The best of Henry Selick: five films every film fan should see –

Henry Selick is one of the most renowned filmmakers in the world of stop-motion animation, praised for his distinct visual style and ability to bring fantastic, often dark worlds to life. Known for blending elements of horror, fantasy and whimsy, Selick has created films that not only push the boundaries of animation, but also captivate audiences with their rich stories and unforgettable characters. His works often explore themes of self-discovery, the macabre and the triumph of good over evil, all wrapped up in beautifully intricate animation.

Today we want to explore Selick’s five best works, ranked from fifth to first, focusing on the themes and messages that make these films enduring and unforgettable. So let’s waste no more time. Here is what we consider the best of Henry Selick.

5. Monkey’s Leg (2001)

Monkeybone follows the story of a cartoonist named Stu, who is stuck in a comatose state and sent to a bizarre, surreal world. There, his mischievous cartoon creation, Monkeybone, comes to life, and the two must navigate the strange landscape while Stu tries to return to the real world.

Monkeybone is a unique film that combines live action with stop-motion animation to create a surreal, often grotesque world. The film explores themes of creativity, identity and the darker sides of the subconscious. While the tone is decidedly dark and bizarre, the film also explores the complexity of the human psyche, particularly through the lens of a person confronted with their own desires, fears and impulses. Although Monkeybone was not as commercially successful as some of Selick’s other works, it remains a cult favorite for its experimental storytelling and bold use of stop-motion in a live-action setting.

4. Wendell and game (2022)

Wendell & Wild follows two mischievous demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, who attempt to raise a teenager named Kat from the dead to use her skills to open a portal to the underworld. However, their plans are complicated by a series of events that lead to a battle between the forces of good and evil.

In Wendell & Wild, Selick creates a darkly comic adventure that deals with themes of grief, redemption and the blurred lines between good and evil. With its unique style and quirky characters, the film delves into the challenges of accepting loss and dealing with unprocessed trauma. The stop-motion animation is as intricate as ever, with vivid, otherworldly designs. The film also addresses the importance of family, forgiveness and standing up to injustice, all while maintaining its unusual humor and eerie tone. Although it came after Selick’s earlier masterpieces, Wendell & Wild still has a distinctive place in his oeuvre, combining his signature dark fantasy style with deeper emotional themes.

3. James and the giant peach (1996)

James and the Giant Peach tells the story of a young orphan named James who embarks on a magical adventure in a giant peach, accompanied by a group of talking insects. Together they travel across the ocean to escape the cruel aunts who raised James, while discovering the power of friendship and courage.

James and the Giant Peach is a whimsical, adventure story that combines the fantastic with a heartwarming message about overcoming adversity and finding family. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Selick brings a beautifully surreal world to life with a mix of stop-motion animation and live-action sequences. The film explores themes of loneliness, resilience and the importance of connection, while also celebrating imagination and the power of storytelling. It is a delightful coming-of-age story with a distinctive visual flair that remains one of Selick’s most cherished films.

2. Coraline (2009)

Coraline follows the story of a young girl named Coraline, who discovers a parallel world that mirrors her own, but with a sinister twist. In this alternate reality, she meets an “Other Mother” who offers Coraline everything she desires, but soon learns that this seemingly perfect world is dark and dangerous.

A masterpiece of dark fantasy and psychological horror, Coraline demonstrates Selick’s skill at creating a world that is both enchanting and disturbing. The film explores themes of escapism, the dangers of wishing for something more and the power of self-reliance. Through Coraline’s journey, Selick delivers a powerful message about the importance of appreciating what we have and learning to deal with our fears. The film’s innovative use of stop-motion animation, along with its haunting atmosphere and strong central performances, make Coraline not only a standout in Selick’s career, but also one of the greatest animated films of the 21st century. Its dark but ultimately uplifting story has made it a beloved classic.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The Nightmare Before Christmas tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who gets bored of the annual Halloween celebrations and stumbles upon Christmas Town. Fascinated by the holiday, Jack decides to take over Christmas, but his well-intentioned plans go awry, leading to chaos and the realization that each holiday has its own unique magic.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is the ultimate Henry Selick film, showcasing his unparalleled skill in stop-motion animation and his ability to create worlds that are both fantastical and emotionally resonant. The film explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance and the consequences of trying to force something that is not meant to be. At its core, The Nightmare Before Christmas is about finding your true calling and learning to appreciate the beauty of what makes each vacation – and each person – unique. With its stunning animation, unforgettable characters and eerily beautiful music by Danny Elfman, the film has become a beloved classic that resonates with audiences of all ages. It remains one of the most influential animated films of all time.

And that’s all for today! Henry Selick’s work in stop-motion animation has left an indelible mark on the film world with his ability to create visually striking, emotionally complex stories. From the quirky charm of James and the Giant Peach to the terrifyingly beautiful Coraline, Selick’s films captivate audiences with their dark, whimsical worlds and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s the enchanting nightmare of The Nightmare Before Christmas or the inventive stories in Monkeybone and Wendell & Wild, Selick’s influence on animation remains immense. His films continue to inspire animators and audiences alike, proving that stop-motion animation is a powerful medium for storytelling that transcends age and genre.

Now we’d love to hear your experiences with Henry Selick’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!