Top 20 Most Famous Animated Films of All Time

Just like Conan, Naruto, or Doraemon, the character Pikachu along with the colorful world of Pokémon has been intertwined with the childhood of many Vietnamese audiences. Released based on a popular electronic game by Nintendo Japan, Pokémon created a frenzy in the world of animated cartoons at that time.

In the world of the movie series, Pokémon are special creatures with interesting personalities. Unlike ordinary pets, Pokémon can communicate and share all the joys and sorrows in life with humans. They are even willing to sacrifice to protect their masters. Therefore, the group of creatures is seen as family members, or even trusted companions. In this world, people, called Pokémon trainers, train Pokémon to fight against Pokémon of other trainers. At a certain level, Pokémon battles are similar to sports competitions. Battles are held until one side is no longer able to compete. Strong and experienced trainers are honored according to regulations. The main character - Pokémon trainer Satoshi along with Pikachu, his first Pokémon, travels the world to become a Pokémon Master.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1997 - 2023
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Directors: Kunihiko Yuyama, Lisa Ortiz, ...
Stars: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart
IMDb Rating: 7.5

Mickey Mouse - a humorous animated animal character from Walt Disney first introduced to the public in May 1928 in the 5-minute short film 'Plane Crazy'. The film was directed and produced by the artists Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney. In the movie, Mickey is a pilot, who builds his own airplane and invites Minnie Mouse for the first flight. However, Mickey Mouse's birthday, as determined by Walt Disney, is November 18, 1928, when the studio released the film 'Steamboat Willie'. Since then, the character of Mickey Mouse has continuously evolved in personality from mischievous, playful, and mischievous to optimistic, cheerful, mature, and adventurous to appeal to audiences of all ages, especially children.

Mickey Mouse is the first fictional animated character to have the honor of owning a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California (USA) on its 50th birthday in 1978. The CEO of Disney's media network in India said: 'With the appeal and ability to connect emotionally with generations of audiences worldwide, few animated characters have dominated the minds of audiences like that.' It is known that the king of comedy, Charlie Chaplin, was the inspiration for Disney to create the character of Mickey Mouse.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1928
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Donovan Cook, Howy Parkins, ...
Stars: Tony Anselmo, Tress MacNeille, Russi Taylor

Just Wait is considered a hit animated film from the past for 80s and 90s kids. It's a funny yet profound clash between two characters, the wolf and the rabbit. The encounters between these two special characters have left a deep and adorable impression on the audience.

Just Wait features two main characters, the Wolf and the Rabbit, with thrilling chase scenes and amusing battles. The Wolf is initially portrayed as a thug: a heavy smoker who easily turns into a savage and destructive villain (for example, vandalizing objects on display in the museum), bullying weaker individuals, and breaking the law. The Rabbit is depicted as a positive character. It has less screen time and is less developed than the Wolf, mostly reacting to the Wolf's schemes. The ongoing battle of wits between these two characters is one of the captivating points for the audience, not only for kids but also for the 80s and 90s generations.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1969 - 2017
Genres: Action, Animation, Comedy
Directors: Vyacheslav, Kotyonochkin, ...
Stars: Anatoliy Papanov, Klara Rumyanova, Igor Khristenko
IMDb Rating: 8.6

For every previous generation, they might feel that today's children are missing out on some part of their childhood as the modern world of technology becomes increasingly prevalent. However, Disney's hand-drawn animated film, Winnie the Pooh, directed by Don Hall and Stephen J Anderson, has attracted much attention from the audience. Featuring familiar characters from the book of the same name by author A.A. Milne, along with simple yet tender drawings that vividly portray the charm and adorableness of the characters, Disney filmmakers have brought to the audience a passion for reading, encountering characters on paper through each word, and unleashing their creativity.

Nevertheless, while viewers who have been familiar with the previous short films about Winnie the Pooh aired by Disney might feel disappointed because the film doesn't bear many marks of the studio, Winnie the Pooh will immerse the audience in a sweet, gentle world alongside beloved and whimsical characters that have been cherished throughout different eras and are closely associated with the childhood of most children through the pages of A.A. Milne's books.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2011
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Directors: Don Hall, Stephen J Anderson
Stars: Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, John Cleese
IMDb Rating: 7.1

Inspired by the fairy tale 'The Snow Queen' by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the movie Frozen tells the story of the journey of a brave young woman named Anna as she searches for her sister, the Snow Queen Elsa - who reigns over the kingdom of Arendelle - possessing the power to control ice and snow but trapped in an eternal winter curse.

From a young age, Elsa has had the miraculous ability to create ice and control the winds. But that ability inadvertently injures her sister Anna. Anna is healed by the trolls, and the price she pays is forgetting that her sister has special powers. Furthermore, the king and queen have to isolate Elsa in a closed room to prevent her magic from flaring up, causing the childhood of the two sisters, Elsa and Anna, to be separated. Accompanying Anna on her difficult journey to find her sister are the mountain man Kristoff, the loyal and funny reindeer Sven, and the humorous snowman Olaf. In a land with a climate as harsh as the top of Everest, they encounter many difficult challenges and have to fight bravely to save the kingdom. The movie Frozen is rich in emotions, full of thrilling action, fantastic adventures, vibrant colors, and unforgettable characters that audiences will never forget.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2013
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff
IMDb Rating: 7.4

Ben 10 is a cartoon series that has been closely associated with the childhood of many children around the world. The series premiered in 2005 with 4 seasons and ended in 2008.

The storyline of Ben 10 revolves around the main characters Benjamin Tennyson (Ben), his cousin Gwendolyn Tennyson (Gwen), and their wise grandfather Max Tennyson. The series begins when Ben and Gwen go camping in the woods, and Ben stumbles upon a strange device resembling a wristwatch called the Omnitrix. This device has the ability to transform him into 10 different alien heroes, each with a unique ability. With this power, Ben, along with his grandfather Max and cousin Gwen, help others and stop villains. However, sometimes he also causes trouble when using his extraordinary powers for mischievous pranks. The thrilling and adventurous story of Ben 10 has captivated millions of young audiences worldwide. The image of the boy transforming with the magical watch has become synonymous with the childhood of many generations.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2005 - 2008
Genres: Action, Animation, Adventure
Directors: Scooter Tidwell, Sebastian Montes, Alex Soto
Stars: Tara Strong, Paul Eiding, Meagan Moore
IMDb Rating: 7.4

Adapted from the manga by artist Midorikawa, Lost in the Firefly Forest was released in Japan in 2011. The anime, though short, left a profound impression on viewers, narrating a beautiful yet melancholic love story between its two main characters that never seemed to reach its full potential, even bringing tears to the most stoic individuals.

Lost in the Firefly Forest tells the tale of a young girl who finds herself lost in the woods, aided by a mysterious masked boy. Each summer, she ventures into the forest to meet him, but there's always a distance between them because he forbids her from touching him. It turns out he's a forest spirit, disappearing whenever a human touches him. As their feelings grow, they have a date during the festival of forest spirits. On their way back from the festival, he accidentally touches a human boy, causing him to vanish.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2011
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Drama
Director: Omori Takahiro
Stars: Koki Uchiyama, Ayane Sakura, Shinpachi Tsuji
IMDb Rating: 7.8

In 2003, Finding Nemo made its debut and immediately caused a sensation throughout the summer. As Pixar's first film set under the ocean, it painted a vibrant, adventurous world with a touching story about Marlin, a clownfish's journey to find his son, Nemo. Finding Nemo won the 2004 Oscar for Best Animated Feature and was placed on Pixar's list of 'wonders' in the realm of 3D animation.

Finding Nemo follows the arduous journey of Marlin, a clownfish, as he searches for his son Nemo, who was captured by humans. Life in the Coral Reef is always fraught with dangers for the little fish. Despite Marlin's strict warnings, Nemo's first day at school turns into a disaster when he is captured by a diver. Alongside his companion, the forgetful fish Dory, Marlin embarks on a challenging journey to Sydney, Australia, to find his young son. Along the way, he discovers many mysteries beneath the ocean's surface.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2003
Genre: Comedy, Animation, Adventure
Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
Stars: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
IMDb Rating: 8.2

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea tells the story of the goldfish princess Brunhilde, who escapes from her father's kingdom and gets trapped in a glass jar, washed ashore on a beach in Japan. Near that beach is a small, beautiful town where the 5-year-old boy Sousuke lives with his family. One day, Sousuke happens upon the jar, rescues Brunhilde, and names her Ponyo. Ponyo's father tries everything to take her back to the sea when he learns she loves Sousuke and wants to become human.

Not only captivating viewers with its gentle drawings, soft colors, and incredibly cute and simple details, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea also successfully portrays innocent, sincere, and precious love between two 5-year-olds. Ponyo can only become human with Sousuke's sincere kiss. This means Sousuke must wholeheartedly accept Ponyo whether she is a fish or a human, only then can he save the Earth and save Ponyo herself. And indeed, Sousuke does much more than that.

DETAILS
Release Year: 2008
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy

Director: Miyazaki Hayao
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson
IMDb Rating: 7.6

InuYasha is a famous Japanese manga and anime by the female author Rumiko Takahashi, telling the adventure of Kagome Higurashi, who can travel back to the past through a mysterious well, and Inuyasha - a hanyou (meaning half-demon).

The story begins when Kagome, on her fifteenth birthday, accidentally falls into the dried-up well and travels back to feudal Japan 500 years ago. Here, she meets Inuyasha (and later Shippou, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara). In one incident to save a child, she inadvertently shatters the Shikon Jewel into fragments. Therefore, upon the suggestion of Kaede, Inuyasha and Kagome collaborate to collect the shattered pieces. The story in InuYasha is intricately woven, subtle, and vibrant. It's not just a rosy love story between Inuyasha and Kagome; it's a journey to unravel the past, to expose divisive schemes, to dispel misunderstandings and grudges, it's a journey of friendship, camaraderie in the search for hope and future.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2000 - 2004
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Drama
Directors: Yasunao Aoki, Masashi Ikeda
Stars: Kappei Yamaguchi, Richard Ian Cox, Sarah Hauser
IMDb Rating: 7.9

If an animated film were to be judged solely on its visuals and the rich imagination of the filmmakers, there's no doubt that Spirit Realm by director Hayao Miyazaki would rank among the most renowned animated films. Starting with a cautionary tale of 'be careful what you wish for,' follow the journey of Chihiro trapped in a magical world and forced to work for the witch Yubaba to save her parents and return to the human world.

With a diverse cast of characters, each with their own vibrant personalities, audiences are transported to a new world full of mystery and ancient charm. Director Hayao Miyazaki masterfully intertwines multiple layers of meaning that not everyone recognizes, making Spirit Realm quickly become a celebrated masterpiece worldwide, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Embracing the rich style and ancient culture of Japan, Spirit Realm captures the hearts of animation enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying Ghibli's name alongside other major studios.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 2001
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family Drama
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino
IMDb Rating: 8.6

Set in the wilderness of Africa, the film Lion King constructs an organized society of the animal world. In this society, there are conflicts, disputes, and even love, much like the human world. The main character of Lion King is the young lion cub Simba, the son of Mufasa, the reigning king of the wilderness. Simba's happy life alongside his parents and his friend Nala is abruptly ended when his uncle Scar plots to usurp his father's throne. Scar orchestrates a cruel plan, staging a stampede of animals to trap Simba within it. To save his son, the king of all creatures sacrifices himself. Having achieved his goal of disposing of his rival, Scar instills deep regret in young Simba, who flees burdened with grief over his father's death, feeling spiritually defeated and reluctant to contest the throne and rule the kingdom.

Released in 1994, the young lion cub Simba and his friends Timon and Pumbaa continue to captivate generations of audiences, not only children but also adults. With its vibrant, grandiose imagery, romantic music, and compelling storyline rich in profound humanistic messages, Lion King still stands tall as a Disney animated masterpiece.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1994
Genres: Animation, Adventure, Drama
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Stars: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
IMDb Rating: 8.5

Adapted from the manga of the same name, Detective Conan stands as a towering figure in the beloved and acclaimed detective genre throughout the ages. The Conan series revolves around the thrilling murder cases and the young high school detective Kudo Shinichi's efforts to bring the evidence of crimes to light. While investigating one day, he is discovered by members of the Black Organization. They force-feed him a prototype shrinking drug (APTX 4869) they have just developed, which doesn't kill him but instead transforms his body into that of a child. He then adopts the name Edogawa Conan and lives with the detective Mori Kogoro.

Throughout the Detective Conan series, he silently assists in solving cases alongside Mr. Mori. Simultaneously, he has to retake elementary school, make many friends, and establish the Detective Boys. Later on, another reluctant elementary school student named Haibara Ai reveals that she is the one who created the shrinking drug. Wanting to escape the organization, she was forced to take the drug like Kudo. In several cases related to the Black Organization, Conan has assisted FBI and CIA spies.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1996 - Present
Genres: Animation, Action, Mystery
Director: Aoyama Gosho
Stars: Minami Takayama, Wakana Yamazaki, Hoang Khuyet
IMDb Rating: 8.5

My Neighbor Totoro is a classic Japanese animated film that, despite being released in the late 1980s, continues to be beloved by audiences worldwide. It's like a film that allows viewers to immerse themselves in their childhood memories once again. With its gentle and profoundly innocent content, the adorable forest spirit Totoro has become an icon for creative, endearing, and humane animated filmmaking. The film has a strong influence and is closely associated with the childhood memories of many audiences worldwide. Unlike the distant and extravagant animations of the West, every detail in My Neighbor Totoro is gentle, simple yet profound, imbued with the discreet, profound essence of East Asian and Japanese culture.

My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of the Kusakabe family who moves to live in a peaceful countryside. Here, they become acquainted with many kind-hearted people, helping each other to live. Additionally, sisters Satsuki and Mei accidentally encounter Totoro - an incredibly cute creature, quickly becoming friends with them, experiencing a joyful, innocent, and simple life in this beautiful countryside.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1988
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto
IMDb Rating: 8.1

The movie Sailor Moon tells the story of the battle of beautiful female sailors in sailor suits against demons who always have evil intentions towards the Earth. The main character in the movie is a 14-year-old girl named Tsukino Usagi. Her father is a normal businessman, and her mother is a housewife, a very typical family in Japanese society at that time. She is not a good student, nor particularly good at sports. Indeed, Usagi is a clumsy child with a personality not much different from other junior high school students. One day, Usagi encounters a talking black cat and learns that she is actually a Sailor Guardian, a warrior fighting for love and justice. Up to that point, shoujo manga for girls tended to focus on romantic and sentimental content set in schools, while action was still primarily the domain of male characters.

In the movie Sailor Moon, she is accompanied by the mysterious savior Tuxedo Mask and other solar system warriors. Through many battles, the Sailor Guardians discover the true identity of Princess Serenity, the secret of the Tuxedo Mask on the journey to defeat evil and the dark forces to protect world peace.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1992 - 1997
Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure
Directors: Kunihiko Ikuhara, Takuya Igarashi, ...
Stars: Stephanie Sheh, Kotono Mitsuishi, Kate Higgins
IMDb Rating: 7.7

Tom & Jerry is a classic American animated series that has been aired on television and in theaters with various formats from short films to feature-length movies. Produced by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera for MGM Studios, the show depicts the endless rivalry between the clever mouse Jerry and the cat Tom, bringing countless laughs to the audience. Each episode of Tom & Jerry focuses on Tom's elaborate schemes to catch Jerry, but invariably fails due to Jerry's intelligence, agility, and luck.

Despite the constant chase, Tom & Jerry have developed a close-knit relationship rarely seen in other animated series. Although the content may be considered violent with numerous scenes of Tom being cut, squashed, or blown up in various traps, the show lacks any graphic violence and instead relies on humorous transformations, creating an atmosphere of excitement and joy. It's no wonder that this show tops the list, known not only to children but also to adults, evoking fond memories of many.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1975 - 1977

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Director: Joseph Barbera
Stars: Henry Corden, Kathy Gori

IMDb Rating: 7.8

'September 21, 1945. That was the day I died' - Firefly Grave opens with a sentence that shocks and haunts viewers. September 21st - 19 days after World War II ended, Japan had to bear the heavy consequences. But who suffered the most? The Japanese government? The fallen soldiers? No, those who endured the most severe fate were innocent children like Seita and Setsuko - losing loved ones, homes, food, and clothing, clinging to each other to survive each day, only to die from hunger and illness. Their souls blend with the light of the fireflies, and from here Seita begins to recount the tragic life of himself and his younger sister.

In stark contrast to other Ghibli films, Firefly Grave has a gray tone and poignant melodies to depict the human tragedy during the war. The film lacks dramatic details, climax; everything unfolds slowly through Seita's narration. But that gloominess makes viewers deeply haunted. Almost every detail, every scene in Firefly Grave leaves the audience heartbroken. From the image of a mother severely burned by the full-body bombing wrapped in blood-soaked white bandages, Seita holding his mother's ashes, the siblings digging graves to bury the fireflies that were playing with their light just last night, Setsuko pouring water into the candy tin to get a taste of sweet water, to the image of her last breath, wide-open eyes but completely empty next to her beloved worn-out cloth doll and the empty fruit candy box she adored.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1988
Genre: Animation, Drama, War
Director: Takahata Isao
Stars: Akemi Yamaguchi, Ayano Shiraishi, Tsutomu Tatsumi
IMDb Rating: 8.5

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first and most beloved masterpiece of Disney adapted from the fairy tale of the same name. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a story about a princess born on a bitterly cold winter day with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony. Hence the king and queen named her “Snow White”. Snow White was extraordinarily beautiful from birth, unmatched by anyone. After the queen's death, the king remarried, to a woman who, though beautiful, had a peculiar and cruel temperament. She often stood before a magic mirror to ask if she was the most beautiful in the world. Every time, the magic mirror replied: “Yes, my queen, you are the fairest one of all.” However, there was one time the magic mirror answered: “My queen, you are fair, it is true, but Snow White is fairer than you.” Upon hearing this, she was filled with rage and jealousy toward Snow White. The queen tried every means to kill Snow White in order to become the fairest, but all attempts failed.

The characters in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are vividly, beautifully, and attractively designed. The film not only attracts young viewers but also adults who can watch it together to understand more about the humanitarian values and meanings of the story. Overcoming the barriers of time, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic fairy tale that lives on in the hearts of readers along with the good values it brings. The work helps people maintain faith in justice, beauty, and goodness, which will surely overcome evil and wickedness.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1937
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson
Stars: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne
IMDb Rating: 7.6

It would be remiss not to mention the masterpiece Doraemon in this list. Doraemon is a robotic cat sent by Sewashi (Nobita), Nobita's third-generation descendant, to the past to help his grandfather progress, meaning it will also improve the future of Nobita's descendants. In the present, Nobita is a boy who always fails at school, and later fails in his job, leading his family and future descendants into debt.

The stories in Doraemon often follow a common formula, revolving around troubles that occur with Nobita, a fifth-grade student, the secondary main character of the story. Doraemon has a miraculous pouch on his stomach with all sorts of future gadgets. The most common plot is Nobita returning home crying about the troubles he faces at school or with his friends. After being begged or urged by the boy, Doraemon will provide a gadget to help Nobita solve his problems, or to retaliate or show off to his friends. Nobita will often go too far beyond Doraemon's original intentions, sometimes even with the new gadgets he encounters bigger troubles than before. Sometimes Nobita's friends, usually Suneo or Gian, steal the gadgets and misuse them. However, usually at the end of each story, those who misuse the gadgets will suffer the consequences they cause, and readers will learn a lesson from it.

DETAILS:
Release Year: 1973
Genre: Action, Comedy, Family
Directors: Kim Nam Soo, Lee Jae Gyoo
Stars: Yoshiko Ota, Masako Nozawa, Kosei Tomita
IMDb Rating: 8.0