9

Since they're introduction, animated movies have been a childrens genre. They look nice and conveys an innate innocence that live action doesn't. In addition, its humble beginnings consisted of very bright primary colors which appeal to young children. The modern day animated films are CGI-based and generally utilize the same basic principals - they're bright, light-hearted, and innocent. Unlike virtually every genre, the audience it appeals to hardly changes from generation to generation. Making animated movies a staple in film and a highly bankable genre.
9 is the story of a post-apocalyptic future in which machines (naturally) have conquered the earth and eradicated human beings. The only life that exists is in the form of small doll-like creatures who each bear a number marking on their backs. The film kicks off with our titles character, 9, coming to life. He quickly meets 2 and when 2 is captured, 9 feels responsible and with the help of a number of the other characters seeks to save him and stop the machines. Keep in mind that this isn't a childrens movie. There is action and violence (granted, it's innate object on innate object action so gore is relative). Its a mature subject matter. Not many kids would find a desolate future world appealing to their simple enjoyments. While the narrative is basic, it excels in its simplicity. This isn't a hard film to follow nor understand. In this sense, the theme gets across quickly and easily. Some will criticize the fact the film doesn't fully explain when it takes place or what made the world or why, but it doesn't matter. It makes you wonder and ask questions. This is not a film that relies on those elements to be successful. Did Stanley Kubrick have to explain A Clockwork Orange? This is a passable film. It's not boring but it doesn't indulge.
Animated films are simple in their execution. Make attractive characters, make attractive places, make attractive story and dialogue and BAM, you have a hit. The glorious thing about it is that unlike any genre, that's all it requires to work. Yet they affect the viwer in much the same way as a live-action film. At the end of the day, it may be the simplest to execute but the most powerful in practice.