The History of Animation: Celebrating Disney's 100 Years of Stories
Throughout the history of animation, Disney Studios has continued to prove the potential of animated films and television shows.
Oct 17, 2023
The History of Animation: Celebrating Disney's 100 Years of Stories

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# The History of Animation: Celebrating Disney’s 100 Years of Stories

October 17, 2023

The animation industry has grown to become an absolute behemoth in the world of cinema. Despite the immense teams and years of effort required for modern animated films, they reign as the most lucrative genre, boasting a [remarkable 52% gross profit margin](http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2014/07/the-completely-serious-decline-of-the-hollywood-comedy/373914/) since 2004, leaving the second-most profitable genre, action, at 48% in the dust. Of course, when anyone thinks of the history and growth of animation, they think of Disney, a legacy that is nothing short of iconic. Walt Disney’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation revolutionized the animation industry from its first-ever feature-length animated film, _Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,_ to timeless classics like _The Lion King, Frozen_, and _Moana_ that continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

In honor of Disney’s storytelling prowess and commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation, let’s discuss the history of animation and how the company has left an indomitable imprint on the entertainment world.

## The History of Animation: Starting With The First-Ever Animation

Of course, animation wasn’t always a multi-million dollar affair. Only a century before [3D animation schools](https://www.nyfa.edu/los-angeles/animation-school/) rose to help people study the craft, there were pioneers out there trying to figure out how to get it started. It’s hard to define what the first-ever animation was, as it depends entirely on what is classified as an animation. Given that animation, at its heart, is simply the act of creating the illusion of movement through still images, you could argue that the craft began hundreds of thousands of years ago. We’re all familiar with the stereotypical cave painting imagery, which usually depicts hunting in motion.

The Victorians also figured out how to create moving stills to trick the eyes into thinking the image was animated, as shown in the image below.

![History of animation: first ever animation](https://www.nyfa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Phenakistoscope_3g07690a.gif)

Even if we’re talking about the first-ever animation in the era of [film](https://miami.nyfa.edu/film/ "Film School in Miami"), though, we’ve still got a problem: are we including only drawn images? Stop motion? Animations that only featured a few frames? Let’s skip ahead and look at the first verifiable animated feature-length film… although that may be a little tricky since no surviving copies exist.

### _El Apóstol:_ The First Animated Feature Film

After several visual storytellers began creating animated shorts in the early 20th century (1914’s _Gertie the Dinosaur_ is a notable example), the first feature-length animation created using traditional methods was entitled _El Apóstol_. Released in 1917 to a South American audience, the 70-minute long movie – running at an impressive 14 frames per second – is the first commercially profitable animated movie ever made. According to those who saw it, the political satire was exceedingly good. However, those who didn’t catch it the first time will never have the chance to find out since the film’s only copy was unfortunately destroyed in a fire.

### The Rise of the House of Mouse

More experimental animation techniques were developed over the next decade (including methods like rotoscoping), producing some hit-and-miss results. It was the opening of a small studio in [Los Angeles](https://www.nyfa.edu/los-angeles/ "Los Angeles"), however, that changed the game forever.

![Walt Disney studios history of animation](https://www.nyfa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Disney_1920s.jpg)

With more innovations and notable works over the 20th century (and beyond) than we could ever hope to list here, Disney’s studio and tumultuous history set a precedent for the entire animation industry. Disney Studios also inspired the popular [12 principles of animation](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/12-principles-of-animation/), which many animators swear by today.

Interestingly, Pinto Colvig, famously known as the voice of Disney’s Goofy, was an extremely talented illustrator and is reputed to have made the very first animated feature film himself a couple of years before _El Apóstol,_ but this is now impossible to verify. As a result, some commenters point to the 1937 release of _Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs_ as the first feature-length animated film since it was entirely hand-drawn and isn’t classified as a ‘lost movie.’

### The Best Disney Animated Feature Films By Decade

**The 1940s**

In the 1940s, Disney [shaped animation history with releases](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/disney-feature-films/) such as _Fantasia_ (1940) and _Pinocchio_ (1940). _Fantasia_ pushed the boundaries of animation by marrying classical music with stunning visuals, while _Pinocchio_ showcased the studio’s ability to infuse profound emotional depth into storytelling. _Pinocchio_ still inspires visual storytellers today, such as Guillermo Del Toro.

In 2022, Guillermo del Toro released [his version of the Pinnochio](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/guillermo-del-toros-pinocchio/) (in collaboration with Netflix.) The film was created using stop motion, resulting in a gothic fairy tale feel that took over 60 crew members and 1000 days to create. _(Also, a big shout out to Tony Candelaria (NYFA Los Angeles), who worked on Del Toro’s Pinocchio!)_

**The 1950s**

In the 1950s, Disney animation entered a renaissance period, marked by releasing iconic classics like _Alice in Wonderland_ (1951) and _Peter Pan_ (1953). _Alice in Wonderland_ (based on a novel written by Lewis Carroll) and _Peter Pan_ (based on the play by J.M. Barrie titled “Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up”) whisked audiences away to magical worlds, showing the studio’s ability to [adapt novels and plays](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/tv-movie-adaptations-featuring-nyfa-alum/) into imaginative films.

**The 1960s**

The 1960s were a pivotal decade for Disney animation, marked by the release of several enduring classics, including _101 Dalmatians_ (1961) and _The Sword in the Stone_ (1963). _The Sword in the Stone_ followed the young King Arthur’s adventures and is celebrated for its charming and comical take on the Arthurian legend. _101 Dalmatians_ introduced a new, more economical animation style, employing Xerox technology for the first time and featuring the unforgettable villain Cruella de Vil. 101 Dalmations also inspired remakes and adaptations, including the 1996 and 2000 live-action versions starring [NYFA Guest Speaker Glenn Close as de Vil.](https://www.nyfa.edu/guest/glenn-close/) Close also executive produced _Cruella_ (2021) starring Emma Stone.

**The 1970s**

Disney animation in the 1970s was marked by both successes and challenges. The decade saw the release of classics like _The Aristocats_ (1970) and _The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh_ (1977), which maintained the studio’s signature charm. Winnie the Pooh, [which entered the public domain](https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2022/01/05/what-winnie-the-pooh-lapsing-into-the-public-domain-really-means/) in 2022, already has an adaptation in [the form of a horror film](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/how-to-write-horror-for-film/), _Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey_ (2023).

**The 1980s**

The 1980s marked a transformative era for Disney animation, characterized as the “Disney Renaissance.” The decade witnessed the release of the iconic _The Little Mermaid_ (1989), which heralded Disney’s triumphant return to musical storytelling and set the stage for multiple spin-offs of the story for years to come, including the recent musical [live-action starring Halle Berry](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/merpeople-the-little-mermaid/).

_The Black Cauldron_ (1985) is a Disney animated film notable for its darker and more experimental tone, straying from Disney’s typical storytelling style. Based on “The Chronicles of Prydain” by Lloyd Alexander, the movie features a young man named Taran on a quest to prevent the evil Horned King from using a powerful, magical cauldron for nefarious purposes. The film has gained a cult following and is appreciated for its unique, adventurous narrative.

**The 1990s**

Disney’s string of critically acclaimed films in the 1990s included _Beauty and the Beast_ (1991), _The Lion King_ (1994), and _Hercules_ (1997), some of their most beloved animated classics. The period also included a sequel to _The Rescuers_ (1977), which starred filmmaking icons including Eva Gabor and Bob Newhart. _The Rescuers Down Under_ (1990) follows the brave mouse duo, Bernard and Bianca, as they venture to the Australian outback to rescue a young boy named Cody and a rare golden eagle from the clutches of a ruthless poacher. The film was an early animated depiction of Australia, which is becoming one of the [hottest filmmaking industries](https://www.nyfa.edu.au/).

**The 2000s**

In the 2000s to 2010s, Disney animation experienced a revival marked by highly successful films. This era began with _The Emperor’s New Groove_ (2000) and _Atlantis: The Lost Empire_ (2001), leading to hits such as _Ratatouille_ (2007) and _The Princess and the Frog_ (2009). _The Emperor’s New Groove_ (2000) is a unique and comedic departure from Disney’s traditional animated fare, where Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama. The film’s irreverent humor and quirky characters have earned it a dedicated fan base that still makes TikToks inspired by some of its best scenes.

_The Princess and the Frog_ (2009) marked the studio’s return to traditional hand-drawn animation. Set in New Orleans, it tells the story of Tiana, a hardworking woman who, with the help of a prince turned into a frog, embarks on a magical and musical journey to break a curse and fulfill her dreams. Notably, Tiana was the [first Black Disney princess](https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/a-two-front-war-blackness-representation-in-the-woman-king/), providing necessary representation for audiences.

**The 2010s and Beyond**

The 2010s were marked by Disney’s continued expansion and diversification in the realm of animation. The era saw the release of beloved classics like _Frozen_ (2013), _Big Hero 6_ (2014), _Moana_ (2016), and _Encanto_ (2021), each bringing fresh storytelling and memorable characters to the forefront. _Moana_ and _Encanto_ also introduced audiences to Polynesian and Colombian culture. With captivating stories, memorable songs, and strong-willed heroines, the films have been praised for their representation and positive messages.

This continued with the release of films like _Turning Red_ (2022), following the success of films like _Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings_ and _Raya and the Last Dragon_ [regarding Asian representation](https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/aanhpi/). As part of Pixar’s  “SparkShorts” program, designed to discover new storytellers, writer/director Steven Clay Hunter also made history when he created the short CGI-animated film _Out._ The short film was [a milestone for Pixar](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/pixars-out-standing-short-film-featuring-their-first-gay-main-character-hits-the-mark/), featuring the first gay main character in a Pixar production.

### The First Computer-Animated Feature Film

If the founding of Disney Studios is the most significant turning point in animation history, Pixar’s release of _Toy Story_ in 1995 could be deemed the second biggest. Disney’s acquisition of Pixar in 2006 and the establishment of Walt Disney Animation Studios as a powerhouse for CGI animation contributed to the studio’s evolution and ongoing influence on the industry.

As the first fully computer-animated feature film, _Toy Story_, starring Tim Allen and Tom Hanks as Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody, utilized cutting-edge CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) techniques. The movie demonstrated the potential of computer animation and revolutionized the industry, inspiring future advancements and shaping how animated films are made.

![history of animation](https://www.nyfa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/historyofanimation-1024x521.jpg)Buzz and Woody via Pixar.

While it’s impressive that _Toy Story_ still looks incredible two decades later, it’s undeniable that the CGI animations released since are following some kind of Moore’s Law effect: every year, the rate of technological increase is growing exponentially, leading to mind-blowing results which are light-years ahead of titles released just a couple of years ago.

### The Evolution of Animation

CGI animation has continued to provide filmmakers with the techniques they need to stretch the limits of their imagination. Films such as Netflix’s _Jingle Jangle_, which has [NYFA alum Francesco Panzieri](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/nyfa-alum-francesco-panzieri-on-what-its-like-being-the-compositing-supervisor-on-a-netflix-film/) among the film’s credits, utilized several CGI effects to capture the magic of the holiday season. Superhero films from [NYFA Guest Speaker Kevin Feige](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_P8V6KPnoc), such as _Avengers: Endgame_ (2019) and _Captain Marvel_ (2019), also all used [cutting-edge computer imaging.](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/2020-major-trends-animation/) This level of animation brings audiences into a world where superheroes can fly, fight alien creatures, and [have superhuman abilities.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1--jfv9NYpU)

![](https://www.nyfa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CGIanimated-1024x576.jpg)Captain Marvel using her powers via AllPowers on YouTube

It’s also a huge win for Disney, who famously [purchased Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion](https://collider.com/disney-companies-marvel-hulu-lucasfilm/#:~:text=Disney%20wholly%20bought%20Marvel%20Entertainment,including%20the%20Marvel%20Cinematic%20Universe.) in 2009.

Even television series and short films are tapping into the future of animation. Disney + released the streaming series _She-Hulk: Attorney at Law_, which used CGI animation to create the character of She-Hulk. She-Hulk also featured New York Film Academy [Acting for Film alum Michel Curiel](https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/nyfa-acting-for-film-alum-michel-curiel-is-a-smash-in-she-hulk/).

### The Growth of the Animation Industry

Outside of Disney and Pixar, the animation industry has grown exponentially, with [animation studios all over the world](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/best-animation-studios/). Japanese studio Studio Ghibli has released award-winning animes, including _Spirited Away_ and _My Neighbor Totoro;_ DreamWorks Animation is known for hit films such as _Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar,_ and _How to Train Your Dragon._ Notably, Dreamworks has successfully turned many of its films into franchises. _Shrek_, which inspired several sequels and spin-off films, also has a cult-like fanbase, with people holding Shrek-themed parties year-round.

![history of animation](https://www.nyfa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shrek-1024x576.jpg)Shrek and Donkey, via Dreamworks.

Additional animation studios, such as Nickelodeon Animation Studios, are still finding success in their classics like _SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender,_ and _Hey Arnold!_ Similar to Shrek, Spongebob has an enthusiastic fanbase, with three films based on the animated TV show. Cartoon Network Studios has also had a variety of hit shows, including _Adventure Time, Regular Show,_ and _The Powerpuff Girls._ As a part of their nighttime series Adult Swim, Cartoon Network has also produced mature animated content like Rick and Morty, a wildly successful series very loosely based on the _Back to the Future_ characters.

### Top-Grossing Animated Films

As animated films have become more popular and technology has advanced, the box office has demonstrated how successful these movies can be. Here are the top-grossing animated and CGI films in the last decade, with many Disney/Pixar films on the list.

#### _The Lion King_ (2019)

The [CGI-animated live-action](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-07-19/the-lion-king-remake-animation-live-action-photo-real) of Disney’s _The_ _Lion King_ (2019) was a box-office smash. Based on the 1994 animated film, the remake featured Beyonce as Nala and Donald Glover as Simba, as well as Seth Rogen as Pumba, John Oliver as Zazu, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi. Additionally, [NYFA alum Guillermo Quesada](https://www.nyfa.edu/film-school-blog/alum-guillermo-quesada-lion-king-vr/) was on the team of VR and AR developers for the film.

#### _Frozen_ (2013) and _Frozen II_ (2019)

Disney’s _Frozen_ movies were a cultural phenomenon and inspired young girls everywhere to don “Elsa” Halloween costumes for years to come. The musical films follows two sisters, Elsa and Anna, as they grapple with Elsa’s mysterious powers.

#### _The Super Mario Bros. Movie_ (2023)

Based on the popular video game, _The Super Mario Bros. Movie_ (2023) featured a look into the magical world of Mario and Luigi. Starring Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black as Bowser, for many, the fun film recaptured the nostalgia of the childhood game.

#### _The Incredibles 2_ (2018)

The Disney Pixar hit, _The Incredibles 2_, a sequel to the popular _The Incredibles_, brings audiences back into the theater to follow the adventures of the Parr superhero family. Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter return as Mr. Incredible and ElastaGirl, with Brad Bird returning as the voice of fan-favorite Edna Mode.

#### _Minions_ (2015)

After the release of the _Despicable Me_ animated film starring Steve Carrell, minions were everywhere. The _Minions_ movie, starring Sandra Bullock as a supervillain, brought back the lovable yellow cylinder-shaped minions for more fun and hijinks. _Despicable Me 3,_ the third installation of the original film series, was also a commercial box-office hit.

#### _Toy Story 3_ (2010) and 4 (2019)

Disney Pixar’s iconic _Toy Story_ went on to have four feature films and is rumored to have a fifth film on the way. Each film introduces new storylines that tug at the audience’s heartstrings and introduce colorful characters. The third and fourth films were popular, showing the series’ long-term success and cultural impact.

#### _Finding Dory_ (2016)

Disney’s _Finding Dory_ (2016), based on the popular _Finding Nemo_ (2003) animated film, demonstrated the potential popularity of any given character in an animated film. Dory, voiced by Ellen Degeneres, was a fan favorite, inspiring her own movie that dug into the character’s backstory under the sea.

#### _Zootopia_ (2016)

Known for the catchy song “Try Everything” by Shakira, Disney Pixar’s _Zootopia_ was a surprise hit with audiences. The film, based in the fictional Zootopia city, has a number of memorable characters based on animals and follows two crime-fighting friends, Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman).

With a number of films expected to have sequels and trilogies, as well as the continued creation of Disney live-action remakes, such as [the new _The Little Mermaid_ (2023)](https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/merpeople-the-little-mermaid/), this list is likely to shuffle. More so, with streaming channels creating their own animated and CGI-animated content, the future of animation looks bright, with a number of outlets for creators to release original stories.

### Get Started with 3D Animation at NYFA

CGI animation is now a hugely profitable industry staple; it isn’t going anywhere soon. The only thing left to see is how the students of [animation school](https://www.nyfa.edu/animation-school/) today will revolutionize the world of animation tomorrow. Discover the magic of animation and visual effects at NYFA. Learn the fundamentals of animation tools and storytelling, such as Disney’s famous 12 principles of animation, through our hands-on programs. Learn more about our programs on the [3D Animation School page!](https://www.nyfa.edu/animation-school/)

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