65 Essential Brazilian Animated Films

During prime-time television, what unfolds during commercial breaks? Countless stories are shown and re-shown annually. "Novela" is a part of this highly anticipated hour, where the nation eagerly awaits the next episodes.

Angeli’s popular comic characters, the hippies Wood & Stock, embark on an adventure exploring counterculture, psychedelia, and a philosophy of peace and love. As the 1970s' idealistic atmosphere diminishes, the characters must confront the realities of family and work. But…

Twelve-year-old Francisco enjoys taking pictures of the sky. One day, an unusual sight appears in one of his photos, disrupting his everyday life.

Rosaria Moreira, a highly respected Brazilian illustrator, draws on her own life experiences to craft the story for her third short film. It centers on an unusual bond between a father and his daughter.

Driven by love, people embark on an extraordinary journey through the many genres and styles of film – exploring how cinema portrays the intensity of passion itself.

In the peaceful village of Vila do Vale Verde live three close friends: Piconzé, a young man; Papo, a parrot; and Chicão, a pig. Their quiet life is disrupted when Bigodão, a notorious local bandit, attacks the town and kidnaps…

This short film follows Brazilian artist Marcos Magalhães as he animates a figure on paper. Employing various materials and techniques, he brings his creation to life, making it walk, jump, and interact with its environment. The film was created as…

Following his victory over the dragon, Saint George chooses not to kill it, but instead takes the beast home with him to teach it manners. After the dragon undergoes a change of heart, he attempts to befriend other animals and…

Castillo, a young dockworker, balances his work, his family, and his passion for fishing. One blustery night, he confronts a darker side of himself while fishing.

A five-year-old girl delights in learning to write her name, but her mother insists she leave school to handle housework and farm work.

Frank, a unique being born to the melody of "Singing in the Rain," embarks on a journey to find happiness.

Calango Lengo, a man from the northeast, must embrace his fate despite facing hardship. During the drought, survival means constantly evading danger, like a mouse escaping a cat.

A collection of three surprising stories your grandmother kept hidden, stories she never shared, and stories that would have resulted in serious consequences for the narrator.

Four siblings recount their experiences growing up during the Brazilian Military Dictatorship, focusing on their childhood memories of that era.

A short claymation film by Marcelo Marão tells the story of a young boy who has big dreams.

A single line wanders away from its origin.

A group of young children who work alongside their stepfather face escalating terror and are repeatedly robbed by him.

This film explores the power of imagination as its protagonist embarks on inner journeys across the globe. Through these voyages, they confront their fears and uncover new things about themselves and the world.

A young man goes back to his hometown to care for his mother, who is seriously ill.

Boi Aruá is a Brazilian animated film directed by Chico Liberato, based on the book of the same name by Luís Jardim.

Divino uses his freestyling to talk about his life, his relationships, and his family in a distinctive style.

In the whimsical world of Planet Carrotland, Lord Raider and his robot companion live a peaceful life. When a cosmic event from the Pulsar star sparks feelings in the robot for Princess Mimi, a sweet pink bunny, their love is…

In 1987, Angeli, a prominent Brazilian cartoonist, murdered Rê Bordosa, one of his most popular characters. The motive? A complex mix of envy, ego, and malice.

This film reimagines the myths of Yansan, Shango, and Ogum, set in a vibrant, futuristic Japan.

A key activates a complicated machine, triggering a series of interconnected events – some intended, some unexpected – that work together. The resulting motion embodies raw power, potentially leading to harmony, disorder, or a blend of both.

A solitary sailor navigates treacherous seas and violent storms, driven by the hope of reuniting with his loved one. He maintains a strict daily routine, but unforeseen shifts in his course lead him to an altered destination.

This film explores the history of cinema, moving from classic films to modern ones, as a celebration of filmmaking and the stories we tell about it.

This is Brazil's oldest surviving animated film. A monkey, the sole animal in a zoo, breaks free from its enclosure and creates a series of disruptions.

This is a story about angels who lost their way, dreams left behind, and a boy who finds them.

"Rio 2096 – A Story of Love and Fury" is an animated film about an immortal hero and Janaína, the woman he has loved for six centuries. The film’s romance unfolds against a backdrop of Brazilian history, highlighting four distinct…

A massive tiger suddenly appears in a large city. Its unexpected arrival disrupts an otherwise normal night, revealing a hidden truth.

Traveling to China with only a carry-on, I encountered a unique culture: motorcyclists sporting backward jackets, and restaurants offering dishes like fish heads, crayfish, and eels. The event staff member is a film student with a passion for Kung Fu.…

This is the remarkable story of a man who was born in a traveling circus and carries a talking heart. Throughout his life, he journeys across the globe, witnessing wars and learning from loss. His lifelong pursuit? To find Hamlet.…

A bird-shaped nave journeys over diverse locations, each representing distinct faiths and religious practices.

Sbornia is an island nation with a distinctive and unusual culture, isolated from the outside world by a tall wall. When the wall falls, the rapid cultural changes create comedic chaos in the lives of two Sbornian musicians who uphold…

Rocky and Hudson, a gay cowboy pair, find themselves caught in two separate conflicts. First, they must confront a dangerous scientist. Then, they embark on a quest to locate the Sacred Totem.

A bird attempts to escape from its cage.

In Rio de Janeiro, two homeless children's disruptive behavior sparks outrage throughout the city. The story unfolds like a vintage silent film, offering a distorted perspective on their actions.

A psychologist attempts to mediate a family conflict by bringing God and Jesus together for therapy.

A single atom is propelled into the vastness of space. As it orbits, it experiences a sense of joy and spends its time playfully before ultimately breaking down.

On the planet Athena, in the Cassiopeia constellation, a sudden attack by alien invaders begins to drain the planet's life force. Local astronomer Liza sends out a distress signal that is received by four heroes, who then embark on a…

Panic grips the city as the São Paulo Museum of Art suddenly becomes animated, unleashing chaos upon its surroundings.

Junior, a young worm, feels like an outsider among his friends. He's often teased for being overly sheltered by his mother. When he tries to fit in, an accidental ride on a shovel catapults him to the surface, launching him…

A critically acclaimed Brazilian animated short film that pushes creative boundaries.

A firefighter's life changes when he rescues a woman engulfed in flames. *Almas Em Chamas* is a passionate love story featuring vividly drawn characters.

Joshua trades his donkey for a mysterious "magic cassava" and learns that incredible journeys can begin in unexpected ways.

In present-day São Paulo, vibrant graffiti artists perform bolero dances reminiscent of the 1950s.

Feeling lost after his father moves to the city, a young boy leaves his village and finds himself in a fantastical world filled with insect-powered machines and peculiar creatures. The film uses a unique blend of animation styles to explore…

*Sinfonia Amazônica*, Brazil's first animated feature, was created by Anélio Lattini Filho over five years, completed in 1951. Similar to Disney's *Fantasia*, the film presents a series of folk tales set to orchestral music.

Happy Cricket and his endearing friends must stop the evil Wartlord and save Linda, the Night Star. The film highlights themes of friendship, freedom, and protecting the natural world.

A mother gifts her daughter a box of vintage, colored vinyl records, allowing her to listen to them freely. However, the mother issues one strict warning: the green record is forbidden to be played under any circumstances.

Two small men ascend into the sky, tethered to balloons. However, they soon disagree about who the sky belongs to. This film was created during the fourth edition of the National Film Board of Canada's Hothouse apprenticeship program.

A stray cat, accustomed to a regular milk supply, experiences adverse effects when its milk is discontinued and it's offered a sugary soft drink as a substitute, becoming an unwitting symbol of globalization.

Monica and her friends experience four delightful adventures. In "O Plano Infalível," Jimmy Five tries a new plan to outsmart Monica and her bunny. "Um Amor de Ratinho" tells the story of Monica at a costume party who unexpectedly sparks…

When Virgolino's girlfriend is abducted, he embarks on a pursuit of the perpetrator.

Guida, a kind-hearted archivist who has spent three decades working at the courthouse, decides to shake up her routine after seeing a newspaper advertisement for life drawing classes at a local cultural center.

After seeing an erotic animation, Ana becomes infatuated with Valdisnei, the main character. She attempts to contact him by phone and tricks him into an audition. However, tragedy occurs during the audition.