I'm often bored by the look of modern 3D animated movies. What are your faves?
I'm an artist myself, and I often prefer 2D animation. But some of my favorite films use 3D animation beautifully. It's just that most modern 3D animation just looks like Toy Story. Not everything needs to be as inventive as Spiderverse (which I love) to nail the look. Luca is a good example of a unique 3D look that doesn't reinvent the wheel. The aspects I'm focusing on are art design (character, background, color, lighting), the animation and effects style, and how these elements come together to support the story. What are your favorite 3D animated movie aesthetics?
12 replies
I don't know anything about that technicals, but I liked the look/vibe of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. It had a bit of a claymation feel to me.
dang i forgot about this one! i'll have to watch it looks dope
It's really good! It feels like 90s Nickelodeon's vision of the Turtles instead of the Turtles just so happening to be on Nickelodeon.
Nimona has a very cool look.
Nimona, Wild Robot, Puss in Boots The Last Wish, TMNT Mutant Mayhem, The Mitchells vs the Machines, The Bad Guys, Flow, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Rango
Pinocchio is actually stop-motion not 3D! I saw the actual puppets at a museum in Portland OR.
Oh right. It's been a while since I saw it, my brain just slotted it in 3D CG. Must have been a cool experience to see the puppets in real life.
Haven't watched much animation in recent years but some good 3D examples I love:
"Le Tableau" (2011) - mix of 2D ( some backgrounds) and 3D (characters)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5NNf1lrj2c
"Flow" (2024) also gorgeous
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82WW9dVbglI
I adored Flow, I'll have to check out that other one!
Mars Express was a well made sci-fi thriller.
I haven't seen it yet but it's on my list! Isn't it hand-drawn though?
Puss in boots 2 and Flow(made with blender btw)