Here, the architects were obsessed with the "Heart." They didn't start with action scenes; they started with a question: What if toys had feelings? What if the personification of joy was sad? They pioneered computer-generated art, but they never let the technology outshine the story.

On the opposite end of the scale from Disney is A24. This "indie" darling has become a brand in its own right, known for producing avant-garde, artist-driven films like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Hereditary . They represent the "prestige" side of popular entertainment, proving that niche, high-concept stories can achieve massive commercial success. Animation: A League of Its Own