Animated movies sure have come a long way since their inception.
From the classic hand-drawn animations to the latest computer-generated masterpieces, animation has become a genre that appeals to all ages.
Here are the 53 of the best-animated movies that you should watch at least once in your lifetime:
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic animated movie that has been around since 1937.
It tells the story of a young princess who, after being banished from her kingdom by her evil stepmother, goes to live with seven dwarfs in the forest.
Snow White is a testament to the power of traditional hand-drawn animation, with the movie's visual style and groundbreaking quality raising the bar and influencing the genre for decades.
The animation style is fluid and graceful, with characters that are expressive and engaging.
The movie is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Pinocchio is another Disney classic that tells the story of a wooden puppet that comes to life and goes on a series of adventures to become a real boy.
The animation style of Pinocchio is breathtaking, with elaborate backgrounds and detailed character designs.
The movie's use of shadows and lighting creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other animated movies of its time.
Pinocchio is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Bambi is a coming-of-age tale that follows a young deer as he navigates his way through the forest and learns valuable lessons about life and death.
The animation style of Bambi is stunning, with lush backgrounds and incredibly detailed character animation.
The movie's use of light and shadow creates a unique visual style that is both striking and emotional.
Bambi is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Cinderella is a timeless classic that tells the story of a young girl who dreams of going to the ball and finding true love.
The animation style of Cinderella is elegant and refined.
The character designs are simple yet effective, with flowing lines that create a sense of grace and beauty.
The movie's use of color is also noteworthy, with vibrant hues that help bring the fairy tale to life.
Cinderella is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Sleeping Beauty is another Disney classic that tells the story of a princess who is cursed by an evil fairy and must be awakened by true love's kiss.
The animation style of Sleeping Beauty is breathtaking, with elaborate character designs and incredibly detailed backgrounds.
The movie's use of color is also noteworthy, with a unique visual style that utilizes bold shapes and bright hues.
Sleeping Beauty is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
The Jungle Book tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli who is raised by animals in the jungle.
The animation style of The Jungle Book is iconic, with inventive character designs and lush backgrounds that create a sense of depth and realism.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with catchy songs that help draw viewers into Mowgli's world.
The Jungle Book is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
101 Dalmatians is a heartwarming tale about a family of dogs who must rescue their puppies from the evil Cruella De Vil.
The animation style of 101 Dalmatians is unique, with a distinctive visual style that uses bold colors and simple character designs to create a sense of personality and charm.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with memorable songs that help establish the film's tone and mood.
101 Dalmatians is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
The Aristocats is a charming movie about a family of cats who are kidnapped by a butler who wants their inheritance.
The animation style of The Aristocats is delightful, with lively character designs and bright colors that create a sense of whimsy and fun.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with catchy songs that help establish the film's playful, lighthearted tone.
The Aristocats is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
The Little Mermaid follows the story of a mermaid named Ariel who goes on a journey to become human and find true love.
The animation style of The Little Mermaid is enchanting, with elaborate backgrounds and detailed character designs that create a sense of wonder and magic.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with unforgettable songs like "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World" that help establish the film's unforgettable tone and mood.
The Little Mermaid is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Beauty and the Beast is a timeless story about a young woman named Belle who falls in love with a beast who lives in a castle.
The animation style of Beauty and the Beast is breathtaking, with elaborate character designs and incredibly detailed backgrounds that create a sense of grandeur and elegance.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with unforgettable songs like "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast".
Beauty and the Beast is available on Disney+
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Aladdin is a classic Disney movie that tells the story of a young street rat who falls in love with a princess and must use a magical lamp to defeat an evil sorcerer.
The animation style of Aladdin is stunning, with unique character designs and elaborate backgrounds that create a sense of grandeur and mystique.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with unforgettable songs like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" that help establish the film's tone and mood.
Aladdin is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
The Lion King is a classic Disney movie that follows the journey of a young lion named Simba as he becomes the king of the jungle.
The animation style of The Lion King is breathtaking, with detailed character designs and stunning backgrounds that create a sense of grandeur and majesty.
The movie's use of music is also noteworthy, with unforgettable songs like "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" that help establish the film's unforgettable tone and mood.
The Lion King is available on Disney+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Toy Story is the first feature-length film produced entirely in 3D computer-generated animation.
The movie follows the story of a group of toys who come to life whenever their owner is not around.
The animation style of Toy Story broke new ground in the world of animation, with innovative character designs and incredibly detailed environments that create a sense of wonder and magic.
The movie's use of humor is also noteworthy, with witty dialogue and clever gags that keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
Toy Story is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
A Bug's Life is another computer-animated movie produced by Pixar.
The movie tells the story of a misfit ant who recruits a group of circus bugs to help his colony fight off a group of greedy grasshoppers.
The animation style of A Bug's Life is stunning, with intricate environments and unique character designs that create a sense of wonder and magic.
The movie's use of humor is also noteworthy, with clever jokes and witty banter that keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
A Bug's Life is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Monsters, Inc. is another computer-animated movie produced by Pixar.
The movie takes a unique perspective on the world of monsters, telling the story of a pair of monsters who scare children at night to capture and generate power for their world.
The animation style of Monsters, Inc. is stunning, with intricate character designs and elaborate environments that create a sense of wonder and magic.
The movie's use of humor is also noteworthy, with clever jokes and witty banter that keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
Monsters, Inc. is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Finding Nemo is a classic Pixar movie that tells the story of a father's journey to find his lost son.
The movie takes viewers on a journey through a stunningly beautiful ocean and its multitude of amazing creatures.
The animation style of Finding Nemo is breathtaking, with incredibly detailed environments and unique character designs that create a sense of wonder and magic.
The movie's use of humor and heart is also noteworthy, with tender moments and clever quips that keep viewers engaged throughout the film.
Finding Nemo is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
The Incredibles is a superhero movie produced by Pixar.
The movie tells the story of a family of superheroes who are forced to come out of retirement to fight a new evil villain.
The animation style of The Incredibles is unique, with detailed character designs and elaborate environments that create a sense of grandeur and excitement.
The movie's use of humor and action is also noteworthy, with thrilling set pieces and clever jokes that keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
The Incredibles is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Ratatouille is a movie produced by Pixar that tells the story of a simple rat who dreams of becoming a chef in a fancy restaurant.
The animation style of Ratatouille is unique, with a detailed environment and character designs that create a sense of warmth and comfort.
The movie's use of humor and heart is also noteworthy, with clever jokes and moments of tenderness that keep viewers engaged throughout the film.
Ratatouille is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Wall-E is a movie produced by Pixar that tells the story of a robot who is left behind on a deserted planet Earth while humans lounge about on a starship cruiseliner out in space.
The movie takes a unique perspective on the future, exploring themes of loneliness, sustainability, and environmentalism.
The animation style of Wall-E is breathtaking, with deeply detailed environments and unique character designs that create a sense of awe and wonder.
It is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Up is an adventure-comedy film that follows the story of an elderly man named Carl who sets out on a journey to fulfill his lifelong dream of exploring a moutain in South America.
The animation style of Up is stunning, with a unique design that captures the beauty of nature.
The movie's storytelling technique is both heartwarming and humorous. It's available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
How to Train Your Dragon is an adventure-comedy film that follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless.
The animation style of How to Train Your Dragon is stunning, with a unique design that captures the beauty of the Viking world.
The movie's storytelling technique is both thrilling and heartwarming.
It's available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation
Tangled is a musical-comedy film that tells the story of a young princess named Rapunzel who is locked away in a tower by an evil witch.
The animation style of Tangled is stunning, with a unique design that captures the essence of a fairy tale.
The movie's storytelling technique is both heartwarming and humorous.
It's available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Brave is a fantasy-comedy film that follows the story of a young Scottish princess named Merida who must save her kingdom from an evil curse.
The animation style of Brave is stunning, with a unique design that captures the beauty of the Scottish landscape.
The movie's storytelling technique is both thrilling and heartwarming.
It's available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Wreck-It Ralph is a comedy film that tells the story of a video game villain named Ralph who wants to be a hero.
The animation style of Wreck-It Ralph is unique, with a stylized design that captures the essence of video games.
The movie's storytelling technique is both heartwarming and humorous.
It's available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Coco is a delightful animated movie from Pixar that follows the story of Miguel, a young musician determined to pursue his dreams.
The vibrant visuals and catchy soundtrack reflect an enchanting journey to the Land of the Dead. Along the way, Miguel discovers important lessons about family, culture and self-expression.
From start to finish, this film will captivate viewers with its lovable characters and touching storyline.
Experience this exciting tale filled with laughter and tears - "Coco"!
Coco is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
The Breadwinner is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of a young girl named Parvana who lives in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and disguises herself as a boy to support her family after her father is arrested.
The animation style of The Breadwinner is unique and captivating, with intricate character designs and beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds that convey the harsh realities of life under the Taliban.
The movie's storytelling techniques are also noteworthy, with a narrative that balances the bleakness of Parvana's situation with moments of hope and resilience.
The Breadwinner is available on Netflix.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Loving Vincent is a stunningly beautiful film that tells the story of Vincent van Gogh's life and death through a series of animated oil paintings.
Each frame of the film is hand-painted in the style of van Gogh's paintings, creating a visual masterpiece that is both captivating and emotionally resonant.
The movie's storytelling techniques are also noteworthy, with a narrative that weaves together different perspectives on van Gogh's life and art to create a multifaceted portrait of the artist.
Loving Vincent is available on Netflix.
Animation style: Oil-painted animated
The Secret of Kells is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a young boy named Brendan who lives in a medieval monastery that is threatened by Viking invaders.
The animation style of The Secret of Kells is unique and beautiful, with intricate character designs and gorgeous hand-drawn backgrounds that evoke the spirit of medieval art.
The movie's storytelling techniques are also noteworthy, with a narrative that blends history, myth, and fantasy to create a rich and engaging world.
The Secret of Kells is available on Netflix.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation in a traditional Celtic “stained glass” style
The Red Turtle is a beautiful and meditative film that tells the story of a man who is stranded on a desert island and befriends a mysterious red turtle.
The animation style of The Red Turtle is simple and elegant, with hand-drawn characters and stunning watercolor backgrounds that create a sense of tranquility and introspection.
The movie's storytelling techniques are also noteworthy, with a narrative that is largely wordless but communicates a powerful message about the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
The Red Turtle is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation (rendered in a 2D style)
The Girl Without Hands is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a young girl who is sold to the devil by her father and must use her wits and courage to escape his grasp.
The animation style of The Girl Without Hands is unique and captivating, with hand-drawn characters and backgrounds that are reminiscent of medieval tapestries.
The movie's storytelling techniques are also noteworthy, with a narrative that balances the fantastical elements of the story with moments of emotional resonance and depth.
The Girl Without Hands is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Animation style: Painted 2D animation
Anomalisa is a dark and surreal film that tells the story of a man named Michael who is struggling with depression and loneliness.
The animation style of Anomalisa is unique and unsettling, with puppets that are designed to be realistic but also slightly off-putting.
The film was widely critically acclaimed and received rave reviews, winning an array of awards worldwide.
It is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Animation style: Stop-motion puppet animation
Incredibles 2 is a Pixar movie that follows the Parr family as they try to balance their superhero duties with their family life.
The animation style of Incredibles 2 is sleek and stylish, with dynamic character designs and action-packed scenes that create a sense of excitement and energy.
The movie's use of humor is also noteworthy, with witty one-liners and clever gags that help lighten the mood.
Incredibles 2 is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Big Hero 6 is a Disney movie that tells the story of a young boy named Hiro who, with the help of his friends and a lovable robot named Baymax, becomes a superhero.
The animation style of Big Hero 6 is stunning, with a unique blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated graphics that create a sense of depth and dimensionality.
The movie's use of humor and heartwarming moments is also noteworthy, with memorable characters and emotional scenes that help make the film unforgettable.
Big Hero 6 is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation blend
The Princess and the Frog is a Disney movie that follows the journey of a young girl named Tiana who dreams of opening her own restaurant.
The animation style of The Princess and the Frog is unique, with a beautiful blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated graphics that create a sense of depth and texture.
The movie's use of music and cultural references is also noteworthy, with unforgettable songs and scenes that celebrate the vibrant culture of New Orleans.
The Princess and the Frog is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation blend
Kung Fu Panda is a DreamWorks movie that follows the journey of a clumsy panda named Po who suddenly becomes a kung fu master.
The animation style of Kung Fu Panda is unique, with stylized character designs and vibrant backgrounds that create a sense of energy and excitement.
The movie's use of humor and action is also noteworthy, with witty one-liners and thrilling fight scenes that help make the film unforgettable.
Kung Fu Panda is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation
Zootopia is a clever and entertaining film that explores important themes of diversity and acceptance, set in an anthropomorphized world where numerous species of animals, predators and prey, all live together peacefully in a modern city.
The animation style is impressive, with the intricate details of the different animal species adding depth to the film's world-building.
The film's protagonists, a rabbit named Judy Hopps and a fox named Nick Wilde, have great chemistry and provide plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments.
Zootopia is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Ralph Breaks the Internet is a fun and entertaining film that cleverly satirizes internet culture and online gaming.
The animation style is impressive, with the film's depiction of the internet and various websites being both visually stunning and hilarious.
The film's message about the dangers of obsession and the importance of friendship is conveyed effectively, making it a great movie for both kids and adults.
It is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Disney and Pixar's Soul is a brilliant masterpiece that takes the viewer on an emotional journey of self-discovery.
The animation style is stunningly realistic and the storytelling techniques used are thought-provoking and philosophical, making it a movie that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
Soul is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Klaus is a heartwarming and visually stunning animated movie that tells the story of the origins of Santa Claus in a unique way.
The animation style is reminiscent of traditional 2D animation and the storytelling techniques used are charming and effective in delivering a message of kindness and generosity.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a hilarious and action-packed animated movie that showcases a family's journey to save the world from a robot uprising.
The animation style is unique and visually striking, with a blend of 2D and 3D animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both entertaining and heartwarming.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation
Over the Moon is a beautifully animated and heartfelt movie that explores the themes of loss, grief, and moving on.
The animation style is colorful and imaginative, with a blend of traditional and computer-generated animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both whimsical and poignant.
Over the Moon is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation
Wolfwalkers is a visually stunning and enchanting animated movie that tells the story of a young girl's journey to discover the secrets of the mystical wolfwalkers.
The animation style is hand-drawn and breathtakingly beautiful, and the storytelling techniques used are both captivating and emotionally resonant.
It is available on Apple TV+.
Animation style: Traditional 2D hand-drawn cel animation
Raya and the Last Dragon is an epic adventure that takes the viewer on a journey to a fantastical world filled with dragons and magic.
The animation style is gorgeous, with a mix of hand-drawn and computer-generated animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both exciting and heartwarming.
It is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animatio
Luca is a charming and delightful animated movie that tells the story of two young boys who discover a secret underwater world.
The animation style is bright and colorful, with a beautiful Mediterranean backdrop, and the storytelling techniques used are both fun and heartwarming.
Luca is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
The Croods: A New Age is a hilarious and heartwarming animated movie that follows the prehistoric family as they encounter a new clan with more advanced technology.
The animation style is vibrant and colorful, with a blend of traditional and computer-generated animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both humorous and touching.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation
The Willoughbys is a darkly comedic and visually stunning animated movie that tells the story of a dysfunctional family of orphans who set out to create a new family for themselves.
The animation style is unique and quirky, with a blend of 2D and stop-motion animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both clever and entertaining.
The Willoughbys is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation
Onward is a heartwarming and magical animated movie that follows two elf brothers on a quest to bring their father back to life.
The animation style is visually stunning, with a mix of traditional and computer-generated animation, and the storytelling techniques used are both imaginative and emotionally resonant.
Onward is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation
Into the Spider-Verse is a groundbreaking movie that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in animated filmmaking.
The animation style is bold and innovative, with a mix of 2D and 3D techniques, seamlessly blending traditional comic-book art and graphics with cutting-edge 3D.
The storytelling is fresh and engaging, with a diverse cast of characters and a clever twist on the classic Spider-Man story.
It's a must-watch for anyone who loves superhero movies or animation.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 3D animation
Moana is a visually stunning film that celebrates Polynesian culture and mythology.
The animation style is breathtaking, with lush tropical landscapes and intricate character designs.
The film's music, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is catchy and memorable, with standout songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome."
The film's heroine, Moana, is a strong and determined character who goes on a journey of self-discovery and saves her people from a great danger.
It is available on Disney+.
Animation style: 3D animation
Your Name is a romantic fantasy movie that tells the story of two teenagers who mysteriously switch bodies and must find a way to meet each other.
The movie's storytelling technique blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and romance, and it uses time travel as a key plot device.
The animation style is a blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and computer-generated imagery.
The movie's art style is breathtakingly beautiful and captures the vibrant colors and landscapes of Japan.
It is available on Funimation.
Animation style: 2D and 3D animation
Song of the Sea is a hauntingly beautiful film that weaves together Irish folklore, family drama, and magical realism to create a truly unique story.
The film's use of music and song adds to its emotional resonance, while the characters are all complex and well-drawn.
The animation style is breathtaking, with lush, hand-drawn backgrounds and characters that seem to glow with a mystical energy.
The film's use of color and light is particularly striking, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly matches the story's tone.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: Traditional hand-drawn 2D cel animation
Kubo and the Two Strings is a visually stunning adventure that draws on Japanese folklore to tell the story of a young boy on a quest to find a magical suit of armor.
The film's use of stop-motion animation adds to its unique charm, while the characters are all memorable and well-acted.
The stop-motion animation in Kubo and the Two Strings is simply stunning, with intricate character designs and elaborate set pieces that showcase the artistry and skill of the animators.
The film's use of light and shadow is also impressive, creating a sense of depth and texture that is rare in animated films.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: Stop-motion
Spirited Away is an animated movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2001.
It is considered one of the greatest animated movies of all time, winning numerous awards including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
The movie follows a young girl in search of her parents as she encounters strange creatures and spirits on her journey along with a bathhouse where gods and goddesses come to relax.
With its unique story, vibrant animation, and captivating music, Spirited Away is sure to take viewers on an unforgettable journey.
It is available on Netflix.
Animation style: 2D animation
While there are still some who think “cartoons are just for kids”, animation is nothing short of its own artform, with styles and genres as diverse as any other, aimed at audiences of all kinds.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it should give you an idea of just how far we have come, and the sheer potential of the medium to tell a great story.
Which of these are your favorites?
Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comments!
And till next time, keep telling your stories!
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