10 Animated Films That Aren't Kid-Friendly: Think Twice Before Hitting Play

1. "The Secret of NIMH" (1982)

Once upon a downbeat town, there existed Mrs. Brisby, a mouse widow. But don't be fooled by that last name, there's nothing 'brisk' about her life. Why? Her kid is sick, and the farmer's plowing is imminent. Moving day, if you catch my drift?

So, what's a mouse to do? She seeks the knowledge of the genetically altered rats from NIMH. You heard me right, folks. Science rats. The stakes? Elevated. A tragic backstory of lab rats, plans of escape, and one mouse's courage.

2. "Watership Down" (1978)

Oh boy, here we go. Rabbits. Not the fluffy carrot-eating kind you're thinking of. Picture a brave bunny, Hazel. He's got this vibe, like he's seen things, man. After some creepy psychic dreams from his bro, Fiver, he's convinced the warren's doomed.

Road trip! Destination: promised land. But cue the drama – rival rabbit gangs, terrifying visions, and survival fights. Nature's Game of Thrones? Maybe. Leave your innocence at the door for this one.

3. "Song of the Sea" (2014)

Step into a Celtic dream, will ya? There's Ben and there's Saoirse. Siblings. But here's the kicker: Saoirse is a selkie. You know, those creatures that shift from seals to humans?

Ben, skeptical and slightly annoyed older brother (aren't they all?), embarks on a whimsical journey to save her voice and the spirit world. Folktales, heartbreaking songs, magical realism. Hey, ever wanted to confront your feelings with surreal animation? Dive in.

4. "Mary and Max" (2009)

Across the vast ocean, an unlikely friendship blossoms. Picture this: Mary, an Australian girl, lonely, outcasted, picks a name from an American phone book. Enter Max, an old, obese New Yorker with Asperger's. And through letters, life happens.

Can two pen pals, decades apart, bridge the chasm of human experience? Well, with a touch of claymation, a sprinkle of dark comedy, and heaps of genuine emotion, this film asks: is life just a series of tragicomedies?

5. "Persepolis" (2007)

Ahhh, memoirs. Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel gets animated, and boy, does it dazzle. We're talking the Iranian Revolution, but through the eyes of a rock 'n' roll-loving young girl.

Between East and West, she struggles, matures, rebels. Political oppression? Check. Personal exploration? Check. Animated? You bet. A tale of resilience, sandwiched between historical upheavals and punk music. Food for thought, no?

6. "The Red Turtle" (2016)

Silence. That's the hallmark of this masterpiece. No dialogues. Just pure, unadulterated storytelling. A man, a deserted island, and a red turtle.

Simple? Think again. Every time our man tries to escape, that darn turtle sabotages him. Frustration, acceptance, love, and transformation follow. It's a Studio Ghibli production, so you're already in for a treat. Nature or fate? Whichever side you're on, this is visual poetry.

7. "Ernest & Celestine" (2012)

Bear meets mouse. Sounds typical, right? But in their world, it's a societal no-no. Ernest, the bear, and Celestine, the mouse, defy all odds (and laws) to form an unlikely duo. Two outcasts, one destiny. Adventures? Plenty. Criminal charges? Yep, they rack up a few.

Through snow, music, and pastel drawings, this tale tells us: sometimes, society's rules are made to be broken.

8. "Felidae" (1994)

Cats! But not the "sing and dance" type. No, sir. We have a murder mystery on our paws. Francis, a feline detective, lands in a new neighborhood, and wouldn't you know, cat corpses start popping up.

Dark, gritty, with a splash of German existentialism. I mean, when was the last time you saw a noir thriller with cats? Innovation or insanity? Your call.

9. "Fantastic Planet" (1973)

Aliens? Check. Humans as pets? Double check. Welcome to the world of Draags and Oms. The Oms, oppressed humans, plot against their gigantic alien overlords.

It's sci-fi, meets social commentary, meets French avant-garde. Oh, and throw in some mind-bending animation. Ever felt the weight of society pressing down on you, all while floating in a weirdly animated universe? No? Here's your chance.

10. "Kubo and the Two Strings" (2016)

Strumming on the strings of destiny, young Kubo embarks on a journey to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father.

Armed with a magical shamisen (that's a musical instrument, in case you were scratching your head) and accompanied by a monkey and a beetle, he battles the Moon King and evil spirits. Stop-motion at its finest, folks. A symphony of visuals and emotions. Ever thought an epic could come out of playing an instrument? Think again.