Why Do People Love Watching Animations?

Why do people like watching animations so much, especially compared to live-action films or series? There are several compelling reasons why animation has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world.

Escapism Through Animated Worlds

One of the primary reasons people love watching animations is the opportunity for escapism. Animation allows viewers to immerse themselves in a myriad of other worlds and universes, often offering a more favorable and imaginative experience. For those born as dreamers, animation provides a unique platform to imagine and create a better world, far removed from the mundane or challenging aspects of our own reality.

Entertainment Value

While animation spans a wide range of qualities, it offers substantial entertainment value, often surpassing live-action fare. Despite the occasional flop, animation typically tells compelling stories that engage audiences. The fact that these characters and their journeys are embodied in the form of drawings and digital art brings a level of creativity and emotion that can be hard to match. One can argue that, in comparison to recent Hollywood releases, many animated films provide a more engaging experience.

Visual and Emotional Impact

Animations are inherently more visually appealing and emotionally expressive. Even in scenes that appear gray and dark, the use of colors and lighting in animation can create a lively and engaging atmosphere. In terms of visual clarity, animation makes actions and plans more readable, contributing to a richer storytelling experience. Special effects in animation have also come a long way, finally delivering compelling visual effects that rival or even exceed live-action counterparts.

Moreover, animated facial expressions often convey emotions more effectively than their live-action counterparts. Even when voice actors make mistakes, the visual component of animation can still convey the intended mood or atmosphere. This is particularly true for subtle expressions, allowing viewers to grasp the emotional journey of the characters more intuitively.

Flexibility in Character Design

Another unique aspect of animation is the ability to create characters that defy realism. It is possible to visualize and animate characters that might never exist in the real world—such as characters with exaggerated features, fantastical abilities, or even inanimate objects coming to life. This flexibility in character design allows for boundless creativity and imagination, making animation a truly unique art form.

Artistic Expression and Genre

Animation is recognized as a form of art, just like other forms of visual art such as paintings, films, and television. The artistry in animation lies in its ability to combine visual storytelling with character and world development. Animation often shares genres and categories with live-action films, but it also brings its own distinct qualities to the table. The visual component is a central element, but performance elements, such as voice acting, are also integral to the storytelling process.

The Power of Suspension of Disbelief

Lastly, animation relies heavily on the concept of suspension of disbelief—a willingness to accept the fantastic or magical elements as real within the context of the story. While this is a shared characteristic with many forms of storytelling, animation is particularly adept at leveraging this concept to create immersive and heartfelt narratives. The only art form that does not require this suspension is music, which operates purely on an emotional and sensory level without requiring suspension of disbelief.

So, whether you are a die-hard animated film enthusiast or a skeptic, there are many compelling reasons to appreciate the art of animation. By embracing the unique qualities, the power of visual storytelling, and the suspension of disbelief, animation continues to captivate and inspire audiences in ways that few other art forms can.