Animated Studios That Aren't Disney or Dreamworks

There’s no denying that the top animated studios that run the box office are Disney, Dreamworks, Pixar, and Illumination Studios. Though all studios have produced wonderful and memorable films, branching out to other studios will open your mind to more stories and amaze you with beautiful animation. So, here are the top five animated studios you should be on the look-out for. Animation isn’t just for children!

LAIKA Studios

An American based studio, LAIKA Studios, started up in 2005 and specializes in stop motion feature films. In case you don’t know, stop motion is an animated technique that requires a camera to constantly start and stop again while animators physically change the scene little by little in order to look as though the objects are moving themselves.

LAIKA Studios are unique because they use this technique in every movie they have produced so far. So not only are you given a beautiful movie, but you’re also given the knowledge that a lot of work went into just one minute of a great film.

Some Movies to Check Out: Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Paranorman

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Studio Ghibli

I don’t doubt that you’ve come across this studio before. Studio Ghibli, based in Japan, was founded in 1985 and has created a wide variety of amazing films. This studio specializes in 2D animated films that range from spectacular supernatural journeys to tragic tales where love triumphs in the end. The animation is beautiful and the storytelling is unique. If you haven’t seen a Studio Ghibli film, get on it now!

Some Movies to Check Out: Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo

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Cartoon Saloon

Based in Ireland, Cartoon Saloon was founded in 1999, and they also specialize in wonderful 2D movies. Never before had I seen such a unique art style in movies like this before. Most prominent in the film, “The Bread Winner,” this studio uses other forms of media to convey the story, such as paper. On top of all the gorgeous animation are wonderful stories that are sure to make you smile and shed a tear.

Some Movies to Check Out: The Breadwinner, The Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells

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CoMix Wave Films

CoMix Wave Films is another studio based in Japan and was founded in 2007. Like most studios on this list, their strength lies in 2D films. Most of their films are about teenagers’ stories and experiences. Yet, remain humorous and, at times, lighthearted. Most of their films are great for watching with your friends! The amazing animation is bound to stand out against the rest.

Some Movies to Check Out: Your Name, and Weathering With You

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Magic Light Pictures

The last animated studio on this list is Magic Light Pictures. They were founded in 2003 and is based in England. Like LAIKA, they mainly create 3D animated short films aimed towards young children. Though they aren’t less of an amazing studio for it! The shorts are fun to watch and quick too if you’re on the run.

Some Movies to Check Out: The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and Stick Man

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Here’s the five animated studios you should be on the lookout for! Branch out and discover some more wonderful pieces of art!

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