I did not watch many movies or television shows growing up, but one of my fondest childhood memories is of seeing Disney’s Tangled for the first time in primary school. Seated next to my best friend at the cinema—the two of us still dressed in our school uniforms, overstuffed backpacks at our feet—I watched in awe as the music soared and golden lanterns filled the evening sky on screen. For most, animation is something associated with childhood, tied to memories of afternoon programmes on television that you’d have to rush through homework in order to catch on time, or trips to the cinema on weekends with family.
For a while, as we grew older, it seemed as though animation had taken a backseat, at least in terms of Western media. Even when consumed, it was considered something nostalgic. Yet, it’s become abundantly clear in recent years that this is not the case.
While animation has never just been for children, there has been a growing demand and appreciation for the medium in mainstream media as of late. Just take a look at Netflix’s upcoming line-up. Animation has been put in the spotlight, with a fresh adaptation of beloved anime Ranma1/2 alongside new shows such as Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft .
And of course, who could forget the second season of Arcane , highly anticipated after its first season gained massive acclaim for its gorgeous animation, extensive world-building and deeply complex characters. Animated films have also grown to become some of.
