If the past few years have proved anything, it is that the popularity for animated storytelling is dramatically increasing. Films like Minions and Inside Out were some of the highest grossing films of 2015, highlighting viewers desire to see original animated movies.
The anticipated DVD release of Altitude’s Rock Dog seems to be following this ever growing trend. Starring Luke Wilson, Eddie Izzard and J.K Simmons, Rock Dog is a great family friendly story that explores the journey of Bodi (Luke Wilson), a Tibetan Mastiff who stumbles across a radio falling from the sky. After becoming inspired by rock legend Angus Scattergood (Eddie Izzard), he leaves home to fulfil his dream of becoming a musician, setting into motion a series of completely unexpected events.
To celebrate the DVD release of Rock Dog on 16th October, we’ve had a look back at some of the best animated films ever made…
The Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets was one of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2016. It was a great success with its young target audience, and supplied a perfect film for the whole family to enjoy. The story follows the life of a domestic terrier named Max, and how quickly his peaceful life is turned upside down by the arrival of a large sloppy mongrel named Duke. But upon finding out that a white bunny named Snowball is building an army of lost pets, they must put their problems aside to defeat him.
The film sends us on an emotional rollercoaster, encouraging us to re-evaluate the importance of our pets, and like many animal friendly films, it leaves us longing for a soft and fluffy companion to greet us after a hard day’s work.
Finding Dory
2016 saw the return of Disney fan favourite, Dory. Having first appeared in Finding Nemo back in 2003, fans had been patiently waiting for Ellen DeGeneres to reprise her role as the friendly, and hilariously forgetful, blue fish.
The plot follows Dory and her search for her long-lost parents, sending a great message to its younger fan base about the importance of family. With an all-star cast, including Ed O’Neill, Ty Burrell, Idris Elba and Diane Keaton, Finding Dory is a great film for everyone to enjoy.

Zootropolis
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Similarly to Rock Dog, this story focuses on themes of determination, bravery and friendship.
With voices from talented actors such as Idris Elba, Jason Bateman, Octavia Spencer and J.K. Simmons, it is no surprise that the film was a massive success, leaving the audience wanting to see more of Judy, Mrs Otterton and Duke.
Inside Out
Inside Out is an original take on a classic coming-of-age story. Various emotions, including; Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, are all assigned interesting human characteristics. With the action taking place inside Riley’s mind, helping to guide her through everyday life, the film creatively uses imagery to highlight Riley’s conflicting emotions.
While Joy tries to keep things positive, various other emotions attempt to take over – resulting in chaos. The original concept and overall execution led this film to become a huge success, winning a BAFTA for best animation film in 2016.
Frozen
In 2013 Disney released Frozen, one of the most successful animated films to date and another on our list to win a BAFTA for best animated film, taking home the prestigious award in 2014. Inspired by ‘The Snow Queen’, the story follows newly crowned Queen, Elsa. Having accidentally used her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister Anna teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to bring back summer.
Its impressive soundtrack and loveable characters meant that the film went on to win both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the Best Animated Feature Film of the Year.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Directed by Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr Fox follows a mischievous, hen heckling, nocturnal Mr. Fox who has to put his wild days behind him and become a responsible father.
It is a tale of family responsibilities, adventure and team work. With an all-star cast including; George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray, Fantastic Mr Fox was nominated for two Oscars, and in 2016 claimed the top spot in Rolling Stone’s 40 Greatest Animated Movies Ever.
ROCK DOG is released in the UK on DVD from the 16th October