The 5 Best Live-Action Animation Movies To Watch Before 'Coyote Vs Acme'

Few things can top the original Space Jam where live-action animation is concerned. It's witty, hilarious, and bonkers in the best way. Michael Jordan helping the Looney Tunes win a basketball game against the Monstars? There are really few things as iconic. For many of us, this was likely the first movie of its kind we watched outside of Mary Poppins (1964) that we instantly fell in love with.

I can still recite the theme song from the heart, even though it's been years since I've heard it. Not to mention that Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021) was a lot of fun when it first released, but with the animation style differing a bit, it loses some of the cozy charm of the original. In other words, if there's one movie that's a must-watch before Coyote vs. Acme, it's Space Jam. 

For most of us, no matter our generation, Julie Andrews as the titular legend in Mary Poppins started it all. The movie was our first introduction to a world that blended real human characters with cartoons and delivered something epic that we could perpetually cling to. 

In many ways, it's the exact movie that proves why it's such a challenging form of filmmaking, because not every actor can manage the requirements of making the story feel believable. Yet Andrews has, and will forever be, an icon in this regard, so it's a no-brainer that Mary Poppins continues to succeed. While remakes seldom hold a candle to the original, Emily Blunt also delivers an enamoring performance in Mary Poppins Returns (2018), making that one worthy of watching as well. 

A lot of people probably forget that Bedknobs and Broomsticks exists, but it's one of the most endearing movies of the '70s, and one that's an absolute must-watch for anyone who grew up loving Mary Poppins. It's a clever, brilliantly written children's story that points out a time in history and explores it in a palatable manner.

The late Angela Lansbury delivers an incredibly memorable performance, and everyone involved makes the narrative feel raw and vulnerable alongside zany and remarkable characters. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves charming stories centered around witches who do the right thing. Interestingly, like Coyote vs. Acme, the movie was also shelved quite a few times before it finally became available for viewing. And these types of stories always deserve attention when they're out.

Pete's Dragon isn't as revered as movies like Mary Poppins or Bedknobs and Broomsticks, but it's a sweet story nevertheless and one that's perfect for kids to get an idea of what live-action animation looks like. Not to be confused with the remake, Pete's Dragon (2016), but the original '70s feature is an absolute delight.

It might not be as favorable among critics who find it tedious on some level, but where kids are concerned, they're bound to have a good time with it. It doesn't ask much of its audience outside of suspending disbelief, and that's the key with a majority of these films. If nothing else, you get an entertaining movie centered around unlikely friendships and hope.

I'm personally not the biggest fan of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but there's no denying the role the film played in live-action animation. It might not be as appropriate for kids, if we're being honest, but the movie is still worth watching at least once to get a glimpse of some underrated Disney characters.

If nothing else, it can also be a whole lot of fun for people who like mysteries and suspense, but in a more subdued manner than a classic whodunnit. It's mostly well-made and well-paced, with solid characters at the helm, even if it's not the type of film everyone will find as deeply memorable as the others on this list. Still, it's a classic for a reason at this point.