious undertaking proved that animation could tackle weighty subject matter with elegance and gravitas, solidifying its spot as one of the best animated films of the '90s.

    • Actors: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
  • Balto
    6
    Animation, Kids, Adventure
    1,502 votes

    Balto captivated audiences with its awe-inspiring portrayal of the true story of a heroic sled dog's journey through the Alaskan wilderness. The film's lush, sweeping animation evokes the harsh beauty of the tundra, masterfully conveying the perils faced by both human and animal characters in the race against time. With its rich, distinct character designs and emotive storytelling, Balto pushed the boundaries of animation to create a thrilling and heartwarming adventure. This unforgettable cinematic achievement remains a testament to the power of animation to bring history and legend to life, earning its place in the pantheon of '90s animated classics.

    • Actors: Miriam Margolyes, Lola Bates-Campbell, Kevin Bacon, Bob Hoskins, Bridget Fonda
    • Released: 1995
    • Directed by: Simon Wells