Claymation is one of the most unique animation styles around. Some of the films that use it are classics and these are the best of the bunch.

Claymation is an art style centered on complex, creative construction of clay characters. Approached through stop-motion (though typical animation has been known to combine with claymation in certain situations), the style is unique, charming and noticeable.

Despite this approach to animation being time-consuming and relatively rare these days thanks to advancements in animation technology, there is no denying some exceptional films are grounded in Claymation. Here are ten of the best. 

Updated November 2nd, 2020 by Zach Gass: Claymation/stop-motion animation is an immensely unappreciated art form that certainly deserves more credit than it earns. While traditional ink-and-paper styles and modern CGI innovations are no doubt popular, the amount of love and care that go into these carefully crafted films is certainly more than noticeable. Every singular detail is painstakingly created by a skilled and loving hand to bring these stories to life. Watching these films is like viewing artwork in motion, and should not be missed by any animation addict.

15 The Boxtrolls

Despite being the first on our list, The Boxtrolls is one of the only films that make it on here without being created by the claymation geniuses over at Aardman Studios. Its response wasn’t overwhelming, but the appearances of Ben Kingsley, Richard Ayoade, and Simon Pegg are well placed, and the unique setting meant the creative use of clay models and animation was perfect for the film. Considering its unusual approach, it even managed to receive its premiere during the 2014 Venice Film Festival.

14 The Adventures of Mark Twain

Strange and unusual is putting it extremely lightly when it comes to The Adventures of Mark Twain.  in this film, The titular author is the pilot of a grand, steampunk-esque airship who is joined by Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and Becky Thatcher on what appears to be a collision course with Halley's Comet. The rest of the plot concerns the kids meeting up with other characters from his works. It's weird, to be certain, but entirely worth a watch.