Stop-motion animation is the painstaking art of bringing inanimate objects to life – one frame at a time. In this magical, patience-testing medium, filmmakers move physical models or puppets in tiny increments, snapping individual photos for each slight adjustment. When the photos are all cut together and played back, the illusion of movement is created. This technique, dating back to the beginning of cinema, has evolved from wobbly puppets to the intricately detailed creations of studios like Aardman and Laika. Despite the allure of sleek CGI, stop-motion’s handmade charm continues to enchant audiences. Here are 5 of the best stop-motion films you can watch!

1. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

This 2016 masterpiece from Laika tells the story of Kubo, a young boy on a quest to uncover the secrets of his magical past. The film blends Japanese folklore with breathtaking visuals, seamlessly integrating origami creatures into some of the most incredible stop-motion fight scenes ever created. It pushes the boundaries of what the medium can achieve, with complex character designs and vast, expansive landscapes. (Stream on Netflix)

2. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson's quirky adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book brings his signature symmetrical style to the world of stop-motion. Released in 2009, Fantastic Mr. Fox charms with its dry wit and snappy editing style. Anderson’s playful use of textures and stop-motion’s tactile nature breathe life into his quirky cast, and if you’re looking for an Autumn-themed film for this Fall season, this one’s for you. (Stream on Disney+)

3. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)

A holiday classic since its 1964 debut, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is one of the earliest and most iconic examples of stop-motion in television. The TV film’s charmingly simple puppets and heartfelt story have captivated generations and demonstrate the timeless appeal that stop-motion can have. If you’re looking for a dose of nostalgia this holiday season, look no further. (Available on VOD/Digital)

4. Coraline (2009)

Another Laika triumph, Coraline is a dark fantasy that blurs the line between children's movie and psychological thriller. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, the film follows Coraline as she discovers an eerie parallel world to her own. The film’s hauntingly yet ingeniously expressive puppets are some of the most iconic and recognizable in the stop-motion genre. All elements of this film – the atmosphere, music, voice acting – come together wonderfully to create a seamless and engaging world for the audience. (Stream on Pluto TV and Tubi)

5. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021)

Perhaps the most technically impressive film in the entire medium of stop-motion, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On blends live-action with animation to tell the whimsical story of Marcel, a tiny shell on a journey to find his family. This film came together after a series of short, rudimentary skits featuring Marcel went viral on Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer Camp’s YouTube channel. Despite the incredibly complex way this film was shot, it never detracts from the tender emotional intimacy of the story. The film proves that even a puppet as small and simple as Marcel can move audiences in this modern classic. (Stream on Max)

Despite the rise of AI and digital animation, stop-motion continues to captivate with its handmade charm and intricate artistry. Whether through whimsical characters or breathtaking craftsmanship, these films prove that stop-motion remains an essential and magical part of cinema.