The eager anticipation for the upcoming release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 later this year, along with the recent success of Ghostbusters: Afterlife have made it clear that live-action and animation hybrid movies are not going anywhere.
Even though hybrid movies are not at all a new concept, they remain very popular. The combination of the two film-making methods, allow classic animated character to come to life and cartoon elements to enter live-action settings, and the results are inevitably successful. Their animated features add a family-friendly feel and attract fans of all ages who then take joy in expressing their positive reviews on IMDb.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018): 6.7
Mary Poppins Returns is the sequel to the beloved classic Mary Poppins film, and takes place a few decades after the original, with Emily Blunt successfully taking over the role of the magical nanny and receiving lots of critical acclaim. The movie follows a similar concept to the prequel, as Poppins visits the Banks family to help them during a difficult time.
This musical fantasy combines animation with live-action and uses the same animation technics as the original film. This perfectly executed sequel brings forth waves of childhood nostalgia and gives many references to the original film while still maintaining a sense of originality.
The Mask (1994): 6.9
This pop culture classic follows the story of Stanley Ipkiss as he finds a magical mask that transforms him into a cartoonish madman and turns his life upside down.
The Mask is a superhero comedy that gains its unique style by featuring classic animation tropes, such as scenes with Stanley’s cartoon-like heart beating out of his chest and his tongue rolling out of his wide-open mouth. This is undoubtedly one of Jim Carrey's most successful movies, as the role seems to fit him like a glove, and critics have praised him for his joyful performance.
Ted (2012): 6.9
This critically acclaimed comedy follows the story of Ted, an animated, living teddy bear in a unique coming-of-age story. Ted, follows John, who brought his teddy bear to life with a childhood wish, as he attempts to move on with his life but Ted keeps getting in the way.
As bizarre as the concept of this movie may be, it actually makes for a very interesting and hilarious watch. This film was Seth MacFarlane’s directorial debut, where he also voiced the character of Ted, while Mark Wahlberg took on the role of John. This film received a number of awards, including Favorite Comedy at the People’s Choice Awards and Best-on-Screen Duo at the MTV Movie Awards.
Enchanted (2007): 7.0
The movie begins in the animated, magical Kingdom where a beautiful maiden named Giselle dreams of true love but the evil queen banished her to the non-animated world of New York City. Giselle, who is arguably one of the most underrated Disney princesses, has to learn how to survive in the real world.
This musical romantic comedy lets the worlds of animation and live-action collide while parodying and simultaneously paying homage to some of Disney’s traditional animated features. Amy Adams stars as Giselle and has received multiple award nominations for her performance, while the film was widely praised by critics, becoming a major box office success. The long-awaited sequel with the title Disenchanted, is set to be released on Disney+ in the fall of 2022.
Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971): 7.1
Set in England during World War II, Bedknobs and Broomsticks begins when three children are sent to live with Miss Eglantine Price who is a student witch. Together, they begin traveling on a flying bed, and in their adventures, they encounter all sorts of animated characters.
This family-friendly, musical fantasy combined the live-action world with the one of animation in a magical classic film. At the time of its release, it was very well received and despite some negative reviews from critics, the film collected five academy awards nominations and won the award for Best Visual Effects in 1972.
Christopher Robin (2018): 7.3
The movie follows Christopher Robin as he is unexpectedly reunited with one of his childhood friends, Winnie the Pooh and he’s suddenly reminded of his long-lost sense of imagination and childhood wonder.
Christopher Robins brings to life the beloved characters of the Winnie The Pooh franchise in the best way possible. Jim Cummings reprised his voice role as Winnie the Pooh as well as Tigger, receiving tons of praise for his moving performance. This ambitious adaptation got many positive reviews for the sweet and engaging story and for Ewan McGregor’s excellent performance. This wholesome comedy-drama was inspired by the legendary children’s literature by A.A. Milne.
Paddington (2015): 7.3
Based on the stories of Paddington Bear, a classic character from children's literature, this comedy delivers another family-friendly adventure. The film focuses on Paddington, an animated Peruvian bear, who migrates to London where he is hunted by a museum taxidermist.
Similarly, to Christopher Robins, Paddington manages to successfully introduce the character of this animated bear while adapting it into a charming London setting. This feel-good story provides so many wholesome and hilarious moments that often leave viewers in tears. It was nominated for multiple awards and a third installment is set to start filming in 2022.
Okja (2017): 7.3
This Korean American coproduced action film was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2017. Okja follows Mija who is raising a genetically modified “super pig” when a livestock corporation takes him away. Devastated to be separated from him, Mija goes on a mission to rescue Okja and expose the corporation for their mistreatment of animals.
Even though the animal in question is fictional and animated, fans were captured by the tear-jerking and thought-provoking film that raises awareness for animal cruelty and the harm caused by the meat industry. This excellent satirical Sci-Fi movie was given a spot in the New York Times’ top ten most influential films of the decade and it was praised for its meticulous cinematography.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988): 7.7
This iconic comedy-mystery is set in an alternate Hollywood where cartoon characters, or toons, coexist with people. It follows Roger Rabbit who gets framed for a murder and then employs a renowned private detective to clear his name.
Who framed Roger Rabbit? was praised as groundbreaking, extraordinary, and technically marvelous. It collected several nominations and numerous awards, including three Academy Awards with some saying that it brought upon Disney's Renaissance Era. The film's cultural and historical significance was big enough to earn it a place in the United States National Film Registry.
Mary Poppins (1964): 7.8
This all-time classic has been loved by generations and continues to attract viewers decades after its release. Mary Poppins tells the incredible story of the Banks family as they are joined by the children’s newest nanny. Together, they embark on numerous magical adventures where the enchanting Mary Poppins attempts to bring the family together.
The animation enhances the magical elements of the story and the film won the Academy Award for Best Special Visual Effects. This critically acclaimed musical received a lot of praise for its award-winning song sequences, its remarkable cinematography, and the outstanding performance of Julie Andrews.