Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of Cocaine Bear, we’re counting down our favorite movies featuring a bear! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
Making its debut in a time before the prevalence of CGI, practical effects forge the magical reality of The Great Muppet Caper. Our favorite fleece-flocked friends find themselves freely frolicking through the use of cranes, cables, wires, and rods, fostering the illusion they truly inhabit the real world. This go-around, the tenacious trio of Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo find themselves dropping (literally from the sky) into the U.K. to investigate a jewel robbery for the Daily Chronicle. They quickly end up smack in the middle of another theft, and they turn their efforts to foiling the next intended heist. While packed full of the usual wacky songs, one-liners, and cameos, the skillful puppeteering of Jim Henson and crew (Frank Oz, I’m looking at you!) bring the Muppets off the stage, and to life in spectacular fashion. Even before the cleaned up Disney+ release removed any hint of wires or arm rods, the Muppets were swinging from rooftops, jumping off furniture, riding a motorcycle, and even taking part in a water ballet. This all blew my mind as a kid. No single scene cements the Muppets as revelers of the real world more than as they bicycle through the park, weaving in overlapping circles (while singing), culminating in a groundbreaking group shot. I was now convinced the Muppets were as real as the talented performers behind them. (Patrice Downing)
Looking at the synopsis to Brigsby Bear, you wouldn’t think that it’s a comedy. James (Kyle Mooney) is a man in his early 30s, and he’s kept in a bunker by his parents, where he’s developed a massive obsession with Brigsby, a bear from a children’s show. Only, it turns out that his parents actually aren’t his parents; they’re two people who kidnapped him when he was a baby. But upon being returned to his birth family, we get a movie about a man acclimating to the real world for the first time in a heartfelt, humorous, and earnest way. Mooney taps into the awkwardness that makes a lot of his YouTube videos work, and a supporting cast including Mark Hamill, Claire Danes, and Greg Kinnear help anchor the film. Brigsby Bear is an uplifting look at someone growing up, finding out who they are, and following their passions. (Robert Bouffard)
We can not have a list about the best movies featuring bears without discussing a certain silly old bear. That’s right, I’m talking about none other than Winnie the Pooh. In 1977, Disney released the movie The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh based on the original storybook of the same name by A.A. Milne. This movie features incredible voice acting from many different voices, before Jim Cummings became the household name for the voice of Pooh and Tigger. Walt Disney worked three animated shorts into this feature length movie to try and make Winnie the Pooh a household name in America as he was in Britain. I still remember my mom reading me these stories at bedtime when I was little, and I still have that original book. This movie quickly became a favorite of mine, as Pooh was always my favorite character to watch when I was younger. This particular movie is brilliant because it features a narrator reading the storybook while the characters are living out the stories. The animation and songs were brilliant then and are still stuck in my head today. Disney has spawned several followup movies and TV shows featuring Pooh, and all have remained near and dear to my heart. Winnie the Pooh is one of the best animated characters, and his stories will still be loved for generations to come. (Austen Terry)
When you think of horror directors, Kubrick, Craven, and Carpenter come to mind. Ari Aster, though, is a modern director who deserves a place on the list of greats. His meticulous storytelling gives moviegoers something new to find with every rewatch. Even the smallest elements play crucial roles in the total picture of his films. His 2019 masterpiece, Midsommar, is proof of this. It follows Dani (Florence Pugh), a student dealing with the tragic loss of her family. She relies on her aloof boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) to cope with her new reality. But, he’s more focused on his guys’ trip to a Swedish commune to learn about their midsummer festival. Dani awkwardly tags along, but things take a dark turn upon learning the commune is a menacing cult. Kudos to Pugh and Reynor, who give moving performances as a couple outgrowing one another. Their representation of a doomed relationship will rip open old romantic wounds. But the beauty of Midsommar is that the most terrifying moments happen in broad daylight. Its stunning and bright cinematography contrasting with the cult’s gruesome actions is unsettling. Aster’s pacing makes Midsommar the perfect slow burn. He builds suspense on top of raw emotional moments with care. You’ll be unable to look away, even during the most disturbing moments. Midsommar may not be the lightest movie to watch, but its beauty, story, and talent make it worth the emotional turmoil. It’s a work of art that should be seen at least once. (Diana Gebbia)
While DreamWorks Animation had some hits under their belt, one film would catapult them further into a successful studio: That film would be Kung Fu Panda. Jack Black voices the titular panda named Po, who is an unlikely hero who could stop the tenacious Tai Lung (Ian McShane). Black is very well versed with playing sillier characters, but he also knows how to tug on the heart strings during more emotional moments. To assist Po on his kung fu journey, the fierce Furious Five do everything in their power to prepare for his huge confrontation. The voice talent in this film is phenomenal, including the talents of Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, and James Hong. This feature is beautifully animated and has a lot of weight to it. All of the fighters have unique fighting styles that somewhat mirror real kung fu styles, but in a fun, more kid friendly type of way. Kung Fu Panda is a fun time and a great film to sit back and watch with the family. (Joe Vargas)
Disney’s 1967 animated version of The Jungle Book is an underrated gem in the vault. The film is a treasure trove of wonderful characters that have lasting legacies around Disney. Baloo the bear is voiced by Disney legend Phil Harris, and “The Bare Necessities” is one of Disney’s best songs ever. The relationship between Baloo and Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman) is one for the ages, as the two of them are peas in a pod, traveling together throughout the jungle. Baloo even manages to have a relationship with Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot) and have a hand in defeating both King Louie (Louis Prima) and Shere Khan (George Sanders). Baloo the bear might be the most vital character in the entire film next to Mowgli. Without Baloo, the story is less fun and isn’t as memorable. The Jungle Book as a whole is a rare older movie that doesn’t suffer from not having a Disney princess involved. The characters are outstanding, the jungle setting is amazing (as is the animation), and the story is a quest to get Mowgli out of the jungle. There’s a reason why one of Disney’s more successful live action movies was based on this film. The foundation was already laid by the original animated gem. (Mike Hilty)
The Revenant’s most lasting impact may be that it’s the movie that finally won Leonardo DiCaprio an Oscar, but if you ask people to go two deep on Revenant factoids, you’ll probably get, “Oh, that’s the one with that bear scene!” However, reducing Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s frontier epic down to that does the Best Picture nominee a disservice. There’s a reason he won for directing, and the Academy awarded it for its cinematography work. The use of natural lighting in the filming is more than just a gimmick. It helps create a minimalist atmosphere that perfectly matches the largely barren landscape. Aside from DiCaprio’s performance as Hugh Glass and the film’s technical achievements, at the heart of it is a compelling story of vengeance as he fights to get revenge on those who left him for dead in the wilderness that makes it worth your time. (Jake Bourgeois)
Probably one of the best movies to come out of the last decade is Toy Story 3, which shows Andy growing up, going to college, and facing the idea of leaving his beloved toys behind. Woody is chosen by Andy to stay in his care, whereas Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang are donated to the local pre-school, where they will played with by the school children, and are shown the metaphorical ropes by the seemingly caring and respected teddy bear named Lotso. However, when the toys begin settling into their new home, they discover that their new situation is not as great as it seems. The reason this movie is so well received is not only because it is a much welcome return to a franchise nearly all of us know and love, but the story is absolutely astounding, including Woody’s struggle with being Andy’s toy and moving on to a new owner and the other toys challenge of escaping their troubling situation at the pre-school. There are so many heartfelt moments that can put almost anyone in an emotional state, especially the ending, which leaves you feeling happy and sad at the same time. It’s hard not to love a movie like this, and it would have been the most satisfying ending of a trilogy had it not been followed up with another Toy Story film that also delivers on a fun and heartfelt story! (Jeff Alan)
Annihilation, Alex Garland’s 2018 science fiction followup to the incredible Ex Machina, tracks a group of volunteers as they venture into the “Shimmer.” Life within the Shimmer does not follow the same rules as life on the outside. Animals and plant life have mutated beyond recognition, some of it hauntingly beautiful, some of it horrific. It is in this latter category that we come across the most memorable scene of the film in which our crew experiences a dangerously close encounter with a mutant bear whose roars echo with the screams of its previous victims — literally. Annihilation can be a fascinating and puzzling watch, but its unique visual style, memorable sequences of horror, and unforgettable final 20 minutes make it a must-watch for any science fiction fan. (Foster Harlfinger)
Isn’t Paddington 2 the greatest film ever created? What an honor that I have to write about it for this Best Ever Challenge. Hyperbole aside, Paddington 2 just might be one of the most perfect sequels ever created. The first Paddington film is a charming and whimsical parable for the immigrant experience. So British… so charming. But the second tale takes that to the next level, as it delivers prison time and train action sequences. Paddington (Ben Whishaw) seeks a wonderful gift for his Aunt, but things get complicated when a smarmy failing actor gets in his way. Hugh Grant gives a delectable and deliciously despicable performance as a comedic villain, Phoenix Buchanan. He should have been nominated for an Oscar! Travesty. Brendan Gleeson is a wonderfully delightful hard-nosed criminal, Knuckles McGinty… just that name gives this film an extra star. The whole Brown family is delightful as ever, and Paddington’s community brings all the charm again. Perfect sequel? Yes. Masterpiece? Yes. Just ask Nicolas Cage from The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent! (Shane Conto)
Prey
There are a great many movies that utilize bears very well as creatures to be feared; animals that are best left alone in their own territory, and venturing out into the wilds in and of itself may be a bad idea just for the simple fact that bears exist. Prey, then, uses that intimidating bulk of a bear to build up its own villainous predator expertly. Our hero, Naru (Amber Midthunder), in attempting to prove herself a capable huntress, finds herself overwhelmed when she gets on the wrong side of a rampaging bear. The Yautja that serves as the film’s big bad proves itself her rescuer when it effortlessly dispatches the hulking beast. It all happens in a scene that reinforces the structure and the themes of the movie. The Yautja attacks the predator in the situation, and ignores our lead — she is not a threat to it. It underestimates her capabilities, because she was no match for the beast, as a mouse was no threat to a snake, or a rabbit no threat to a wolf. From there, Naru grows as a hunter by learning about her target, just as the Yautja has been doing. She observes, she plans, and becomes the hunter she aspired to become. All because of her life being spared in favor of a bear as a grander trophy. (Chris Bakker)
Brave
For the first movie from my list of shame I’m crossing off for the SiftPop lists this year, I’m going with a Disney Pixar film I hate to admit has been on the list for so long: Brave. Pixar naturally brings their A game with the animations, but of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a great story and a deeper meaning. You have one of not pushing children to be what they don’t want to be, while also one of the unintended consequences of one’s actions. It also has an important lesson about not allowing one’s pride to get in the way of caring for others. And it has helped to re-awaken my love for the bagpipes, as I have decided to go online and order… wait… they cost how much? Okay, never mind on the bagpipes; go watch Brave if you haven’t yet. (Joseph Davis)
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy provides a double dose of great bear-related plot points. Much of the surprisingly-feminist plot revolves around news coverage of the “Panda watch!” with a steady stream of on-location reporting about the pregnancy of the panda Ling Wong — or Ching King according to Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) — at the San Diego Zoo. When the plot culminates in Ling Wong’s delivery, the bear content kicks up a notch with Ron (Will Ferrell), Brian, Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), and Champ Kind (David Koechner) heading into a Kodiak bear pit to rescue Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate). The comedic chemistry between the leads is phenomenal, and it’s somehow outdone by the deep roster of comedic legends in supporting roles and cameos. And yes, that includes Peanut as Baxter, who has a conversation with a bear about meeting its cousin Katow-jo. The most iconic and quotable of the Ferrell and Judd Apatow partnerships, it nails the 1970s aesthetic, the comedic timing, and the story of the rise of feminism. It’s a movie so full of great comedy that they were able to pull enough from the cutting room floor to piece together Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie for a direct-to-video release. Every time the movie feels like it can’t get any more absurd, it ups the ante in the best way, and leaves you “in a glass case of emotion,” if laughter counts as an emotion. (Jason Mack)
The Edge
If we are talking top movies featuring a bear, The Edge has to be up there, as it made many non-movie fans realize that, yeah, there are animal actors of all kinds! This movie, to this day, is one of the best “man vs. nature” films because it’s so simple. Based on the screenplay by the one and only David Mamet, The Edge is as easy to follow as it is enjoyable. Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin make for a surprisingly great duo, and they, alongside Bart the Bear (his actual name), are the glue that holds this film together. Had their chemistry not worked, the entire movie would have fallen apart quickly, bear or no bear. Speaking of that, can you imagine being Anthony Hopkins? He bagged his Oscar already, is regarded as one of our finest actors, and now he is in the wilderness, acting opposite this trained bear who could have snapped at any time. What a life. Let’s get real for a second. Can you imagine this done today? No matter how much money your movies have made, whether you are Nolan or Cameron, I don’t think any studio would let you bring an animal (even a trained one) to face off against one of our best actors. But somehow, knowing the bear is real adds that extra element of danger, the extra layer that grabs our attention even after all these years. Yeah, The Edge is a fine film due for a rewatch. (Luke Burian)
Ted
When it comes to great films featuring a talking bear, Ted has to be in that conversation, as it had so many moviegoers burst out laughing and feeling a Family Guy vibe. The film involves a pretty crazy friendship between a 35-year-old immature slacker named John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) and the talking bear, Ted (Seth MacFarlane). The tone comes off right the film’s opening scenes, and gives off some cool narrator vibes from Patrick Stewart. Stewart’s narrating creates an A Christmas Story-like feeling, except for the non-PC one-liners. We are introduced to John as a kid, where he wishes his bear could talk, and from there, the wish becomes fulfilled! As Ted gets older, he goes from being a celebrity to a do-nothing stoner with a Boston accented loud mouth. Lori (Mila Kunis), John’s successful girlfriend, makes it a point for Ted to move out, but John just can’t let go of his childhood. This film would center on an adult actually having to grow if Ted wasn’t the central character in the movie. The movie does not pull any punches with its humor and constant vulgar language, and the jokes are mostly funny when the talking bear says them. Kunis isn’t that funny; Ted and John critique her attempts to make jokes. The movie does a good job of highlighting the ups and downs of friendships, and brings out some good laughs. (Christian Grullon)
Brother Bear
Brother Bear is another of those Dances with Wolves-style stories where a character, in this case, hunter Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix), learns that their enemy, bears, isn’t evil like they believed. But with this story, Kenai doesn’t simply switch sides. Instead, he learns that bears are misunderstood, and any attack on humans is an act to defend themselves or their cubs. There isn’t a villain in this story. There is an apparent conflict between the tribe Kenai is part of and the bears, but by the end, humans and bears learn to coexist together. Meanwhile, Kenai meets the bear cub Koda (Jeremy Suarez). While the story does follow a lot of the standard Disney tropes, it goes about them a little differently: It’s a coming-of-age story where the character basically becomes a father with a cute animal sidekick, but the main character is an animal too; it has talking animals, but only because Kenai is also an animal; I’ll admit the comic relief characters Rutt and Tuke (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas) are pretty routine; and the songs are part of the soundtrack, rather than being sung by the characters in a diegetic way. It’s an all-around nice, emotionally engaging tale of a hunter accepting bears for what they are, and finding his true calling as a father figure. I also love the visuals with the screen going widescreen and having more vibrant colors when Kenai becomes a bear. (John Tillyard)
Open Season
You hear the elevator pitch for Open Season — a deer and a bear form an unlikely friendship and overcome their limitations by working together — and you might think it will be available in the $3 bin at Walmart. But it’s shocking how many different genres this movie manages to pull off. Here are some highlights: Boog (Martin Lawrence) and Elliot (Ashton Kutcher) hike through the wilderness losing their way; Boog apparently kills Elliot viciously in front of a gaggle of human children; Boog hides from the terrifying Shaw (excellently played by Gary Sinise); and the animals wage war against the hunters. Also if this movie is so “mid,” as the kids say, how did it pull talents like Lawrence, Kutcher, Sinise, Patrick Warburton, Jon Favreau, Debra Messing, Gordon Tootoosis, and Bill Connolly? Add that in with a unique coming-of-age story about the impact loved ones have on different stages of your life, and this movie is underlooked masterpiece. (I turned 10 the day this movie was release. I remember going to theaters and seeing it. It’s bizarre that I can remember that and not my current address.) (Sam Nichols)