1. Wolfwalkers
A genius piece of storytelling with amazing pacing, this huge step up in animation quality from Cartoon Saloon also miraculously made me appreciate wolves.
2. The Willoughbys
Featuring an animation style I’d never seen before but will always appreciate, it has some terrific jokes and visual gags.
3. Extra Ordinary
Equal parts hilarious and sweet, this Irish horror/comedy more than lives up to its name.
4. Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll
A tear-inducing addition to one of the best anime series of all time, it improves on the saga’s animation quality while maintaining its emotional resonance.
5. Children of the Sea
While more than a bit confusing on first watch, this is easily the most visually astounding film of the year and receives a powerful boost from closing song “Spirit of the Sea.”
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