17+ Best Animated Movies of All Time (List)

Animated movies have captivated audiences for decades with their unique blend of storytelling, creativity, and visual artistry.

From the early days of hand-drawn animation to the modern era of computer-generated imagery (CGI), animated films have evolved and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of cinema.

Best Animated Movies of All Time

Here are some of the best animated movies of all time, spanning various styles, themes, and eras:

“The Lion King” (1994)

Directed by Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff

A young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.

“Toy Story” (1995)

Directed by John Lasseter

A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room.

“Spirited Away” (2001)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

A young girl navigates a world of spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs.

“Finding Nemo” (2003)

Directed by Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich

A clownfish embarks on a journey to rescue his son from a fish tank.

“Shrek” (2001)

Directed by Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

An ogre, along with a talking donkey, is tasked with rescuing a princess.

“Up” (2009)

Directed by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson

An elderly man fulfills his dream of visiting South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house.

“Frozen” (2013)

Directed by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

A princess sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal reindeer, and a naive snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.

“Wall-E” (2008)

Directed by Andrew Stanton

In the distant future, a small waste-collecting robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind.

“Coco” (2017)

Directed by Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina

A young boy embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history and musical legacy.

“Ratatouille” (2007)

Directed by Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava

A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant.

“The Incredibles” (2004)

Directed by Brad Bird

A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, is forced into action to save the world.

“Beauty and the Beast” (1991)

Directed by Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

A young woman is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle and learns to look beyond his appearance.

“Aladdin” (1992)

Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker

A kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come true.

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Two young girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother and have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.

“Kung Fu Panda” (2008)

Directed by Mark Osborne, John Stevenson

The Dragon Warrior has to clash against the savage Tai Lung as China’s fate hangs in the balance.

“Moana” (2016)

Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker

An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people.

“Zootopia” (2016)

Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

“How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)

Directed by Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders

A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.

These films have made significant cultural impacts, offering entertainment for all ages and showcasing the boundless creativity of animation.

Below we look deeper at some of the best animated movies of all time, taking into account their critical acclaim, cultural impact, and enduring popularity.

Table of Contents

Criteria for Selecting the Best Animated Movies

Choosing the best animated movies of all time is no easy task, given the vast number of exceptional films in this genre.

To narrow down the selection, we will consider the following criteria:

Critical Acclaim: We will look at the critical reception of each movie, including reviews from reputable sources and awards won.
Box Office Success: While financial success is not the sole indicator of a movie’s quality, it can be an important factor in determining its impact and popularity.
Cultural Impact: Some animated movies have had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring merchandise, spin-offs, and even theme park attractions.
Timelessness: The best animated movies stand the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences long after their initial release.

Top Animated Movies of All Time

1. Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story, the first feature-length film created entirely with CGI, revolutionized the animation industry and set a new standard for storytelling.

Directed by John Lasseter, this heartwarming tale of toys coming to life when humans are not around captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Toy Story received critical acclaim and became a massive commercial success, grossing over $373 million globally.

Its success led to two equally beloved sequels and solidified Pixar Animation Studios as a powerhouse in the industry.

2. Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a Japanese animated film that has garnered international acclaim for its stunning visuals and enchanting story.

The film follows the journey of a young girl named Chihiro, who finds herself trapped in a spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs.

Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history.

Its timeless themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.

3. The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King, a Disney classic, is a coming-of-age tale set in the African savannah.

Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the film tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who must reclaim his rightful place as king after the murder of his father.

The Lion King was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $968 million worldwide.

Its memorable characters, powerful soundtrack, and themes of family, responsibility, and identity have made it one of the most beloved animated movies of all time.

4. Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo, directed by Andrew Stanton, follows the journey of a clownfish named Marlin as he searches for his son Nemo, who has been captured by a scuba diver.

This heartwarming and visually stunning film showcases the beauty of the ocean and the importance of family.

Finding Nemo received widespread critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing animated film at the time, earning over $940 million worldwide.

Its success led to a sequel, Finding Dory, further expanding the underwater world created by Pixar.

5. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Beauty and the Beast, a Disney classic based on the French fairy tale, is a tale as old as time that has enchanted audiences for generations.

Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, the film tells the story of Belle, a young woman who falls in love with a prince cursed to live as a beast.

Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

With its memorable characters, enchanting music, and themes of love and inner beauty, Beauty and the Beast remains a beloved masterpiece.

The Importance of Animated Movies

Animated movies hold a special place in the hearts of both children and adults.

They have the power to transport us to fantastical worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and convey important messages in a visually captivating manner.

Here are a few reasons why animated movies are so important:

Imagination and Creativity: Animated movies allow filmmakers to bring their wildest imaginations to life. They can create vibrant characters, breathtaking landscapes, and magical settings that would be impossible to replicate in live-action films.
Universal Appeal: Animated movies have a universal appeal that transcends language and cultural barriers. They can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, making them a powerful medium for storytelling.
Emotional Impact: Despite being animated, these movies have the ability to evoke deep emotions in the audience. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or a sense of wonder, animated films can elicit strong emotional responses.
Social Commentary: Many animated movies tackle important social issues and deliver powerful messages in an accessible way. They can address topics such as friendship, love, environmentalism, and equality, making them valuable tools for sparking conversations and promoting understanding.

FAQs – Best Animated Movies of All Time

1. What is the highest-grossing animated movie of all time?

The highest-grossing animated movie of all time is currently Disney’s Frozen II, which has earned over $1.4 billion worldwide.

2. Are animated movies only for children?

No, animated movies are enjoyed by people of all ages.

While some animated movies are specifically targeted towards children, many films in this genre have complex themes and storytelling that can be appreciated by adults as well.

3. How do animated movies compare to live-action movies?

Animated movies offer a unique visual style and the ability to create fantastical worlds that may be challenging to replicate in live-action films.

They also have the advantage of appealing to a broader audience due to their universal themes and imaginative storytelling.

4. Can animated movies be considered art?

Animated movies are a form of art that combines various artistic disciplines, including illustration, storytelling, music, and animation techniques.

Many animated movies have been recognized for their artistic achievements and have been displayed in art galleries and museums.

5. Are there any animated movies that have won Best Picture at the Academy Awards?

While no animated movie has won the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards, several films, including Beauty and the Beast and Up, have been nominated in this category.

In 2001, the Academy introduced the Best Animated Feature category to recognize the outstanding achievements in animated filmmaking.

6. What is the role of animation studios in creating animated movies?

Animation studios play a crucial role in the creation of animated movies. They bring together talented artists, animators, writers, and directors to collaborate on the development and production of these films.

Studios like Pixar, Disney, and Studio Ghibli have become synonymous with high-quality animated movies.

7. Are there any animated movies that have had a significant cultural impact?

Yes, several animated movies have had a significant cultural impact.

For example, the release of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in 1989 sparked the “Disney Renaissance” and revitalized the animation industry.

The film’s success led to a resurgence of animated musicals and paved the way for future Disney classics.

Animated movies have the power to address serious social issues in a way that is accessible to audiences of all ages.

For example, Pixar’s WALL-E explores themes of environmentalism and consumerism, while Zootopia tackles issues of prejudice and discrimination.

9. Are there any animated movies that have won prestigious awards outside of the animation category?

Yes, several animated movies have won prestigious awards outside of the animation category.

For instance, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and Inside Out won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

10. How has technology influenced the evolution of animated movies?

Advancements in technology, such as CGI and computer animation software, have revolutionized the animation industry.

These technological advancements have allowed filmmakers to create more realistic and visually stunning animated movies.

However, it’s important to note that technology is just a tool, and storytelling remains at the heart of a great animated film.

Summary – Best Animated Movies of All Time

Animated movies have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, captivating audiences with their imaginative storytelling and stunning visuals.

From the groundbreaking Toy Story to the enchanting Spirited Away, these films have entertained and inspired people of all ages.

The best animated movies of all time combine critical acclaim, box office success, cultural impact, and timelessness.

They continue to be cherished and celebrated for their ability to transport us to magical worlds, evoke deep emotions, and convey important messages.

Whether you’re a fan of Pixar, Disney, or Studio Ghibli, there is no shortage of exceptional animated movies to explore and enjoy.

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