Top 10 Small Details You Didn't Notice in Animated Movies
#10: Alex’s Paw Birthmark “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (2008)
In the second installment of this franchise, we get a little more insight into Alex’s origins. But we still can’t talk about that without tearing up. The film also introduces us to Alex’s birthmark, which becomes pivotal to the storyline when he’s reunited with his Pride and parents later on. In fact, his dad Zuba has the very same mark in the exact same spot. As you might recall, this movie is called “Escape 2 Africa,” and now we know that Alex is from a nature reserve somewhere on the continent. But did you notice that his and Zuba’s birthmarks resemble the shape of Africa as seen on a map?
#9: Links to Other Animated Movies “Missing Link” (2019)
Despite its funny and heartwarming narrative and a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination, this movie largely flew under the radar. In it, we’re introduced to Sir Lionel Frost and Adelina Fortnight, who assist Sasquatch Mr. Link on a journey to locate some family. But let's rewind. Before going to see the “Society of Great Men,” Sir Lionel rummages through drawers to find his model of a Sasquatch footprint. We’re focusing on the contents of the drawer below the one with said item in it. See the sketch of a Boxtroll from the eponymous movie, the storybook from “ParaNorman,” and a nod to “Kubo and the Two Strings”? In case you’re wondering what the missing link is, LAIKA studio has production credits on all these projects.
#8: Andy’s Books “Toy Story” (1995)
Top 10 Things You Never Noticed In Andy's Room in Toy Story
There are so many easter eggs hidden throughout this franchise that we're probably still not done finding them all. However, we spotted a nod to “Home Improvement,” which starred Buzz voice actor Tim Allen, in Sid’s bedroom. Similarly, in "Toy Story 3," we see Buzz's batteries are manufactured by "Buy n Large," a name you might know from "WALL-E." But going back to the first movie, remember that scene where Woody briefs the toys on, well, toy matters? Did you ever stop and look at the names of the books behind him? Many are titles of Pixar shorts. Incidentally, bits of "Tin Toy" can be seen in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment in "Toy Story 2."
#7: A Shout Out to Steve Jobs “Coco” (2017)
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You probably knew the late Steve Jobs as the co-founder, CEO, and chairman of Apple. But did you know that he was also one of Pixar’s key players? He was even an executive producer on “Toy Story.” Sadly, Jobs passed away in 2011. But you can see a sweet nod to the tech genius in 2017’s “Coco.” Check out this computer in the Land of the Dead. If you’re old enough to remember Apple’s original Macintosh design, it’ll probably give you some major flashbacks. Likewise, 2016’s “The Angry Birds Movie,” based on the popular app game, also finds a humorous way to memorialize the inventor.
#6: Gingy’s Scars “Shrek” franchise (2001-)
During “Shrek”’s early production, there were apparently some disagreements over where to draw the line in making a film aimed at kids equally appealing to adults. DreamWorks head honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg reportedly thought Guns N' Roses tunes and mature humor were a step too far. Yet a scene depicting Gingerbread Man being intimidated, with his legs broken, doesn’t cross that line? Of course, Gingy’s legs are eventually repaired, but this leaves physical marks on him that bring a whole new meaning to icing the wound! It’s kind of bittersweet. Sure, he can move again, but he’s literally walking proof of the traumatic event throughout the subsequent films. We’ll never look at Gingerbread Men in the same way again.
#5: Historically Accurate Chewing Gum “The Road to El Dorado” (2000)
Top 10 Historically Accurate Details in Disney Movies
This film gave us so many treasures, from its highly quotable dialogue to a pretty epic soundtrack. However, it also seemingly contains a historically accurate detail you may have yet to spot. In this scene, Miguel and Tulio play ball against some locals. You might’ve observed that before they begin, one of their opponents is chewing gum. This could be Chicle, a natural gum that grows on trees native to the Americas. Apparently, the Maya and Aztecs chewed it to keep hunger at bay, so maybe it was nearing dinner time? It reportedly also served similar purposes as toothpaste and mouthwash, so perhaps this man was just being considerate of his fellow players. Either way, this attention to detail is pretty golden.
#4: Esmerelda’s Biblical Dress Meaning “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
During her performance at the Festival of Fools, Esmerelda dons a red and purple outfit. Some have pointed out that this might be a reference to Babylon the Great, a symbolic biblical figure and outcast depicted as the opposite of what the Church is said to represent. We also see Esmerelda’s first clash with Judge Frollo during this scene. Indeed, the two couldn’t be more polar opposites. Later, during “Hellfire,” Frollo repeatedly protests that he bears no blame for his sinful thoughts about Esmerelda. But if you listen closely, you’ll hear the accompanying choir singing “mea culpa,” which can be translated as “through my fault.” Well, well, Judge Frollo, ratted out by the chorus.
#3: Carl Becomes a Square “Up” (2009)
Few Pixar scenes melt our hearts like Carl and Ellie’s meet cute. Fewer still have us sobbing harder than the montage, which ends with Carl becoming a widower. So, it makes sense that since our vision was so blurred by our non-stop tears, we missed how the round-faced kid we first met turned into a square-headed adult. According to the movie’s creative team, this was a deliberate choice. Indeed, his head shape represents his rigid and boxed-in lifestyle. Meanwhile, rounder features indicate more openness. This pattern is also seen in the picture frames around Carl and Ellie’s home. A good place to spot it is when he takes the chairlift down the stairs.
#2: The Princess Songs “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018)
Top 10 Opening Songs in Animated Movies That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard
Including Disney’s princesses (and heroines) in the “Wreck-It Ralph” sequel was a stroke of genius. It’s non-stop easter eggs and hilarious references, from when Vanellope first meets them to when they save Ralph during the film’s climax. Speaking of the rescue scene, did you hear the medley of iconic songs that accompany the action? Ariel, for instance, swims to “Part of Your World.” You can also hear “Someday My Prince Will Come” from “Snow White,” “Colors of the Wind,” from “Pocahontas,” “Down in New Orleans,” from “The Princess and the Frog,” and more. We won’t deny you the fun of listening out for the rest yourself. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Genie Writes from Right to Left, “Aladdin” (1992) We’re Told Agrabah Is Somewhere Near the Jordan River, So Naturally, Genie Writes in His Native Arabic A Halfway Heads-up, “Hercules” (1997) Hades Delivers a Meta Comment Roughly Halfway Into the Story Roddy Wolverine, “Flushed Away” (2006) We Wonder If, Like Voice Actor Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Roddy’s Costume Comes with Retractable Claws The Statue of Liberty’s Color, “An American Tail” (1986) The Green Monument We Know Today Is a Result of Oxidation; the Statue Was Originally Copper The Car Mountains, “Cars” (2006) Ever Notice How the Mountains in Ornament Valley Look a Lot Like a Group of Classic Cars?
#1: The Pied Presidents “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (2009)
Flint Lockwood realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew when his food-making contraception goes haywire. It isn’t long until the residents of Swallow Falls are dodging giant bagels, running from a humongous cob of corn, and more. Even world-famous landmarks aren’t safe. In one shot, we see pies hit the Mount Rushmore Presidents in the face. But there’s an exception: Abraham Lincoln. He’s hit from behind. If you know your American history, you’ll know just how morbid this reference is. But, if you still don’t get it, we suggest you go read up about ol’ Abe. We’ll just leave you with this food for thought.
