10 Great Movies Told from a Non-Human Perspective
Movies that step outside the human lens offer fresh, often mind-bending takes on the world, letting us see through the eyes of animals, machines, or otherworldly beings. These stories blend unique viewpoints with emotional depth or sharp commentary, making us rethink our place in the universe.
We’ve ranked 10 standout films told from non-human perspectives, from intriguing to unforgettable, based on their creativity and impact. Here’s why these movies pull us into their strange, captivating worlds.
10. The Lion King (1994)
Simba, a lion cub, navigates pride, loss, and leadership in the African savanna. Through his animal eyes, we see a vibrant world of instinct and hierarchy, voiced by Matthew Broderick and James Earl Jones.
The emotional journey and vivid animation grip us. We’re moved by its wild, heartfelt saga.
9. WALL-E (2008)
A lonely robot trash collector, WALL-E, finds love and purpose on a ruined Earth. Pixar’s near-wordless storytelling shows a machine’s curiosity and heart amid human wreckage.
The tender romance and ecological warning hit hard. We’re charmed by its quiet, soulful view.
8. Babe (1995)
Babe, a piglet, learns to herd sheep on a farm, seeing humans as quirky overlords. James Cromwell’s farmer and the animal ensemble bring a gentle, pastoral world to life.
The naive yet brave perspective warms us. We love its wholesome, underdog charm.
7. The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Mrs. Brisby, a widowed mouse, seeks to save her family from a farmer’s plow. Don Bluth’s animation crafts a tense world of rodent survival and mystical rat societies.
Her desperate, small-scale view pulls us in. We’re gripped by its dark, heroic stakes.
6. Her (2013)
Samantha, an AI operating system voiced by Scarlett Johansson, explores love and existence through her digital lens. Her evolving awareness questions human connection in a tech-driven world.
The intimate, non-human gaze fascinates us. We’re drawn to its emotional, futuristic depth.
5. District 9 (2009)
Prawns, alien refugees stranded on Earth, face human prejudice through their insect-like eyes. Sharlto Copley’s transformation adds a hybrid lens to this gritty sci-fi allegory.
The raw, alien perspective shakes us. We’re hooked by its tense, otherworldly grit.
4. Fantastic Planet (1973)
On a bizarre planet, tiny humans are pets to giant blue aliens, seen through the eyes of a rebellious “Om.” René Laloux’s surreal animation crafts a psychedelic, oppressive world.
The alien-scale viewpoint unsettles us. We’re mesmerized by its strange, haunting vision.
3. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Caesar, a hyper-intelligent ape, leads his kind against humans in a brutal war. Andy Serkis’ motion-capture performance gives us a primate’s view of loyalty and survival.
The epic, emotional stakes hit deep. We’re gripped by its raw, revolutionary heart.
2. The Black Stallion (1979)
A wild horse bonds with a boy after a shipwreck, showing a world of freedom and trust through equine eyes. Carroll Ballard’s lush visuals capture the stallion’s untamed spirit.
The quiet, animal perspective enchants us. We’re swept into its majestic, soulful journey.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
HAL 9000, a sentient AI, watches humans on a space mission with cold logic, voiced by Douglas Rain. Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece uses HAL’s eerie lens to explore humanity’s flaws.
The chilling, mechanical viewpoint haunts us. We’re captivated by its cosmic, unsettling brilliance.
Which non-human perspective blew you away, or is there another movie that nailed an unusual point of view? Share your thoughts in the comments!
