Not Only 'Klaus': 5 More Impressive Spanish Animated Movies, Ranked by IMDb
It's time to broaden your animation map.
When it comes to Spanish animation, most viewers probably only remember Klaus – the heartwarming Christmas story that gained worldwide recognition and earned an Oscar nomination.
However, Spain has long been firmly established on the global animation map, offering projects to suit every taste, from philosophical coming-of-age tales to daring comedies for adults.
5. 'Planet 51', 2009
IMDb Score: 6.0/10
The little green men of Planet 51 go to work, cook with levitating barbecues, watch horror movies, and believe the universe is about 500 miles across.
One day, a spaceship from Earth suddenly arrives. Everyone is terrified, including NASA astronaut Charles T. Baker, who didn't expect to encounter intelligent life there.
The little green men are convinced that Charles intends to enslave them and turn them into zombies. In reality, the astronaut must return to the ship immediately – otherwise, as programmed, it will fly back to Earth empty.
4. 'Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles', 2018
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
Following the premiere of his film The Golden Age, provocateur Luis Buñuel became persona non grata in Europe. No one wanted to sponsor his movies anymore, the public was outraged, and religious leaders tried to excommunicate him.
With nothing left to do in Paris, Buñuel left for his native Spain. Sculptor Ramón Asín promised Buñuel money for a new movie if he won the lottery. Surprisingly, this actually happens.
Luis and Ramón packed their bags, got in the car, and headed to Las Hurdes, the poorest region of Spain, to film a documentary about life in an impoverished village.
3. 'Chico & Rita', 2009
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Havana, 1948. A young pianist named Chico falls head over heels in love with a singer named Rita. Chico persuades Rita to enter a music competition with him, and they easily defeat their rivals, earning the opportunity to perform at a luxurious hotel.
Unlike their careers, however, their romance develops with varying success.
Jealousy and misunderstandings constantly plague the couple. After another scandal, Rita leaves for New York alone. In her new city, she enjoys meteoric rises in both the music and film industries.
2. 'Birdboy: The Forgotten Children', 2015
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Following a man-made disaster, the formerly thriving island has been transformed into a bleak, lifeless place. Fish are no longer found in the area, and much of the land is covered by a garbage dump.
Birdboy, a boy possessed by a demon after the death of his father, hides in the forest. Only drugs help him control the destructive force within him. Dinky, a mouse in love with Birdboy, plans to escape the island with her friends.
They hope to find happiness and a better future beyond this dead world. However, the withdrawn Birdboy refuses to follow his friends.
1. 'Robot Dreams', 2023
IMDb Score: 7.6/10
In a New York City populated by anthropomorphic animals, lonely Dog leads a miserable existence. Tired of living in silence, he decides to buy a robot friend. The purchase proves to be a great success. Robot is a loyal companion who is always ready to follow Dog anywhere.
One day, however, something terrible happens. During a trip to the city beach, Robot rapidly rusts and becomes immobile. Dog can't carry him, and no one on the beach can help.
Frustrated, Dog leaves his friend alone for the night, planning to return with his tools the next day. However, the next morning, Dog discovers that the beach is closed for the winter and will not reopen until the following summer.
