Despite how big they are, animated films do not get the respect they deserve. Many still consider them “for kids” because of the medium itself, but there are plenty of animated films that are some of the best movies out there. It feels like anything can be done via the realm of animation, and these movies, without a doubt, prove it.
Whether they come from the likes of Pixar, Walt Disney Animation, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, or others, animated movies are magical. Often being for all ages (with some being just for adults), these projects have themes, messages, plots, and characters that are ever-relatable and lovable. These films, in particular, are pretty much perfect—as close to perfect as one can get—from start to finish.
10
‘Shrek 2’ (2004)
The Shrek franchise has been one of the most beloved animation franchises of all time ever since the first entry in the series released all the way back in 2001. It is commonly argued, though, that the sequel, Shrek 2, is the best of the series. Not only is this one of the best animated projects out there, but one of the best film sequels, too.
Shrek 2 is iconic in every way, improving on all the greatest things about the film before, and adding new worldbuilding to it, too. The humor is gut-clenching, the drama is great, the character arcs are excellent, and the animation is, as always, very well done. Shrek 2 is unforgettable in all the best ways, and will continue to be for quite some time.
9
‘The LEGO Batman Movie’ (2017)
If you told someone decades ago that one of the best Batman movies ever made would be a LEGO one, they would probably have laughed in your face. However, now that The LEGO Batman Movie has been out for quite some time, many will confidently claim that this movie captures the heart and soul of the character better than most other Batman movies have.
The LEGO Batman Movie isn’t just hilarious, but the plot behind it, and the character arcs, are both charming and emotionally compelling. The emotional core of the film about letting people in is one that many can and did relate to. Batman (Will Arnett) begins the movie as a loner with no one but his butler, Alfred (Ralph Fiennes), and eventually must learn to build a family. It’s a true love letter for the character unlike any other.
8
‘Zootopia’ (2016)
One can’t look at Disney and not see how extremely popular Zootopia is—for good reason. Zootopia is a prime example of how to use content for all ages to provide a message to audiences that is genuinely important for society as a whole. This 2016 joy of a movie utilizes the topics of discrimination and bigotry to tell a phenomenal story, written by the likes of Jared Bush and Phil Johnston.
Directors Rich Moore, Byron Howard, and Jared Bush all did a phenomenal job bringing the world of Zootopia to life. The worldbuilding is genuinely excellent. Not to mention, the performances from the entire cast—Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, and Jenny Slate especially—are wonderful and bring these lovable characters to life with grace and prowess.
7
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
DreamWorks is very well-known for commonly being the largest competitor to the behemoths that are Pixar and Walt Disney Animation. One of the franchises next to Shrek that proves exactly why this is, is none other than How to Train Your Dragon. This heartfelt film is one about accepting others who are different from you, and accepting when oneself is different, as well.
The bond between the two misfits of their respective species, Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless, is undoubtedly the highlight of the movie. The character arcs from every major character are moving, the animation is gorgeous, and the plot itself is engaging the whole way through and tells a great tale with even better themes.
6
‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008)
With the likes of Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Twilight all coming out the same year, it’s safe to say that 2008 was a huge year for movies. Even more so, it was a huge year for DreamWorks, as they had a film end up in the top-grossing movies of the year with Kung Fu Panda. Starring the ever-hilarious Jack Black, this movie really made the rounds and is among the most successful DreamWorks projects to be released.
Po the Panda (Jack Black) is arguably one of the most relatable animated characters out there. He represents a part of everyone who doesn’t believe in themselves, feeling unworthy of what they have and unloving of who they are. Kung Fu Panda resonated with a plethora of people all over the world, which is a huge reason as to why it is so beloved.
5
‘Toy Story’ (1995)
Everyone and their mother knows how impactful and popular the likes of Pixar is as an animation studio. What set the standard? Well, it’s none other than the likes of Toy Story, directed by John Lasseter, where all of these standards were set—being their first movie of all time. This 1995 film is one of the most important animated movies of all time. Toy Story is the first-ever 3D-animated feature film to be released to theaters. Because of this, it is arguably one of the most important animated movies ever made.
Aside from that, though, this is genuinely just a great project—borderline perfect from start to finish. Despite not being human, the toys are extremely emotionally compelling. John Lasseter knows exactly how to write great character arcs, and that is proven by the likes of Woody the Cowboy (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). The humor is also excellent, the drama is top-tier, and the animation is incredible.
4
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
With how much of an impact it’s had on the animated film medium, it’s hard to deny that Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an amazing movie. This movie’s abundant style and identity—unlike any other animated feature films at the time—inspired other film studios to take bigger risks with their styles for movies. Much like Toy Story, though, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just excellent because of its technical prowess—not by a long shot.
The story of theatrical newcomer Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is about not trying to be like others just to be liked or succeed. Miles’ story is about learning to be oneself, with all of one’s talents and flaws alike. Not to forget, the other Spider-People in this movie are some of the most memorable in cinema, as well. Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) is known as one of the best adaptations of Peter ever put to screen, and the other newcomer, Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), is badass and beyond capable compared to the rest. Each hero—the smaller ones included—has their own character arc, and that adds to how amazing the project is across every aspect of the production.
3
‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)
Brad Bird is one of the kings of animated movies. Having directed some of the best there is, it’s clear that he knows what he’s doing as a director. One of his earliest examples comes in the form of The Iron Giant—a project that perfectly blends classic hand-drawn 2D animation with 3D CGI. The connection between The Iron Giant (Vin Diesel) himself and the young Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) is one that is rivaled only by the likes of Hiccup and Toothless of How to Train Your Dragon.
Not to forget—as if it ever could be—the messaging and themes of The Iron Giant are profound. The exploration of human nature, friendship, and the anti-gun messaging—via post-Cold War government distrust—is abundantly impactful, leading to this movie being super thought-provoking. The Iron Giant is unforgettable for a plethora of reasons.
2
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Another hit by Mr. Bird also happens to be one of the best superhero movies ever made: The Incredibles. Often considered the best Fantastic Four movie that isn’t a Fantastic Four movie, The Incredibles is the perfect story about family and captures the dynamics within one impeccably. Following the Parr family, this 2004 flick brings quite a lot of mature themes for a movie for all audiences, making this an intriguing story for adults, too.
Also, the villain of the film, Syndrome (Jason Lee), is one of the best superhero movie villains of all time. The quote, “When everyone’s super, no one will be,” is memorable beyond belief because of the story within this villain’s character arc. It’s genuinely hard not to adore The Incredibles because of simply how smart and mature—while still being beloved by children—it is.
1
‘Ratatouille’ (2007)
Brad Bird and Pixar’s greatest work, however, is, without a doubt, Ratatouille. Often considered the pair’s “magnum opus,” this 2007 project is expertly written and directed. The protagonist, a small rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt), is fascinating and interesting—one of the most so of all Pixar Animation’s projects.
In a world where following one’s dreams can feel impossible and impractical, a movie like Ratatouille is really needed. That is most definitely a large part of the reason that this pretty much perfect film is so beloved by people everywhere. Following a rat who simply wants to be an amazing cook, doing whatever he can to follow his dreams, is astoundingly inspiring.
Ratatouille
- Release Date
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June 21, 2007
- Runtime
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111 minutes
- Director
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Brad Bird
- Writers
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Brad Bird, Jim Capobianco, Jan Pinkava