The 1960s was a transformative decade for animation. It marked the evolution from classic hand-drawn styles to more experimental and artistic storytelling. Studios like Disney Animation Studios led the charge, while television also became a new home for animation. This period introduced iconic characters, unforgettable scores, and memorable plots that still influence modern animated films.
Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic cartoon movie adventures or want to explore the roots of animation history, these must-see films represent the best Animated Movies of 1960s creativity and charm. Some were groundbreaking in animation technology, while others became cult classics through storytelling finesse.
1. One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
Studio: Disney Animation Studios
Plot: When evil fashionista Cruella de Vil kidnaps dalmatian puppies, their parents embark on a daring rescue. The film used Xerox technology to bring its sketchy animation style to life.
This classic revolutionized the animation process and remains a favorite among movie characters for its villain and canine heroes.
2. The Jungle Book (1967)
Studio: Disney Animation Studios
Plot: Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, must return to the human village, facing adventures with Baloo, Bagheera, and the menacing Shere Khan.
Known for its music and character dynamics, this film holds a special place in the animated movie plots hall of fame.
3. Asterix the Gaul (1967)
Studio: Dargaud Films
Plot: Based on the French comic series, this film follows Asterix as he protects his village from Roman invasion using his cunning and a magic potion.
It introduced many to European animation and showcased unique artistic styles and humor.
4. Yellow Submarine (1968)
Studio: King Features Syndicate
Plot: A surreal, psychedelic journey starring The Beatles as animated versions of themselves, fighting against the music-hating Blue Meanies.
With bold visuals and a landmark soundtrack, it was a defining moment in experimental film industry animation.
5. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Studio: Disney Animation Studios
Plot: A retelling of King Arthur’s origins through his training by the wizard Merlin. It mixes humor with magic in a whimsical style.
It stood out for its comedic timing and fantastical animation sequences, becoming a medieval staple for young audiences.
6. Gay Purr-ee (1962)
Studio: UPA
Plot: A French feline named Mewsette leaves the countryside for Paris in hopes of a glamorous life but finds herself in trouble.
Voiced by Judy Garland and featuring a musical score, it’s a hidden gem in 1960s animation.
7. The Snow Queen (1967, USSR)
Studio: Soyuzmultfilm
Plot: Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, a girl sets off to rescue her friend from the icy grip of the Snow Queen.
This Soviet production amazed with its detailed animation and heartfelt storytelling.
8. Speed Racer (1967 TV Debut)
Studio: Tatsunoko Productions
Plot: Teen racer Speed and his Mach 5 car compete in wild races and thwart villains along the way.
This Japanese anime became a global hit, laying groundwork for future TV-to-film transitions.
9. The Daydreamer (1966)
Studio: Rankin/Bass
Plot: A blend of stop-motion and live action as a boy dreams his way into classic Hans Christian Andersen tales.
The animation was innovative for the time, mixing reality with fantasy seamlessly.
10. The Man Who Planted Trees (1960s Short Influence)
Studio: Early inspiration (officially released later)
Plot: Though formally released in the 1980s, early sketches and the story influenced 1960s animators with its environmental themes and soft artistic style.
A key title in the evolution of meaningful animated storytelling.
11. Fantasmagorie (1960s Reissue)
Studio: Émile Cohl (originally 1908, reissued 1960)
Plot: One of the earliest examples of animation, its reissue inspired a resurgence in abstract animation.
A tribute to the roots of the medium that regained cultural interest in the 60s.
12. The Magic Bird (1963)
Studio: Pannónia Film Studio (Hungary)
Plot: A young boy embarks on a quest to save his village from darkness with the help of a mythical bird.
This film is known for blending Hungarian folklore with vivid animation.
13. Pinocchio in Outer Space (1965)
Studio: Belvision Studios
Plot: Pinocchio journeys into space to fight aliens and learn about courage and responsibility.
An odd but memorable twist on the classic story with a sci-fi flair.
14. The Flintstones (1960–66)
Studio: Hanna-Barbera
Plot: A modern stone-age family tackles suburban life with prehistoric flair and humor.
TV’s first prime-time cartoon comedy and a massive influence on family-friendly animation.
15. Popeye the Sailor (1960s TV Series)
Studio: King Features Syndicate
Plot: The spinach-loving sailor uses his strength to defeat Bluto and rescue Olive Oyl in classic cartoon antics.
Its popularity kept the Popeye legacy strong through TV syndication.
16. Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
Studio: UPA
Plot: Mr. Magoo stars in a Broadway adaptation of the Dickens classic, full of music and humor.
The first animated Christmas special made for TV, setting a seasonal standard.
17. Alvin and the Chipmunks (1960 TV Debut)
Studio: Bagdasarian Productions
Plot: Three mischievous chipmunks sing, joke, and cause chaos for their human manager Dave.
The high-pitched trio became a global sensation and pop culture icons.
18. The Alvin Show (1961)
Studio: Format Films
Plot: The animated variety show featuring Alvin, Simon, and Theodore includes music, sketches, and family humor.
Expanded the Chipmunks’ fame beyond music into animation.
19. Little Bear’s Visit (1960)
Studio: Weston Woods
Plot: Based on Else Holmelund Minarik’s book, Little Bear visits his grandparents in a gentle animated short.
Praised for its soothing narration and simple, endearing artwork.
20. Krazy Kat (1960s Shorts)
Studio: King Features
Plot: A cat, a brick-throwing mouse, and a hapless dog deliver surreal humor based on George Herriman’s comic strip.
Retained the absurd, artistic humor of its comic roots.
21. The Beatles Cartoons (1965–67)
Studio: King Features Syndicate
Plot: Lighthearted animated adventures featuring caricatures of The Beatles as they travel, sing, and encounter quirky characters.
While aimed at kids, it helped expand Beatles fandom through the movie genre of musical animation.
22. Magoo’s Arabian Nights (1965)
Studio: UPA
Plot: Mr. Magoo finds himself in Arabian fairy tales, bumbling through tales like Aladdin and Sinbad.
Combines slapstick and classic stories in a humorous reinterpretation.
23. The Wacky World of Mother Goose (1967)
Studio: Rankin/Bass
Plot: A musical animated film that retells classic nursery rhymes with voice acting and original songs.
Colorful animation and whimsical storytelling make this a family favorite.
24. Rocket Robin Hood (1966)
Studio: Trillium Productions
Plot: A futuristic take on the Robin Hood legend set in outer space, featuring high-tech gadgets and action.
An early fusion of sci-fi and adventure in animation.
25. The New Adventures of Pinocchio (1960)
Studio: Rankin/Bass
Plot: A stop-motion retelling of Pinocchio’s adventures, crafted using the Animagic technique.
Charming visuals and episodic structure made it a TV staple.
26. Tales of the Wizard of Oz (1961)
Studio: Crawley Films
Plot: A humorous twist on L. Frank Baum’s world, introducing quirky versions of Oz characters.
Though short-lived, its creativity influenced later Oz animations.
27. The Lone Ranger Animated Series (1966)
Studio: Format Films
Plot: The masked ranger and his companion Tonto fight injustice in the Old West.
Kept the legendary characters alive for a new generation of TV viewers.
28. King Kong Animated Series (1966)
Studio: Rankin/Bass
Plot: King Kong becomes a protector of a family that discovers him on Mondo Island, with sci-fi twists.
This show introduced Kong to animated storytelling with educational tones.
29. Cool McCool (1966)
Studio: Filmation
Plot: A James Bond spoof featuring bumbling secret agent Cool McCool and his equally awkward father.
Silly humor and campy style gave it cult appeal among kids.
30. Batfink (1966)
Studio: Hal Seeger Productions
Plot: A parody of Batman, this superhero has steel wings and a karate sidekick named Karate.
Satirical and lighthearted, it found a niche fanbase for its absurdity.
31. The Mighty Hercules (1963)
Studio: Adventure Cartoon Productions
Plot: Animated tales of the legendary Hercules using superhuman strength to battle evil in ancient Greece.
Mythology meets Saturday morning cartoons in this heroic series.
32. Johnny Cypher in Dimension Zero (1967)
Studio: Oriolo Studios
Plot: Scientist Johnny Cypher travels across dimensions to stop villains using his inventions and intelligence.
Science fiction and moral lessons blended in this unique space saga.
33. George of the Jungle (1967)
Studio: Jay Ward Productions
Plot: A clumsy but lovable jungle hero, George protects animals and friends in comedic adventures.
Smart writing and parody made it more than just a Tarzan spoof.
34. Journey to the Beginning of Time (1960s U.S. Release)
Studio: Czechoslovak production by Karel Zeman
Plot: Four boys travel back through time discovering prehistoric creatures in a pseudo-documentary style.
Educational and imaginative, it combined animation and live-action seamlessly.
35. The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo (1964)
Studio: UPA
Plot: Magoo stars in adaptations of classic literature like “Robin Hood” and “Frankenstein.”
Introduced children to literature with humor and clever animation.
36. The King and the Mockingbird (1960 French Release)
Studio: Paul Grimault
Plot: A tyrannical king is challenged by a mockingbird and a young couple in a surreal kingdom.
A work of art, known for its influence on future animators like Miyazaki.
37. Shin Takarajima (1965, Japan)
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: A boy finds a treasure map and embarks on a dangerous journey filled with pirates and mystery.
Set the stage for Japanese adventure animation to flourish.
38. The Adventures of Sinbad (1962, Japan)
Studio: Toei Animation
Plot: The famous sailor embarks on legendary journeys facing monsters, magic, and treacherous seas.
Richly animated and rooted in Arabian Nights lore.
39. Andersen Monogatari (1968, Japan)
Studio: Mushi Productions
Plot: Anthology of Hans Christian Andersen tales with poetic animation and melancholic storytelling.
Considered a landmark in animated movie reviews for its emotional impact.
40. Moomin (1969, Japan)
Studio: Mushi Production
Plot: Based on Finnish novels, the Moomins are gentle creatures exploring magical worlds and life’s wonders.
Internationally beloved for its calm tone and philosophical depth.
41. Osomatsu-kun (1966)
Studio: Studio Zero
Plot: Sextuplet brothers wreak havoc in their neighborhood, using satire and surreal humor.
Pioneered chaotic comedy in Japanese animation.
42. Astro Boy (1963)
Studio: Mushi Productions
Plot: A robot boy with a human heart uses his powers for good in a futuristic world.
The foundation of modern anime and a crucial entry in the film industry.
43. Kimba the White Lion (1965)
Studio: Mushi Productions
Plot: A lion cub returns to reclaim his jungle and live by his father’s peaceful philosophy.
Influenced future classics like “The Lion King” with its themes and visuals.
44. Marine Boy (1969)
Studio: Terebi Doga
Plot: A young aquatic superhero battles underwater threats using high-tech gadgets and bravery.
One of the first color anime series to air in the U.S.
45. Dodo the Kid from Outer Space (1965)
Studio: Halas and Batchelor
Plot: Dodo, a curious alien, explores Earth and learns about human inventions and culture.
Combined educational content with futuristic curiosity and charm.
Conclusion
The 1960s were more than just a transitional decade in animation—they were a turning point. From groundbreaking animated movie plots to the rise of anime and educational programming, this era laid the groundwork for what animation would become. These 45 films capture the innovation, imagination, and enduring appeal of a period where creativity was unbound by technical limitations. Whether you’re a fan of cartoon movies or curious about the evolution of the film industry, these works deserve your attention.
