Whether or not you're a child of the '80s, you'll most likely agree that the era is filled with classic pieces of entertainment. One of the most important examples is a beautifully animated fairytale of a film that creates a sense of duality with its darker, thematic underbelly. The Last Unicorn is a diamond of the decade compared to many other fantasy titles. An excellent adaptation of the 1968 book of the same name by Peter S. Beagle; the film's screenplay was also conjured up by the same creative mind. According to a New York Times review, "This unicorn means to be the creature of myths and tapestries, not a cuddly kiddie version." The film absolutely delivers in that area, with a cast of creepily captured mythical creatures and well-worn adult characters in serious need of some magic in their lives.

The storyline follows the quest of the lone Unicorn (voiced by Mia Farrow), called from the sanctuary of her enchanted forest to venture out into the fantastical realm around her to discover if she is really the last of her kind. Challenges along the way come in many forms, including captivity, human influence on the wilds of nature, and the monstrous Red Bull that stalks the castle grounds of King Haggard. Fans have called for a faithful live-action adaptation for years, highlighting the film's status as a cult classic. The Last Unicorn is certainly appreciated by a more niche audience nowadays, but it shouldn't be lost to time for more casual viewers to miss out on, either. This is why The Last Unicorn is the best animated '80s movie.

Classic Animation and Art Style

The Unicorn in The Last Unicorn.
Jensen Farley Pictures

All other elements of the film aside, the world of The Last Unicorn looks like it came straight from the pages of an illuminated manuscript. Enveloping viewers into its sprawling territory, the film proceeds through a variety of different locations, from King Haggard's (Christopher Lee) castle by the sea to the campsites of Captain Cully's crew to the jaw-dropping landscapes in between. Each of these seems to reflect the moods of the characters it contains – Haggard's tucked-away fortress perched on a sheer cliff signifies his need to seclude himself in search of happiness, for example. The story really comes to life thanks to its vibrantly colored illustrations, which may feel more familiar than you realize.

The film's distinctive spellbinding look can be attributed to several important points. According to a Slash Film article, it was initially headed and produced by Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment, but Beagle disliked the direction that the company went in some of their other projects. Slash Film cited an interview from Aaron Golden in which Peter Cochran, Beagle's agent, said that Rankin/Bass hired a Japanese animation company called Topcraft. After Topcraft was bought out by Hayao Miyazaki, the company would later transform into Studio Ghibli. This explains the richness of color, unique character design, and visually striking atmosphere.

Related: '80s Fantasy Movies That Could Use a Remake

Impact of Belief and Imagination

Mommy Fortuna in The Last Unicorn.
Jensen Farley Pictures

A movie about unicorns wouldn't be complete without something to be said about the incredible power of faith in oneself and a sky's-the-limit view of possibility. The character development of Schmendrick the Magician (Alan Arkin), the Unicorn's first ally in her adventure, is as much a quest to believe in himself and his power as it is a supporting act to the Unicorn's mission. In moments of peril, he has to dig deep into his inner will to make magic happen for others, which often allows him to save his friends and further their journey. Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes) has believed in unicorns her whole life, which serves her well when she finally gets to see one in its true form.

There's a good reason that reason this film is remembered as one of the scariest '80s movies intended for younger audiences. Portrayals of witches have evolved over the years, and The Last Unicorn captures the perfect picture of a baneful one with the character of Mommy Fortuna (Angela Lansbury). She rules her Midnight Carnival with an iron fist, filled with cages of unlucky creatures who she enchants to make look like mythical beasts. Thanks to her charms and magic words, visitors believe that the folklore they're seeing is real, drawing in crowds who gawk at what are really everyday animals. Through these examples, the film imparts to viewers that the things we say have more impact than we may realize, and that the key to making things happen and believing what we see lies within our intention.

Related: Best Magical Movies that Aren't Harry Potter

Commentary on Humanity and Growing Up

Amalthea and Molly in The Last Unicorn.
Jensen Farley Pictures

Throughout The Last Unicorn, there are many deeper undercurrents in the film than the sunshine and rainbows that viewers might expect. A more serious one is the film's discussion of mortality, aging, and the heavy weight that comes along with being human. The Unicorn's transformation into the human Lady Amalthea, after the Red Bull gets wind of her true self thrusts her into a "body dying all around [her]" as she can feel herself losing her immortality. Through the perspective of a blameless creature, we get an outsider's view on what it's like to live in the fallible body of a person. It's jarring and honest enough to make audiences appreciate their lives while they can still live them.

But perhaps the best example of this commentary is contained in the character of Molly Grue, a grizzled yet fiesty woman who's initially upset when the Unicorn finally makes an appearance. "How dare you come to me now, when I am this?" she cries, gesturing to her older self, even though her childlike belief in the creatures followed her into adulthood. Despite approaching her golden years, Molly accepts the magic for what it is, and comes to be grateful that it came into her life at all. The Last Unicorn stresses the appreciation of the fragility of nature and the fleeting presence of beauty and purity within a wild and fierce world.