Animation

Animation makes still pictures look like they are moving. Artists draw many pictures that are a little different each time. When you play them fast, it looks like things move. Cartoons and many movies are made with animation.

Kinds of Animation

Hand drawn animation uses pictures drawn on paper. Computer animation uses 3D models made in a computer. Stop motion uses real objects moved a little at a time. Each type takes lots of time and work.

A simple animation showing how cartoon pictures move and change.
A simple animation showing how cartoon pictures move and change. (Wikimedia Commons)

Famous Animation

Walt Disney made some of the first long animated movies, like Snow White. Pixar made Toy Story, the first full movie made with computers. Studio Ghibli from Japan made lovely movies like My Neighbor Totoro. Kids all over love these films.

Fun Facts

  • The word animation comes from a word meaning to give life.
  • Toy Story from 1995 was the first full computer animated movie.
  • Animators make 24 pictures for every second of film.

Did You Know?

The first animated cartoon with sound was Steamboat Willie, starring Mickey Mouse, in 1928.