15 Best Animated Movies from the 1970s You Have to See

The 1970s was a unique time for animated movies. Studios like Disney were trying new things, while other filmmakers pushed boundaries with bold and unusual stories. This decade gave us films that mixed fun, adventure, and sometimes dark themes, creating classics that still hold up today.

From heartwarming tales to wild, experimental journeys, these movies shaped animation history. They brought colorful characters and unforgettable stories to life, appealing to kids and adults alike. Here’s a list of the 15 best animated movies from the 1970s you need to check out.

The Aristocats (1970)

A family of Parisian cats is set to inherit a fortune, but a greedy butler kidnaps them and dumps them in the countryside. With the help of a charming stray cat named Thomas O’Malley, they try to make their way back home. This Disney classic is packed with jazzy music and lovable characters, making it a fun watch for all ages.

The animation is bright and lively, with a distinct 1970s style that feels both cozy and vibrant. The voice performances, especially Phil Harris as O’Malley, bring a lot of charm to the story. It’s a lighthearted adventure that captures the magic of Disney’s storytelling at the time.

A Christmas Carol (1971)

This short animated take on Charles Dickens’ classic follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. The spirits show him his past, present, and future, pushing him toward redemption. It’s a haunting yet hopeful story that stays true to the original tale.

The animation, directed by Richard Williams, uses a sketch-like style that feels both eerie and beautiful. Its short runtime makes it a quick but powerful watch, perfect for the holiday season. The film won an Oscar for Best Animated Short, and its emotional depth keeps it memorable.

Horton Hears a Who! (1970)

Horton, an elephant, discovers a tiny world on a speck of dust and vows to protect it, despite his neighbors’ doubts. This Dr. Seuss adaptation is full of heart and quirky humor, teaching lessons about kindness and standing up for others. It’s a colorful, fun ride for kids and adults.

The animation is playful, with bold colors and whimsical designs that bring Seuss’ world to life. The voice cast, including Hans Conried as Horton, adds warmth and energy to the story. It’s a short, sweet film that delivers a big message in a simple way.

The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)

Milo, a bored boy, finds a mysterious tollbooth in his room and drives through it in his toy car, entering a fantastical world. He embarks on a quest to rescue two princesses, learning to see life with fresh eyes. This film blends adventure with clever wordplay and life lessons.

Directed by Chuck Jones, the animation is vibrant and imaginative, matching the story’s creative spirit. The mix of humor and deeper themes makes it appealing to both young viewers and adults who enjoy a thoughtful story. It’s a hidden gem from the decade.

Snoopy, Come Home (1972)

Snoopy, the beloved Peanuts dog, gets a letter from his original owner, Lila, who’s in the hospital. He sets off with Woodstock to visit her, leading to an emotional journey of loyalty and friendship. This Peanuts film is both funny and touching, with moments that tug at the heart.

The simple animation style stays true to Charles Schulz’s comic strip, with clean lines and expressive characters. The story’s focus on Snoopy’s inner conflict adds depth to a character usually known for his goofy charm. It’s a great pick for fans of the Peanuts gang.

Treasure Island (1972)

Young Jim Hawkins teams up with pirate Captain Long John Silver in this animated take on the classic novel. Their adventure is filled with swashbuckling action, betrayal, and buried treasure. It’s a thrilling story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The animation, while not as polished as Disney’s, has a gritty charm that suits the pirate theme. The voice cast, including Orson Welles as Silver, brings a lot of personality to the characters. This film is a fun, adventurous ride for anyone who loves a good pirate tale.

Charlotte’s Web (1973)

Wilbur, a farm pig, fears he’ll end up as dinner, but a clever spider named Charlotte saves him by weaving words into her web. This adaptation of E.B. White’s novel is a touching story about friendship and sacrifice. It’s a family-friendly film with a lot of heart.

The animation is simple but effective, with soft colors that create a warm, rural feel. The voice cast, including Debbie Reynolds as Charlotte, adds emotional weight to the story. Despite some darker themes, it’s a beautiful tale that resonates with all ages.

Robin Hood (1973)

Disney’s take on the legendary outlaw reimagines Robin Hood as a fox and his crew as anthropomorphic animals. He robs from the rich to help the poor, outsmarting the greedy Prince John. This film is a mix of action, humor, and catchy songs that make it a standout.

The animation is lively, with memorable character designs and smooth action scenes. The voice performances, like Phil Harris as Little John, bring a playful energy to the story. It’s one of Disney’s most beloved films from the 1970s, full of charm and adventure.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Santa Claus, feeling sick and unappreciated, decides to skip Christmas, but two elves and a group of kids work to change his mind. This stop-motion holiday special is packed with quirky characters like the Heat Miser and Snow Miser. It’s a festive favorite with a unique vibe.

The stop-motion animation has a retro charm, with expressive puppets and colorful sets. The catchy songs, especially the Miser brothers’ tunes, are a highlight that sticks with you. It’s a fun, heartwarming watch for the holiday season.

Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Musical Adventure! (1977)

Raggedy Ann and Andy, two rag dolls, set out to rescue a kidnapped French doll from a pirate king. Their journey through a strange, whimsical world is filled with odd characters and musical numbers. This film is a quirky, lesser-known gem from the decade.

The animation, directed by Richard Williams, has a dreamy, hand-drawn style that feels both playful and surreal. While not as polished as Disney films, its creativity and heart make it stand out. It’s a great pick for fans of offbeat animated adventures.

The Hobbit (1977)

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, joins a group of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf on a quest to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. This animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel is a compact, engaging take on a classic fantasy tale. It’s a must-watch for fantasy fans.

The animation, done by Rankin/Bass, uses a distinct style with bold colors and expressive designs. The voice cast, including Orson Welles as Smaug, adds gravitas to the story. Despite its short runtime, it captures the spirit of the book well.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

This Disney film combines three short stories about Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. Their gentle adventures are full of humor, heart, and simple life lessons. It’s a timeless classic that feels like a warm hug.

The watercolor-style animation is soft and charming, perfectly matching the story’s cozy vibe. The voice cast, with Sterling Holloway as Pooh, brings the characters to life with warmth and personality. It’s a film that appeals to kids and adults alike.

The Rescuers (1977)

Two brave mice, Bernard and Bianca, set out to save an orphaned girl from the evil Madame Medusa. This Disney adventure is packed with suspense, humor, and memorable characters. It’s one of the studio’s stronger films from the 1970s.

The animation is detailed and vibrant, with a darker tone that suits the story’s stakes. The voice cast, including Eva Gabor and Bob Newhart, delivers wit and heart. It’s a thrilling yet touching film that holds up as a Disney classic.

Watership Down (1978)

A group of rabbits, led by Hazel and Fiver, flee their warren to escape danger and find a new home. Based on Richard Adams’ novel, this film is intense, with themes of survival and leadership. It’s a gripping tale that doesn’t shy away from darker moments.

The animation is stark and beautiful, with detailed landscapes and expressive characters. The voice cast, including John Hurt, adds depth to the story’s emotional weight. It’s a powerful film that’s best for older kids and adults.

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

Ralph Bakshi’s take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic follows Frodo and his companions as they try to destroy a powerful ring. Covering parts of the first two books, it’s a bold, ambitious film with a unique style. It’s a must-see for fans of epic fantasy.

The animation blends hand-drawn art with rotoscoping, creating a striking, sometimes eerie look. The voice cast, including John Hurt, brings intensity to the sprawling story. Despite not finishing the trilogy, it’s a fascinating piece of animation history.

What’s your favorite animated movie from the 1970s, and why does it stand out to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!