Buzz
Since the dawn of filmmaking, animated works have transcended age barriers, and it’s crucial to distinguish the medium from being categorized as a genre.
Animated films have brought to life tales that are enchanting, heartfelt, intense, melodic, fantastical, futuristic, humorous, and more—essentially every descriptor you’d associate with live-action storytelling. However, the finest animated films excel in narratives uniquely suited to the animated format. Explore 40 such films available for streaming, covering a wide array of genres and audiences.
Turning Red (2022)
When 13-year-old Mei Lee becomes overly excited, she transforms into a massive red panda, an event that occurs for the first time after her overly cautious mother humiliates her in front of the boy she admires. This vibrant and energetic coming-of-age tale highlights the importance of accepting change and proudly expressing your unique self. While it resonates deeply with younger audiences, its messages are equally valuable for parents, serving as a reminder that allowing children to grow and embrace their individuality is essential.
Where to stream: Disney+
Wendell & Wild (2022)
Marking his first directorial project since 2009, Henry Selick, renowned for A Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, teams up with co-writer Jordan Peele to deliver another stop-motion gem. The film follows two mischievous demon brothers (voiced by Peele and Keegan-Michael Key) as they attempt to persuade a troubled young woman (voiced by Lyric Ross) to assist them in launching their demonic carnival. However, she proves to be far more resilient than they anticipated.
Where to stream: Netflix
Soul (2020)
Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a talented jazz musician and high school music teacher, feels his life hasn’t lived up to his aspirations—until an accident leads him to a profound journey of self-discovery. This Pixar masterpiece, which explores the essence of purpose and passion, earned Oscars for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score, thanks to the brilliant work of Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
In this clever and heartfelt animated film, technophobic Rick Mitchell (Danny McBride) joins forces with his film-loving daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) to save humanity. Katie, an aspiring filmmaker, struggles to connect with her dad, whose old-school habits and anxieties often clash with her ambitions. When Rick decides to turn her college trip into a family road trip, tensions rise—until a rogue AI threatens the planet, forcing the Mitchells to unite, embrace their differences, and work together to outsmart the machines.
Where to stream: Netflix
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
In this standout Spider-Man film, Peter Parker takes a backseat as Miles Morales steps into the spotlight, reluctantly embracing his role as a hero with guidance from Spider-heroes across the multiverse. The film’s visually stunning, deliberately chaotic, and highly stylized animation offers a groundbreaking cinematic experience unlike anything seen before.
Where to stream: FXNow, Fubo
Nimona (2023)
Adapted from ND Stevenson’s graphic novel, Nimona is a vibrant, humorous, and touching fantasy tale set in a futuristic yet medieval-inspired world. Ballister Boldheart, on the verge of becoming the first commoner knighted by the queen, faces betrayal when he’s falsely accused of her murder. Forced into hiding, he teams up with Nimona, a shapeshifting outcast, to prove his innocence. Along the way, Nimona helps Ballister embrace his true self, making their journey as much about self-discovery as it is about redemption.
Where to stream: Netflix
Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece stands as one of the greatest films ever made, animated or otherwise. Every frame is a testament to meticulous artistry and beauty. The story follows Chihiro, a determined young girl, as she navigates a mystical spirit world to save her parents from a witch’s curse and reclaim her identity.
Where to stream: Max
The Iron Giant (1999)
Set in Cold War-era Maine, a massive alien robot becomes the target of military fear and suspicion, seen only as a potential weapon. However, to a lonely young boy, the robot becomes a cherished friend who embodies kindness and humanity. This deeply moving film, directed by Brad Bird, features characters as richly developed as any in live-action cinema. (Bird later directed The Incredibles, another masterpiece that could easily make this list, though I aimed to avoid overloading it with Pixar titles.)
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Sea Beast (2022)
From Chris Williams, the animator behind hits like Bolt, Big Hero 6, and Moana, comes this tale of a young girl who sneaks aboard the ship of a famed monster hunter (Karl Urban). Their journey challenges her perceptions of what it means to be a monster, blending cutting-edge animation with a timeless, heartfelt narrative.
Where to stream: Netflix
My Father’s Dragon (2022)
Inspired by Ruth Stiles Gannett’s 1948 children’s book, My Father’s Dragon is tailored for younger viewers but brims with charm and unexpected twists that appeal to all ages. The story follows Elmer (Jacob Tremblay) and his mother, Dela (Golshifteh Farahani), as they leave their small town for the city, only to face new challenges. Elmer’s journey takes a magical turn when a talking cat leads him on a vibrant, candy-colored quest to rescue an island and befriend a dragon, blending emotional depth with whimsical adventure.
Where to stream: Netflix
Bubble (2022)
Directed by Tetsurô Araki, known for Attack on Titan and Death Note, and crafted by a stellar creative team, Bubble envisions a Tokyo isolated from the world by mysterious, reality-altering bubbles (reminiscent of Stephen King’s Under the Dome). This visually stunning film combines parkour action with a heartfelt love story, making it a must-watch for animation enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike.
Where to stream: Netflix
Akira (1988)
Set in a dystopian 2019, this iconic cyberpunk tale follows biker Kaneda as he confronts his friend Tetsuo, who gains telekinetic powers after a tragic accident. With its breathtaking animation and intricately designed world, Akira revolutionized anime and continues to influence the genre to this day.
Where to stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Toy Story (1995)
While the original Toy Story may not be the pinnacle of the series, it remains a masterpiece in its own right and a landmark in animation history. Whether you’re revisiting it or experiencing it for the first time, it’s the perfect starting point for this beloved franchise.
Where to stream: Disney+
Lightyear (2022)
Despite its polarizing premise—presented as the film that inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy in the Toy Story universe—Lightyear is a heartfelt and engaging Pixar adventure. Buzz Lightyear (Chris Pine) and his commander, Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba), find themselves stranded on a distant planet. As Buzz works to develop the hyperspace fuel needed for their return, time dilation causes years to pass for his crew with each test flight. This emotional and thought-provoking setup showcases Pixar’s signature storytelling, even if it left some audiences puzzled.
Where to stream: Disney+
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
A groundbreaking cyberpunk masterpiece in the vein of William Gibson’s works, Ghost in the Shell holds its own alongside classics like Blade Runner and The Matrix (which it directly influenced). Directed by Mamoru Oshii and written by Kazunori Itō, the film follows cyborg officer Motoko Kusanagi as she pursues a seemingly unstoppable hacker. Her investigation forces her to grapple with her own identity as a human mind in a robotic body and to confront profound questions about reality. Alongside Akira, this film introduced countless Western audiences to anime and spawned a franchise, though it remains a singular achievement.
Where to stream: Tubi, Freevee
Dumbo (1941)
One of Disney’s earliest and shortest films, Dumbo tells the touching, sometimes sorrowful tale of a young elephant with oversized ears. While the portrayal of the crows is problematic, the film remains a heartfelt story about a child’s longing for acceptance. The song "Baby Mine" stands out as one of the most emotionally powerful moments in Disney’s musical history.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli alongside Hayao Miyazaki, concluded his illustrious career with this Oscar-nominated adaptation of the ancient folktale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." The film’s seemingly simple pencil and watercolor art style is breathtakingly beautiful. It follows a woodsman who discovers a baby in a bamboo stalk and believes it is his destiny to raise her as a princess. While the girl cherishes her family’s love, the story explores the tension between her simple desires and the expectations placed upon her by her family and society.
Where to stream: Max
Mulan (1998)
While Disney’s adaptation of this Chinese legend comes with cultural inaccuracies and issues, it remains a visually stunning and empowering tale. The story follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to join the army in her father’s place, ultimately saving her nation from a Hun invasion.
Where to stream: Disney+
Shrek (2001)
Eddie Murphy shines as Donkey, partnering with Mike Myers’ Shrek to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in this animated classic. The film masterfully combines humor and heart, subverting traditional fairy tale tropes by celebrating inner beauty and self-acceptance. It made history as the first winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Where to stream: Netflix
Coraline (2009)
Directed by the visionary behind A Nightmare Before Christmas and adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline is a stop-motion masterpiece that delivers the dark, fantastical tone you’d expect. The story follows Coraline as she explores her new home and stumbles upon a mysterious door leading to an alluring yet eerie alternate world. Faced with a choice between realities, she must fight to determine where she truly belongs.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Blame! (2017)
In a dystopian future, the City expands uncontrollably, its automated systems having long surpassed human control. These systems now classify humans as “illegals” to be eliminated, forcing survivors to navigate between deadly defenses and the struggle for sustenance. Amid this chaos, a group of humans searches for an individual with a rare genetic marker that could grant access to the City’s control systems. Leading the hunt is Killy, a synthetic human who may hold the solution. The film excels in its intricate world-building and impressive CGI animation.
Where to stream: Netflix
Chicken Run (2000)
This witty Aardman Brothers production combines delightful stop-motion animation with a flock of memorable chickens. It holds the record as the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film ever made. Over two decades later, it received a sequel that matched its charm and quality.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Featuring the iconic voices of Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Dana Delany, this animated crime thriller was originally planned for direct-to-video release but has since become one of the finest entries in the Batman franchise. As Bruce Wayne reconnects with a past love, he must also confront the moral complexities of his vigilante life when a mysterious figure begins targeting Gotham’s criminals.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke is a masterpiece set in a fantastical medieval Japan. The story follows Ashitaka, who is cursed during an animal attack and embarks on a quest for a cure. Along the way, he uncovers the devastating impact of human actions on nature and the wrath of the gods, leading to a profound exploration of balance and coexistence.
Where to stream: Max
The Little Mermaid (1989)
After a string of failures, Disney’s animation division was on the brink of collapse. The Little Mermaid revitalized the studio, becoming an instant classic that stands alongside the greatest animated films of earlier eras.
Where to stream: Disney+
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
This stunning stop-motion animation draws inspiration from origami and Japanese ink wash art. Set in feudal Japan, it follows Kubo and his magical shamisen (the titular string instrument) on a mesmerizing journey to confront his grandfather, the Moon King. The film’s rich storytelling respects its younger audience while captivating viewers of all ages.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
A seasonal masterpiece from Henry Selick and Tim Burton, this dark fantasy has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Its unique blend of Halloween and Christmas themes has made it a timeless holiday favorite, though its true seasonal allegiance remains delightfully ambiguous.
Where to stream: Disney+
Your Name (2016)
This body-swap tale is brought to life with breathtaking visuals, particularly its masterful use of light. Mitsuha, a rural girl, and Taki, a city boy, inexplicably begin switching bodies, leading to a profound connection as they navigate each other’s lives. The story takes an emotional turn in the second act, revealing deeper layers beyond its initial premise.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, Crunchyroll
Weathering With You (2019)
Makoto Shinkai’s follow-up to Your Name is equally stunning, painting a vivid picture of rain-drenched Tokyo. The story centers on Hodaka, a runaway, and Hina, a girl with the power to control the weather. Their bond leads to both personal and global consequences, but at its core, the film is a poignant exploration of young love and its challenges.
Where to stream: Max
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
While the tale is familiar, the film itself is a masterpiece of Disney’s golden age. Its gothic-inspired backgrounds and exquisite character designs showcase some of the most remarkable hand-drawn animation in cinematic history. Despite its initial financial struggles upon release in 1959, the film’s artistic brilliance has cemented its legacy as a groundbreaking achievement in animation.
Where to stream: Disney+
The Red Turtle (2016)
Collaborating with Studio Ghibli, Dutch animator Michael Dudok de Wit created this dialogue-free masterpiece about a man stranded on a deserted island, forming an unlikely bond with a giant turtle. What begins as a tale of survival evolves into a profound exploration of connection and resilience, offering a deeply emotional narrative.
Where to stream: Starz
Up (2009)
The poignant opening of Up sets the stage for a whimsical yet heartfelt adventure. An elderly man, disillusioned with life, embarks on a journey to South America by floating his house with balloons, accompanied by an unexpected young companion. Amid the absurdity, the film poignantly underscores the importance of human connection in overcoming grief and loss.
Where to stream: Disney+
Flee (2021)
Presented as an animated pseudo-documentary, Flee follows director Jonas Poher Rasmussen as he recounts the story of Amin Nawabi, who reflects on his harrowing escape from Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation while preparing to marry his boyfriend. The film is a powerful and emotional exploration of identity and survival.
Where to stream: Hulu
Perfect Blue (1998)
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue is a masterful psychological thriller that showcases the versatility of anime. The film blurs the lines between fantasy and reality, drawing comparisons to Darren Aronofsky’s works, though it predates and influenced films like Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan. It tells the story of a young singer who transitions to acting, only to face terrifying consequences, offering a chilling commentary on the cost of fame.
Where to stream: Shudder
Fantastic Planet (1973)
This French sci-fi masterpiece is set in a distant future where giant blue humanoids dominate a world, keeping humans as pets or treating them as pests. The film’s surreal narrative serves as a rich allegory, open to interpretations ranging from animal rights to racial oppression, all while immersing viewers in a visually stunning and dreamlike universe.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel
Frozen (2013)
Breaking away from traditional good-versus-evil narratives, Frozen introduces a protagonist who also serves as the story’s antagonist, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. This fresh approach adds depth to the Disney formula, while also delivering a heartfelt tale of sisterhood.
Where to stream: Disney+
Paprika (2006)
In Satoshi Kon’s visionary film, therapists can delve into their patients’ dreams, a concept that heavily influenced Inception. The movie masterfully navigates layers of reality and emotion, creating a mesmerizing experience that, while occasionally disorienting, remains deeply engaging.
Where to stream: Tubi
Coco (2017)
In this Oscar-winning film, Miguel ventures into the land of the dead to reconnect with his grandfather and restore music to his family. The richly detailed portrayal of the afterlife not only honors Mexican traditions but also resonates on a universal level.
Where to stream: Disney+
Waltz with Bashir (2008)
Blending documentary elements with animation, this film explores Ari Colman’s fragmented memories of his time as a soldier during Israel’s 1982 conflict with Lebanon. It poignantly highlights the moral complexities and human costs of war, offering a unique and powerful perspective.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
This enchanting yet eerie fairy tale revolutionized cinema by proving audiences would embrace a full-length animated feature. It remains a timeless piece of entertainment and a landmark achievement in the art of animation.
Where to stream: Disney+
