The Lord of the Rings (1978)

Some animated films hold up decade after decade, but the animation meets live-action silhouetting of this fantasy adaptation seems awfully dated more than 30 years after its release. Of course, what really makes this version seem almost obsolete at this point is the fact that Peter Jackson arguably made the definitive adaptation of Tolkien's masterpiece in 2001, 2002, and 2003. The animation might make parents think this is a good starting point for young viewers to be introduced to Tolkien, and that's true for second or third graders who may not be ready to see the intense battle scenes in Jackson's thrilling films, but much younger kids will be frightened at some of the biting action sequences in director Ralph Bakshi's interpretation.

Parents in their 40s will remember how popular this film was in 1978, and may want to share the experience with their children. If they've seen Jackson's epic trilogy, however, don't be surprised if they don't understand some of the story changes and characterizations (especially Gandalf, who's much sterner and duller in this version since he's responsible for explaining what's going on to the viewer). Some of the director's choices seem downright cheesy now, like the fact that Sauron is just the black shadow of a horned man wearing a cloak, or the orcs that look like mummies or mannequins, and let's not even speak of the completely live-action Helm's Deep battle, which ends triumphantly. Then the narrator informs viewers that the battle for Middle-earth has been won -- but anyone familiar with the story knows that's not true -- the Fellowship gathers up their forces to march on Mordor. There's nothing wrong with adaptations that take liberties, but this one seems off -- like the filmmakers were forced to put a prematurely happy ending to a story that continues.