The majority of the movie industry is male-dominated, and animation is no exception. Studio heads that found success in early films were continuously given the opportunity to keep writing more stories, often leaving women out of equal opportunities. However, when given the chance, women writers have contributed to creating some of the best animated films to date.
With so many animated movies featuring women leads, it makes sense that having a woman writer only helps to bring a more authentic story to life. From tall tales of heroines to coming-of-age stories and fantasy, women writers are capable of building incredible worlds and writing even better stories.
10 Persepolis
Adapted from Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, Persepolis centers around the life of a young girl growing up amid the Iranian Revolution. Satrapi’s graphic novel is an incredibly touching story. Her ability to bring her own story to life from off the page is a difficult feat, but one she accomplished seamlessly.
Wanting audiences to focus on the story and not be distracted by loud and colorful animation, Satrapi opted for Persepolis to be in black and white, a unique look compared to other animated films. Without a woman writer, Persepolis may have failed at accurately telling a girl’s coming-of-age story, but Satrapi is the reason Persepolis is as powerful as it is.
9 Brave
Brave is a Pixar Animation film that tells the story of a Scottish Princess, Merida, who disrupts her kingdom’s centuries-long tradition by choosing not to marry. Created and written by Brenda Chapman, with help on the screenplay from Irene Mecchi, Brave quickly became adored by female audiences thanks to its headstrong heroine, who quickly became a feminist icon.
Chapman has shared on many occasions that she had to fight with Disney to keep Merida’s original appearance authentic to the story, whereas Disney wanted to make her thinner and de-frizz her hair. Audiences have Chapman to thank for guaranteeing Brave‘s story is told as it’s written, with better representation for young girls in mind.
8 Turning Red
One of Disney’s most mature movies, Turning Red tells the story of Mei, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian student unwittingly born with a hereditary curse that transforms her into a giant red panda anytime she experiences strong emotions. Turning Red is written by Domee Shi and Julia Cho, with Shi also directing, marking her as Pixar’s first sole-female director.
Turning Red marked a turning point for Pixar films, offering a culturally diverse perspective often left out of animation. The film’s honest portrayal of a girl’s coming-of-age also broke down barriers showcasing natural things such as puberty and menstruation that often aren’t discussed in media, granting women a space to feel less alone.
7 The Lion King
Originally released in 1994, The Lion King is a Disney musical that tells the story of Simba, a lion cub who left his animal kingdom after his uncle killed his father, only to return years later and fight for the throne. Written by Irene Mecchi, The Lion King quickly became one of the highest-grossing animated films, and remains one of the best animated films to this day.
The Lion King garnered acclaim thanks to its great soundtrack and original musical numbers, unique character design, and heartbreaking story. Despite taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” The Lion King offers a refreshing originality to the story that keeps fans coming back.
6 Encanto
Written by Charise Castro Smith, Encanto is a musical fantasy film that follows Mirabel, a non-magical member of a multigenerational magical Colombian family who works to save her family’s magic as they start losing it. Encanto immediately became a hit, achieving success on streaming, and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Encanto brought much-needed diversity to Disney’s slate, cementing the notion that opening up spaces for new stories and perspectives isn’t just vital but can be successful. Between the film’s use of color and costumes, enchanting musical numbers, and heartwarming story, Encanto is a standout film.
5 Frozen
A film-turned-series, Frozen is a Disney musical fantasy film written by Jennifer Lee. Frozen follows the story of Princess Anna on a mission to find her sister Elsa, who accidentally froze their entire kingdom. Starring Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, Frozen became beloved by audiences thanks to their powerhouse musical numbers, and the film’s touching story.
Musical films have been around for decades, but Frozen unlocked a new potential and became the film of a younger generation, eventually becoming the fifth highest-grossing film of all time. Lee’s writing helped bring Anna and Elsa’s characters to life, highlighting that women characters can be multifaceted, complex, and able to save themselves.
4 Anastasia
Anastasia is a musical fantasy-drama that follows Anastasia, the granddaughter and last-surviving heir of the Russian Royal family, on her way to reunite with her grandmother, the Dowager Empress. Written by Susan Gauthier, Anastasia told a great historical tale with emotional value and impressed filmgoers and audiences alike.
Critics praised Meg Ryan and John Cusack’s performances and Anastasia‘s soundtrack. Growing audiences both in the United States and Russia, Anastasia‘s success garnered the film Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, as well as an Annie Award win.
3 Meet The Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons is one of Disney’s less popular movies, but it remains beloved by fans for good reason. Written by Michelle Bochner Spitz, Meet the Robinsons centers around a boy inventor named Lewis who is brought into the future by a time-traveler, Wilbur, to get his invention back, only to discover Wilbur is his son.
Incorporating sci-fi with Lewis’ heartwarming story was a brilliant move, allowing Meet the Robinsons to appeal to more than one audience. While some critics were harsh on the film’s story, Meet the Robinsons remains adored by audiences and has become a cult classic since its release.
2 The Breadwinner
Based on Deborah Ellis’ novel of the same name, The Breadwinner centers around a young girl living in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family after her father’s arrest. Co-written by Anita Doron and Ellis, The Breadwinner was an impactful film that went on to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Straying from many animation films’ fantasy or princess stories, The Breadwinner broke boundaries by telling a true story and defying traditional expectations. Apart from its revolutionary story, The Breadwinner stood out thanks to its stunning visuals and its dedication to creating an accurate representation of Afghanistan and its culture.
1 Mulan
Based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Mulan is a musical adventure film that follows Mulan, the daughter of an aged warrior who disguises herself as a man to take her elderly father’s place during war. Written by Rita Hsiao, Mulan quickly became an inspiration to women everywhere and brought a new life to the gender role debate.
Between Mulan‘s classic art style, one-of-a-kind songs, and refreshing protagonist, fans stuck around. Mulan‘s success not only earned an Academy Award nomination and several Annie Award wins but has stood the test of time and even earned a live-action remake. Even audiences who don’t appreciate animation are fans of Mulan.