| The 23 Best Animated Movies of All Time bring together timeless classics and modern masterpieces that define the evolution of animation and movies. From Disney and Pixar favorites like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Lion King to global hits like Spirited Away and Your Name, this list highlights the most fun and visually stunning animated movies to watch. Discover the best animation films to watch across genres—2D, 3D, and anime—and find out where to stream these recommended animated movies right now. |
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 and audiences.
So here are 23 of the best animated movies in the world as of 2025 that you should watch at least once in your lifetime!
If you think animation is just for kids, it’s time for a rethink.
The best animated movies in 2026 aren’t just about colorful visuals or talking animals — they’re about emotion, storytelling, and the sheer artistry that brings imaginary worlds to life.
From hand-drawn masterpieces to cutting-edge computer animation, today’s coolest animation movies are redefining what film can be. Whether you’re hunting for good animated movies to watch with the family, or just looking for creative inspiration for your next marketing video, this top animation list has you covered.
By the way, do also check out our other blog list on the best and most underrated animated TV and movies iceberg too!
So grab your popcorn (and maybe a notebook) — here are 23 of the best animation films to watch in 2026, and exactly where to find them.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about how we picked them. Because this isn’t just another roundup of cartoon and animation movies — it’s a curated list of the most influential, inspiring, and downright awesome animated movies that every storyteller, marketer, or animation fan needs to see in 2026.
Each title here earns its spot for one (or several) of these reasons:
So whether you’re here for recommended animated movies to watch, hunting for the best animation films to inspire your next explainer video, or just looking for a few hours of pure escapism — this list has you covered.
The one that started it all.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic animated movie that made its debut all the way back in 1937, almost a century ago!
It’s the first ever full-length cartoon animation movie that 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. Disney’s first feature-length film remains a landmark in animation history.
Without Snow White, there’d be no Pixar, no anime boom, no modern animation as we know it!
Irreverent, clever, and endlessly quotable — Shrek flipped the fairytale genre on its head.
While Shrek is a beloved and enjoyable movie, it might not stand out much from the others on this list. But it earns its spot here because of many groundbreaking attributes for its time.
Two decades later, it still stands as one of DreamWorks’ best animated movies and a defining moment in CGI comedy.
Aside from having a stellar cast of Mike Myers, John Lithgow, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, what set it apart was its cheeky and subversive humor that gave parents something to laugh at as well as the kids, proving that animated movies can be enjoyed by all audiences.
Its storyline was refreshing, too, skewering traditional fairy tales and turning the “princess kisses a frog and turns him into a prince” trope on its head in a delightful twist.
This ain’t your grandma’s book of fairytales, but maybe it should have been!
Coco is an animated movie from Pixar that follows the story of Miguel, an aspiring young musician determined to pursue his dreams. This beautiful film deftly blends stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling about family, memory, and music.
It’s also one of the best computer animated films for showcasing cultural representation done right.
The vibrant visuals and catchy soundtrack reflect an enchanting journey to the Land of the Dead in traditional Hispanic folklore. Along the way, Miguel discovers important lessons about family, culture and self-expression.
This movie stands out for its platforming of Hispanic culture, traditions and music; but while also exploring deeper themes of family, generational trauma, and grief– fairly heavy themes to tackle for a movie primarily aimed at children. But it does so with seemingly effortless skill, captivating music, and a lot of heart.
From start to finish, Coco captivates viewers with its lovable characters and emotional storyline.
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 eponymous heroine, Moana, is a strong and determined character who goes on a journey of self-discovery and saves her people from a great danger. With gorgeous animation, catchy music, and an empowering story about self-discovery — Moana remains a shining example of how storytelling and technology can work together to inspire.
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.
Quirky, fast-paced, and hilarious, The Willoughbys leans into absurdity with style.
It’s one of those animated movies to watch when you need something smart, funny, and visually inventive.
Luca is a charming and delightful animated movie that tells the story of two young boys from 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.
It’s truly a great coming-of-age story drenched in Italian sunshine.
Luca is lighthearted but deeply emotional — one of Pixar’s most charming and visually striking films.
An ideal pick if you’re after fun animated movies with a slice-of-life vibe– with a healthy dose of fantasy thrown in, too!
This Irish animated film from Cartoon Saloon is pure visual poetry.
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, showcasing and celebrating Irish Celtic folklore and culture.
With hand-drawn linework and watercolor textures, Wolfwalkers feels handcrafted in the best way — a perfect contrast to today’s slick digital look.
Smart, funny, and socially aware, Zootopia is a rare animated movie that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A perfect mix of humor and commentary on diversity and inclusion — wrapped in dazzling 3D animation.
Zootopia is a clever and entertaining film that explores fairly grown-up and 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– or so it seems.
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.
Stop-motion meets existential dread.
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.
Charlie Kaufman’s Anomalisa explores loneliness and human connection in a way no live-action film could.
It’s weird, awkward, and deeply human — a must-see for anyone studying storytelling in animation and movies.
The Red Turtle is a quiet, wordless masterpiece co-produced by Studio Ghibli and European animators, that tells the story of a man who is stranded on a desert island and befriends a mysterious red turtle.
It’s a poetic exploration of survival, solitude, and the cycle of life — minimalist but profound.
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.
While it appears rotoscoped, and there was in fact a lot of live footage shot, rotoscoping was actually not used at all in this film. The live footage was used purely for artistic reference.
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.
When animators and filmmakers describe a piece of work as “every frame a painting,” the creators of Loving Vincent took that quite literally.
This is a stunningly beautiful film that tells the story of Vincent van Gogh's life and death through a series of real oil paintings. That is to say, each of the 65,000 frames of the film are literally hand-painted on real canvas, in the distinct style of van Gogh's paintings, creating nothing short of a visual masterpiece that is overwhelmingly captivating and emotionally resonant like no other film to date.
For perspective, each cel of traditional animation is painstakingly hand-drawn on transparent film, with usually a static background. For earlier seasons of The Simpsons, for example, a single twenty-minute episode would take a team of animators six months to draw.
Now imagine creating tens of thousands of fully hand-painted oil paintings on canvas for each frame, and you’re getting an idea of what a labor of love this film really is.
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 tragic artist.
Most movies tell amazing, captivating stories. Loving Vincent goes beyond that and exists as a triumphant and moving love letter to art, creativity, and perseverance.
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.
It’s one of the best animation films to watch for its storytelling power and cultural impact — again showing how animation can tackle serious, real-world issues.
Anime fans, this one’s for you!
Now anime has never been a small genre in animation, or even film and television. But Demon Slayer takes its dominance to a new level, scoring a smash hit among even general Western audiences.
The Demon Slayer movie delivers jaw-dropping 2D/3D hybrid animation and breathtaking fight choreography — proof that anime continues to set global standards for visual excellence.
“What if a gun had a soul, and didn’t want to be a gun?” was the unusual premise of this beautiful film.
The Iron Giant is a sci-fi story with a heart as big as its titular robot. After watching this, you’d be shocked to learn it was originally a flop at the box office. Fortunately, it went on to become a cult favorite.
A brilliant and visually gorgeous blend of traditional and computer animation, with a poignant and powerful message at its core, this is one of the most recommended animated movies to watch.
It’s a great animated movie recommendation for those who think cartoons are just for kids, and lack the depth and substance of “real” cinema.
Few films capture childhood wonder quite like My Neighbor Totoro.
Gentle, quiet, and utterly charming, it’s another masterpiece of animation from Studio Ghibli that makes you nostalgic for simpler times — and it’s also one of the most recognizable animated characters in history.
You may not have even heard of this one. 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. Klaus mixes traditional hand-drawn techniques with innovative lighting technology to create a warm, painterly style.
If you’re into design, storytelling, or video production, this film is an animation masterclass, and one of those inspirational videos that blends craft with a heartfelt, uplifting story.
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 beautiful, immense ocean and its multitude of fascinating sea creatures.
The animation 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.
This is a gorgeous underwater adventure filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable visuals.
Finding Nemo is a perfect family pick for anyone searching for good animated movies to watch that blend strong storytelling with cutting-edge computer animation.
If you didn’t cry within the first 10 minutes, check your pulse.
Up remains one of Pixar’s most emotionally rich stories — a journey of loss, love, and adventure that hits hard across generations.
It’s 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 mountain 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.
In keeping with Pixar’s defiance of convention and overused storytelling cliches, there’s a lot of new ground broken in this film, from the unconventional heroes to the heartwrenching plot twist at the end.
UP is a great example of how animated movies can connect audiences on a deeper, human level.
Toy Story wasn’t just Pixar’s debut — it was the world’s first entirely computer-generated feature film! And it challenged Disney with its animation prowess, excellent storytelling, and pure entertainment value.
Beyond the tech, it’s a timeless story about friendship, purpose, and growing up — still ranking high among the best animation films to watch.
Wall-E is a movie produced by Pixar that tells the story of a plucky garbage-collecting robot who is left behind on a deserted planet Earth, while humans lounge about on a starship cruiseliner out in space.
A lonely robot cleaning up a deserted Earth might not sound like blockbuster material — but Pixar turned it into one of the most beloved and best computer animated films ever made.
With almost no dialogue for the first 30 minutes, Wall-E is a masterclass in visual storytelling and emotional connection.
The movie takes a unique perspective on the future, exploring themes of loneliness, sustainability, and environmentalism.
It’s arguably one of the first mainstream animated movies that’s set in an apocalyptic dystopia, while still being cheerful and cute enough to be suitable for all audiences.
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’s not surprising that it’s considered one of the best 3D animated films of all time.
Can cartoons really be “art?” Isn’t animation just for kids? Can an animated movie– even a beautifully crafted one– really hold its own against the likes of real live action cinema?
If there’s one movie that proves the answer is yes to all those questions, it’s this one.
“Grave of the Fireflies” has been often described as “the best movie you’ll never watch again.”
Beautiful, harsh, breathtaking and haunting, Grave of the Fireflies is far from a “fun animated movie,” but it’s one of the most powerful and important works of narrative art in modern times. It tells the tragic story of two orphaned siblings struggling to survive in war-torn Japan. Watching it will leave you utterly devastated, but it carries an important message that must be heard. Probably most tragic of all, it’s based on a true story– and you’ll wish it wasn’t.
It’s a must-watch, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
The movie is widely considered to be one of the best animated movies of all time, up there with another Studio Ghibli film “Spirited Away.”
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a groundbreaking movie that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in animated filmmaking.
The animation style (or rather, styles) are bold and innovative, consisting of a kaleidoscope of 2D and 3D techniques, seamlessly blending traditional comic-book art and graphics with cutting-edge 3D, creating a visual language unlike anything before.
It’s as though every possible animation style was thrown in for a wild blend of graffiti art, motion blur, and kinetic energy that feels like stepping inside a comic book.
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.
Arguably one of the coolest animation movies ever made, Into the Spider-Verse changed the game for 3D and comic-style visuals.
It inspired many gaming art studios like Room 8 to also embrace similar innovations, applying advanced 3D and visual storytelling techniques to create immersive, cinematic game worlds that blur the line between film and interactive art.
This movie is thus a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolution of cartoon and animation movies– or even those who are not!
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.
These aren’t just fun animated movies — they’re milestones in the evolution of storytelling, technology, and art.
From the painterly beauty of Loving Vincent to the high-octane innovation of Spider-Verse, these works represent the finest blend of animation and movies as both creative and emotional mediums.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, marketer, or animation enthusiast, there’s something to learn from every frame — pacing, color, emotion, or simply how to hold your audience’s attention.
So next time you’re looking for good animated movies to watch, start here — these 25 masterpieces prove that animation isn’t just a genre. It’s a cinema, elevated.
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Movie Title
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Year
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Animation Style / Type
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Streaming Platform (US/UK)
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Why Watch It
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Spirited Away
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2001
|
Hand-drawn 2D Animation
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Max / Netflix
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A breathtaking fantasy journey that redefined animation as art.
|
|
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
|
2018
|
2D/3D Hybrid, Stylized
|
Netflix
|
Visually groundbreaking; a comic book come to life.
|
|
Grave of the Fireflies
|
1988
|
Traditional 2D Animation
|
Max
|
Emotionally devastating anti-war masterpiece.
|
|
WALL-E
|
2008
|
3D Computer Animation
|
Disney+
|
Pixar’s quiet, heartfelt ode to love and the environment.
|
|
Toy Story
|
1995
|
3D CGI
|
Disney+
|
The film that launched the modern era of animation.
|
|
Up
|
2009
|
3D Computer Animation
|
Disney+
|
A perfect blend of adventure, humor, and emotional storytelling.
|
|
Finding Nemo
|
2003
|
3D Computer Animation
|
Disney+
|
A stunning underwater adventure with timeless family appeal.
|
|
Klaus
|
2019
|
2D Hand-drawn with 3D lighting
|
Netflix
|
Revived 2D animation with digital craftsmanship.
|
|
My Neighbor Totoro
|
1988
|
Hand-drawn 2D Animation
|
Max / Netflix
|
Whimsical, heartwarming, and deeply nostalgic.
|
|
The Iron Giant
|
1999
|
2D/CG Hybrid
|
Max
|
Sci-fi meets soul in this beloved underdog story.
|
|
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
|
2020
|
2D/3D Anime Hybrid
|
Crunchyroll / Netflix
|
Jaw-dropping visuals and emotionally charged storytelling.
|
|
The Breadwinner
|
2017
|
2D Hand-drawn
|
Netflix
|
A powerful, socially conscious story told through gorgeous animation.
|
|
Loving Vincent
|
2017
|
Oil Painting Frame-by-Frame
|
Amazon Prime
|
Every frame hand-painted — truly one of a kind.
|
|
The Red Turtle
|
2016
|
2D Minimalist
|
Max / Apple TV+
|
A wordless, meditative story of life and nature.
|
|
Anomalisa
|
2015
|
Stop-Motion
|
Paramount+ / Apple TV+
|
Intimate, thought-provoking, and deeply human.
|
|
Zootopia
|
2016
|
3D CGI
|
Disney+
|
Clever social commentary wrapped in family-friendly fun.
|
|
Wolfwalkers
|
2020
|
Hand-drawn 2D Animation
|
Apple TV+
|
Painterly visuals meet Irish folklore and bold storytelling.
|
|
Luca
|
2021
|
3D CGI
|
Disney+
|
A coming-of-age story bathed in Mediterranean charm.
|
|
The Willoughbys
|
2020
|
3D CGI
|
Netflix
|
A quirky, offbeat gem full of humor and style.
|
|
Moana
|
2016
|
3D CGI
|
Disney+
|
Empowering storytelling with some of the best animation in the genre.
|
|
Coco
|
2017
|
3D CGI
|
Disney+
|
A vibrant, music-filled celebration of life and heritage.
|
|
Shrek
|
2001
|
3D CGI
|
Peacock / Netflix
|
Irreverent, hilarious, and endlessly quotable.
|
|
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
|
1937
|
Hand-drawn 2D
|
Disney+
|
The original animated feature — where it all began.
|
By the Way…
Are you interested in animation? Here’s some ways to get started!
If you have a story in your heart and want to see it come to life, why not get in touch with us today and find out what’s possible? Life is too short to let your dreams remain dreams!
From the cel-animated classics of Disney’s golden era to the hyper-stylized visuals of Spider-Verse and Klaus, these movies show how animation and movies continue to evolve hand-in-hand with technology and audience expectations.
What makes this list of best animated movies in 2026 stand out isn’t just their beauty — it’s their ability to connect with audiences emotionally, across age groups, languages, and cultures.
Whether you’re exploring fun animated movies for a creative break or looking for the best animation films to watch as inspiration for your next campaign or explainer video, these titles are proof that animation isn’t just entertainment — it’s storytelling at its purest, most human form.