If you loved the quirky charm, stop-motion animation, and witty humor of Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of 18 fantastic films that capture a similar spirit and are sure to delight fans of this modern animated classic. From the imaginative worlds of Laika studios to more of Anderson’s signature style, these movies will take you on unforgettable adventures.
1. Isle of Dogs (2018)
Directed by none other than Wes Anderson, Isle of Dogs is a stop-motion animated film that transports viewers to a dystopian future Japan. When all dogs are banished to a remote island due to a “canine flu,” a young boy named Atari sets out on an epic journey to find his beloved dog, Spots. With the help of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, Atari embarks on a quest that will decide the fate of the entire Prefecture.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs showcases Anderson’s distinct visual style and storytelling, combining humor, heart, and meticulous attention to detail. The film features an all-star voice cast, including Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, and Scarlett Johansson.
2. Coraline (2009)
From the brilliant minds at Laika Studios, Coraline is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy based on Neil Gaiman’s novella. The story follows a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel world that closely mirrors her own, but with sinister differences. As she explores this other world, Coraline must use her wits and courage to find a way back home and save her family.
Coraline shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s stunning stop-motion animation, as well as its blend of humor, adventure, and slightly darker themes. The film’s unique visual style, memorable characters, and powerful storytelling make it a must-see for any animation fan.
3. The Boxtrolls (2014)
Another gem from Laika Studios, The Boxtrolls is a charming and inventive stop-motion animated film. Set in the town of Cheesebridge, the story follows Eggs, a human boy raised by trash-collecting trolls who live beneath the city’s streets. When an evil exterminator threatens the Boxtrolls’ existence, Eggs must venture aboveground to save his adopted family and change the town’s perception of these misunderstood creatures.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Boxtrolls features a unique and imaginative world filled with eccentric characters and heartwarming themes of family, belonging, and being true to oneself.
4. Chicken Run (2000)
From the creators of Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run is a delightful stop-motion animated comedy. The film follows a group of chickens on a farm who, led by the determined Ginger, plot their escape from the clutches of their owners, the Tweedys, who plan to turn them into chicken pot pies. When a rooster named Rocky crash-lands on the farm, Ginger sees him as their ticket to freedom.
Chicken Run shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s clever humor, memorable characters, and themes of courage and teamwork in the face of adversity. The film’s stop-motion animation is top-notch, and its witty script will appeal to both children and adults.
5. Rango (2011)
Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean), Rango is a computer-animated Western comedy that follows a chameleon named Rango who accidentally ends up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in desperate need of a new sheriff. As Rango takes on the role of the town’s protector, he must navigate a world of colorful characters and confront the town’s water shortage.
While not stop-motion, Rango shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s anthropomorphic animal characters, witty dialogue, and themes of identity and finding one’s place in the world. The film’s stunning animation and Johnny Depp’s brilliant voice performance make it a standout in the animated Western genre.
6. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a feature-length stop-motion animated film featuring the beloved characters Wallace and Gromit. In this installment, the duo runs a humane pest control service called “Anti-Pesto,” protecting the town’s vegetables from rabbits. As the annual giant vegetable competition approaches, Wallace and Gromit must contend with a mysterious giant rabbit threatening the event.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit showcases the charm and humor of Aardman Animations’ stop-motion techniques. The film’s clever parodies of classic horror tropes, combined with its lovable characters and witty script, make it a joy for all ages.
7. The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Of course, no list of movies like Fantastic Mr. Fox would be complete without mentioning the film itself. Directed by Wes Anderson and based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel, Fantastic Mr. Fox follows the titular character, a charismatic and clever fox who must outwit three mean farmers to protect his family and friends.
With its distinctive stop-motion animation, all-star voice cast (including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray), and Anderson’s signature style, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful and heartwarming tale that celebrates the importance of family, courage, and being true to oneself.
8. Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
While not an animated film, Moonrise Kingdom is another Wes Anderson classic that shares many of the same themes and stylistic elements as Fantastic Mr. Fox. Set in the summer of 1965, the film follows two young lovers, Sam and Suzy, who run away together, causing the small island community they live in to search for them as a storm brews offshore.
Moonrise Kingdom features Anderson’s trademark visual style, quirky characters, and a mix of humor and heart. The film’s young leads, Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, deliver charming performances, and the supporting cast, including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Bill Murray, add to the film’s offbeat charm.
9. James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Based on another beloved Roald Dahl story, James and the Giant Peach is a delightful mix of live-action and stop-motion animation. The film follows James, a young orphan who escapes his cruel aunts by entering a giant peach inhabited by a group of friendly insects. Together, they embark on a magical journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach combines humor, heart, and stunning visuals to create a timeless tale of friendship, courage, and the power of imagination.
10. The Iron Giant (1999)
Directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille), The Iron Giant is a hand-drawn animated film set during the Cold War era. The story follows a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a giant robot from outer space, forming an unlikely friendship as they try to evade a paranoid government agent.
While not stop-motion, The Iron Giant shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s themes of friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right. The film’s stunning animation, memorable characters, and powerful storytelling have made it a beloved classic.
11. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Another masterpiece from Laika Studios, Kubo and the Two Strings is a stop-motion animated fantasy adventure. Set in ancient Japan, the film follows Kubo, a young boy with magical powers who must locate a legendary suit of armor to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.
Kubo and the Two Strings showcases Laika’s signature blend of stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and complex themes. The film’s voice cast, including Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, and Ralph Fiennes, brings the characters to life with powerful performances.
12. Mary and Max (2009)
Mary and Max is a stop-motion animated drama that tells the story of an unlikely pen-pal friendship between Mary, a lonely eight-year-old girl in Australia, and Max, a middle-aged man with Asperger’s syndrome living in New York City. As their correspondence continues over the years, they share their joys, struggles, and the challenges of being outsiders.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Mary and Max uses stop-motion animation to explore complex themes and emotions with humor, heart, and a unique visual style. The film’s voice performances by Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman add depth and nuance to the characters.
13. Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017)
The Paddington films are live-action/CGI-animated comedies that follow the adventures of Paddington, a young Peruvian bear who finds himself in London, searching for a new home. With the help of the Brown family, Paddington navigates the challenges of city life and learns valuable lessons about friendship, family, and marmalade sandwiches.
While not stop-motion, the Paddington films share Fantastic Mr. Fox’s charm, wit, and heartwarming themes. The seamless blend of live-action and CGI animation brings Paddington to life, and the films’ all-star British cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, and Hugh Grant, adds to the delightful storytelling.
14. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
From the renowned Studio Ghibli, The Secret World of Arrietty is a hand-drawn animated fantasy based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers. The film follows Arrietty, a tiny 14-year-old girl who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a human house, “borrowing” small items to survive. When Arrietty is discovered by a human boy named Shō, their growing friendship leads to unexpected consequences.
While not stop-motion, The Secret World of Arrietty shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s themes of family, courage, and the challenges of being different. The film’s stunning animation, memorable characters, and heartfelt storytelling make it a must-see for any Studio Ghibli fan.
15. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
The Triplets of Belleville is a French animated comedy that tells the story of Madame Souza, an elderly woman who sets out to rescue her grandson, a professional cyclist, after he is kidnapped during the Tour de France. With the help of her loyal dog Bruno and the titular triplets, a trio of eccentric 1930s jazz singers, Madame Souza embarks on a wild adventure to save her grandson.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Triplets of Belleville features a unique visual style, quirky characters, and a blend of humor and heart. The film’s minimal dialogue and inventive storytelling make it a standout in the world of animation.
16. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Adventures of Tintin is a 3D motion-capture animated adventure based on the beloved comic book series by Hergé. The film follows young journalist Tintin and his loyal dog Snowy as they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to uncover the secrets behind a sunken ship and its mysterious treasure.
While not stop-motion, The Adventures of Tintin shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s sense of adventure, humor, and memorable characters. The film’s stunning visuals, action-packed set pieces, and the vocal talents of Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, and Daniel Craig make it a thrilling ride for all ages.
17. Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015)
From Aardman Animations, the studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep Movie is a delightful stop-motion animated comedy. When Shaun decides to take a day off from the daily grind of farm life, his mischief accidentally leads to the Farmer being taken away to the big city. Now it’s up to Shaun and his flock to venture into the city and bring the Farmer back home.
Shaun the Sheep Movie shares Fantastic Mr. Fox’s clever humor, charming stop-motion animation, and themes of friendship and teamwork. The film’s witty visual gags and heartwarming story make it a joy for the whole family.
18. My Life as a Zucchini (2016)
My Life as a Zucchini (originally titled Ma vie de Courgette) is a French-Swiss stop-motion animated drama that tells the story of Icare, a nine-year-old boy nicknamed “Zucchini,” who is sent to a foster home after his mother’s death. As he struggles to find his place in this new environment, Zucchini learns to trust and love again, forming bonds with the other children and his kind social worker.
Like Fantastic Mr. Fox, My Life as a Zucchini uses stop-motion animation to explore complex themes and emotions with sensitivity, humor, and heart. The film’s beautiful visuals, poignant storytelling, and memorable characters make it a powerful and moving experience.
These 18 films showcase the incredible diversity and artistry of animation, from stop-motion marvels to hand-drawn classics and CGI adventures. Each movie shares the spirit of Fantastic Mr. Fox in its own unique way, offering viewers a chance to escape into imaginative worlds filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these fantastic films that are sure to delight fans of Wes Anderson’s animated masterpiece.
