American movie producer, artist, and animator Walt Disney was a pioneer in the world of animation, and his work continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and artists. His storyboards for the film 'Sleeping Beauty' showcase his creativity and attention to detail that helped revolutionize the animation industry.
Animated films have evolved over the years, from being seen as just entertainment for children to a diverse medium that encompasses various genres like comedy, action, horror, and more. The best animated movies are not only great entertainment but also true works of art that transport viewers to imaginative worlds beyond imagination.
The world of animation has seen incredible growth from the early days in the late 1800s to modern times. While animated shorts have been a staple, full-length animated films have become a significant part of cinema. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937, was the first full-length animated film that paved the way for the future of animation.
Studios like Disney, Studio Ghibli, Pixar, Laika, DreamWorks, and independent producers have created masterpieces that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While some of the highest-grossing animated films might not appear on this list, the following films have seen both critical and commercial success, showcasing the best animation has to offer across various styles like stop-motion, traditional animation, and CGI.
Shrek, a game-changer in animated filmmaking, introduced DreamWorks Animation to the world and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film's success led to a franchise that continues to resonate with audiences today, proving that animated films can appeal to viewers of all ages.
The Prince of Egypt stands out not only for its lush visuals but also for its iconic soundtrack featuring songs by music legends like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The film's retelling of the biblical story of Moses won an Oscar for Best Original Song and marked a significant moment for non-Disney/Pixar animated films.
Fantastic Mr. Fox, a stop-motion masterpiece directed by Wes Anderson, brings Roald Dahl's story to life with a stellar cast and critical acclaim. The film's unique style and heartfelt story have solidified its place as a beloved animated classic.
The Last Unicorn, a dark and stylistic fantasy film with music by America and the London Symphony Orchestra, has gained a cult following over the years. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film's unique charm and voice cast have made it a standout in the world of animation.
The Thief and The Cobbler may have faced production challenges, but its complex history and detailed animation have garnered a dedicated fanbase. The film's unfinished state has only added to its mystique, making it a curiosity in the world of animation.
Paprika, an R-rated Japanese psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon, explores the power of dreams and imagination in a visually stunning and creative manner. The film's impact on later works like Inception has solidified its place as a groundbreaking animated film.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines, a sci-fi comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, has been praised for its storytelling and inclusivity, earning accolades from critics and audiences alike. The film's unique blend of humor and heart sets it apart as a must-watch animated feature.
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, a stop-motion film from Aardman Animations, showcases the beloved characters in a delightful and whimsical adventure that appeals to viewers of all ages. The film's success and critical acclaim highlight the enduring appeal of stop-motion animation.
Loving Vincent, a groundbreaking film made entirely of oil paintings, pays tribute to Vincent van Gogh's life and work in a visually stunning and poignant manner. The film's unique approach to animation has earned it critical acclaim and a place among the best animated films of all time.
Your Name, a Japanese animated film with a captivating story and beautiful animation, has resonated with audiences worldwide for its emotional depth and unique narrative style. The film's success has led to international acclaim and showcases the power of animation as a storytelling medium.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, a stop-motion musical fantasy film produced by Tim Burton, has become a Halloween and holiday classic cherished by fans for its quirky characters and memorable songs. The film's enduring popularity has made it a beloved animated masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.
Toy Story, Pixar's first feature film and a groundbreaking computer-animated movie, revolutionized the animation industry and set the standard for storytelling in animated films. The film's iconic characters and heartfelt message have made it a timeless classic loved by generations of viewers.
Coraline, Laika Studios' haunting stop-motion film based on Neil Gaiman's novel, has left a lasting impression on audiences with its dark and imaginative storytelling. The film's intricate animation and atmospheric tone make it a standout in the world of animated horror.
Persepolis, a biographical drama based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir, offers a unique perspective on a young girl's life in post-revolution Iran. The film's striking visual style and moving narrative have earned it critical acclaim and accolades from audiences worldwide.
Ratatouille, Pixar's heartwarming film about a rat with culinary aspirations, combines emotional storytelling with stunning visuals to create a truly unforgettable animated experience. The film's universal message of following one's passion has resonated with viewers of all ages.
Anastasia, a musical romance film based on the legend of the Russian princess, blends historical fiction with fairytale elements to create a captivating animated story. The film's enchanting visuals and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic in the world of animated films.
Fantastic Planet, an adult sci-fi animated film, offers a thought-provoking allegory about humanity and society through its unique animation style and storytelling. The film's experimental approach has earned it critical praise and a dedicated following among animation enthusiasts.
Anomalisa, a psychological stop-motion film by Charlie Kaufman, delves into themes of loneliness and connection in a visually stunning and introspective manner. The film's emotive storytelling and innovative animation have made it a standout in the world of animated cinema.
My Neighbor Totoro, a charming fantasy film from Studio Ghibli, captures the magic of childhood and the wonder of nature in a beautifully animated story. The film's endearing characters and heartfelt message have made it a beloved classic that continues to enchant audiences of all ages.
Fantasia, a groundbreaking experimental film by Disney, showcases the beauty of classical music through stunning animation and visual storytelling. The film's enduring legacy and cultural impact have solidified its place as a true masterpiece of animated cinema.
Coco, Pixar's heartfelt film about family, music, and tradition, celebrates Mexican culture and explores themes of identity and remembrance in a visually dazzling and emotionally resonant story. The film's universal message of love and legacy has touched audiences around the world.
My Life as a Courgette, a French-Swiss stop-motion film, tells a poignant story of childhood and resilience in a visually striking and emotionally rich narrative. The film's unique style and heartfelt themes have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the best animated films of all time.
Sleeping Beauty, a visually rich classic from Disney's golden age, showcases the artistry and creativity of animation in a timeless fairytale story. The film's intricate design and iconic characters have left a lasting impact on audiences and continue to enchant viewers to this day.
I Lost My Body, a French animated horror drama, offers a dark and poignant exploration of loss, identity, and connection in a strikingly animated and emotionally affecting story. The film's visceral storytelling and haunting visuals make it a standout in the world of animated cinema.
Grave of the Fireflies, a powerful and heartbreaking film from Studio Ghibli, tells a harrowing tale of survival and resilience in the face of war and tragedy. The film's emotional depth and poignant storytelling have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the most powerful animated films ever made.
Beauty and the Beast, a Disney classic from the Renaissance era, combines enchanting visuals with an uplifting tale of love and redemption to create a timeless fairytale masterpiece. The film's iconic characters and memorable songs have made it a beloved classic in the world of animation.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation, showcases the creative possibilities of animated storytelling in a noir-style crime comedy that continues to captivate audiences to this day. The film's innovative approach to animation has made it a cultural phenomenon and a true classic of animated cinema.
The Iron Giant, a heartfelt science fiction film from Brad Bird, tells a moving story of friendship and sacrifice in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative. The film's stirring message and stunning animation have made it a cherished classic loved by audiences of all ages.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, an animated superhero film from Sony Pictures Animation, reimagines the classic comic book hero in a visually innovative and emotionally engaging story that has redefined the superhero genre. The film's groundbreaking animation and diverse storytelling have earned it critical acclaim and a place among the best animated films of all time.
Spirited Away, a fantasy masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, transports viewers to a magical world of wonder and adventure in a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative. The film's universal themes and enchanting storytelling have made it a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
From the early days of animation to modern masterpieces, animated films have captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. Each film on this list represents a unique and artistic achievement in the world of animation, showcasing the power of storytelling and creativity in creating unforgettable cinematic experiences that continue to inspire and delight viewers of all ages.
