The Top 10 Animated African Movies and Shows for Kids

In recent years, the global animation industry has witnessed an exciting and remarkable transformation, with diverse voices and perspectives emerging from all corners of the globe. As the world becomes more connected, the African continent has been making its mark on the animation landscape, producing an array of visually stunning and culturally rich animated movies and television series, some specifically for younger audiences.

Africa is a continent teeming with diversity, encompassing a myriad of cultures, languages, and traditions. This rich tapestry of heritage has served as a source of inspiration for African animators, allowing them to create captivating stories that resonate with young audiences both locally and internationally. These animated features not only entertain but also educate and empower children, highlighting the importance of embracing their roots and celebrating their unique identities.

Animated movies from Africa excel in showcasing breathtaking visual aesthetics, often drawing inspiration from the continent’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant communities. These films captivate audiences with their distinctive art styles, combining traditional hand-drawn animation techniques with modern digital technologies. The result is a visual feast that transports children into imaginative worlds filled with wonder, fantasy, and enchantment.

One notable aspect of African animated movies is their commitment to telling stories that reflect the realities and aspirations of African children. Themes of friendship, family, courage, and the preservation of nature resonate strongly in these narratives, emphasizing essential values and life lessons. Moreover, African animators skillfully weave in cultural elements and folklore, giving young viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in captivating tales rooted in African traditions and mythology.

As we delve into the world of African animated movies for children, we will encounter a diverse range of characters that embody resilience, curiosity, and the power of imagination. From spirited young heroes embarking on epic quests to charming animals imparting wisdom, each character brings something unique to the screen, fostering a sense of pride and representation for African children.

Below you’ll find a carefully curated selection of the best children’s animated movies to emerge from Africa, spanning different countries and animation studios. Each offers a distinct narrative and artistic style, showcasing the incredible diversity within African animation. By highlighting these remarkable cinematic gems, we aim to shed light on the extraordinary talent, creativity, and storytelling that exists on the African continent.

Liyana

Plot: A talented group of orphaned children in Swaziland create a fictional heroine and send her on a dangerous quest.

The Legacy of Rubies

Plot: Mfalme, a young forest boy is kidnapped and brought to the strange palace of Airegin, with the claim that he is the blood son of the dying King Obankosi and the chosen successor to the throne.

Plot: Super Sema is the first African kid superhero animated series about an ordinary young girl on an extraordinary mission to protect her African village from a heartless villain and his army of pesky robots.

Adama: The World of Wind

Plot: 12 year-­old Adama lives in a remote village in West Africa, sheltered by the cliffs. Out beyond lies "the world of wind," the kingdom of wicked spirits hungry for war. When his elder brother Samba suddenly vanishes from the village, Adama decides to set off in search of him, crossing into a Europe in the grip of World War I.

Jirimpimbira: An African Folk Tale

Plot: A brave boy named Temba ventures to find food and water for his drought-striken village. But when he is given a set of magical bones, he uses them to gain riches for himself instead of sharing with his friends.

One by One

Plot: In a place in Africa we follow a group of children preparing their kites for an adventure of their life. The short was intended to be one of the segments for the proposed but never completed Fantasia 2006.

Kirikou and the Sorceress

Plot: Drawn from elements of West African folk tales, it depicts how a newborn boy, Kirikou, saves his village from the evil witch Karaba.

The Black Pharaoh, the Savage and the Princess

Plot: Three tales, three ages, three worlds. At the time of Ancient Egypt, a young king becomes the first black pharaoh to deserve the hand of his loved one. During the French Middle Ages, a mysterious wild boy steals from the rich to give to the poor. In 18th-century Turkey, a prince of pastries and a princess of roses escape the palace to live their love.

Kirikou and the Wild Beasts

Plot: The film is a sub-story to Kirikou and the Sorceress rather than a straight sequel. The movie is set while Kirikou is still a child and Karaba is still a sorceress. Like Princes et princesses and Les Contes de la nuit, it is an anthology film comprising several episodic stories, each of them describing Kirikou's interactions with a different animals. It is however unique among Michel Ocelot's films, not only in that it is co-directed by Bénédicte Galup (who has previously worked with him as an animator) but also for each of the stories being written by a different person (in all other cases, Ocelot has been the sole writer and director of his films).