Movies
Seven animated films like Trolls Band Together for your watchlist
Mumbai: Animated content holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s the timeless charm of classic cartoons or the magic of iconic movies like The Lion King and The Jungle Book, our love for animations endures. Even today, we find joy in immersing ourselves in animated worlds, using them as a delightful escape. These films not only captivate us with visually stunning aesthetics and heartwarming storylines, but they also provide a therapeutic way to unwind after a long day. While the old classics maintain their charm, contemporary animations dazzle us with glorious vibrancy and hyper-realistic artistry. The new DreamWorks Animation film, ‘Trolls Band Together’, promises all the above and much more. If you are looking for endless relaxing entertainment, here are the top seven films worthy of a captivating movie marathon as per IMDb ratings.
1. Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse (8.7/10)
Kicking off our list is the visually stunning and critically acclaimed ‘Spider-man: Across The Spider Verse’. The film’s kaleidoscopic visuals and groundbreaking animation techniques make it a standout in the genre. Miles Morales’ adventure through multiple dimensions not only captivates with its superhero spectacle but also serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in animation.
2. Spirited Away (8.6/10)
Next up is the timeless masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, ‘Spirited Away’. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this film whisks viewers away to a magical world filled with spirits, witches, and unforgettable characters. Even after almost two decades since its release, the film continues to be one of the most widely watched animated films and remains a testament to the brilliance of Japanese animation.
3. A Grave of Fireflies (8.5/10)
Yet another iconic Studio Ghibli film in this list, ‘A Grave of Fireflies’ is a poignant exploration of the human spirit amid the ravages of war. This gem of a cinema combines hauntingly beautiful animation with a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, true testament to the emotional depth that cinema can achieve.
4. Coco (8.4/10)
The Disney Pixar film ‘Coco’ is a captivating and heartfelt celebration of Mexican culture. Centered around the festival ‘Day of Dead’ or ‘Día de Muertos’, the film’s richly detailed animation, coupled with its powerful exploration of family and legacy, makes it a standout in the world of animated cinema. Get ready to explore the vibrant and enthralling Land of the Dead with our protagonist Miguel.
5. Your Name (8.4/10)
While not a Studio Ghibli film, the Japanese animated movie ‘Your Name’ took the world by a storm during its release. It is a breathtaking anime that transcends the boundaries of time and space. This emotionally charged film not only captivates with its magnificent visuals but also delves into the intricacies of love and destiny. Truly a tale that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
6. Up (8.3/10)
‘Up’ is a Pixar classic that takes audiences on a whimsical adventure. Beyond its colorful animation and memorable characters, the film’s opening sequence is a masterclass in storytelling, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions. The film is widely enjoyed by old and young alike for its wholesome narrative of a marital bond. Prepare for an uplifting journey that defies gravity with Up.
7. Trolls Band Together (6/10)
‘Trolls Band Together’ generated quite a buzz even before its release and the audience is loving it. With a humorous plot, intriguing characters and brilliantly vibrant animation, the film promises a harmonious blend of music, humor, and entertainment. Since its release this weekend, the film has already received good ratings on IMDb and is expected to go higher. One could say, it’s the one to watch out for on the charts.
Did we get you excited for some animated masterpieces? Lucky for you, Trolls Band Together is playing on the big screens. Grab your tickets to watch the film at your nearest PVR INOX theaters!
Hollywood
Paramount Skydance secures financing for Warner Bros Discovery deal
Debt syndication and new loans push $111 billion merger closer to close
WASHINGTON: Paramount Skydance has taken a major step towards its planned acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, securing fresh financing and completing the syndication of its bridge loan facility.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company confirmed that the bridge facility has now been distributed among a group of 18 banks, reducing total commitments to $49 billion from an earlier $54 billion. The move spreads risk across lenders and signals growing confidence in one of the year’s largest media deals.
Alongside this, the company has finalised permanent financing arrangements, including $5 billion in senior term loans and a $5 billion revolving credit facility. A previously planned $3.5 billion credit line has been dropped as part of the restructuring.
The loans are secured against key assets, including Paramount Global, Skydance Media and Warner Bros post-merger, underlining the scale and complexity of the transaction.
The financing push follows a competitive bidding process earlier this year, which saw interest from players such as Netflix before Paramount Skydance emerged as the frontrunner. The deal, valued at $111 billion, is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to regulatory approvals.
Adding to the momentum, the company has also secured significant equity backing, including investments from Middle Eastern funds, with support from billionaire Larry Ellison, who has guaranteed the equity portion of the transaction.
Commenting on the development, Paramount Skydance chief strategy officer Andy Gordon said, “Our successful debt syndication and new debt facilities represent another important milestone towards the completion of our acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.”
Once completed, the combined entity is expected to carry net debt of just under $80 billion, reflecting the sheer scale of the merger.
As Hollywood continues to consolidate in the streaming era, this deal could reshape the competitive landscape, with Paramount Skydance betting big on scale, content and financial muscle to take on global rivals.
