In contrast to the two-dimensional cartoon Stop-Action Animation is a form of animation done in a three dimensional space, which was mainly used before the digital age.

A good example from this period are the "Star Wars" films from the 70s, which were still moved by means of stop-motion animated figurines or miniature models.

The fascination with classical Stop-Action Animation has again become popular where puppets or objects are brought to life and by the technique of Stop Action frame-by-frame recording.

A recent example are the clay figures from "Wallace and Gromit," which still utilize this technique.