Animation has over the years been a cornerstone of children's entertainment. From the enduring classics of the 1360s (1980s) to the most advanced productions of today, all have in some way played a role in shaping children's understanding of themselves and the way they look at the universe. For a child who talks with their toys, thinks about life on other planets, at night feels the presence of otherworldly beings, during the day tries to enter another land through a mirror, and always wants to know where the other side of the forest, the other side of the mountain, the other side of the road, the other side of the sea, the other side of everything they see, leads to, animation is a miracle that takes them across the border of reality and connects them to the world of dreams. Children, inspired by animations, draw pictures, tell stories, and even design the scenarios of their own games.
But animation is not only a tool for imaginary explorations; it also has high educational value, which sometimes directly conveys fundamental concepts and basic information and sometimes, by creating an emotional bond between characters and the child, indirectly affects their behavior, ethics, and beliefs. This very fact highlights the importance of parents' making the right choice of animation for their children. In this note, with the help of the "Chi Khoobe" website, we will review the most educational animations.
Chi Khoobe: a tool for monitoring films
"Chi Khoobe" is a website for monitoring and selecting films appropriate for children and adolescents in various age groups, in order to help parents in choosing healthy content. On this website 1,412 works with 6,198 characters have been examined, of which 69 percent are animation, 21 percent film, and 10 percent series. On the basis of age rating as well, the largest number of works belongs to the age group of 7 and up. After that, the groups 11, 14, 3, and 18 and up are ranked in that order.
About 85 percent of these works are productions of foreign countries, among which the United States and Japan stand at the top of all of them. 12 percent of them are also productions of Iran. In terms of subject as well, the largest number of works belongs to the adventure, comedy, family, action, and fantasy genres.
Which animations are the most visited?
The chart below shows the most visited films among the films examined on the "Chi Khoobe" website. The animation "Filshah" and after it "Ferdinand," by a wide margin from the other films, have accounted for the highest number of visits. After that, in order, are The Lorax, Tom and Jerry and The Magical Ring, Frozen 2, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Zootopia.
Looking at these animations we see a common theme among all of them: adventure. With the exception of Filshah, the other most-visited animations, in terms of subject, fall in the adventure category, which indicates this genre's high popularity for children and parents' greater search for them. Of course, examining the most visited subjects on "Chi Khoobe" also confirms this statement.
The chart below shows the most visited genres on the Chi Khoobe website, with adventure, by a wide margin from the other subjects, standing at the top of all.
Adventure, although for adults too it is considered one of the most popular genres, because of its match with children's innate desire for curiosity, has a doubled appeal for them. These films often narrate the stories of heroes who, by the compulsion of fate, set foot on an exciting and perilous journey. Along the journey—while they are always in conflict with an antagonist (the story's negative character)—they meet various people, experience different spaces, are placed on difficult paths, and face numerous challenges. The end of the story, however, is predictable. Whatever happens, the child knows that the hero crosses all obstacles and celebrates their victory over the antagonist. So they continue watching with delight and identify with the hero. Because they too see life as a perilous journey and the world as a wonder-filled mystery that, to discover it, they must push aside their fears and heroically cross obstacles. Adventure animations give the child an opportunity to discover their various emotions in a safe and controlled environment. Seeing characters in strange and unusual challenges enables them to face a wide range of emotions and learn how to adapt themselves to different situations.
Which animations have the most positive features?
Turning Red
Mei Lee is the name of a self-confident, high-energy thirteen-year-old girl who is now lost between two characters of herself: the obedient daughter of her mother, and a mischievous, rebellious adolescent. In early-2000s Toronto, Mei realizes that she has inherited a family curse. A curse that causes her, whenever she experiences strong emotions, especially stress or excitement, to turn into a giant red panda. While Mei struggles with this new and uncontrollable ability, she must also cope with the challenges of growing up, school, friendships, and her controlling mother. Turning into a red panda is a metaphor for the chaotic and confusing changes of puberty, showing the emotional fluctuations that result from it. Over the course of the film Mei realizes that both her human side and her red-panda side are inseparable parts of her personality. She gradually learns that she must accept both sides and, with the support of her friends and family, embraces the process of growing up.
"Turning Red," a product of the popular company Pixar, narrates an engaging and humorous story of adolescence, portrays cultural expectations, and shows the importance of self-acceptance in this period.
Positive features
On the basis of the total of audience votes, the highest positive score is for the self-confidence of the main character (Mei Lee), which teaches having planning in life, setting a goal, and striving to reach it. After that, the relational points inferred from the child's effective relationship with mother and father or interaction in the circle of friends—such as respect for parents, establishing a proper relationship with peers, and showing cooperation between mother and daughter—have had the most positive scores. Teaching emotion control in the adolescent years and showing the importance given to lessons and school by the film's main character are among the other good features recorded for this animation.
Negative features
But it is noteworthy that this animation, while with 33 positive scores it has recorded the most positive features in its name, with 28 negative scores also has the most negative features among all the films. One of the most sensitivity-provoking items in this animation from the audience's perspective is swearing or the use of insulting words and sentences. Also, the induction of the belief that the menstrual period in girls leads to withdrawal has been followed by a high negative score. Interest in superstars, the playing of Western music, showing makeup being applied, inappropriate reactions when angry, showing frightening scenes, the mother character's strictness toward the child and excessive control of her are among the other negative points raised.
Robots
The story of "Robots" revolves around a young, idealistic inventor named Rodney who lives in a small city and a poor family but dreams of being able to turn the world into a better place. Rodney travels to Robot City to see his idol Bigweld, the creator of Bigweld Industries. When he arrives there he realizes that everything has changed, Bigweld has disappeared, and the villain Roger has taken over his company. Roger's plan is, in order to gain more profit, to force robots to buy expensive upgrades; while this causes older robots to rust without replacement parts. Rodney decides, with a group of robots, to stop Roger's ruthless plans. Along this path he learns how sometimes the smallest elements can leave the deepest impacts.
"Robots" is an adventure story of Rodney's journey that portrays the importance of self-belief, helping others, and not giving up on the path of dreams.
Positive features
"Robots," with 29 positive scores, has earned the highest score after "Turning Red" among all the films. Among the most important points in this animation that were able to attract audiences' positive attention is the supportive approach of Rodney's family toward him, which strengthens his self-confidence and steers him toward his goals. Also, Rodney's character shows how an individual can, by directing their wishes toward the collective interest, save a society. Showing the importance of altruism, helping others, modeling inventive and creative characters in the face of problems, confronting hard conditions, and fighting against oppression are among the other positive features in this animation.
Benjamin
"Benjamin" narrates the adventure story of a boy named Benjamin who lives in ancient Egypt. He, who nurtures the dream of discovering hidden treasures, comes upon the map of a legendary treasure in the depths of the three pyramids. Together with his loyal friend, a playful monkey named Kito, he eagerly sets out on a daring journey. Along the way they face various challenges, but relying on their intelligence, courage, and bond of friendship they overcome all obstacles. The closer the two get to the treasure, the more they realize that true wealth is not in gold or jewels but in the knowledge and wisdom they gain during their journey. In the end, Benjamin discovers a treasure far more valuable than what he had imagined: a deep understanding of courage, friendship, and the importance of preserving the ancient wonders of his land.
Positive features
"Benjamin," with 28 positive scores, has been placed in third rank among films with the most positive features. Affection and cooperation between Benjamin and his mother, Benjamin's keeping his promise to the people, showing the importance of solidarity for freedom, presenting a suitable role model (Benjamin) for children that teaches one must not surrender in the face of oppression and tyranny even at the cost of losing one's own family, Benjamin's behavioral politeness, and the courage and daring of Benjamin's mother are among the positive features that have been raised for this animation.
The Return of the Monkey King
"The Return of the Monkey King" is an action animation film that narrates the legendary story of Sun Wukong—one of the most iconic figures of Chinese mythology. This animation, which is rooted in the popular epic "Journey to the West," takes place in an extraordinary world full of ancient gods, powerful demons, and magical creatures. Sun Wukong is a rebellious and powerful monkey king who, because of his past errors, has been imprisoned by the gods under a mountain. After centuries of solitude he is freed by a young monk named Liu'er. Liu'er is trying to collect sacred texts that can restore peace to a chaotic world. Finally Wukong is drawn into Liu'er's mission, and the two together begin a dangerous journey full of epic battles and supernatural challenges.
As Wukong faces external enemies and his inner demons, he reclaims his lost powers and discovers the true essence of heroism. He not only saves himself but stands against all evil forces to ensure peace in all realms. "The Return of the Monkey King" is a breathtaking animation with themes of redemption, friendship, and the endless struggle between good and evil.
Positive features
This animation, with 26 points, has been placed in fourth rank among films with the most positive features. Stating scientific points about geology, astronomy, and physics, showing some educational behaviors such as giving a doll to a little girl, recommending simple living, showing helping others in various forms, and scenes such as the cooperation of Liu'er and the Monkey King are among the positive points recorded for this animation.
The Book-Loving Bears
"The Book-Loving Bears" is an engaging animation series for children aged 3 to 7. This animation revolves around four bear cubs named Crystal, Boomer, Melody, and Scott who have a deep love of reading and books. In each episode, the bears, while looking for books, enter an engaging and entertaining adventure and along the way learn important life lessons such as problem-solving, teamwork, and the joy of discovery. This animation tries, through storytelling, to teach children basic life skills in order to turn learning into an enjoyable experience for them. "The Book-Loving Bears" was made to foster an interest in reading in young children, while at the same time strengthening imagination, creativity, and the desire for inquiry in them.
Positive features
Various teaching in different fields such as the sense of touch and the difference among various surfaces, strengthening children's interest in reading books and introducing reading as an engaging and entertaining group activity, showing a warm and friendly relationship in the circle of bears, kindness toward one another, helping one another and other creatures, showing responsibility, the characters' politeness and clean language, their effort and striving for positive changes, and conveying a good feeling through calming music are among the positive features of this animation.
Battle of the Persian Gulf 2
"Battle of the Persian Gulf 2" is an epic and war animation that depicts a battle between the United States Navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the future. This battle begins with an American attack on Iran's atomic facilities and continues in the Persian Gulf. The hero of this story is a person named Commander Qasem, who is inspired by the character of General Qasem Soleimani.
Positive features
Sacrifice in war and empathy among family members, the spirit of courage and hope in the film, and role-modeling of steadfast people are among the good features recorded for this animation.
Final word
In this note, with the help of the "Chi Khoobe" website, we have reviewed the most educational animations from the perspective of Iranian parents. Among 1,412 works, the animations Turning Red, Robots, Benjamin, The Return of the Monkey King, The Book-Loving Bears, and Battle of the Persian Gulf 2 have recorded the most positive scores in their names. A look at the positive features of these animations shows that observing the smallest educational points based on Iranian-Islamic culture around ethics and behavior, education, relating to others, clean language, observing social norms, and positive role-modeling can attract the positive attention of Iranian parents. In contrast, showing inappropriate behaviors, foul language, violence and fear, and negative hero-making can be off-putting and create a high level of aversion for Iranian parents.
Do not miss reading the note the best and most successful Iranian animations.
Machine-translated from Persian by Namafar; the Persian original is authoritative. Read the original in Persian