From groundbreaking Pixar classics to stunning hand-drawn masterpieces and bold international hits, animation has delivered some of the most unforgettable movie moments in the past two and a half decades. In this list, we’re celebrating the 26 best animated films released over the last 25 years—movies that pushed creative boundaries, told powerful stories, and captured the hearts of audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong animation fan or just discovering the magic, these films are essential viewing.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘Spirited Away’ invites viewers into a mesmerizing spirit world, where a young girl, Chihiro, embarks on a quest to save her parents. Blending fantasy with a coming-of-age narrative, this Japanese film is a timeless masterpiece that resonates universally. Miyazaki’s attention to detail and enchanting animation make each scene a visual feast. As Chihiro navigates challenges, she discovers inner courage and resilience. The film’s rich tapestry of characters and ethereal landscapes earned it the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, solidifying its place as a cultural and cinematic touchstone.
2. Finding Nemo (2003)
In ‘Finding Nemo,’ Pixar crafts a heartwarming oceanic adventure filled with humor and emotion. The story follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, on his journey across the sea to find his son, Nemo, who was captured by divers. Along the way, Marlin encounters a host of memorable characters, including the forgetful fish Dory. With stunning underwater animation and a narrative rich in themes of family and perseverance, the film captivates audiences. Its charm and innovative storytelling secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2004, and it remains a beloved classic.
3. Up (2009)
Poignant Pixar tale, begins with a moving montage of love and loss that sets the stage for an adventure of a lifetime. Carl Fredricksen, a widowed balloon salesman, fulfills a lifelong dream by tying thousands of balloons to his house and flying to South America. Unexpectedly, Russell, a young Wilderness Explorer, becomes his companion. The film’s blend of humor, adventure, and heart makes it a standout. Praised for its emotional depth and creativity, ‘Up’ was nominated for five Academy Awards, cementing its status as an animated classic.
4. Frozen (2013)
Disney’s ‘Frozen’ enchants with its tale of two royal sisters in a kingdom locked in eternal winter. Elsa, hiding her magical ice powers, accidentally plunges Arendelle into cold, leading her sister Anna on a quest to save the realm. Featuring memorable characters and the hit song “Let It Go,” the film captures themes of love and self-discovery. Its stunning animation and catchy tunes won audiences worldwide. Celebrated for its refreshing take on the traditional princess story, ‘Frozen’ earned the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2014, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Reinvents the superhero genre with its groundbreaking animation style and compelling narrative. Starring Miles Morales, a teenager from Brooklyn, the film explores the multiverse, introducing various Spider-People from different dimensions. The unique visual style combines comic book aesthetics with cutting-edge animation techniques, creating a vibrant, kinetic experience. Its story emphasizes diversity, courage, and the hero within everyone. Winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2019, this film resonated with audiences for its innovation and heartfelt storytelling.
6. Coco (2017)
Vibrant Pixar film, explores the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos through the journey of Miguel, a young aspiring musician. In the Land of the Dead, he seeks his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, to find his family’s blessing. The film’s stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling celebrate Mexican culture and the importance of family and memory. With its memorable music and emotional depth, ‘Coco’ captivated audiences worldwide. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2018, affirming its place as a beloved cinematic treasure.
7. Zootopia (2016)
Disney’s ‘Zootopia’ presents a metropolis where animals from all walks of life coexist, focusing on Judy Hopps, a determined rabbit who becomes the first of her kind to join the police force. Paired with a con artist fox, Nick Wilde, she unravels a conspiracy threatening the city. The film cleverly tackles social issues like prejudice and acceptance, wrapped in a humorous, engaging narrative. ‘Zootopia’s’ rich world and timely themes resonated globally, earning it the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2017. It’s a vivid, thought-provoking tale that delights audiences.
8. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
A DreamWorks creation, soars with the story of Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a dragon named Toothless. Breaking traditions, Hiccup changes his village’s perspective on dragons from fear to friendship. The film’s stunning animation and thrilling aerial sequences captivate viewers, while its themes of understanding and acceptance resonate deeply. This heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2011, solidifying its status as a beloved classic that continues to inspire all ages.
9. The Lion King (1994, Re-released 2019)
Re-released in 2019, Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is an enduring tale of bravery and destiny. The story follows Simba, a lion cub destined to become king, as he overcomes personal tragedy and returns to reclaim his rightful place. The film’s iconic music and breathtaking animation have made it a cultural phenomenon. With its re-release, it introduced new technology while preserving the heart of the original 1994 classic. Its timeless themes of leadership, responsibility, and redemption continue to inspire audiences, making it a staple in animated cinema history.
10. Toy Story 3 (2010)
In ‘Toy Story 3,’ Pixar delivers a poignant exploration of growth and change as beloved toys face an uncertain future. With Andy heading to college, Woody, Buzz, and the gang find themselves at a daycare with new challenges. Balancing humor and emotion, the film delves into themes of loyalty and letting go, resonating with audiences of all ages. Its masterful storytelling and animation earned it the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2011. ‘Toy Story 3’ stands as a testament to enduring friendships and the passage of time.
11. Ratatouille (2007)
Culinary delight from Pixar, follows Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, as he teams up with Linguini, a young chef, to create culinary masterpieces in Paris. Set against a backdrop of gourmet kitchens and culinary competition, the film celebrates creativity and the pursuit of dreams. Its mouthwatering animation and heartwarming story won audiences and critics alike. With themes of acceptance and collaboration, ‘Ratatouille’ was honored with the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2008, leaving a lasting impact as a testament to following one’s passion.
12. Shrek (2001)
DreamWorks’ ‘Shrek’ redefines the fairy tale genre with humor and heart. The film follows Shrek, an ogre, whose swamp is invaded by fairy-tale creatures due to a tyrant’s decree. Paired with a talkative donkey, Shrek embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona. Its witty dialogue and subversion of classic fairy tales captivate audiences, while its animation broke new ground in the industry. ‘Shrek’ won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002, establishing itself as a beloved classic and spawning a successful franchise.
13. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ offers an imaginative glimpse into the emotional landscape of a young girl named Riley. As she faces a move to a new city, her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—navigate the complexities of growing up. The film’s inventive depiction of emotions and memory resonates deeply with viewers, exploring themes of change and self-discovery. Its innovative storytelling and emotional depth earned ‘Inside Out’ the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2016, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking and heartfelt cinematic achievement.
14. Moana (2016)
Disney’s ‘Moana’ embarks on a breathtaking journey across the ocean, led by a spirited Polynesian girl and the demigod Maui. As Moana seeks to save her island and discover her true calling, the film celebrates cultural heritage and the hero within. Its vibrant animation and unforgettable music captivate audiences. ‘Moana’ celebrates themes of self-discovery and perseverance, resonating with viewers of all ages. With its inspiring protagonist and lush visuals, it was praised for its cultural authenticity, making it a beloved addition to Disney’s animated legacy.
15. The Iron Giant (1999)
Directed by Brad Bird, is a heartfelt tale of friendship and bravery. Set in the 1950s, it follows a young boy named Hogarth who discovers a massive metal robot with a gentle heart. As they form an unlikely bond, the story explores themes of identity and sacrifice. The film’s stunning animation and poignant narrative resonate with audiences, offering a timeless message about choosing who you want to be. Initially underappreciated, ‘The Iron Giant’ has since gained a devoted following, celebrated as a masterpiece of animated cinema.
16. Rango (2011)
An animated Western from Paramount, stars Johnny Depp as the voice of a quirky chameleon who becomes the sheriff of a desert town. The film’s unique animation style and offbeat humor set it apart, offering a fresh take on the Western genre. As Rango navigates his new role, the story explores themes of identity and heroism in a comedic setting. With its inventive visuals and engaging narrative, ‘Rango’ won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2012, delighting audiences with its wit and originality.
17. Big Hero 6 (2014)
Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ combines high-tech adventure with heartfelt storytelling. Set in the futuristic city of San Fransokyo, it follows Hiro, a young inventor, and Baymax, a compassionate healthcare robot. Together, they form a superhero team to combat a mysterious threat. The film’s vibrant animation and emotional core captivate viewers, highlighting themes of friendship, loss, and resilience. Praised for its positive message and creative design, ‘Big Hero 6’ won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2015, becoming a favorite among audiences of all ages.
18. Monsters, Inc. (2001)
‘Monsters, Inc.,’ a Pixar gem, introduces a delightful world where monsters power their city by scaring children. However, when a human girl enters their realm, chaos ensues. The film follows Mike and Sulley, two top scarers, as they navigate this unexpected challenge. Filled with humor and heart, the story explores themes of friendship and understanding. Its groundbreaking animation and imaginative concept won audiences over, making it a beloved classic. ‘Monsters, Inc.’ was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002, solidifying its place in animation history.
19. WALL-E (2008)
In ‘WALL-E,’ Pixar crafts a touching narrative about a lonely robot tasked with cleaning a polluted Earth. His existence changes upon meeting EVE, a sleek robot on a mission. Their journey explores themes of love, loneliness, and environmental responsibility. The film’s stunning visuals and minimal dialogue create a deeply emotional experience, resonating with audiences of all ages. ‘WALL-E’ won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009, praised for its originality and heartfelt storytelling, cementing its status as a beloved modern classic.
20. Kung Fu Panda (2008)
DreamWorks’ ‘Kung Fu Panda’ combines action, humor, and heart in the story of Po, a clumsy but enthusiastic panda chosen to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Set in a beautifully animated world inspired by ancient China, Po’s journey from underdog to hero is filled with entertaining martial arts sequences and comedic moments. The film’s vibrant animation and engaging characters captivate audiences, making it a standout in the genre. ‘Kung Fu Panda’ was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2009, celebrated for its creativity and charm.
21. The Lego Movie (2014)
Brings the beloved toy to life with humor and heart. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, it follows Emmet, an ordinary Lego figure, as he embarks on an epic quest to save the universe. The film’s innovative animation style and witty script appeal to audiences of all ages, celebrating creativity and individuality. Featuring a memorable cast and vibrant visuals, it offers a fresh perspective on storytelling. ‘The Lego Movie’ was praised for its originality and humor, becoming a cultural phenomenon and spawning a successful franchise.
22. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Visually stunning stop-motion animation from Laika. Set in ancient Japan, it follows Kubo, a young boy with magical powers, on a quest to uncover his family’s legacy. The film’s intricate animation and captivating storytelling weave a tale of courage and perseverance. Its rich cultural references and emotional depth resonate with audiences, offering a unique cinematic experience. ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2017, hailed as a masterpiece of visual and narrative artistry.
23. Tangled (2010)
Disney’s ‘Tangled’ brings a fresh twist to the classic Rapunzel tale with vibrant animation and spirited characters. Rapunzel, a princess with magical hair, escapes her tower with the help of a charming thief. Their journey unfolds amidst colorful landscapes and delightful music. The film’s engaging narrative and strong character dynamics captured audiences, embracing themes of freedom and self-discovery. ‘Tangled’ received praise for its animation quality and storytelling charm, marking a successful continuation of Disney’s animated legacy.
24. Despicable Me (2010)
Universal Pictures hit, introduces Gru, a villain with a heart, and his mischievous minions. As Gru hatches a plan to steal the moon, his life changes when he adopts three orphaned girls. The film’s humor and heartwarming story appeal to audiences of all ages, blending comedy with touching moments. Its quirky animation and memorable characters spawned a successful franchise. ‘Despicable Me’ was praised for its innovative storytelling and became a beloved family classic, celebrated for its blend of humor and warmth.
25. The Secret of Kells (2009)
‘The Secret of Kells’ is an enchanting animation that explores the creation of the legendary Book of Kells. Set in medieval Ireland, it follows Brendan, a young monk, as he embarks on a perilous journey to complete the sacred book. The film’s unique animation style and rich Celtic folklore create a visually stunning experience. Its themes of courage, creativity, and the power of art resonate deeply. ‘The Secret of Kells’ was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2010, celebrated for its artistic innovation and cultural richness.
26. The Polar Express (2004)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, brings the magic of Christmas to life with groundbreaking motion-capture animation. The film follows a young boy’s enchanting train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Its rich visual style and heartwarming narrative capture the wonder of the holiday season. Themes of belief, friendship, and adventure resonate throughout, making it a beloved holiday classic. Praised for its innovation and festive spirit, ‘The Polar Express’ remains a cherished part of holiday cinema, enchanting audiences of all ages with its timeless message of hope and belief.
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