1.The Iron Giant (1999) 

The Iron Giant is set in the 1950s, and its combination of retro styles with futuristic technology creates visually striking scenes. The main character, Hogarth Hughes, is a lonely boy with a working-class mom who discovers a towering robot in the woods. Hogarth quickly forms a deep friendship with the gigantic creature, whose glowing round eyes and lined mouth communicate a kind smile. They race through the chilly Maine wilderness, with the Giant even cannonballing into a lake to create a tidal wave, while Hogarth desperately tries to stop him from munching on every car he encounters.

The Iron Giant evokes another childhood classic, E.T., with its plot point of government agents investigating the reports of this “monster” who may possibly be a Russian creation. These tensions and Cold War anxieties culminate in one of the most moving finales in animation. Even in the few lines he delivers, voice actor Vin Diesel brings such emotional depth to the Giant and how much he cares for Hogarth, demonstrating that he is so much more than just a machine. The ending makes it feel as though The Iron Giant has reached in, ripped out your heart, and stomped on it. A true classic.