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Best Simon Wells Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Get ready to explore the cinematic legacy of Simon Wells, a director known for his inventive storytelling and visual flair! This voteable list celebrates the best films crafted by this visionary filmmaker, spanning genres and eras. From thrilling adventures to animated classics, Wells has consistently delivered entertainment that captivates audiences of all ages. Now it's your turn to weigh in and determine which of his movies truly stand the test of time. Browse the selection below and carefully consider each entry. Which films do you consider the most memorable, the most innovative, or simply your personal favorites? Click the "Vote" button next to the movies you believe deserve the top spots in this ultimate ranking of Simon Wells's best works. Your votes will shape the definitive list, so be sure to participate and let your voice be heard!
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#8.
The Dandy Roll
8/9
...
"The Dandy Roll" may seem like an odd choice for a "Best Simon Wells Movies" list at first glance, given its unconventional format and limited theatrical release. However, this animated short possesses a unique charm and exemplifies Wells's distinct visual style, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Focusing on a young boy's whimsical journey into a magical land via a printing press, the film showcases Wells's ability to create immersive and fantastical worlds with limited resources. The hand-drawn animation, combined with its nostalgic narrative and captivating score, elevates "The Dandy Roll" beyond a simple children's film, offering a poignant exploration of imagination and the power of dreams. Beyond its visual appeal, "The Dandy Roll" demonstrates Wells's versatility as a filmmaker. It serves as a concentrated example of his ability to evoke strong emotions through character design, vibrant color palettes, and emotionally resonant storytelling. While his larger budget works like "Balto" and "The Prince of Egypt" are undoubtedly significant, "The Dandy Roll" highlights the raw creativity and core artistic values that underpin all of Wells's films. It's a hidden gem in his filmography, representing a less conventional but equally compelling testament to his skill as an animator and storyteller, making it a worthy inclusion in any compilation of his best works.
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Mercs (2015)
"Mercs (2015)," while perhaps not a critical darling, deserves a spot on the "Best Simon Wells Movies" list because it showcases his versatility and commitment to action-packed storytelling, even within the constraints of a lower-budget production. The film, a modern-day reimagining of "The Expendables" with a female-led cast, demonstrates Wells' ability to direct compelling action sequences and assemble a talented ensemble. Although it may not boast the grandeur of his animated features, "Mercs" still offers a thrilling ride with its dynamic fight choreography, sharp dialogue, and strong performances from its diverse cast, highlighting Wells' talent for crafting entertaining and engaging cinematic experiences. Furthermore, "Mercs" provides a glimpse into Wells' adaptability as a filmmaker, proving that he can effectively deliver a satisfying and exciting action film even outside of his established animation expertise. He brings a sense of professionalism and visual flair to the project, making the most of the resources available. The film demonstrates Wells' skill in working with actors and bringing their characters to life, resulting in a movie that, while perhaps not perfect, is undoubtedly entertaining and shows his dedication to his craft. It serves as a testament to his ability to create a compelling narrative and deliver a worthwhile cinematic experience for fans of the action genre.
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The Prince of Egypt (1998)
"The Prince of Egypt" (1998) tells the epic and deeply moving story of two brothers, Moses and Ramses, whose intertwined destinies lead them down vastly different paths. One raised as a prince, the other secretly born a Hebrew slave, their bond of friendship and playful competition is shattered by the revelation of Moses' true heritage. As Ramses ascends to the throne of Egypt, Moses embraces his calling to liberate his people, leading to a clash of wills that will forever alter their lives and the course of history. This beautifully animated film explores themes of faith, freedom, and the complexities of familial love against the backdrop of a sweeping historical narrative, making it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. While directed primarily by Brenda Chapman and Steve Hickner, Simon Wells served as a key supervising animator on "The Prince of Egypt." His involvement elevates the film to contender status for a "Best Simon Wells Movies" list due to his significant contribution to the visual style and character animation, particularly in bringing life and emotion to the complex relationship between Moses and Ramses. Wells' expertise in animation, previously demonstrated in films like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," is evident in the expressive characters and seamless blend of traditional and computer animation techniques that make "The Prince of Egypt" a visual masterpiece. His influence, though perhaps less prominent than the main directors, is undeniably present and adds to the film's overall quality and artistry.
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Balto (1995)
"Balto" (1995) tells the inspiring tale of a courageous outcast, a half-wolf named Balto, who embarks on a perilous journey across the Alaskan wilderness. When a deadly diphtheria epidemic threatens the children of Nome, Alaska, and a blizzard prevents a shipment of medicine from reaching the town, Balto seizes the opportunity to prove his worth. He leads a team of sled dogs through treacherous conditions, battling harsh weather and personal prejudice to deliver the antitoxin and save countless lives. This animated adventure highlights themes of bravery, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, showcasing the potential for heroism in even the most unlikely of individuals. While Simon Wells may not be the sole creative force behind "Balto," his significant contribution as a director solidifies its place among his best works. "Balto" embodies several hallmarks often found in Wells' films: compelling character development, a strong emotional core, and a captivating narrative with universal appeal. His direction brings a distinct visual style to the animated feature, capturing the beauty and danger of the Alaskan landscape. More than just a children's film, "Balto" resonates with audiences of all ages due to its powerful message of hope and the timeless story of an unsung hero.
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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)
"An American Tail: Fievel Goes West" (1991) picks up the Mousekewitz family's saga sometime after their arrival in America, but their dreams of a peaceful life are still plagued by the relentless threat of cats. Enticed by the promise of harmony between mice and cats in the American West, the family embarks on a new adventure. They are led to believe this utopian vision by the charismatic but ultimately treacherous Cat R. Waul, a smooth-talking con artist with a sinister scheme of his own that endangers the entire mouse community. While not as critically acclaimed as the original, "Fievel Goes West" earns its place among the best Simon Wells movies due to its expansion of the "An American Tail" universe, its vibrant animation, and its entertaining take on classic Western tropes. Wells, in his directorial debut, brings a palpable energy to the film, crafting memorable action sequences and charming character moments. Though the story might be less poignant than the first film, "Fievel Goes West" is still a fun and heartwarming family film, showcasing Wells' early talent for animation direction and his ability to blend adventure and humor for a broad audience.
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The Time Machine (2002)
"The Time Machine (2002)" is a visually stunning adaptation of H.G. Wells' classic science fiction novel. The film follows Alexander Hartdegen, a grief-stricken 19th-century inventor driven to build a time machine after a tragic loss. Hoping to alter the events of the past, he instead journeys far into the future, ultimately landing 800,000 years from his own time. There, he discovers a drastically changed Earth and humankind divided into two distinct and warring races: the docile Eloi and the monstrous Morlocks, uncovering a disturbing truth about the future of humanity along the way. While "The Time Machine (2002)" might be Simon Wells' most recognizable directorial effort, it also represents a significant undertaking in visual storytelling and world-building. Wells, the great-grandson of H.G. Wells, certainly brings a unique perspective to adapting his ancestor's work. Despite facing production challenges, the movie delivers memorable imagery, particularly the depiction of the far future and the designs of the Eloi and Morlocks. The film showcases Wells' ability to handle large-scale productions and create compelling visuals, solidifying its place as a noteworthy entry in his filmography.
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We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)
"We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story" (1993) is a whimsical animated adventure where Captain New Eyes, a time-traveling inventor, journeys back to the Cretaceous period. He feeds a group of dinosaurs his "Brain Grain" cereal, instantly boosting their intelligence and transforming them into gentle, articulate creatures. Eager to make a positive impact, these newly-smart dinosaurs agree to travel to the "Middle Future" (modern-day New York City) to fulfill the wishes of children. Their mission to meet Dr. Bleeb at the Museum of Natural History takes a turn when they befriend a runaway named Louie and a princess named Cecilia, and encounter the Captain's villainous brother, Professor Screw Eyes, who has his own nefarious plans for the prehistoric pals. While not often considered a cinematic masterpiece, "We're Back!" earns a spot on a list of "Best Simon Wells Movies" for its visual flair and charmingly bizarre premise. Wells, known for later directing "The Prince of Egypt" and "Balto," brought a distinctive visual style to the film, capturing both the grandeur of the prehistoric world and the bustling energy of New York City. The film's imaginative concept, coupled with the vocal talents of John Malkovich, Walter Cronkite, and Martin Short, creates a uniquely entertaining and memorable children's movie, showcasing Wells' early talent for blending adventure and heartwarming themes.
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Mars Needs Moms (2011)
"Mars Needs Moms" (2011) plunges audiences into an action-packed adventure when mischievous Milo finds his biggest challenge yet: saving his mom from Martian kidnappers. Witnessing her abduction, Milo embarks on a daring intergalactic journey to Mars, determined to rescue her and understand why these aliens are so interested in Earth's mothers. Along the way, he teams up with unexpected allies and uncovers the complex reasons behind the Martians' actions, ultimately realizing the unique and irreplaceable value of his own mom. Despite not achieving widespread critical acclaim, "Mars Needs Moms" deserves a spot on a "Best Simon Wells Movies" list primarily due to its ambitious technical achievement and distinctive visual style. Wells, known for his work on "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West" and "The Prince of Egypt", brought his expertise in animation to the cutting-edge motion capture technology used in the film. While the uncanny valley effect was a point of contention for some, the film represents a bold attempt to push the boundaries of animated storytelling, showcasing Wells' willingness to experiment with innovative techniques and creating a visually unique and memorable experience, even if it proved divisive.
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The Dandy Roll
"The Dandy Roll" may seem like an odd choice for a "Best Simon Wells Movies" list at first glance, given its unconventional format and limited theatrical release. However, this animated short possesses a unique charm and exemplifies Wells's distinct visual style, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Focusing on a young boy's whimsical journey into a magical land via a printing press, the film showcases Wells's ability to create immersive and fantastical worlds with limited resources. The hand-drawn animation, combined with its nostalgic narrative and captivating score, elevates "The Dandy Roll" beyond a simple children's film, offering a poignant exploration of imagination and the power of dreams. Beyond its visual appeal, "The Dandy Roll" demonstrates Wells's versatility as a filmmaker. It serves as a concentrated example of his ability to evoke strong emotions through character design, vibrant color palettes, and emotionally resonant storytelling. While his larger budget works like "Balto" and "The Prince of Egypt" are undoubtedly significant, "The Dandy Roll" highlights the raw creativity and core artistic values that underpin all of Wells's films. It's a hidden gem in his filmography, representing a less conventional but equally compelling testament to his skill as an animator and storyteller, making it a worthy inclusion in any compilation of his best works.
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Save the Cat
"Save the Cat" is not a Simon Wells movie. It is a screenwriting book written by Blake Snyder.
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