Animal Treasure Island

Animal Treasure Island (1971) is mostly known for the involvement of a young Hayao Miyazaki as key animator and story consultant. Many of its story elements, characters, and visuals anticipate later Miyazaki productions, from the TV series Future Boy Conan (1978) to the nostalgic Porco Rosso (1992).

Even without that knowledge though, this is a fantastic film from start to credits. The whole thing is a candy-colored parade of slapstick and old-fashioned adventure. The pirate characters are hilarious and threatening in equal measures. Jim and his mouse sidekick Glan are fun protagonists, but the best of the lot is Kathy, the granddaughter of a famous pirate. Intelligent, aloof, and crafty, she is a compelling heroine.

I would think children would enjoy Animal Treasure Island, but even adults who still get a kick out of cartoon-y mayhem will enjoy it.