Animated films are, in most cases, a fairly easy way for stars to make money: Leaving aside the Andy Serkis-level animations that capture one’s movements as well as one’s voice, most modern animated films require little more than an expressive voice.

It’s no surprise, then, that so many pop stars have cashed in on their vocal charisma with turns in kids’ films; after all, they’re accustomed to the recording studio. Here are a few stars who appeared in films, many of which made a bit less impact than the stars’ hit records. No matter: Each film opened the stars up to a new, younger audience.

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