If this, then that: Pixar's "Soul"

If you've watched Pixar's "Soul" and are looking for more movies that give you a similar feel, here are 5 movies that you should look into. With a brief synopsis of each film, you will see that each movie teaches a valuable lesson about life and death. With that being said, feel free to skim through the article until you find a movie you are interested in, as this article is pretty lengthy.

"Soul" has sparked a lot of interest and recognition, especially being one of the first films to star a black protagonist, Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx). Soul challenges the belief that your passion is your purpose. Through a journey of life after death, with wonderful animations to capture this theme, we are brought into a world where viewers can distinguish what it means to have a body and a SOUL. It may seem like a tough subject for children to understand, but the beauty of these films are to teach them that death is actually a part of life. As someone who's watched these movies growing up, I'll be the first to say that revisiting each movie has taught me something I would have never grasped back then. But, this is what allows films to live on and on. Although some films I've watched at my adult age, like "Soul," I find that each film has a cultural and spiritual essence to each of them. This is crucial for children because they need characters they can relate to culturally and emotionally as well. But, I encourage you to watch for yourself and see how you're perspective of life might change after watching them. Each movie I picked for this list all have spiritual attributes to them, as that is what stuck out most to me when viewing "Soul."

"Coco"(2017)

It just wouldn't feel write if "Coco" wasn't number 1 on this list. This is one of my favorite movies by far, and does a phenomenal job at capturing the core of Hispanic/Mexican culture. With a similar concept to the film "Soul," the protagonist Miguel (Anthony Gonzales) dreams of becoming a successful musician like his life-long idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt). Miguel's family has banned music for generations, but that does not stop Miguel's passion for pursuing his dreams. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel is desperate to prove himself as a musician, but finds himself in the Land of the Dead after what seemed like a small mistake. Miguel has before sunrise to go back to the living before he is forgotten by his family and friends. With beautiful animations and music, the viewers will find themselves in a surprisingly colorful and vibrant world of the dead, discovering the true story of Miguel's family right along with him. "Coco" brings light to a culture that chooses to celebrate the lives of those who passed through remembrance. Viewers are taught to cherish those who they've lost.

"Kubo + the Two Strings"(2016)

"Kubo + the Two Strings" is a wonderful film that has a lot of spiritual attributes to them, but, again, I encourage you to watch and see for yourself. The film takes place in Japan and focuses on a 12 year old boy named Kubo (Art Parkinson), who tells the stories to the people of his village about his father Hanzo, a samurai warrior. Kubo lives in the mountains, looking after his mother who is ill. Although Kubo tells stories of his father with the help of his shamisen (a magical instrument that helps bring his stories to life), he is never actually able to finish the stories because he's never met his father to ask him. His mother can not tell Kubo what happened either, so Kubo is desperate to speak with his father and tries to summon him at the Bon Festival. However, Kubo ends up summoning something far more evil and is now responsible for saving his family and village, and finding his father's armor. With his new friends Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), Kubo sets out on his journey with the viewers along with him. Kubo discovers the unknown truths of his family's history , having to battle different gods and monsters along the way. "Kubo + the Two Strings" teaches us that we are connected to those we lost through memory and spirit. Even though Kubo never met his father, that didn't change the impact he had on his life. The film is simply artistic and moving, the images of the film still replay in my mind.

"Corpse Bride"(2005)

"Corpse Bride" is a movie created by Tim Burton, making the film somewhat morbid, but that is expected when watching a Tim Burton film (I love Tim Burton). This movie was on constant replay in my household growing up. The movie takes place in a Victorian-England village. Although it lacks cultural essence, it is beautifully animated with a soundtrack that is extremely catchy and will leave you singing the songs after you watch it. The protagonist Victor Van Dort is preparing to marry Victoria Everglot, a marriage arranged by their parents. Victor is nervous about the ceremony, as he wants to find someone who truly loves him and vise versa. During the ceremony rehearsals, Victor finds himself struggling to say his vows and runs off into the woods out of anxiety. Victor finds himself practicing his vows and is doing a good job, he puts the ring for Victoria on a tree branch to complete the scene. However, the tree branch happens to be a dead woman named Emily who was killed by her ex lover. Emily drags Victor to the land of the dead where she plans on marrying Victor. The Land of the Dead is depicted as colorful and way more lively than the land of the living and begs the question of whether we're actually living at all. How come life seems so meaningless, when its supposed to be something enjoyable? And is dying really as bad as we make it out to be? Are we really living if our SOULS aren't set free? I definitely suggest everyone go watch this film at least once in your life. You'll see what I mean.

"Brother Bear"(2006)

"Brother Bear" is a cherished movie, my close friends and family love this film and it brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. The movie takes place in Alaska, where the tribesman believe all creatures are created through spirit, including the animals. In the movie, Kenai, an intuit boy doesn't have a totem like his brothers Dehani and Sitka. When receiving the bear of love, Kenai doesn't understand how that can be significant in any way. When the three brothers decide to follow a bears trial, Kenai provokes the bear causing the bear to attack and kill his brother. Kenai is distraught, left feeling guilty and tries to avenge his brother by going after the bear who killed him. The spirits are angered by this, and turn Kenai into a bear as a consequence. To return back to a human being, Kenai has to travel to a mountain where the northern lights touch the earth, and grow to understand the lessons the spirits were trying to teach him after his transformation. Kenai grows to learn how to see life through another pair of eyes. He learns that even the smallest things in life should be appreciated such as family, friends and most importantly brotherhood and love.

"The Prince of Egypt"(1998)

This movie is another cherished movie of mine, a childhood film that always put me at ease. The film tells the well-known Bible story of Moses in the Book of Exodus. This movie is religious, of course, so I understand if it is something that some may not be receptive to viewing, as everyone's religion is different. However, the lessons that are conveyed throughout the movie is important and should be valued. Prince Moses is on a journey to free the Hebrew people (his people) from bondage after discovering the truth of his heritage. Having lived a life of luxury with his brother Ramses II, Moses is brought back to a world that isn't so luxurious. He establishes a relationship with God, and God encourages him to lead his people to freedom. Moses begins to realize that the values he was raised to have mean nothing compared to what he has learned from God himself. Although Moses grew up with Ramses and loves him, Ramses is still power driven, and does not want to free the Hebrew people. Moses, with the help of God's strength and miracles, embark on a mission to free his people. Through beautiful animations and songs, the viewers learn about finding the beauty in life even in your hardest times. In a society where materialistic things are what seem most important, this film brings light to appreciating the small things such as nature, family and friends. Viewers are given a better understanding of the word of God and what living a meaningful life actually means.

I hope that you enjoy each film listed and learn something new that you can relate to !