6 Brilliant Animated Movies That Have Therapeutic Effect on Adults

I am sure that the time when animated movies were just considered a watch for kids has long passed. And it’s safe to say that some of the most emotional stories and touching stories are told in the form of cartoons. I am an all-time animation fan and I can say for sure that sometimes watching some of them can even count as a visit to a mental health specialist.

For example, these 6 animated masterpieces prove that cartoons can be therapeutic for adults dealing with different life complications. Trust me, I've rewatched these many times, and each time they revealed something new I never noticed before.

1. ‘Soul’ (2020)

Addresses the need to find meaning in life

Pixar movies have been known for their ability to mask deep struggles under the guise of a kid-friendly story, and Soul is no different. It delved into the core of ambition, creativity, finding your worth and… fighting depression.

Soul perfectly describes the struggles adults have while trying to find meaning in life, all through the story of a jazz musician, who died and is now forced to find a way to reunite with his soul in the afterlife, to come back for his big break as a musician, because that was what he thought his life's purpose.

2. ‘Elemental’ (2023)

Addresses cultural identity and belonging

Frankly I am very upset this movie didn't get the recognition it deserved. Elemental tells the story of Ember, a fire element trying to honor her immigrant parents' sacrifices while at the same time finding her own path in life.

What starts as a simple opposites-attract romance between fire and water soon turns into a deep exploration of generational trauma and cultural expectations. As an Armenian woman raised and living in foreign society, I can’t stop picturing myself in Ember's place, and the movie just gives me hope.

3. ‘Inside Out’ (2015)

Addresses the complexity of childhood emotions

This Oscar-winner movie is definitely a revolutionary one, making people all over the world stop and think for a moment: what life feels like when you are a child? Giving us all a chance to see life’s struggles through a child's perspective is genius, as it helps us all understand each other better. Although told through a simple family story, Inside Out makes sure there’s no one left indifferent.

4. ‘Orion and the Dark’ (2024)

Addresses childhood fears and anxiety

Another animated movie no one is talking about unfortunately. Orion and the Dark follows Orion, an anxious 11-year-old with an irrational fear of the dark. And the creators of the movie bring to life the thought of conquering the fear by embracing it, while making Orion go on an exciting adventure with the living embodiment of his greatest fear – Dark.

5. ‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)

Addresses adaptation and finding purpose

Based on Peter Brown's beloved novel, The Wild Robot follows ROZZUM unit 7134, or Roz, a robot who becomes stranded on a remote island and must learn to adapt to her new life in the wilderness.

It could have been a simple survival story, but it became something much more profound when Roz accidentally becomes the adoptive mother to an orphaned gosling... And in my opinion, the core thought of the movie is that you never know what the purpose of your life may be. Even if you plan one path, it’s always a chance there’s something else planned for you instead. And yes – you must adapt.

6. ‘Luca’ (2021)

Addresses self-acceptance

Set in a charming Italian coastal town, Luca tells the story of a young sea monster who discovers he can transform into a human when dry. While spending a summer on land with his new best friend Alberto, Luca must hide his true identity while dreaming of exploring the wider world.

On the surface, it's a simple coming-of-age tale, but if you dig deeper you'll find a beautiful story of true friendship and acceptance, and of course the courage it takes to be yourself.