If you love animated animals, there’s a rich trove beyond the usual studio hits worth seeking out. Several films — spanning decades and international studios — pair memorable animal characters with striking animation and themes that stick with you long after the credits roll.
Hidden gems to stream or rent
Here are six titles that animation fans and families should consider adding to their rotation. Each offers a distinctive tone, from quiet, dialogue-free storytelling to emotionally intense, adult-orientated fare.
- Balto (1995) — A drama inspired by real events, following a wolf-dog who undertakes a perilous journey through the Alaskan wild to deliver medicine.
- Flow (2024) — The Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature; a largely wordless tale about a black cat navigating a flooded world alongside unlikely animal companions.
- The Plague Dogs (1982) — Adapted from Richard Adams’ novel, this is an emotionally intense story about two dogs escaping an animal testing lab and learning to survive in the countryside.
- The Red Turtle (2016) — Produced with involvement from Studio Ghibli, this dialogue-free film explores a shipwrecked man whose life is transformed by an encounter with a mysterious red turtle.
- The Secret of NIMH (1982) — A richly detailed, cult animated adventure centred on Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse fighting to save her family.
- Wolfwalkers (2020) — Set in 17th-century Ireland, this visually arresting film follows a young apprentice as she discovers a world where humans and wolves have a deeper connection.
Why these films matter
Beyond entertainment value, these titles probe subjects such as courage, identity, trust and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Some rely on minimal or no dialogue, trusting visual storytelling and sound design to carry emotion. Others confront darker themes and are best suited to older viewers; check ratings and content warnings before watching with children.
Where to find them
Availability varies by territory and platform. A few of the films are noted in streaming listings, while others may be available for rental or found through specialty distributors. For example, one of the titles is indicated as available on Prime Video in some markets, and clips or trailers for several are widely shared on video platforms.
| Title | Year | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Balto | 1995 | True-story inspiration; family adventure |
| Flow | 2024 | Academy Award winner; dialogue-free |
| The Plague Dogs | 1982 | Based on Richard Adams’ novel; emotionally intense |
| The Red Turtle | 2016 | Studio Ghibli-produced; no dialogue |
| The Secret of NIMH | 1982 | Cult classic; richly detailed animation |
| Wolfwalkers | 2020 | Visually distinctive; historical setting |
Whether you’re curating a family movie night or exploring animation as an adult, these films offer varied moods and approaches: some comfort with warm friendships and adventurous plots, others prompt reflection on human-animal bonds and survival.
For those hunting for recommendations, start with one that matches your mood — choose the heartfelt journey of Balto or the meditative, visual poetry of The Red Turtle — and then branch out into darker or more experimental territory such as The Plague Dogs or Flow. Happy watching.
