Animated films of the 1930s saw the birth of timeless classics that not only entertained audiences but also pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in animation. From whimsical adventures in surreal landscapes to heartwarming tales of resilience and humor, each film on this list stands as proof of the imaginative spirit and technical prowess of the filmmakers of the time. As we journey through these animated marvels, we celebrate the pioneering efforts of the animators and the enduring impact of their work on the cinema as a whole. Join us as we rediscover the magic and allure of these groundbreaking movies. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best animated films of the 1930s.
10. Three Little Pigs – Burt Gillett (1933)
“Three Little Pigs”, a Disney film directed by Burt Gillett, is a delightful and engaging animation that tells the story of three pigs who embark on a journey of home building with varying degrees of success. The first pig, taking the path of least resistance, constructs a fragile house of straw, while the second, with a slightly more robust approach, opts for sticks. The third pig, demonstrating wisdom and foresight, chooses sturdy bricks for his home, anticipating future dangers. Their story takes a significant turn when a cunning wolf arrives, intent on testing the strength of their homes with his formidable, powerful breath. The narrative unfolds as a classic struggle between preparation and laziness, cleverness and foolishness, highlighting the consequences of each choice.
The film stands as a significant milestone in animation history, celebrated for its creative and expressive use of music to enhance the storytelling. Each pig’s personality is distinct, making them memorable characters that contribute to the film’s widespread appeal across various age groups. The catchy tune “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” not only enhances with the storyline but also became an anthem of resilience during challenging times, echoing the film’s underlying message of perseverance. The animation techniques employed in “Three Little Pigs” were revolutionary for the era, setting new standards for character animation in the industry and influencing subsequent generations of animators.
9. The Band Concert – Wilfred Jackson (1935)
“The Band Concert”, directed by Wilfred Jackson, is an animated short that captures the chaotic escapades of a determined band conductor attempting to lead his ensemble through a public performance. The film takes place in a picturesque park setting, where the band attempts to deliver a rendition of the “William Tell Overture.” This endeavor, however, is humorously thwarted by a series of comical disruptions, mostly orchestrated by a central, mischievous character. This character’s relentless interruptions transform the concert into a frenzy of humorous antics, filling the atmosphere with both chaos and laughter. The film reaches its climax in a manner both unexpected and thoroughly entertaining, ensuring the audience is left thoroughly amused.
This animated short is particularly noteworthy for its ingenious and strategic use of sound and music, elements that are deeply woven into the fabric of the film’s humor and storytelling. The synchronization of the animation with the classical score is executed with remarkable precision, creating an experience that is both delightful and deeply immersive for the viewer. “The Band Concert” was also the first color cartoon produced by Disney, introducing viewers to a world of vibrant and engaging visuals. Its innovative ability to blend music, color, and comedy solidifies its status as one of the best animated films of the 1930s, breaking new ground and setting a precedent for future animated works.
8. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – David Hand (1937)
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, a Disney film directed by David Hand, is a revolutionary and captivating animation that brings to life the tale of Snow White, a princess who is forced to flee from the clutches of her envious stepmother, the Queen. During her escape, Snow White discovers solace and companionship with seven dwarfs in their quaint forest home, a place brimming with warmth and safety. The film explores themes of kindness, jealousy, and friendship, highlighting Snow White’s inherent goodness and gentle nature makes her popular with the dwarfs. Meanwhile, the Queen devises a series of cunning and malevolent schemes aimed at destroying Snow White.
This film is widely celebrated as a trailblazer, being the first full-length animated feature presented in both vibrant color and synchronized sound, marking a groundbreaking chapter in cinematic history. Its animation style is noted for its fluidity and the expressiveness of the characters, establishing a new standard in the realm of animated storytelling. The film’s visual storytelling, with its lush, detailed landscapes and character animations, creates a fairy tale world that is both enchanting and immersive. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” not only enthralled audiences with its remarkable artistic achievements but also laid a foundation for the evolution of future animated features, ushering in a new era of animated cinema.
7. Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor – Dave Fleischer (1936)
“Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor”, directed by Dave Fleischer, is an exhilarating and humorous animation, bringing together the iconic character Popeye and the mythical figure Sindbad in an unforgettable encounter. Set against the mystical backdrop of Sindbad’s island, the storyline centers around Popeye’s daring quest to rescue his beloved Olive Oyl, who finds herself in the clutches of Sindbad. The film bursts with imagniative landscapes and an array of whimsical, fantastical creatures, providing the perfect setting for Popeye to demonstrate his renowned feats of strength and sharp wit. The ongoing tussle between Popeye and Sindbad delivers a perfect blend of comedy and excitement.
This animated short is particularly notable for its innovative use of the three-dimensional set, using the “Stereo-Optical Process” to create an illusion of depth, significantly enhancing the overall visual experience. The dynamic and interactive nature of the characters with their surroundings showcases a significant leap in animation techniques of the era. The film’s visual storytelling is enhanced by its clever use of perspective and shadow, adding a sense of realism to the fantastical elements. It also excels in bringing together elements of comedy and adventure, captivating viewers with its rapid-paced and clever narrative. “Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor” stands as one of the best animated films of the 1930s, offering a thoroughly entertaining viewing experience.
6. The Old Mill – Wilfred Jackson, Graham Heid (1937)
“The Old Mill”, directed by Wilfred Jackson and Graham Heid, is an enchanting animated short produced by Disney that explores the life of an old, creaky windmill as it endures the changing seasons. Rather than focusing on individual characters, the narrative centers on the mill itself and the surrounding natural environment, including a diverse array of animals that inhabit and rely on it. As the day transitions to night, a storm approaches, bringing with it ferocious winds and torrential rain, posing a significant challenge to the resilience of both the mill and its natural inhabitants. The film’s depiction of the mill’s enduring struggle against the storm is both tense and visually captivating, drawing the viewer into the raw experience of nature’s power and inherent beauty.
Renowned for its extraordinary artistic achievement in animation, “The Old Mill” is praised for its lifelike depiction of natural elements and the use of lighting effects that add a layer of depth and realism. The film was a groundbreaking experimental piece, showcasing the remarkable potential of the multiplane camera technique, a method that creates a layered sense of depth, enhancing the realism of the animated world. The attention to detail in the animation is evident, from the lifelike movements of the animals to the authentic rustling of leaves in the wind, each element contributing to the overall atmospheric effect. The film’s success in portraying such a naturalistic story paved the way for more complex and diverse storytelling in the world of animation.
5. Porky in Wackyland – Robert Clampett (1938)
“Porky in Wackyland”, directed by Robert Clampett, is a captivating and surreal animation featuring the beloved character, Porky Pig. In this whimsical adventure, Porky embarks on a quest to the fantastical and otherworldly Dodo Land, determined to find the elusive and possibly last living Dodo bird. The world that Porky stumbles upon is a realm of surrealism and absurdity, populated with a host of bizarre and eccentric creatures adhering to their own nonsensical logic. Throughout his journey, Porky’s interactions with these peculiar inhabitants are full of slapstick humor and filled with unexpected twists, creating an entertaining and unpredictable narrative.
Celebrated for its imaginative and boundary-pushing imagery, this animated short stands as proof of the inventive possibilities of animation. The character designs, brimming with originality, and the fantastical landscapes of Wackyland represent a significant deviation from conventional animation, offering viewers an experience that is both unique and visually mesmerizing. The film’s humor is amplified by its playful use of various animation techniques, which contribute to the overall absurdity and endearing charm of Porky’s adventure. “Porky in Wackyland” demonstrates the versatility and vast potential of animation, earning its place as one of the best animated films of the 1930s.
4. Bimbo’s Initiation – Dave Fleischer (1931)
“Bimbo’s Initiation”, directed by Dave Fleischer, is an animated short that chronicles the adventures of the character Bimbo, who unexpectedly finds himself trapped in a mysterious labyrinthine world. As Bimbo navigates this perplexing realm, he encounters a secretive cult whose members persistently attempt to make him join their ranks, leading him through a sequence of increasingly bizarre and fantastical trials. Each subsequent challenge Bimbo faces is more peculiar and imaginative than the last, blending elements of humor with a sense of the uncanny. The animation itself is a whirlwind of creative and unforeseen scenarios, consistently maintaining the viewer’s engagement and amusement throughout Bimbo’s peculiar journey.
This film is particularly notable for its distinctive visual style and its innovative approach to storytelling, typical of the Fleischer studio’s contribution to the world of animation. The fluidity and smoothness of the animation, coupled with the animators’ ability to transition seamlessly between scenes, is proof of their remarkable technical skill and artistic vision. The use of surreal imagery and dream-like sequences in “Bimbo’s Initiation” provides a fascinating window into the experimental and avant-garde side of early animation. This animated short is not only a source of entertainment but also serves as a vital example of the immense creative possibilities that the medium of animation held in the early 20th century, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and visual presentation.
3. Swing You Sinners! – Dave Fleischer (1930)
“Swing You Sinners!”, directed by Dave Fleischer, presents a visually dynamic animated short that focuses on the character Bimbo, who finds himself embroiled in a series of mysterious and supernatural occurrences after a chase initiated by a policeman. The narrative takes an turn toward the surreal when Bimbo stumbles into a graveyard, a setting that becomes the stage for his encounter with an array of ghostly creatures. These spectral entities engage in singing and dancing routines that are both haunting and mesmerizing, pulling Bimbo deeper into their bizarre realm. The animation combines elements of humor with an undercurrent of the macabre, creating an experience that is as uniquely entertaining as it is artistically intriguing.
The film is particularly notable for its pioneering use of surrealism within the realm of animation, setting the stage for many well-known subsequent works in the genre. The creative use of music, especially the jazz elements, significantly enhances the film’s otherworldly and eerie atmosphere, while also complementing the distinctive animation style. “Swing You Sinners!” is widely acclaimed for its bold and imaginative visual sequences, which represented a significant breakthrough in animation at the time of its release. The film’s successful fusion of spooky elements with a whimsical flair solidifies its place as one of the best animated films of the 1930s, demonstrating the medium’s capacity for artistic innovation.
2. The Tale of the Fox – Wladyslaw Starewicz, Irene Starewicz (1937)
“The Tale of the Fox”, directed by Wladyslaw Starewicz and Irene Starewicz, is a trailblazing stop-motion animation that portrays the adventures of a shrewd and cunning fox named Master Reynard. Set in a vibrant world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, the film shows Reynard’s numerous clever tricks and elaborate schemes, which inevitably lead him into an array of conflicts with the King of the animals and other various creatures. The narrative explores Reynard’s escapades, portraying how he consistently outsmarts his fellow animals, often resulting in scenarios that are as humorous as they are unforeseen. The film structures these adventures as separate sequences, with each segment shedding more light on Reynard’s character and the world he navigates.
Widely recognized as a masterpiece in the realm of early animation, “The Tale of the Fox” stands out due to its exceptional technical artistry and storytelling finesse. The stop-motion animation technique, revolutionary for its time, brings the story to life in a way that was unprecedented. The impressive attention to detail is evident in the depth of each character, who are not only visually distinct but also given unique personalities that contribute to the film’s overall charm and wit. “The Tale of the Fox” does more than just demonstrate the capabilities of stop-motion as an effective method for storytelling; it establishes a high benchmark for character development in the field of animation, showcasing the profound possibilities of the medium.
1. Snow-White – Dave Fleischer (1933)
“Snow-White”, directed by Dave Fleischer, is an animated short film that offers a distinctive and imaginative reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale with a unique twist. In this version, the iconic character Betty Boop is cast in the role of Snow White, bringing her own unique charm and personality to the character. The story unfolds in a manner that is both whimsical and surreal, featuring Koko the Clown and a host of other familiar characters from the diverse Fleischer universe. This narrative blends the traditional elements of the Snow White story with the distinctive jazz-age flair and signature humor that are characteristic of Fleischer’s work, culminating in a lively, engaging, and highly entertaining adaptation.
The film is particularly notable for its innovative and creative animation style, and its use of rotoscoping, a pioneering technique where animators trace over live-action footage. This approach gives a fluid and remarkably realistic movement to Koko the Clown, who delivers a memorable dance sequence. “Snow-White” is also widely acclaimed for its imaginative visual style, which combines elements of fantasy and surrealism, captivating and enchanting the viewer. The film’s groundbreaking approach to storytelling and its advanced animation techniques establish it as one of the best animated films of the 1930s, showcasing the vast possibilities and the creative potential of animation during this decade.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best animated films of the 1930s:
- Three Little Pigs – Burt Gillett (1933)
- The Band Concert – Wilfred Jackson (1935)
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – David Hand (1937)
- Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor – Dave Fleischer (1936)
- The Old Mill – Wilfred Jackson, Graham Heid (1937)
- Porky in Wackyland – Robert Clampett (1938)
- Bimbo’s Initiation – Dave Fleischer (1931)
- Swing You Sinners! – Dave Fleischer (1930)
- The Tale of the Fox – Wladyslaw Starewicz, Irene Starewicz (1937)
- Snow-White – Dave Fleischer (1933)
