From hand-drawn, flat characters to full-blown visual spectacles that rival live-action movies animation has come leaps and bounds over the years but what are our favourites? A tough article for us to conjure as we bring you our top 10 animated movies of all time list.
With so many amazing animated movies to choose from, it can be tough to narrow down the top 10, but I’m up to the task. I think.
Let’s dive right in (in no particular order) with our Top 10 animated movies of all time.
The Lion King (1994)
If The Lion King isn’t contained within someone’s top 10 animated movies of all time list I instantly distrust that person. That’s the god’s honest truth!
A timeless classic that was a strong part of my childhood as I’ve grown up with Simba, Mufasa, Scar and the gang and even generations now enjoying the live-action Lion King version are eager to check out the original.
With catch songs, beautiful visuals and a story that will capture the hearts and minds of all of those who watch it The Lion King truly is a masterpiece.
I have Hakuna Matata (no worries) putting The Lion King into my top 10 animated movies of all time and so should you!
Toy Story (1995)
You’ve certainly got a friend in me if Toy Story is in your top 10 list. A movie that revolutionized the world of animation and brought each and every toy the world over a new breath of life as children would pick up just about anything they could find and bring it to life with their own imagination.
Toy Story was the first feature-length computer-animated film and this adventure-led flick absolutely flew me away when I first watched it on the big screen.
Lovable characters, clever writing and this new format of animation took Toy Story and catapulted it to infinity and beyond.
A must-watch for all ages and a film that defined hundreds (if not thousands) of films that came thereafter.
Coco (2017)
I will never forget my first visit to the cinema to watch Coco. Yes, I said first. I went a couple more times after that to fully soak up this stunningly beautiful and emotive film on the big screen.
Coco absolutely paved the way for cultural celebration within animated films showcasing and celebrating Mexican culture and traditions.
Coco revolves around the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) festival and so lovingly pays tribute to those we love and those whom we’ve lost.
The movie features an entirely Mexican cast but heavily focuses on Mexican music with many a catchy number, Mexican food, Mexican art and architecture and more.
Exploring family, identity and remembering our ancestors there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience when watching Coco. The movie was praised for its representation and celebration of Mexican culture.
Winners of 9 awards out of its 11 nominations including the best animated feature at the Academy Awards back in 2018.
Spirited Away (2001)
Intricate visuals and complex characters combine in Spirited Away. A story about a young girl named Chihiro who gets trapped in a magical world.
With themes of self-discovery and empowerment, Spirited Away is a true masterpiece and should take pride of place within anyone’s animated collection.
The Incredibles (2004)
I have such a soft spot for The Incredibles and all the sequels thereafter as this is a superhero movie with a twist.
A world where superheroes are forced to live normal lives as the Parr family try to balance their normal life with their secret crime-fighting personas.
The wonderfully witty script with thrilling action sequences instantly shot The Incredibles into classic status. So much so that Disney even built a rollercoaster around The Incredibles themselves!
You know you’ve made it when you have a rollercoaster built around you!
Up (2009)
Get ready to laugh, cry and feel just about every other human emotion you can feel watching a movie.
This heartwarming tale starts out with a tearjerker and it doesn’t relent on this emotional rollercoaster. Following the tale of an elderly man named Carl as he embarks on a journey to fulfil a lifelong dream, accompanied by a young boy named Russell and a lovable talking dog named Dug.
Up is an absolute masterpiece and just has to be seen to be believed.
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A movie that has stood the test of time.
A classic soundtrack, incredible animations and a heartwarming story Beauty and the Beast has spurned a live-action remake and even a live Broadway-style show onboard a Disney Cruise ship.
An absolute must-watch for anyone who loves catchy songs and fairy tales.
WALL-E (2008)
Adorable and thought-provoking without a word spoken.
Set in a dystopian future where Earth has been abandoned by humans we follow the WALL-E robot as he cleans up the planet and finds love.
WALL-E made us laugh and adore in equal measure whilst also making us learn about preserving and keeping our planet clean and not taking it for granted.
For a movie that has such little dialogue, it speaks volumes on a variety of topics. With its gorgeous visuals and environmentalism and consumerism education, WALL-E is a true gem.
Cars (2006)
This Pixar animation started a generation of petrolheads as we follow a hotshot racecar called Lightning McQueen, a superstar racecar that finds himself stranded off the beaten track in a small town on Route 66.
Friendship, loyalty and slowing down a peg or two to enjoy the world around you are all key mottos of the Cars movie (and the films thereafter).
With stunning visuals and attention to detail along with voice-over actors that were born to play their car alter-egos Cars is enjoyable fun for all the family.
Ka-Chow!
Finding Nemo (2003)
A timeless classic and yet another movie that has a rollercoaster themed after it (Crush’s Coaster at Disneyland Paris) so you know it’s withstood the test of time.
Following the journey of a clownfish named Marlin embarking on an adventure to find his lost son Nemo whilst on the way meeting a plethora of charming characters in this fish-filled adventure.
Finding Nemo just pops off the screen and in full high definition you can get lost in the ocean and all of its vibrancy. Children and adults loved Finding Nemo so much that it grossed $940 million dollars and is still in the Top 20 most financially successful animated films of all time.
You’ll have a whale of a time!
