Top 5 Underrated Animated Science Fiction Films

TV & Film

Jul 5

Science Fiction Cyberpunk — Image Source: Wallpapers Den

There have been several animated science fiction films that have come and gone over the years that, while they failed to do well critically and commercially at the box office, nonetheless are not without their fans and possess special qualities that make them worthwhile additions to film collections. Attention from fans of science fiction. This article highlights some animated science fiction gems (presented in no particular order) that deserve a second look, or perhaps even a first look. Note: Spoiler Warnings are officially in effect for the rest of this article!

5. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

In Atlantis: The Lost Empire, a meek scientist named Milo is recruited by an eccentric billionaire to join a motley crew on an expedition to the bottom of the ocean to find the legendary city of Atlantis. The expedition ultimately does indeed uncover the lost city of Atlantis; however, Milo learns that the Commander of the expedition is planning to exploit Atlantis, and it is up to Milo and the rest of the crew to save it. This 2001 Disney animated film received scant attention at the time of its release, but boasts great animation, a superb classical score by James Newton Howard (check out the track, The Submarine), and, most notably, an impressive voice cast that includes Michael J. Fox, James Garner, Claudia Christian, Leonard Nimoy, Jim Varney, and John Mahoney. The film also received a direct-to-home sequel, Milo’s Return (2003).

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4. Titan A.E. (2000)

Former Disney animator Don Bluth created an original animated science fiction film, Titan A.E. (After Earth) about a futuristic young man who holds the key to the survival of the human race in the form of a map to a spaceship known as the Titan, which holds the secret to creating a new home world for the human race, years after Earth was destroyed by a seemingly invincible and vicious alien race known as the Drej. The film not only boasts some amazing CGI animation as the characters travel through the cosmos in their search for the Titan, but also features an unique and original story, as well as an amazing alt-rock soundtrack from artists like The Urge (It’s My Time To Fly), as well as a talented voice cast that includes Matt Damon, Drew Barrymore, Bill Pullman, John Leguizamo, and Nathan Lane.

3. Battle For Terra (2007)

A sleeper film (making only around one million dollars) released in 2007, Battle For Terra is about the homeless remainder of the human race setting its eyes on a peaceful alien planet and the aliens’ battle for their survival. The film, which was originally intended as a live-action film, features stunning CGI animation and may be one of the most thought-provoking films on this list. The film confronts the moral dilemma of the last remnants of humanity trying to survive at any cost, while a peaceful alien race is faced with fighting for the preservation of their own species against humanity. The film features themes of survival, preservation of culture, loyalty, and sacrifice and a seriously star-studded cast, including Luke Wilson, Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood, James Garner (second time on this list), Mark Hamill, Ron Pearlman, Dennis Quaid, Danny Trejo, David Cross, Danny Glover, and Chris Evans. It is highly recommended for fans of thought-provoking and exciting science fiction.

2. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

The Transformers: The Movie (1986) is an animated film based on the popular 1980’s toy line and cartoon series of the same name about two warring factions of transforming robots and their battles on Earth and across the stars. The film, set decades after the end of the second season of the popular children’s animated television series, is infamous for killing off a lot of the early characters from the series. The film’s main plot revolves around the Autobots facing the planet devourer, “Unicron,” who, along with his newly created Decepticon allies, threatens the Transformers’ home planet of Cybertron.

In addition to the regular voiceover cast from the series, the film also features supporting actors such as Orson Welles, Leonard Nimoy, Judd Nelson, Eric Idle, and Robert Stack. The film also boasts impressive Japanese-style animation and a heavy metal/synth-rock soundtrack from Vince DiCola, Stan Bush, Weird Al Yankovic, and others. The film famously featured the iconic rock track, The Touch. The film, which infamously traumatized fans of the series, most of whom were young children at the time with the death of the Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, along with several more of the original series characters, was a critical and commercial flop. However, in the years since the film was widely re-released on home video, the film has become a cult classic. The film has also seen limited theatrical re-releases in recent years.

he Transformers The Movie (1986)- The Death of Optimus Prime — Image Source: Wallpaper Cave

In spite of the commercial failure of the film, the Transformers franchise has remained stronger than ever, with new animated series, films, videogames, and toys continuing to be produced in the years since the release of the original animated series and film. This film is a must-watch, not only for fans of The Transformers, but anybody who enjoys action/science fiction, animation, and a hard-rocking soundtrack.

1. Treasure Planet (2002)

Disney’s ambitious 2002 animated sci-fi adaptation of the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Treasure Island, Treasure Planet, was unsuccessful at the box office, however, features amazing animation, detailed backdrops, a wonderful score by James Newton Howard (check out the track, The Launch) and produced an amazing alt-rock single, I’m Still Here by Goo Goo Dolls lead singer, John Rzeznik. The futuristic reworking of the Treasure Island features amazing images of fashioned ships sailing among the stars instead of the seas. Noteworthy cast members of the film include Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Brian Murray, David Hyde-Pierce, Emma Thompson, Roscoe Lee Brown, Michael Wincott, and Martin Short.