In the last 25 years, animated films have reached new heights of creativity, storytelling, and technical innovation. From 2000 to the present, animation has evolved to encompass a variety of styles, including hand-drawn, CGI, and stop-motion, each contributing to an increasingly diverse and dynamic landscape. When considering the best animated films, movie fans will celebrate those that have showcased artistic excellence and captured audiences’ imaginations worldwide. These films, ranging from quirky comedies to emotional adventures, highlight how animation can transcend age and genre, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture and cinema.
What makes these films stand out is their ability to blend groundbreaking technical achievement with compelling narratives. Whether through the emotional resonance of Toy Story 3, the visual revolution of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, or the stop-motion brilliance of Fantastic Mr. Fox, each of these amazing films is a testament to the endless possibilities of animation. They have pushed the boundaries of what animation can achieve, influencing the medium and the broader cinematic landscape.
Here are the best animated movies of the past 25 years, in no particular order.
20
‘Shrek’ (2001)
Release Date
May 18, 2001
Runtime
90 minutes
Director
Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Shrek redefined animated cinema for a new generation. As the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it cemented DreamWorks as a legitimate rival to Disney and forever changed the tone of mainstream animation. Its irreverent humor, layered writing, and boundary-pushing satire skewered classic fairy tales while celebrating the weird, the outcast, and the unconventional. With Mike Myers’ Scottish-accented ogre and Eddie Murphy’s unforgettable Donkey, Shrek delivered instantly iconic performances that made the beloved DreamWorks movie feel larger than life, yet deeply relatable.
Irreverent Humor, Iconic Characters, and Groundbreaking CGI
From a technical standpoint, Shrek was a landmark for CGI animation, blending innovative visuals with stylized character design that remains recognizable decades later. It also pioneered pop culture references and modern music in animated films, creating a blueprint many studios still follow. Beyond its comedic charm and quotable one-liners, Shrek resonated with audiences worldwide for its emotional core and timeless message of acceptance, making it a true cultural phenomenon.
19
‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’ (2009)
The Fantastic Mr. Fox marked Wes Anderson’s striking debut in animation, blending his signature storytelling with the tactile charm of stop-motion. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved book, the film uses handcrafted models, meticulous set design, and warm autumnal tones to create a visually distinct world that feels whimsical and grounded. Every frame is rich with detail, reflecting Anderson’s fastidious style, while the animation’s deliberately jerky movements give the film a nostalgic, storybook quality. It’s a technical achievement that reintroduced stop-motion as a serious contender in a CGI-dominated era.
A Blend of Wes Anderson’s Unique Storytelling with Stop-Motion Animation
Beyond its visual flair, The Fantastic Mr. Fox thrives on sharp wit, existential undertones, and fully realized characters. George Clooney’s suave yet flawed Mr. Fox anchors a narrative that explores identity, family, and the tension between wild instincts and domestic responsibility. Its commentary on class and survival is cleverly layered within its animal-versus-human conflict, making it more than just a kids’ film – it’s a modern-animated classic with lasting cultural and cinematic significance.
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18
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a groundbreaking animation and superhero storytelling achievement. As the film mixed 2D with 3D techniques with comic book aesthetics, it created a bold, kinetic visual style that redefined what animated films could look like. With its use of halftone shading, split screens, and onomatopoeic text, every frame feels like a comic panel bursting to life. The result isn’t just visually stunning – it’s revolutionary, setting a new standard for animated storytelling and inspiring a wave of stylistic innovation across the industry.
Bold, Comic-Inspired Visuals and Diverse Storytelling
At its core, the film tells the origin story of Miles Morales, a biracial Brooklyn teenager navigating responsibility, grief, and identity. By introducing the multiverse and uniting various Spider-People, Into the Spider-Verse embraces diversity not just in its characters, but in the narrative possibilities animation offers. With universal themes and genre-defying artistry, the films proved that animation is not a limitation, but a limitless platform for cinematic excellence.
17
‘Chicken Run’ (2000)
Chicken Run marked a milestone in animation history as the highest-grossing stop-motion film of all time. Produced by Aardman Animations, known for their charming shorts like Wallace & Gromit, this feature-length debut showcased their signature blend of dry British humor, expressive clay animation, and meticulous craftsmanship. Directed by Nick Park and Peter Lord, the film delivered both technical brilliance and a compelling narrative, drawing inspiration from classic escape films like The Great Escape while carving out its own unique tone and voice.
A Compelling Story of Freedom and Resilience
Set in a grim poultry farm run by the tyrannical Mrs. Tweedy, Chicken Run transforms a bleak premise into a thrilling and heartfelt adventure. With a cast of memorable characters from Aardman Animations, led by the determined Ginger and the cocky American rooster Rocky, the film tackles themes of freedom, resilience, and community. It remains a high watermark for stop-motion animation and a prime example of how the medium can tackle dark themes with wit, heart, and style.
16
‘Monsters Inc.’ (2001)
Monsters Inc. remains one of Pixar’s most imaginative and emotionally resonant achievements. Set in the vibrant city of Monstropolis, the film flips the concept of childhood fear on its head by showing audiences the monsters behind the closet doors – and making them lovable. Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan (Sulley) are instantly iconic, brought to life through standout voice performances by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. With Boo at the heart of the story, the film strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt emotion and laugh-out-loud comedy, delivering one of Pixar’s most touching final scenes.
Redefining Fear and Lovable Monsters
Beyond its story, Monsters Inc. broke ground in animation with its rendering of Sully’s fur, showcasing Pixar’s growing technical prowess. The door vault scene alone is a masterclass in kinetic animation. Its themes of empathy, fear, and moral responsibility are timeless, securing the film’s status as not just a great animated movie but a foundational piece of early 21st-century cinema.
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15
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Release Date
February 5, 2009
Runtime
100 minutes
Coraline stands as a landmark achievement in stop-motion animation and remains Laika’s most iconic work. Directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, the film blends Gothic horror with childlike wonder, creating a dark fairy tale that challenges the conventions of family-oriented animation. Its heroine, Coraline Jones – played by Dakota Fanning, who gave an Oscar-worthy voice acting performance – is a brave and curious girl who stumbles upon a secret door to an idealized parallel world, only to discover it hides something much more sinister. With the terrifying Other Mother at its center, Coraline brings a fresh, eerie energy to the genre, earning comparisons to movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Groundbreaking 3D Visuals, Gothic Horror Elements, and Laika’s Bold, Handcrafted Artistry
Technically, Coraline broke ground with its handcrafted visuals, becoming the first stop-motion feature to be shot entirely in 3D. Every detail – from the character designs to the haunting set pieces – was meticulously constructed, elevating Laika’s reputation as a studio willing to take creative risks. It’s a bold, unforgettable entry in animation history that helped redefine what the medium could achieve.
14
‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)
4.5
/5
Release Date
September 27, 2024
Runtime
101 Minutes
The Wild Robot is a poignant reminder that animation continues to evolve, not just visually, but thematically. Adapted from Peter Brown’s bestselling novel, the film delivers a resonant story about connection, survival, and the intersection between technology and nature. Director Chris Sanders, known for emotionally rich adventures like How to Train Your Dragon, brings his signature storytelling touch to this grounded, yet imaginative tale. Visually, the film bridges hyperrealistic animation with painterly backdrops, creating a world that feels both alive and lovingly illustrated.
Powerful Storytelling with Heart and Vision
What sets The Wild Robot apart is its emotional depth. Through Roz, a robot stranded on an island and forced to adapt among wild animals, the film explores what it means to raise, to be raised, and to belong. With stellar voice acting by Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, one of the best animated movies of 2024 transcended genre, becoming a layered allegory for parenting, environmental stewardship, and finding humanity in unexpected places.
13
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Release Date
October 27, 2004
Runtime
115 minutes
-
Bob Parr / Mr. Incredible (voice)
-
Helen Parr / Elastigirl (voice)
-
Sarah Vowell
Violet Parr (voice)
-
Spencer Fox
Dashiell ‘Dash’ Parr (voice)
Pixar’s The Incredibles wasn’t just ahead of the curve – it redefined what superhero stories could be in animation. Long before shared cinematic universes became the norm, Brad Bird delivered a stylish, emotionally resonant, and genre-savvy adventure that appealed to kids and adults alike. Blending mid-century modern aesthetics with fast-paced action and witty dialogue, the film created a world where supers are outlawed, and families are forced to hide their gifts. That setup alone gave the story more complexity and maturity than many live-action counterparts at the time.
A New Way To Define Superhero Films
What made The Incredibles truly groundbreaking, however, was its focus on the human side of heroism. The Parrs aren’t just a team – they’re a family learning how to reconnect in a world that’s tried to suppress them. Each character’s arc reflects universal struggles like midlife crises, identity, and adolescent insecurity. With unforgettable set pieces, a jazzy score, and nuanced storytelling, The Incredibles is still one of the most influential animated films – and superhero films – of the 21st century.
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12
‘Inside Out’ (2015)
Release Date
June 17, 2015
Runtime
95 minutes
Pixar has never shied away from complex storytelling, and Inside Out took emotional intelligence to a whole new level. Set almost entirely inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl, the film turns abstract psychological concepts into vivid characters, each representing a core emotion. Joy and Sadness may seem like opposites at first, but their journey reveals how interconnected our feelings truly are. The film’s brilliance lies in how it explores serious real-life issues by using its imaginative landscape, complete with islands of personality, memory orbs, and long-term storage, to explore something as personal and universal as growing up.
Emotional Depth, Imaginative World-Building, and a Groundbreaking Exploration of Mental Health
Beyond its conceptual ambition, Inside Out stands as a technical and narrative milestone in animation. Its ability to explain emotional complexity in a way that resonates with children and adults alike is revolutionary. With a tender script, a top-tier voice cast, and bold visual design, Inside Out became an instant classic that continues to be studied, referenced, and felt across pop culture and mental health conversations.
11
‘Flow’ (2024)
4.5
/5
Release Date
November 22, 2024
Runtime
1h 24m
Director
Gints Zilbalodis
Writers
Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza
Producers
Ron Dyens, Matīss Kaža
With no dialogue and minimalist design, Flow delivers one of the most profound animated experiences of the decade. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, this Latvian feature explores survival, connection, and the delicate balance of nature through the eyes of a solitary black cat. As rising floodwaters submerge the landscape, the cat is forced onto a makeshift boat, joining a diverse group of animals who would normally be predator and prey. What unfolds is a visually poetic journey that transcends language and culture, resonating with viewers on an emotional, almost spiritual level.
A Modern Animation with Stunning Visuals, Pure Storytelling, and Emotional Depth
Flow stands out in the modern animation landscape, not just for its technical innovation, but for its trust in pure visual storytelling. The film’s smooth CG animation, dreamlike cinematography, and sweeping musical score work in harmony to evoke emotion and tension without uttering a single word. In an era dominated by fast-paced, dialogue-heavy narratives, the Oscar-winning film reminds movie watchers of the silent power of the animated image.
10
‘Waltz with Bashir’ (2008)
Release Date
June 12, 2008
Runtime
90 Minutes
Director
Ari Folman
Writers
Ari Folman
Waltz with Bashir broke boundaries by redefining what animated films – and documentaries – could be. Directed by Ari Folman, this harrowing autobiographical account of the 1982 Lebanon War uses surreal animation to visualize fragmented memories and suppressed trauma. Unlike traditional war documentaries grounded in archival footage, Waltz with Bashir leans into the abstract and the emotional, capturing the psychological weight of conflicts through stylized, haunting visuals. The animation isn’t just a stylistic choice – it’s an essential narrative tool that bridges the gap between remembered horrors and forgotten truths.
A Film That Revolutionized Animation and Documentary Filmmaking
By the time the devastating final shot cuts to real-life footage, the film has taken viewers on a dream-like odyssey through guilt, memory, and the ethics of witnessing violence. Its impact on both animation and documentary filmmaking cannot be overstated. Waltz with Bashir proved that animation could tackle the most adult and urgent of themes, earning it critical acclaim, international awards, and a permanent place in film history.
9
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a landmark in CG animation, combining cutting-edge visuals with an emotionally resonant story that transcends its fantasy setting. The film follows Hiccup, a young Viking who defies his tribe’s traditions by befriending a wounded dragon named Toothless. What begins as a tale of rebellion quickly evolves into a nuanced exploration of empathy, understanding, and the courage to challenge outdated beliefs. The animation – especially during the flight sequences – set new standards for visual storytelling, aided by one of John Powell’s best musical scores that made every scene feel epic and intimate.
A Groundbreaking Animated Action-Adventure
What truly elevates How to Train Your Dragon is its emphasis on character growth and emotional depth. Hiccup and Toothless are more than boy and pet; their bond symbolizes a bridge between worlds once locked in conflict. The film’s universal themes and rich world-building sparked a beloved trilogy, redefining DreamWorks’ legacy and raising the bar for what animated action-adventures could achieve.
8
‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)
Release Date
June 18, 2010
Runtime
103 minutes
Director
Lee Unkrich
Toy Story 3 isn’t just a great animated sequel – it’s a cinematic milestone that elevated the emotional potential of computer animation. Pixar has already set high standards with films like Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up, but Toy Story 3 brought it all home with a story that was as thrilling as it was heartfelt. The film finds Woody, Buzz, and the gang facing an uncertain future as Andy prepares to leave for college. Through breathtaking animation and a tight, character-driven script, the film explores themes of identity, purpose, and growing up with a maturity rarely seen in family films.
A Triumph That Blends Emotional Storytelling, Stunning Animation, and Timeless Themes
What makes Toy Story 3 one of the best animated movies of the last 25 years is how confidently it closes a chapter in animation history. The story leans into nostalgia without relying on it, delivering a conclusion that feels both inevitable and earned. It’s a Pixar triumph that resonates across generations, reminding us that growing up doesn’t mean forgetting who one is.
7
‘Coco’ (2017)
Release Date
October 27, 2017
Runtime
105 minutes
Coco is a landmark achievement in animated storytelling that harmonizes cultural specificity with universal emotion. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Día de los Muertos, the film follows Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s long-standing ban on music. When he’s transported to the Land of the Dead, Coco transforms into a visually stunning journey that explores themes of legacy, memory, and forgiveness. The film’s lush color palette, intricate world-building, and heartfelt script earned it two Academy Awards – Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Rich Visuals, Emotional Storytelling, and Cultural Authenticity
What sets Coco apart is how it uses music not only as a storytelling device but as an emotional bridge between generations. “Remember Me” isn’t just a song – it’s the soul of the film, encapsulating how love and memory can transcend even death. In honoring Mexican traditions with such care and creativity, Coco became both a cultural touchstone and one of Pixar’s most powerful films to date.
6
‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
Release Date
September 7, 2022
Runtime
105 minutes
Writers
Robert Zemeckis
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio redefines the classic tale through a dark and poignant lens. After years of development, Del Toro, in collaboration with stop-motion master Mark Gustafson, brought the beloved story to life with a unique vision that goes far beyond its Disney counterpart. Set against the backdrop of Fascist Italy, this version explores themes of grief, love, and sacrifice. The narrative pivots away from the usual quest for humanity, instead focusing on Pinocchio’s journey of self-discovery and empathy. His evolution from a mischievous puppet to a self-aware being underscores the complexity of what it means to be human.
A Spin on a Classic with Stunning Stop-Motion
The stop-motion animation in Pinocchio is nothing short of mesmerizing, with intricate designs and fluid movements that bring the dark animated film to life. Del Toro’s film stands out not only for its craftsmanship but for the depth of its storytelling, blending magical realism with historical resonance. In this version, Pinocchio may never become a real boy, but he finds something far more profound – a soul.
5
‘Ratatouille’ (2007)
Release Date
June 21, 2007
Runtime
111 minutes
Ratatouille remains one of Pixar’s crowning achievements, showcasing the studio’s ability to combine heart, humor, and stunning visuals into a perfect recipe for cinematic excellence. Directed by Brad Bird, the film tells the inspiring story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary talent for cooking. Despite the obvious obstacles – his species, his environment, and the skepticism surrounding him – Remy’s passion for food drives him to achieve greatness in the culinary world. Through this tale, Ratatouille celebrates the value of pursuing one’s passion, regardless of societal expectations or limitations. It’s a film about the art of cooking, but also about the artistry of life itself.
A Showcase of Pixar’s Brilliance
Technically, Ratatouille is a triumph, with Pixar’s animation pushing boundaries in both detail and emotion. From the lush textures of Paris to the intricate designs of the food, every frame feels like a meticulously crafted dish. More than just a visual feast, the film emphasizes the satisfaction of creation and the joy of sharing something truly meaningful. Ratatouille is a perfect example of Pixar’s mastery of both animation and storytelling, solidifying its place among the best animated films of the past quarter-century.
4
‘WALL-E’ (2008)
Release Date
June 27, 2008
Runtime
98 Minutes
WALL-E is a stunning testament to Pixar’s storytelling prowess, proving that a movie with almost no dialogue can still have a lasting emotional impact. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film follows the titular robot, WALL-E, as he navigates a desolate, post-apocalyptic Earth, tasked with cleaning up the remnants of humanity’s consumer-driven waste. With little to no spoken words in its first act, WALL-E communicates its poignant themes of loneliness, environmental decay, and love through impeccable visuals, expressive animation, and a mesmerizing score by Thomas Newman. The film’s minimalist approach to storytelling brings a timeless quality to its exploration of human relationships and the consequences of unchecked progress.
Storytelling Genius on Display
What sets WALL-E apart is its masterful blend of satire and heart. The film’s vision of a future ravaged by corporate greed and environmental neglect is eerily prescient, mirroring the challenges society faces today. Yet, at its core, WALL-E is a love story that transcends its robotic protagonist. As WALL-E and his companion EVE form a touching bond, the film suggests that even in a world overwhelmed by technology, there is still hope for connection, growth, and redemption. It’s a thought-provoking, visually stunning work that continues to resonate with audiences and remains one of Pixar’s finest achievements.
3
‘Finding Nemo’ (2003)
Finding Nemo is a breathtaking triumph in animation, with Pixar creating a vibrant underwater world that immerses viewers in its rich, dynamic environment. The film tells the touching story of Marlin, a protective clownfish, who embarks on an epic adventure to find his lost son, Nemo. As he navigates the vast ocean, Marlin encounters a host of quirky, memorable characters in the movie, each with their own backstories, adding depth and heart to the film’s narrative. The underwater landscapes, meticulously crafted with intricate details, elevate the emotional stakes, making the ocean not just a setting but a vital part of the story.
Universal Themes of Parenthood, Resilience, and Discovery
At its core, Finding Nemo explores universal themes of parenthood, resilience, and self-discovery. Marlin’s journey is not only about rescuing his son, but also about overcoming his own fears and embracing the unknown. The film’s compelling characters, heartwarming plot, and stunning animation resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a defining classic in Pixar’s portfolio. Finding Nemo continues to be celebrated for its rich storytelling, humor, and unforgettable visuals.
2
‘Your Name’ (2016)
Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name captivated audiences worldwide, blending visually stunning animation with an emotionally charged narrative. The film follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies across time and space. This body-swapping premise is not just a clever plot device but a poignant exploration of connection and distance, both physical and emotional. As Taki and Mitsuha work together to unravel the mystery of their bond, Your Name delves into themes of longing, fate, and the unbreakable ties that bind people together, no matter the obstacles.
An Emotionally Rich Film That Explores Connection, Fate, and the Bonds That Transcend Time and Space
The technical brilliance of Your Name is matched by its storytelling, as Shinkai’s masterful use of color, light, and landscape conveys the deep emotional undertones of the characters’ journey. With a narrative that transcends borders, Your Name became a global phenomenon, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western animation fans. Its success proved that the best anime films could be as universally impactful and culturally resonant as any live-action blockbuster, marking a significant moment in the history of animation.
1
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away stands as a monumental achievement in the world of animation, a film that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries. With its stunning visuals and otherworldly characters, Miyazaki creates a world that feels alive, where even the smallest details hold vast potential for storytelling. The film centers around Chihiro, a young girl who, thrust into a magical and perilous world, must navigate challenges that push her to discover inner strength and maturity. Her journey is universal, making Spirited Away not only a feast for the eyes but also a profound exploration of personal growth and resilience.
A Groundbreaking Animated Film
As the first Japanese animated film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away cemented its place in cinematic history. Its groundbreaking animation techniques and deeply imaginative world showcase the medium’s limitless possibilities. Miyazaki’s work continues to inspire animators worldwide, proving that animation can be a powerful vehicle for storytelling, capable of conveying complex emotions and narratives in ways no other medium can.
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