Coco

If you want animation that is not just for kids, Coco is available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Anthony Gonzalez's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Disney Plus.

Coco arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Coco treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. Anthony Gonzalez and Gael García Bernal bring more to it than the format typically demands. It was released in 2017. What makes Coco more than a curiosity is writing that would hold up in any format. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Coco works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. The writing operates at a level the format's reputation does not fully prepare you for. Adult animation that actually works for adults.