15 Best Animated Movies from the 1960s You Have to See

The 1960s were a special time for animated movies. Studios like Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and others created films that families still love today. These movies brought new stories, colorful characters, and catchy songs to the big screen. Many of them shaped animation for years to come.

From Disney classics to unique international gems, the decade offered a mix of styles and themes. Whether you enjoy fairy tales, jungle adventures, or holiday specials, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a list of the 15 best animated movies from the 1960s that you need to watch.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

This Disney classic follows Pongo and Perdita, two Dalmatians trying to save their puppies. The evil Cruella De Vil wants to kidnap them for her fur obsession. The story is full of heart, humor, and adventure. It’s a timeless tale of family and bravery.

The animation is simple but charming, with a unique sketch-like style. The characters, especially Cruella, are unforgettable. Her wild personality and iconic look make her one of Disney’s best villains. This film is a must-watch for dog lovers and animation fans.

The Jungle Book (1967)

Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, faces danger when a tiger threatens his jungle home. Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear help him find safety. The story is fun, with great music like ‘Bare Necessities.’ It’s one of Disney’s most beloved films.

The voice cast, including Phil Harris as Baloo, brings the characters to life. The animation is colorful and lively, capturing the jungle’s magic. Walt Disney himself worked on this film, his last before passing away. It’s a joyful adventure for all ages.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

This Disney film tells the story of young Arthur, who learns from the wizard Merlin. He’s on a path to become a great king, but first, he faces many challenges. The movie is lighthearted with funny moments. It’s a fresh take on the King Arthur legend.

The animation is playful, with memorable scenes like Merlin’s wizard duel. The characters are quirky, especially Merlin and his owl, Archimedes. Though not as famous as other Disney films, it’s a fun watch. It’s great for fans of magic and adventure.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

This holiday classic follows the Grinch, who hates Christmas and plans to ruin it. He tries to steal the holiday from the Whos in Whoville. The story, based on Dr. Seuss’ book, is short sweet, and heartwarming. It’s a TV movie that became a legend.

The animation is simple but captures the Seuss style perfectly. Boris Karloff’s narration adds a spooky yet warm touch. The song ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch’ is iconic. Watch it to feel the Christmas spirit any time of year.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charlie Brown feels down about the commercial side of Christmas. He tries to find its true meaning with his friends and a small tree. This TV special is simple but powerful. It’s a holiday favorite that still resonates.

The animation is minimal, but the characters’ emotions shine through. The jazz soundtrack is unforgettable and sets a cozy mood. It’s a short film with a big heart. It reminds viewers to focus on what really matters during the holidays.

Yellow Submarine (1968)

This psychedelic film follows The Beatles as they travel to Pepperland. They fight music-hating Blue Meanies to save the day. The story is wild and imaginative. It’s a colorful ride full of music and fun.

The animation is bold, with bright colors and surreal visuals. The Beatles’ songs, like ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,’ drive the story. It’s a unique film that captures the 1960s vibe. It’s perfect for music lovers and fans of quirky animation.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This stop-motion TV special tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a glowing nose. He’s mocked but finds his place helping Santa. The story is sweet and inspiring. It’s a Christmas classic that kids and adults love.

The stop-motion animation is charming, with lovable characters like Hermey the elf. The songs, like ‘Silver and Gold,’ are catchy and festive. It airs on TV every year for a reason. It’s a heartwarming tale of being yourself.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Frosty, a snowman brought to life by a magic hat, goes on an adventure. He tries to reach the North Pole before he melts. This TV special is fun and lighthearted. It’s a winter favorite for families.

The traditional animation is simple but effective, with a cheerful vibe. The song ‘Frosty the Snowman’ is instantly recognizable. The story teaches about friendship and bravery. It’s a quick, joyful watch for cold days.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

This stop-motion special follows a boy who plays his drum for baby Jesus. He learns about kindness and giving through his journey. The story is touching and faith-based. It’s a lesser-known but beautiful holiday film.

The animation is detailed, with a warm, classic feel. The music, especially the title song, is moving and memorable. It’s a short film with a strong message. Watch it for a quiet, reflective holiday moment.

The Incredible Mr. Limpet (1964)

Henry Limpet, a shy man, turns into a fish and helps the Navy during war. This mix of live-action and animation is quirky and fun. The story is unusual but charming. It’s a hidden gem from the 1960s.

Don Knotts voices Limpet, bringing humor and heart to the role. The underwater animation is colorful and creative for its time. It’s a light, family-friendly film. It’s great for those who like offbeat stories.

Gay Purr-ee (1962)

This film follows Mewsette, a farm cat who dreams of Paris. Her friend Jaune-Tom tries to bring her home. The story is simple but sweet. Judy Garland’s voice adds star power to this lesser-known film.

The animation is vibrant, with a painterly style inspired by French art. The songs, like ‘Little Drops of Rain,’ are catchy and charming. It’s a romantic tale with a unique look. It’s perfect for cat lovers and animation fans.

The Phantom Tollbooth (1970)

A bored boy named Milo enters a magical world through a mysterious tollbooth. He learns to find joy in learning and adventure. The story is creative and thought-provoking. It’s a mix of live-action and animation.

The animation, directed by Chuck Jones, is whimsical and bold. The characters, like Tock the watchdog, are quirky and memorable. It’s based on a beloved book. It’s a great pick for kids who love imaginative stories.

Asterix the Gaul (1967)

Asterix, a clever warrior, protects his village from Roman invaders. He uses a magic potion to outsmart his enemies. The story is funny and action-packed. It’s based on the popular French comic.

The animation is simple but captures the comic’s humor. The characters, like Asterix and Obelix, are full of personality. It’s a fun introduction to the Asterix series. Watch it for a dose of European animation.

The Man Called Flintstone (1966)

Fred Flintstone becomes a secret agent in this Hanna-Barbera film. He gets caught in a spy adventure while on vacation. The story is silly and full of laughs. It’s a fun spin on ‘The Flintstones’ series.

The animation is bright and matches the TV show’s style. The songs and gags keep the energy high. It’s a lighthearted film for fans of classic cartoons. It’s great for a nostalgic family movie night.

Willy McBean & His Magic Machine (1965)

Willy, a boy, and Pablo, a monkey, travel through time to stop a villain. They visit historical eras with a magical machine. The stop-motion story is quirky and fun. It’s a unique film from Rankin/Bass.

The stop-motion animation is detailed and creative. The historical settings add an educational twist. It’s a lesser-known gem with charm. Watch it for a playful take on time travel.

What’s your favorite 1960s animated movie, and why do you love it? Share your thoughts in the comments!