The 1910s saw remarkable innovation and creativity in the world of animated films, witnessing the emergence of pioneering techniques and storytelling methods that laid the foundation for the future of animation. From the whimsical adventures of mischievous characters to complex narratives and visual artistry, the films of this era captured a wide range of themes and styles. Each film on this list represents a unique contribution to the art form, showcasing the potential of animation to captivate, amuse, and engage audiences. These early animated treasures continue to inspire and influence the art of filmmaking in the modern era. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best animated films of the 1910s.
10. The Ghost of Slumber Mountain – Willis H. O’Brien (1918)
“The Ghost of Slumber Mountain,” a film directed by Willis H. O’Brien in 1918, is a monumental achievement in the history of animated film. The story unfolds around two curious friends, Joe and Herb, who set out on an adventurous camping trip to the mysterious Slumber Mountain. Upon their arrival, they stumble upon a strange time-worn cabin that contains a peculiar pair of binoculars. Upon using this strange device, Joe and Herb are given a view of the existence of prehistoric creatures, living and breathing in a bygone era. This discovery propels them into an adventure brimming with both awe and peril, as they explore a forgotten world where ancient giants roam.
Willis H. O’Brien’s pioneering work in this film is hailed as a milestone in the utilization of stop-motion animation, forever altering cinematic technology and storytelling. The integration of live-action sequences with animated segments was a radical concept at the time, seamlessly blending two worlds to create an immersive and believable experience. The film’s impact reaches beyond its technical accomplishments as it taps into the enduring human curiosity surrounding the mysteries of our planet’s prehistoric inhabitants. “The Ghost of Slumber Mountain” stands as a vivid illustration of the limitless horizons that animated films can explore and bring to life.
9. How a Mosquito Operates – Winsor McCay (1912)
“How a Mosquito Operates,” a short film directed by Winsor McCay, showcases a delightful fusion of humor and pioneering animation techniques. The film chronicles the mischievous escapades of a large mosquito as it embarks on a nightly adventure, buzzing and whirring around its unsuspecting target of a deeply sleeping man. This persistent and clever mosquito navigates through a series of obstacles in its relentless pursuit to satisfy its thirst, adding a playful element to the narrative. Its exaggerated actions, coupled with the man’s increasingly comical and exasperated responses, creates universally recognizable scenario that humorously portrays a typical annoyance.
The animation work by Winsor McCay in this short is particularly noteworthy for its smoothness and careful attention to detail, an achievement that was far ahead of its time in the early days of animated storytelling. McCay’s talent in breathing life and personality into the mosquito character not only showcases his technical skill but also his deep understanding of animation’s capacity to convey emotion and humor. The film’s straightforward plot is balanced by its creative animation techniques, transforming a simple storyline into a memorable experience. “How a Mosquito Operates” stands as one of the best animated films of the 1910s, highlighting the ability of animation to portray even the tiniest of creatures with a unique blend of charm and playful mischief.
8. Feline Follies – Otto Messmer (1919)
“Feline Follies,” directed by Otto Messmer, introduces audiences to the world of a mischievous and charming black cat named Master Tom. The plot revolves around Tom’s romantic escapades and various adventures, as he employs an array of imaginative and humorous tactics to impress his love interest, Miss Kitty White. His creative attempts at courtship lead him through a series of both humorous and unforeseen events, each showcasing his resourceful and playful nature. The narrative takes place in a whimsical world, brimming with vibrant colors and lively scenarios, where Tom navigates an array of challenges in his quest to win the affections of his beloved.
Otto Messmer’s pioneering creation is significant for its foundational role in the evolution of character animation in the film industry. Master Tom, who would later evolve into the iconic character Felix the Cat, is one of the earliest depictions of a fully realized personality in an animated character. The film’s visual style is known for its fluid animation and expressive characters, each frame bursting with life and movement, setting a new standard in the animation industry. “Feline Follies” is not only a source of entertainment but also a crucial milestone in the advancement of animated storytelling, serving as a source of inspiration for countless animators and artists for generations to come.
7. The Sinking of the Lusitania – Winsor McCay (1918)
“The Sinking of the Lusitania,” directed by Winsor McCay, is a profoundly moving and dramatic retelling of the historical event in which the RMS Lusitania was tragically sunk by a German U-boat, leading to an immense loss of life. The film portrays the attack and its harrowing aftermath, with a keen focus on the human suffering and the brutality of warfare. McCay’s masterful animation brings to life the ship’s final, desperate moments, in a way that captures both the chaos and the profound emotional impact of this catastrophic event. This piece stands out for its unique application of animation as a way to documentma significant real-world incident.
McCay’s exceptional work in this film showcases not only his technical prowess but also hismsensitivity as both an animator and a storyteller. His ability to convey the immense weight of the Lusitania tragedy through the medium of animation was revolutionary for the time. The film functions as an early and powerful example of how animation can be utilized for more serious and dramatic storytelling, transcending its traditional role as mere entertainment. “The Sinking of the Lusitania” is a compelling piece of cinema that provides reflection and commentary on real-world events and their impacts, ensuring its place as one of the best animated films of the 1910s.
6. Animated Putty – Walter R. Booth (1911)
In “Animated Putty,” a film directed by Walter R. Booth, audiences are immersed in a playful exploration of shape and form that is both visually striking and engaging. The film presents a series of animated putty shapes that magically transform, merge, and dance in a variety of whimsical and enchanting patterns. Booth’s creativity radiates throughout the film as the putty assumes an array of different characters and scenarios, each more imaginative than the last. Though the plot maintains a straightforward approach, it captivates with its focus on the possibilities of animation to breathe life into inanimate objects.
Walter R. Booth’s expertise in the realm of early special effects and trick photography is masterfully demonstrated in this film. His innovative techniques skillfully create a seamless and fluid animation experience that was groundbreaking and unparalleled for its time. “Animated Putty” stands out due to its experimental approach to storytelling, venturing boldly into the use of animation as a tool to push the boundaries of visual narrative. This film stands not only as a piece of entertainment but also as a significant historical artifact, illustrating the early days of animation and shining a light on the immense creative potential of the medium.
5. The Insects’ Christmas – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1913)
“The Insects’ Christmas,” directed by Wladyslaw Starewicz in 1913, portrays a heartwarming narrative in a frosty winter landscape that radiates with charm and whimsy. This short film beautifully depicts a Christmas celebration within a community of insects, showcasing a wide array of characters ranging from a jovial Father Christmas beetle to gracefully dancing frost fairies. The story takes place in a magical miniature world, alive with the activities of these endearing creatures, as they come together to share in the joy, camaraderie, and warmth of the holiday season. Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, the film captures the essence of Christmas through the perspective of nature’s tiny inhabitants.
Wladyslaw Starewicz’s groundbreaking work in stop-motion animation effortlessly brings this enchanting world to life. His detailed and innovative techniques fill the insect characters with a surprisingly realistic and remarkably likeable quality, making each scene feel alive with emotion. The film stands as a testament to Starewicz’s creativity and technical prowess, demonstrating the power of animation in creating a narrative that is both captivating and emotionally powerful. “The Insects’ Christmas” solidifies its place as one of the best animated films of the 1910s, inspiring both awe and wonder with its imaginative storytelling.
4. Out of the Inkwell – Dave Fleischer (1919)
“Out of the Inkwell,” directed by Dave Fleischer, is a pioneering blend of live-action and animation, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling approach. The film introduces audiences to the charismatic character, Koko the Clown, who is brought to life in a fascinating display of animation. Koko leaps energetically out of an inkwell, immersing himself in a world that merges his animated existence with the tangible reality of his creator. This creative situation leads to a series of both humorous and unexpected scenarios, each highlighting Koko’snplayful personality. The plot alternates between Koko’s animated world and the real-world of his creator, merging two distinct realms and blurring the lines between animation and reality.
Dave Fleischer’s groundbreaking work in this film is recognized as a significant leap forward in the animation industry. “Out of the Inkwell” is renowned for its creative implementation of the rotoscope, a revolutionary device at the time, which enabled animators to trace over live-action footage. This innovative approach made the film a key milestone in the history of animation, highlighting the vast creative potential inherent in combining various filmmaking techniques. Its lasting influence is clearly visible in the ongoing evolution of character development and narrative structure within the overall animation genre.
3. Little Nemo – Winsor McCay, J. Stuart Blackton (1911)
“Little Nemo,” directed by Winsor McCay and J. Stuart Blackton, adapts McCay’s renowned comic strip of the same name into a cinematic experience. The film portrays the dreamlike adventures of a young boy named Nemo, who embarks on a journey through the magical realm of Slumberland. This fantastical world is populated with a variety of creatures and characterized by surreal and ever-changing landscapes. Each scene in the film unfolds gracefully like a dream, with Nemo encountering many challenges and wonders, each more fantastical than the last. The narrative captivates viewers, drawing them into a mesmerizing journey through the depths of imagination, demonstrating the magic of dream worlds.
The animation in “Little Nemo” highlights Winsor McCay’s exceptional talent and vision as both an animator and a storyteller. His skill in translating the intricate details and imagination of his original comic strips into animated form was groundbreaking for its time. The film is celebrated for its elaborate hand-drawn scenes, which are made to capture the spirit and essence of Nemo’s adventures with extraordinary detail. As one of the pioneering examples of animated storytelling, “Little Nemo” ensures its place as one of the best animated films of the 1910s, showcasing the incredible potential of animation as a medium to tell fantastical tales that transcend the boundaries of the real world.
2. Gertie the Dinosaur – Winsor McCay (1914)
In “Gertie the Dinosaur,” a 1914 film directed by Winsor McCay, viewers are warmly welcomed into a world where they meet Gertie, a large dinosaur with an expressive range of emotions and behaviors. The film’s narrative revolves around Gertie’s interactions with both her environment and her creator, McCay, who features in the film through innovative live-action sequences. In these sequences, Gertie performs a variety of tricks and tasks at McCay’s request, showcasing not only a playful and charming demeanor but also an uncanny ability to evoke affection from the audience. The narrative combines elements of comedy with a sense of wonder, as Gertie cheerfully navigates the challenges and joys of her animated existence.
Winsor McCay’s creation, “Gertie the Dinosaur,” stands as a monumental achievement in the medium of animation. McCay’s extraordinary talent in filling Gertie with a unique personality and genuine emotional depth was not only revolutionary for its era but also set new standards for the industry. His approach to animation broke new ground, not just in terms of technical prowess but also in the way it established a dynamic and interactive relationship between the animator and his character. “Gertie the Dinosaur” is celebrated for its creative ingenuity and its pivotal role in illustrating the potential of animated storytelling.
1. The Cameraman’s Revenge – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1912)
“The Cameraman’s Revenge,” directed by Wladyslaw Starewicz, is an inventive and captivating film using stop-motion animation with insects. Set in a miniature world, the story focuses on a complex love triangle involving the central characters: Mr. Beetle, his wife, and her secret lover. The narrative combines elements of drama with a blend of humor and satire as it portrays their relationships and encounters. The characters, animated with exceptional detail, partake in activities reminiscent of human behavior, filling the film with a striking layer of irony and wit. The overall plot explores themes of infidelity, revenge, and the often absurd nature of human actions and motivations.
Starewicz’s remarkable work in “The Cameraman’s Revenge” is proof of his trailblazing approach to both storytelling and animation. His pioneering use of real insects as the protagonists in the film is acknowledged for its technical brilliance, as he brings these characters to life with a level of realism that is nothing short of astonishing. His mastery of stop-motion animation is evident, as it invites the audience to immerse themselves in the carefully designed miniature world. This film stands out due to its unique animation techniques and its creative narrative approach, securing its place as one of the best animated films of the 1910s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best animated films of the 1910s:
- The Ghost of Slumber Mountain – Willis H. O’Brien (1918)
- How a Mosquito Operates – Winsor McCay (1912)
- Feline Follies – Otto Messmer (1919)
- The Sinking of the Lusitania – Winsor McCay (1918)
- Animated Putty – Walter R. Booth (1911)
- The Insects’ Christmas – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1913)
- Out of the Inkwell – Dave Fleischer (1919)
- Little Nemo – Winsor McCay, J. Stuart Blackton (1911)
- Gertie the Dinosaur – Winsor McCay (1914)
- The Cameraman’s Revenge – Wladyslaw Starewicz (1912)
