Source : myanimelist Animation
Animation is one of the most fascinating and powerful forms of storytelling in the modern entertainment world. Once thought of as only children’s content, animation has grown into a global industry producing some of the most successful films, shows, and digital experiences of all time. From hand-drawn cartoons to computer-generated 3D movies, animation has not only entertained billions but also shaped cultures, taught life lessons, and created unforgettable characters and stories.
Today, animation is not just a genre—it is a language of imagination. In this essay, we will explore the history and evolution of animation, how it grew from short cartoons into full-length movies and international hits, its impact on audiences of all ages, and how it continues to break boundaries in the world of entertainment.
The idea of animation began long before modern cinema. As early as the 19th century, devices like the zoetrope and flipbooks created the illusion of movement through a sequence of images. These early tools proved one simple truth: when a series of pictures is shown quickly, the human eye sees motion. This idea became the foundation of animation.
The first real animations were short films shown in black and white. In 1908, Émile Cohl, a French cartoonist, created one of the earliest animated films, Fantasmagorie. It used simple line drawings and lasted just two minutes. But it showed that animation could tell stories in new and magical ways. Soon after, animation began to grow in popularity, especially with the arrival of Walt Disney. In 1928, Disney introduced Steamboat Willie, a short film featuring a cheerful mouse named Mickey. It was one of the first cartoons with synchronized sound and became a global sensation. This was the birth of Mickey Mouse and the beginning of animation as a major force in entertainment.
The 1930s to 1950s is often called the Golden Age of Animation. During this time, many iconic animated characters were born—Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Donald Duck, and many more. Studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and MGM created short cartoon films that were shown before the main movie in cinemas. These cartoons used traditional hand-drawn animation, with each frame carefully drawn by artists. Although it was hard work, the results were magical.
In 1937, Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature film. People were amazed that a cartoon could last over an hour and tell a deep, emotional story. The film became a huge success and proved that animation was not just for short laughs—it could also create beautiful stories with music, drama, and unforgettable moments.
After Snow White, Disney continued with classics like Pinocchio, Cinderella, and Peter Pan. Meanwhile, other studios experimented with different styles. Animation grew beyond just humour. It began to include fantasy, adventure, and even social messages. For many years, animation was done by hand. Every single frame had to be drawn, coloured, and filmed one by one. This process was time-consuming and expensive. But in the 1990s, everything changed with the arrival of computers.
In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, the first ever full-length 3D animated movie. It was made entirely using computer graphics. The story of toys coming to life touched millions of hearts, and the animation style was unlike anything seen before. The success of Toy Story opened the door to a new age of animation. Studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Illumination began producing 3D animated films that combined advanced technology with powerful storytelling. Movies like Finding Nemo, Shrek, Despicable Me, Frozen, and Inside Out became global blockbusters. They proved that animation was no longer just for children. It could appeal to people of all ages, from kids to adults.
While animated films grew bigger in theatres, animation also found great success on television. Shows like The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Doraemon became household names. These shows entertained millions of children every day after school and became a part of their childhood. In recent years, streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have made animation even more accessible.
With just a mobile phone or smart TV, people can now watch hundreds of animated shows and movies from around the world. These platforms have also supported creators to produce fresh, diverse, and culturally rich animated content. Anime, the Japanese style of animation, has gained massive popularity globally through streaming. Shows like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Demon Slayer have millions of fans not just in Japan, but across continents. The rise of anime has added a new dimension to global animation, bringing in unique stories, emotions, and artistic styles.
One of the most beautiful things about animation is its ability to tell deep and emotional stories in simple, colourful ways. Animated films often carry strong messages—about friendship, courage, family, love, and even grief. The Lion King taught us about responsibility and loss. Up showed us that it’s never too late to go on an adventure.
Coco reminded us of the importance of family and remembering our roots. Animation also helps in explaining difficult topics to children. Concepts like kindness, honesty, environment, and equality are often taught through animated stories. Because it uses bright visuals and lovable characters, animation can communicate in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand.
Even adults have come to love animated stories. Films like Soul, Ratatouille, and WALL-E deal with complex themes like purpose, creativity, and the future of Earth. These films make us laugh, cry, and think—often more deeply than live-action movies.
Animation is also being used beyond entertainment. In schools, animated videos help students learn tough subjects like science, history, and math. Through short, visual lessons, students understand better and remember concepts more easily. Educational YouTube channels and apps often use animation for this reason. In business, companies use animation in advertisements and presentations. Governments use animated videos to spread awareness about health, safety, and social welfare. Medical animation helps explain diseases and treatments in hospitals. In short, animation is not just a tool for fun—it is also a tool for learning and change.
Animation is truly a global language. It crosses barriers of language, culture, and age. A child in India can enjoy a cartoon made in France. A family in Brazil can laugh at a show created in Korea. Through subtitles and dubbing, animation connects the world and builds shared experiences. Some animated movies have made history in terms of awards and earnings.
Films like Frozen, Zootopia, Minions, and Spirited Away have become symbols of creativity and cultural impact. Animated characters like Elsa, Woody, Minions, and Pikachu are loved in every corner of the world. Moreover, animation provides opportunities for thousands of artists, designers, voice actors, musicians, and writers. Animation studios are now spread across the world, including in India, which is becoming a major hub for animation outsourcing and original content creation.
From humble beginnings in black-and-white flipbooks to billion-dollar global franchises, animation has come a long way. It has grown from being a children’s pastime to a powerful art form that entertains, educates, and inspires all age groups. Animation is limitless.
It can create anything—a flying house, talking toys, underwater cities, or even entire imaginary worlds. It gives storytellers the freedom to explore dreams and emotions in the most imaginative ways. As technology continues to improve and audiences become more open to diverse stories, animation will only become more important in the entertainment world.
In the end, animation reminds us that stories have no boundaries. Whether drawn by hand, crafted on a computer, or imagined in a child’s sketchbook—animated stories will continue to light up screens, minds, and hearts across the world.
By: Mayukh Sarkar
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