Animation is the process of creating the illusion of movement by displaying a sequence of static images in rapid succession. This art form encompasses various techniques, from traditional hand-drawn frames to advanced computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Types of Animation

1. Traditional (2D) Animation

   • Hand-drawn frame-by-frame technique

   • Classic examples: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), The Lion King (1994)

   • Modern applications: TV shows (The Simpsons), indie films (The Breadwinner)

2. Stop Motion Animation

   • Physical objects moved incrementally between photographed frames

   • Subtypes: Claymation (Wallace & Gromit), puppet animation (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

   • Contemporary works: Kubo and the Two Strings (2016), Isle of Dogs (2018)

3. Computer-Generated (3D) Animation

   • Digital models animated using software

   • Pixar pioneers: Toy Story (1995) – first full CGI feature

   • Modern masterpieces: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018), Frozen (2013)

4. Motion Graphics

   • Animated graphic design for titles, ads, and explainer videos

   • Common in commercials and UI animations

History of Animation

• Early 1900s: First animated shorts (Gertie the Dinosaur, 1914)

• 1920s-30s: Golden age of cartoons (Steamboat Willie, 1928)

• 1950s-60s: TV animation boom (The Flintstones)

• 1990s-Present: Digital revolution (Shrek, Avatar)

Animation Techniques in Film

• Rotoscoping: Tracing live-action footage (A Scanner Darkly)

• Cut-out Animation: Using flat materials (South Park early seasons)

• 3D Cel-shading: Mimicking 2D style (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)

Impact of Animation

• Entertainment: Global industry worth $400+ billion

• Education: Used in e-learning and scientific visualization

• Art Form: Recognized at festivals like Annecy and the Oscars

Groundbreaking Animated Films

• Spirited Away (2001) – Masterpiece of Japanese anime

• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) – Live-action/animation hybrid

• The Incredibles (2004) – Revolutionized human CGI animation

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Written by CriticFilmAdmin• July 30, 2025• 4:36 pm• Film Terms Dictionary

animation Film Terms Dictionary

Last modified: July 30, 2025