Hey everyone! Let's dive into the awesome world of 2018 animated movies and see what gems the DeviantArt community has celebrated and showcased. 2018 was a fantastic year for animation, bringing us a mix of heartwarming stories, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. So, grab your popcorn, and let's explore some of the top animated movies from that year, as seen through the eyes of talented artists on DeviantArt.

Why 2018 Was a Great Year for Animation

2018 was truly a standout year for animated films, offering a diverse range of stories and animation styles that captivated audiences worldwide. From superhero adventures to heartwarming tales of friendship, the animated movies of 2018 left a lasting impact. This year saw major studios pushing the boundaries of animation technology, while independent filmmakers delivered unique and personal stories that resonated deeply with viewers. The variety and quality of animated films released in 2018 set a high bar for the years that followed, making it a year worth revisiting and celebrating.

Major releases like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse redefined what animated movies could achieve, blending cutting-edge animation techniques with a fresh and engaging narrative. Indie gems such as Mirai offered a more intimate and emotional experience, exploring themes of family and growing up with stunning visual artistry. The combination of blockbuster hits and smaller, more personal projects made 2018 a year that catered to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. It's no wonder that the DeviantArt community found so much inspiration in these films, creating fan art and tributes that showcased their love and appreciation for the art of animation. The impact of these movies continues to be felt today, influencing animation styles and storytelling approaches in the industry.

Animation in 2018 wasn't just about entertaining; it was about pushing the envelope. Films experimented with different animation styles, blending 2D and 3D techniques, and incorporating innovative visual effects. The stories, too, were more diverse and inclusive, addressing complex themes and representing a wider range of voices. This commitment to innovation and representation made the animated movies of 2018 not only enjoyable but also culturally significant. The year's offerings demonstrated the power of animation to tell stories that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, solidifying its place as a vital and evolving art form.

Popular 2018 Animated Movies Featured on DeviantArt

DeviantArt is a treasure trove of fan art and creative interpretations, so let's look at some of the 2018 animated movies that inspired artists on the platform:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse swung into theaters in 2018 and completely revolutionized the animation landscape. Its unique blend of 3D and 2D animation styles, combined with a vibrant color palette and dynamic action sequences, made it an instant classic. The film's groundbreaking visuals and engaging storyline, which introduced audiences to Miles Morales and a multiverse of Spider-People, captivated viewers of all ages. On DeviantArt, the film's impact was immediately apparent, with artists creating countless pieces of fan art that celebrated its distinctive style and diverse cast of characters.

The animation style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was unlike anything seen before. It combined traditional hand-drawn techniques with computer animation, creating a comic book-like aesthetic that popped off the screen. The use of Ben-Day dots, motion lines, and onomatopoeia added to the film's unique visual language, making it a feast for the eyes. Artists on DeviantArt were quick to emulate this style, experimenting with different techniques to capture the film's energy and dynamism in their own artwork. The film's influence can still be seen in animation today, as studios continue to explore new ways to blend different animation styles and push the boundaries of what's possible.

Beyond its visual appeal, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse also resonated with audiences because of its story and characters. Miles Morales, a young, relatable protagonist, brought a fresh perspective to the Spider-Man mythos. The film's themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of embracing one's unique abilities struck a chord with viewers. On DeviantArt, artists created fan art that explored these themes, depicting Miles' journey of self-discovery and his relationships with the other Spider-People. The film's diverse cast of characters, including Spider-Gwen, Peter B. Parker, and Spider-Ham, also inspired a wide range of fan art, each character bringing their own unique flair to the Spider-Verse.

Incredibles 2

Incredibles 2 brought the Parr family back to the big screen after a 14-year wait, and it didn't disappoint. This sequel continued the adventures of the superhero family, with Elastigirl taking center stage while Mr. Incredible navigates the challenges of being a stay-at-home dad. The film's sleek animation, action-packed sequences, and humorous family dynamics made it a box office hit and a favorite among animation fans. DeviantArt users celebrated the film with a flurry of fan art, showcasing their love for the Incredibles and their unique powers.

The animation in Incredibles 2 was a significant step up from the first film, showcasing the advancements in Pixar's technology over the years. The characters' movements were more fluid and expressive, and the environments were more detailed and immersive. The action sequences were particularly impressive, with Elastigirl's stretchy abilities and Violet's force fields brought to life with stunning visual effects. DeviantArt artists were quick to capture the film's dynamic action and expressive character designs in their fan art, creating pieces that paid homage to Pixar's technical achievements.

Incredibles 2 also explored themes of gender roles and family dynamics, with Elastigirl taking on the role of the primary breadwinner while Mr. Incredible grapples with his changing identity. The film's exploration of these themes resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about work-life balance and the challenges of modern parenting. On DeviantArt, artists created fan art that reflected these themes, depicting the Parr family's struggles and triumphs with humor and heart. The film's focus on family and its celebration of individual strengths made it a relatable and inspiring story for viewers of all ages.

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Ralph Breaks the Internet took Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz on an adventure into the vast and chaotic world of the internet. This sequel explored themes of friendship, growing up, and finding one's place in the world. The film's imaginative depiction of the internet as a bustling metropolis filled with websites and online characters made it a visually stunning and conceptually engaging experience. DeviantArt users embraced the film's creativity, creating fan art that showcased their favorite characters and scenes from the digital world.

The visual design of Ralph Breaks the Internet was a standout feature, with the internet depicted as a vibrant and ever-changing landscape. The film's creators went to great lengths to research and accurately portray the look and feel of the online world, from the towering skyscrapers of popular websites to the gritty back alleys of the dark web. DeviantArt artists were inspired by this visual richness, creating fan art that captured the film's imaginative depiction of the internet. They also celebrated the film's cameos from various internet icons, including the Disney Princesses, who were given a hilarious and self-aware makeover.

Ralph Breaks the Internet delved into the complexities of online relationships and the challenges of maintaining friendships in the digital age. The film's exploration of these themes resonated with audiences, particularly young viewers who have grown up with the internet as an integral part of their lives. On DeviantArt, artists created fan art that explored the dynamics between Ralph and Vanellope, depicting their struggles and triumphs as they navigated the online world. The film's message about the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining friendships made it a timely and relevant story for the digital age.

Mirai

Mirai, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is a heartwarming and imaginative anime film that tells the story of a young boy named Kun who struggles to adjust to the arrival of his new baby sister, Mirai. Through a series of fantastical encounters, Kun travels through time and meets different versions of his family members, learning valuable lessons about family, love, and growing up. The film's stunning animation, emotional depth, and relatable characters made it a critical darling and a favorite among anime fans. DeviantArt users celebrated the film with beautiful fan art that captured its emotional core and whimsical visuals.

The animation in Mirai is characterized by its fluidity, expressiveness, and attention to detail. Hosoda's signature style shines through in the film's character designs, which are both realistic and stylized, and in the lush and detailed backgrounds that bring the film's settings to life. DeviantArt artists were particularly drawn to the film's character designs, creating fan art that captured the emotions and personalities of Kun, Mirai, and the other members of their family. They also celebrated the film's beautiful animation style, experimenting with different techniques to recreate its unique look and feel.

Mirai explores universal themes of family, sibling rivalry, and the challenges of growing up. The film's portrayal of Kun's emotional journey resonated with audiences of all ages, reminding them of the joys and struggles of childhood. On DeviantArt, artists created fan art that depicted Kun's transformation, from a spoiled and jealous young boy to a more understanding and compassionate older brother. The film's message about the importance of family and the enduring power of love made it a heartwarming and unforgettable experience.

Honorable Mentions

While the above movies were particularly popular on DeviantArt, several other 2018 animated films also garnered attention and appreciation from the artistic community. These include:

• Isle of Dogs: Wes Anderson's stop-motion animated film, known for its unique visual style and quirky storytelling.
• Smallfoot: An animated comedy that turns the Bigfoot legend on its head.
• Teen Titans Go! To the Movies: A humorous and self-aware superhero movie based on the popular animated series.

Conclusion

2018 was a banner year for animated movies, offering a diverse range of stories and styles that captivated audiences and inspired artists around the world. From the groundbreaking visuals of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to the heartwarming family dynamics of Incredibles 2 and the imaginative storytelling of Mirai, these films left a lasting impact on the animation landscape. The DeviantArt community's celebration of these movies through fan art is a testament to their enduring appeal and artistic merit. So, whether you're a seasoned animation fan or just discovering the magic of animated movies, be sure to check out these gems from 2018 and see what all the fuss is about!