Best 35 Animated Films of All Time

In 2023, we continue to witness the rise of the latest and greatest animated films, the ultimate choice for family entertainment. In this article, Mytour introduces you to the top animated films of all time in the Disney universe and beyond.

Fat Cat Super Mischief - Latest Animated Film 2024

• IMDb Rating: Not available
• Release Date: 5/24/2024
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Director: Mark Dindal
• Awards: Not available

If you're looking for the latest animated film in 2024, don't miss the blockbuster Fat Cat Super Mischief. The film explores the origin of the abandoned cat named Garfield and his owner Jon. After meeting Jon, Garfield becomes lazy, only interested in eating, sleeping, and teasing other animals. However, things take a turn when Garfield's father appears, dragging him into a heist to avoid revenge from another cat.

Emotional Puzzle Pieces 2 (2024)

• IMDb Rating: Not available
• Release Date: 6/14/2024
• Duration: 123 minutes
• Director: Kelsey Mann
• Awards: Not available

Emotional Puzzle Pieces 2 is set in the neural hub of a teenage girl named Riley. When she and her family move to a new land, she faces many challenges, and now her five basic emotions, joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear, clash in her life. As a result, all five emotions are thrown out of Riley's neural hub.

Subsequently, these five emotions strive to find a way back to the neural hub of the girl. After overcoming various difficulties, all these emotions return to their original place, living harmoniously with each other, and Riley becomes as joyful as before.

Hello Jadoo (2023) - Best Animated Film 2023

• IMDb Rating: Not available
• Release Date: 12/15/2023
• Duration: 84 minutes
• Directors: Son Seok Woo, Ko Se Yoon
• Awards: Not available

Jadoo is one of the highly anticipated latest animated films in 2023. The animated character Jadoo has been a familiar face in South Korea for the past 25 years. In this cinematic episode, Jadoo visits a magical library and is transported into a fairy tale world. Here, she transforms into Cinderella.

However, Jadoo doesn't surrender to the stepmother. Not only that, but she also embarks on a journey to find a way to fit into the shoe and become a princess. Jadoo's adventure in the fairy tale world is sure to be exciting and full of laughter.

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Teens and the Deaf Bird (2023)

• IMDb Rating: Not available
• Release Date: 7/14/2023
• Duration: 124 minutes
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Awards: Best Animated Film by New York Film Critics Circle

The latest animated film of 2023 depicts the life of Mahito, a boy who lost his mother at a young age, living with his father and stepmother. In an unexpected turn, a talking deaf bird reveals that his mother is still alive and imprisoned in a castle. Mahito and the deaf bird embark on a journey to find and rescue his mother, encountering unique characters who lend their assistance along the adventure.

Adventure of the Parrot Heron: The Mysterious Gem (2023)

• IMDb Rating: Not available
• Release Date: 12/22/2023
• Duration: 84 minutes
• Directors: Benjamin Quabeck, Mette Tange
• Awards: Not available

This 2023 animated film follows Richard, the parrot, who grows up among herons. During the migration north, Richard is not appointed as the leader of the flock, causing him great discomfort. Richard decides to leave and accidentally encounters a group of sparrows captured by Zamano, a crow who commands them to find a precious gem. Richard and his newfound friends join forces to retrieve the gem, aiming to escape from Zamano's grasp.

The Lion King (1994)

• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• Release Date: 6/15/1994
• Duration: 88 minutes
• Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
• Awards: Oscar for Best Original Song, Oscar for Best Original Score, Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, and more...

The Lion King is undoubtedly a familiar name for fans of animated films. The story begins with the peaceful and happy life of Simba, the lion king's family. Turmoil ensues when Simba's uncle, Scar, cunningly overthrows Simba's father, Mufasa.

After Mufasa's death, Scar takes the throne and disrupts the savannah. Simba, filled with remorse and shattered spirit, runs away. To escape his past, he lives a carefree life with his two friends, Pumbaa and Timon. However, unwilling to continue running away, Simba decides to return to the kingdom and fight against Scar and his hyena minions.

Beauty and The Beast (1991)

• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Release Date: 11/22/1991
• Duration: 84 minutes
• Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
• Awards: Oscar for Best Original Song, Oscar for Best Original Score, Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Grammy Award, and more...

This blockbuster animated film from Disney revolves around an arrogant prince, living a lavish lifestyle, indifferent to the welfare of his people, and is consequently punished by a vengeful enchantress. She transforms the prince into a beast and confines him within a castle.

Simultaneously, the enchantress places a curse on a rose, stating that before the last petal falls, the prince must learn and receive the love of a girl. Later, Belle, a young, beautiful girl with aspirations for freedom, unintentionally finds herself in the enchanted castle. Here, she encounters the Beast and gradually develops a bond, breaking the curse that afflicts the prince.

Cars (2006)

• IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
• Release Date: 6/9/2006
• Duration: 107 minutes
• Director: John Lasseter
• Awards: Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, Annie Award for Best Achievement in Music in an Animated Feature, and more...

Cars, an animated feature film, is set in a fantastical world inhabited by talking vehicles. In this realm, racing cars compete for success in the Piston Cup 2006 championship. On the way to the race track, the overconfident rookie Lightning McQueen gets lost on Route 66, leading to a forgotten small town. Here, he undergoes various experiences and learns valuable life lessons.

Moana (2016)

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Release Date: 11/23/2016
• Duration: 107 minutes
• Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker
• Awards: Golden Globe Award, Annie Award, Bandung Film Festival, and more...

Moana, an animated feature film, is highly praised by industry experts for its compelling storyline. Unlike the typical Disney princesses of noble descent, Moana is the daughter of the island chief on Motunui. She bears the noble mission of finding the demigod Maui, defeating the lava demon Te Ka, and recovering the stolen heart of the island goddess Te Fiti.

Zootopia (2016)

• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Release Date: 2/19/2016
• Duration: 108 minutes
• Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore
• Awards: Oscar for Outstanding Animated Feature Film, Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film, Annie Award for Voice Acting, Kids' Choice Award, and more...

Zootopia, an animated feature film, narrates the journey of Judy Hopps, a bunny aspiring to become a recognized police officer. Despite challenges, she enters the city of Zootopia with the determination to achieve her goal.

One day, Judy accidentally uncovers clues to a mysterious missing case with the reluctant help of a fox friend. Together, they embark on thrilling investigations, blending humor into the storyline. In the end, they unveil a conspiracy to overthrow the mayor, orchestrated by an unexpected character.

How To Train Your Dragon (2019)

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Release Date: 1/3/2019
• Duration: 104 minutes
• Director: Dean DeBlois
• Awards: World Soundtrack Award, National Board of Review Award for Film Criticism

The animated film How to Train Your Dragon unfolds in Berk, the Viking, sheep, and dragon-inhabited land. Here, a young man named Hiccup befriends a dragon named Toothless, and they become inseparable.

After some time, they manage to convince the villagers that dragons and Vikings aren't always enemies. However, life takes a turn when the dragons Drago and Alpha appear, causing havoc in the village. In this critical moment, the alliance of Hiccup and Toothless intervenes, restoring normalcy to their lives.

Aladdin (1992)

• IMDb Rating: 8/10
• Release Date: 11/25/1992
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Awards: Golden Globe for Best Original Score, Special Achievement Golden Globe, Special Achievement Golden Globe,...

The movie follows the clever thief Aladdin and his monkey Abu, deceived by Jafar into a cave containing the magic lamp. Inside, Aladdin awakens the Genie and is granted three wishes. He uses these wishes to masquerade as a prince to woo the princess. Along the journey, he and his friends thwart the villainous sorcerer Jafar, bringing peace to the king, princess, and the city of Agrabah.

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)

• IMDb Rating: 6/10
• Release Date: 1/14/2022
• Duration: 87 minutes
• Directors: Jennifer Kluska, Derek Drymon
• Awards: None

This is the fourth installment of the animated film series Hotel Transylvania. In this part, to prevent passing on the hotel inheritance to his son-in-law, Drac lies that only monsters can inherit Hotel Transylvania. This prompts Johnny to attempt becoming a monster, inadvertently turning all the monsters into humans.

To revert to normal, Drac and Johnny's group must embark on a journey to find a solution before everything becomes irreversible, and they must live in their new human forms. Throughout this journey, the group learns how to cooperate effectively and develop understanding and empathy for each other.

Sing 2 (2021)

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Release Date: 12/22/2021
• Duration: 110 minutes
• Director: Garth Jennings
• Awards: Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)

Sing 2 follows the journey of proving Buster Moon's capabilities to entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal. From preparation and training to inviting other characters to participate, Buster faces challenges, and even Jimmy's rejection for the show to proceed.

However, Buster and his singers secretly plan for the musical to be showcased. In the end, the performance is a success, leading to major performance contracts opening up a bright future for the entire ensemble.

DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
• Release Date: 7/29/2022
• Duration: 106 minutes
• Director: Jared Stern
• Awards: None

This animated film revolves around Krypto, Superman's superpowered pet, who has fought alongside the superhero. When the entire Justice League is captured, Krypto gathers a group of his familiar animal friends and grants them powers. Now, the super pets are born, and they team up to rescue the Justice League.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Release Date: 12/21/2022
• Duration: 103 minutes
• Director: Joel Crawford
• Awards: Oscar, Golden Globe, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Hollywood Music in Media Awards, Hollywood Critics Association Awards,...

Animated film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish narrates Puss's adventure. After a period of wild living, Puss is left with only one life. To restore his lives, he embarks on a journey to find a star that can grant wishes. Accompanied by his ex-girlfriend and an ever-optimistic dog, Puss faces many dangers and learns meaningful lessons, gaining a deeper appreciation for life.

Wreck it Ralph (2012)

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Release Date: 11/9/2012
• Duration: 101 minutes
• Directors: Rich Moore and Phil Johnston
• Awards: Oscar, Annie Awards, Golden Trailer Awards, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Golden Reel Awards, National Board of Review Awards,...

Wreck it Ralph unfolds in the realm of video game characters. Ralph, being the antagonist, feels unappreciated and decides to venture into other games.

However, he falls prey to Turbo's temptation, inadvertently causing chaos in the gaming world. Fortunately, Ralph and his friends rectify the situation. Through this, he no longer despises his role, finding camaraderie and affection from characters in all the different games.

Up (2009)

• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Release Date: 7/17/2009
• Duration: 96 minutes
• Director: Pete Docter
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Oscar for Best Original Score

The animated film Up follows Carl's journey, an elderly man determined to reach Paradise Falls by attaching thousands of balloons to his house. This was the lifelong dream of him and his late wife since childhood, but the journey proves to be anything but easy.

As soon as the house took flight, he encountered an unexpected companion, the talkative boy scout Russell, who happened to be on the porch when the house ascended. From this point, the two embarked on an adventurous yet perilous journey, navigating dangers that forced them to escape together.

Princess and the Frog (2009)

• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
• Release Date: 11/25/2009
• Duration: 97 minutes
• Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker
• Awards: None

The film narrates the love story of Tina, the daughter of a caretaker in New Orleans, and Naveen, a prince cursed to become an ugly frog. What seemed like a kiss to break the curse accidentally turned Tina into a frog.

Both of them then had to endure a challenging journey, even being pursued by antagonistic characters. However, they gradually became close and shared a burning desire for love, ultimately breaking the curse and achieving their life goals and happiness together.

Onward (2020)

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Release Date: 3/6/2020
• Duration: 103 minutes
• Director: Dan Scanlon
• Awards: None

Onward is an emotionally touching animated film revolving around two elf brothers, Ian and Barley. On their 16th birthday, their mother gives them a gift from their late father. Using the magic in the gift, Ian and Barley attempt to resurrect their father, but a spell mishap brings back only his legs. Now, they embark on a challenging quest to find the Phoenix Gem to fully bring their father back to life.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Release Date: 11/17/1989
• Duration: 82 minutes
• Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
• Awards: Oscar for Best Original Score, Golden Globe for Best Original Score,...

The story revolves around the beautiful mermaid Ariel, daughter of King Triton, who always dreams of becoming a human on land. Ariel often argues with her father about this. One day, she falls in love with Prince Eric after rescuing him from drowning, and Ariel is determined to become human. Ariel's journey to become human faces many difficulties and traps, but in the end, she overcomes them all and finds her happiness.

After its release, the film received extremely positive feedback, considered one of the best animated films, and won numerous prestigious awards. The film earned $84 million in its first screening and a total of $211 million after multiple releases.

Spirited Away (2001) - Land of the Spirits

• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
• Release Date: 7/20/2001 (Japan), 4/20/2002 (US)
• Duration: 125 minutes
• Director: Hayao Miyazaki
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Animated Feature,...

The film follows the journey of Chihiro to rescue her parents after they accidentally enter a gate leading to the land of spirits. Here, Chihiro's parents turn into pigs after eating forbidden food from the gods. To survive in this land of spirits, Chihiro must become a servant to the witch Yubaba, and she changes her name to Sen.

With a rich and connected character storyline and valuable life lessons, the film is also considered one of the greatest animated films of all time. Spirited Away achieved numerous successes with a global revenue of $347.7 million.

Ratatouille (2007) - The Culinary Mouse

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Release Date: June 9, 2007 (Kodak Theatre), June 29, 2007 (US)
• Duration: 111 minutes
• Director: Brad Bird
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Golden Globe for Best Animated Film,...

Next on Mytour's list of recommended animated films is Ratatouille. This humorous film follows the story of Remy, a mouse with a natural talent for cooking, possessing a sharp sense of smell and taste. On his adventure to France, he encounters Linguini - the son of his idol and a famous chef at Gusteau's restaurant.

In the movie, Remy and Linguini become a perfect pair in the kitchen, communicating with each other in a special way. Meanwhile, Remy proves the saying of Chef Gusteau: Anyone can cook. With an engaging plot and a meaningful message that motivates everyone to pursue their dreams, the film was widely acclaimed, achieving a staggering revenue of $623.7 million.

Disney Up (2009) - Soaring

• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Release Date: May 29, 2009
• Duration: 96 minutes
• Director: Pete Docter
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Oscar for Best Original Score, Golden Globe for Best Animated Film...

Up (2009) stands out as one of Disney's most beloved and renowned animated films. The story revolves around Russell, a boy scout on a mission to assist the elderly and earn his merit badge. And Carl, living alone after his wife's passing.

Russell's busy father leaves little time for him, making the boy feel a bit lonely. Carl decides to embark on an adventure to South America using balloons, taking his house and Russell along. This heartwarming film not only sparks children's imagination but also delivers humane and meaningful content. Up achieved tremendous success, grossing a record-breaking $735.1 million and earning numerous prestigious awards.

Tangled (2010) - The Enchanting Golden-Haired

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Release Date: November 24, 2010 (US)
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Directors: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
• Awards: Oscar for Best Original Song...

Tangled is another iconic Disney animated film. In the tale of yore, Princess Rapunzel is born with long, golden hair that possesses healing powers. The wicked sorceress Gothel, desiring this magic to maintain her youth, kidnaps her and conceals Rapunzel in a secluded tower.

Gothel always tells the princess that the outside world is full of dangers. At the age of 18, she encounters Maximus, a charming thief. And the journey of the golden-haired princess and Maximus escaping from Gothel begins. 

Frozen (2013) - The Ice Queen

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Release Date: November 27, 2013 (US)
• Duration: 102 minutes
• Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature...

Another Disney film making its mark on the list of the greatest animated films of all time. This movie follows the journey to find Anna's sister Elsa with some delightful companions. Princess Elsa possesses the ability to control and create snow since childhood, becoming a symbol of empowerment without the need for a prince. Due to an accident involving her sister Anna, Elsa is isolated by the king.

The film features a captivating storyline and humorous situations appealing to all ages. Frozen achieved a staggering box office revenue of $1.28 billion, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films. The titular song 'Let it go' also became incredibly popular, a tune undoubtedly recognized by many.

Big Hero 6 (2014) - Disney's Captivating Animated Film

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Release Date: November 7, 2014 (US)
• Duration: 102 minutes
• Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature...

The film follows the journey of the young prodigy inventor Hiro Hamada and the adorable robot Baymax. Combining action-packed scenes, it's perfect for a male audience. Beautiful animation and a compelling storyline with a range of emotions make Big Hero 6 stand out. This animated film achieved a dream-worthy global box office revenue of $657.8 million.

Inside Out (2015) - The Emotion-Filled Adventure

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Release Date: June 19, 2015 (US)
• Duration: 102 minutes
• Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature...

The film recounts the memory journey of basic emotions in the brain of a girl named Riley, including Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness. The characters in the film are uniquely portrayed, representing our own emotions. Inside Out not only provides entertaining moments but also conveys messages about joy, sadness, and growing up.

Trolls (2016) - Mischievous Dwarf Spirits

• IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
• Release Date: October 8, 2016 (London Film Festival)
• Duration: 93 minutes
• Directors: Mike Mitchell, Walt Dohrn

Legend has it that in a village, mischievous dwarf spirits live peacefully with lively dances and songs. One day, the giant Bergen attacks them, and under the leadership of King Peppy, the journey of the dwarfs begins. The happy and captivating melody is one of the highlights of this film. Trolls recorded a substantial box office revenue of $338.2 million, an impressive figure for an animated film.

Ferdinand (2017) - Magical Reunion

• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Release Date: November 22, 2017 (US)
• Duration: 93 minutes
• Directors: Carlos Saldanha
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature...

Miguel's journey unfolds in pursuit of his dream to become a legendary and talented musician. The enchanting songs accompany the adventure, blending with fantasy elements that make the film stand out. This animated film is highly regarded for its technical expertise and the meaningful messages it conveys. The global box office figure for this animated film is an impressive $807.1 million.

Finding Nemo (2003) - Quest for Nemo

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Release Date: May 30, 2003 (US)
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
• Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature...

The film follows the journey of Marlin, a clownfish, searching for his son Nemo captured by a fishing boat. He is accompanied by forgetful Dory. They face numerous dangers in the ocean and from humans. After 20 years, the film maintains its allure with beautiful graphics, meaningful content, and the touching father-son relationship. 

Demon Slayer (2020) - Blade of Demon Destruction

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Release Date: October 16, 2020 (Japan)
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Director: Sotozaki Haruo
• Awards: Asian Film Awards for Highest Grossing Asian Film…

Join Kamado Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer Corps, along with Rengoku Kyoujurou, on the 'Infinity Train' to investigate mysterious disappearances. With compelling storytelling and intense action sequences, this Japanese animated film has captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over 500 million USD globally.

Ainbo: Amazon Warrior (2021)

• IMDb Rating: 4.8/10
• Release Date: February 13, 2021
• Duration: 89 minutes
• Directors: José Zelada, Richard Claus

Ainbo follows the journey of a young girl protecting the Amazon rainforest. Beyond captivating battles, the film showcases the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest rainforest. Ainbo, an animated film not produced by a major studio, has received positive reviews from critics and garnered support from audiences. 

Minions 2: The Rise of Gru (2022)

• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
• Release Date: July 1, 2022 (USA)
• Duration: 88 minutes
• Director: Kyle Balda

Minions 2: The Rise of Gru is the latest animated film in the Minions series. Set 8 years after the first installment, the Minions work for Gru - an 11-year-old boy as their new leader. Beyond stunning visuals, Minions 2 brings endless laughter. The film received positive reviews from critics and achieved an impressive box office of 939 million USD.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

• IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
• Release Date: April 5, 2023 (USA)
• Duration: 92 minutes
• Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the latest 2023 animated film based on the iconic video game. The story revolves around two plumbing brothers, Mario and Luigi. While working, Mario gets lost in the Mushroom Kingdom ruled by Princess Peach. Meanwhile, Luigi ends up in the Dark Land ruled by Bowser.

Bowser is determined to destroy the Mushroom Kingdom and marry Princess Peach. Mario's journey to rescue the Mushroom Kingdom begins. This is the latest animated film released in 2023 with an engaging and compelling storyline. The film also recorded a global revenue of 912.9 million USD.

The above Mytour article has compiled the best animated films of all time. These films, in addition to providing entertainment, also impart valuable humanistic lessons for children. Let's look forward to the latest animated films set to be released in 2023 and 2024. Surely, you will have fantastic moments of entertainment with your family.

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