The Tens: Non-English Animated Films Final Rankings

For this project, I dove headlong into non-English animated films, finding some hidden gems and catching up to some blindspots. Here are the films how I would rank them, with links to my reviews. I'd love to hear about others I haven't seen or your thoughts on any of these films.

Coming up next in The Tens: The Hathaway Path-a-way, looking at ten selections from Oscar winner Anne Hathaway's filmography.

10.

Bubble Bath (1980)

Too crass for me; when subversive has no message, it just feels nasty.

9.

Have a Nice Day (2017)

Outdated animation and an undercooked narrative dooms some evocative themes.

8.

The Wolf House (2018)

Creepy and creative, but too much nightmare fuel without levity can be tough to bear.

7.

Angel's Egg (1985)

Beautiful animation and world building can only get you so far if your story is essentially undecipherable.

6.

Belle (2021)

Only so much can fit into a film, but if you make it beautiful and watchable, it can get by serviceably.

5.

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)

Give it up for the OG; an impressive silent work that sets an early standard.

4.

Son of the White Mare (1981)

A beautiful, weird, slyly funny piece of filmmaking that stays with you long after.

3.

Persepolis (2007)

An irreverent coming-of-age story that may not always be a blast to watch, but digs into your psyche.

2.

The Pied Piper (1986)

A clockwork terror, boosted by an incredible soundtrack and a master craftsman's eye.

1.

Millennium Actress (2001)

Satoshi Kon's fable about memory, media, and how the journey can often rise above the destination.