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Join us as we channel our inner Scrooge McDuck and dive into the 100 Greatest Animated Films of All Time. A genre of film that has captivated audiences for over a century, transporting us to fantastical worlds, igniting our imaginations, and stirring our emotions. From the early days of hand-drawn cel animation to the cutting-edge techniques of computer-generated imagery, the evolution of animation has been nothing short of extraordinary.
During this meticulously curated list, you’ll encounter a culinary adventure that serves up heartwarming lessons on friendship and ambition, witness the magical journey of a young girl caught in a spellbinding tale of love and courage, and join a motley crew of fairy tale misfits on a quest to reclaim their happily ever after.
So, settle in as we embark on this cinematic journey through animation’s storied past and boundless imagination. From timeless classics that have shaped the landscape of animation to groundbreaking modern masterpieces that push the boundaries of the medium, each entry represents a unique expression of creativity and storytelling prowess.
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Top10nerScore72.300 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Ben Sharpsteen
WRITERS: Joe Grant, Dick Huemer
STARRING: Edward Brophy, Sterling Holloway, Cliff Edwards, Herman Bing, Verna Felton, Noreen Gammill, Mel Blanc
GENRE: Animation, Children’s, Musical, Fable
Dumbo is a baby elephant born with over-sized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy Timothy the Mouse, the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.
Dumbo revolutionized animation with its emotive character design and fluid, expressive movements. Its poignant storytelling and innovative use of color and music set a benchmark for animated films, inspiring generations of animators worldwide.
Top10nerScore72.310 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Sunao Katabuchi
WRITERS: Sunao Katabuchi
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yuya Kumazawa
STARRING: Rena Nounen, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Natsuki Inaba, Minori Omi, Daisuke Ono, Mayumi Shintani
GENRE: Anime, Period Drama
Set in Hiroshima during World War II, an eighteen-year-old girl gets married and now has to prepare food for her family despite the rationing and lack of supplies. As she struggles with the daily loss of life’s amenities she still has to maintain the will to live.
In This Corner of the World intricately blends historical accuracy with breathtaking hand-drawn animation, offering a poignant portrayal of wartime Japan’s resilience. Its captivating visuals vividly bring to life the beauty and struggles of its characters, leaving a lasting impression.
Top10nerScore72.316 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Paul Grimault
WRITERS: Jacques Prévert, Paul Grimault
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gérard Soirant
STARRING: Jean Martin, Pascal Mazzotti, Agnès Viala, Renaud Marx
GENRE: Animation, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Fantasy
A pompous, cross-eyed king is in love with a shepherdess in a painting. The two-dimensional beauty, however, desires the dashing young chimney sweep in the frame next door. The two seek to escape the dastardly clutches of the tyrant with the help of a brightly feathered mockingbird.
The King and the Mockingbird enchants with its whimsical animation, evoking the charm of classic fairy tales. Its hand-drawn style and imaginative storytelling pay homage to the golden age of animation, offering a delightful escape into a magical realm.
Top10nerScore72.458 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Dudok de Wit
WRITERS: Michael Dudok de Wit
GENRE: Animation, Drama
Stranded on a deserted tropical island, a man struggles to survive. Gradually acquiring the skills he needs to stay alive, he tries to get off the island on a makeshift raft, only to encounter a giant turtle living in the open sea that will change his life.
The Red Turtle mesmerizing animation transcends language, weaving a poignant tale of resilience and connection. Its hand-drawn aesthetic evokes a timeless quality, while its minimalist storytelling invites contemplation. A testament to the power of visual storytelling.
Top10nerScore72.676 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Troy Quane, Nick Bruno
WRITERS: Robert L. Baird, Lloyd Taylor, Troy Quane, Pamela Ribon, Keith Bunin, Marc Haimes, Nick Bruno
STARRING: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul, Indya Moore, Julio Torres
GENRE: Sword and Sorcery, Computer Animation, Science Fiction, Comedy, LGBTQ+, Buddy, Family
When a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is Nimona — a mischievous teen who happens to be a shapeshifting creature he’s sworn to destroy.
Nimona’s vibrant animation pays homage to its graphic novel roots, breathing life into every frame. Its inventive visual style pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology, resulting in a visually stunning experience.
Top10nerScore72.775 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nora Twomey
WRITERS: Anita Doron, Deborah Ellis
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sheldon Lisoy
STARRING: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif, Ali Badshah
GENRE: Animation, Drama, Period Drama
Parvana is an 11-year-old girl who lives under Taliban rule in Afghanistan in 2001. After the wrongful arrest of her father, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy to support her family. Working alongside a friend, she soon discovers a new world of freedom and danger.
The Breadwinner’s animation transports audiences to Afghanistan with its rich palette and meticulous detail. Its hand-drawn technique brings depth to the story, honoring its source material and immersing viewers in a world of beauty and resilience.
Top10nerScore72.790 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Don Bluth
WRITERS: Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy, Don Bluth, Will Finn
STARRING: Elizabeth Hartman, Derek Jacobi, Dom DeLuise, Arthur Malet, John Carradine, Peter Strauss, Hermione Baddeley
GENRE: Animation, Fantasy, Family, Adventure, Drama, Fable
A widowed field mouse must move her family – including an ailing son – to escape a farmer’s plow. Aided by a crow and a pack of superintelligent, escaped lab rats, the brave mother struggles to transplant her home to firmer ground.
The Secret of NIMH captivates with its stunning animation, showcasing intricate details and fluid movements. Inspired by intricate illustrations, its blend of realism and fantasy creates an enchanting world that’s both visually mesmerizing and emotionally resonant.
Top10nerScore72.858 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Byron Howard, Nathan Greno
WRITERS: Dan Fogelman
STARRING: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman
GENRE: Fairy Tale, Computer Animation, Comedy, Musical, Family, Coming-of-Age
The long-haired Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by she must venture into the outside world for the first time to find him.
Tangled’s vibrant animation style seamlessly blends classic Disney charm with modern techniques. Its breathtaking visuals and inspired character designs reflect a captivating journey, evoking a sense of wonder that enchants audiences of all ages.
Top10nerScore72.863 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Shinichiro Watanabe
WRITERS: Keiko Nobumoto
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Katsutoshi Sugai, Youichi Ogami
STARRING: Koichi Yamadera, Unsho Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Aoi Tada
STARRING (ENGLISH): Steve Blum, Beau Billingslea, Wendee Lee, Melissa Fahn
GENRE: Anime, Action, Tech-Noir, Cyberpunk, Crime
A terrorist explosion releases a deadly virus on the masses, and it’s up the bounty-hunting Bebop crew to catch the cold-blooded culprit.
Cowboy Bebop enthralls with its seamless blend of sleek animation and gritty noir aesthetics, reminiscent of classic film noir. Its innovative visual storytelling, inspired by jazz and cyberpunk, elevates the genre, setting a new standard for animated cinema.
Top10nerScore72.929 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Nick Park, Steve Box
WRITERS: Nick Park, Steve Box, Bob Baker, Mark Burton
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tristan Oliver, Dave Alex Riddett
STARRING: Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Nicholas Smith, Peter Kay, Liz Smith
GENRE: Claymation, Family, Comedy, Buddy
Cheese-loving eccentric Wallace and his cunning canine pal, Gromit, investigate a mystery in Nick Park’s animated adventure, in which the lovable inventor and his intrepid pup run a business ridding the town of garden pests. Using only humane methods that turn their home into a halfway house for evicted vermin, the pair stumble upon a mystery involving a voracious vegetarian monster that threatens to ruin the annual veggie-growing contest.
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit captivates with its unique animation style, seamlessly blending claymation with intricate detail. Its inspiration from classic horror films adds depth, while its innovative techniques elevate the storytelling to a delightful level of whimsy and charm.
Top10nerScore73.094 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jay Oliva
WRITERS: Bob Goodman
STARRING: Peter Weller, Ariel Winter, Michael Emerson, Mark Valley, Michael McKean, David Selby
GENRE: Superhero, Animation, Action
Batman has stopped the reign of terror that The Mutants had cast upon his city. Now an old foe wants a reunion and the government wants The Man of Steel to put a stop to Batman.
Part 2 of The Dark Knight Returns, impresses with its dynamic animation style, perfectly capturing the gritty atmosphere of Frank Miller’s iconic graphic novel. The use of shadow and light adds depth, enhancing the intense narrative and showcasing Batman’s enduring legacy.
Top10nerScore73.110 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Masaaki Yuasa
WRITERS: Makoto Ueda
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Batiste Perron
STARRING: Kana Hanazawa, Gen Hoshino, Hiroshi Kamiya, Ryuji Akiyama, Kazuya Nakai
STARRING (ENGLISH): Jackie Lastra, Kellen Goff, Eddy Lee, Patrick Seitz, Paul Guyet
GENRE: Anime, Romantic Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Magical Realism, Surrealism
A boy falls in love with his junior in a Kyoto college club, and struggles daily to be noticed by her. However, she is naive and unsophisticated and is completely indifferent to him.
Night Is Short, Walk on Girl mesmerizes with its vibrant animation, seamlessly blending surrealism with whimsy. Inspired by the intricate detail of Japanese nightlife, its visual tapestry is a feast for the senses, evoking a dreamlike journey through the vibrant streets of Kyoto.
Top10nerScore73.173 / 100
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DIRECTOR: David Hand
WRITERS: Perce Pearce, Mel Shaw, Vernon Stallings, Ralph Wright, Chuck Couch, Carl Fallberg
STARRING: Donnie Dunagan, Peter Behn, Cammie King, Hardie Albright, Will Wright, Tim Davis, Stan Alexander, Bobby Stewart
GENRE: Animation, Coming-of-Age, Family, Fable
Bambi’s tale unfolds from season to season as the young prince of the forest learns about life, love, and friends.
Bambi captivates with its timeless animation, seamlessly blending artistry and emotion. Inspired by nature’s beauty, its effortless animation and meticulous detail set a new standard, shaping generations of filmmakers. A timeless testament to Disney’s creative brilliance.
Top10nerScore73.230 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Michael Rianda
WRITERS: Jeff Rowe, Mike Rianda
STARRING: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Olivia Colman, Mike Rianda, Eric Andre
GENRE: Computer Animation, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Artificial Intelligence
A quirky, dysfunctional family’s road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity’s unlikeliest last hope.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines wows with its vibrant animation, seamlessly blending 2D and 3D techniques for a visually dynamic experience. Its innovative style pays homage to classic cartoons while feeling fresh and contemporary, elevating the storytelling to new heights.
Top10nerScore73.263 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
WRITERS: Rita Hsiao, Chris Sanders, Philip LaZebnik, Raymond Singer, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer
STARRING: Ming-Na Wen, Lea Salonga, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Donny Osmond, Miguel Ferrer
GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Family, Musical, War
A tomboyish girl disguises herself as a young man so she can fight with the Imperial Chinese Army against the invading Huns. With help from wise-cracking dragon Mushu, Mulan just might save her country – and win the heart of handsome Captain Li Shang.
Mulan triumphs in its breathtaking animation, seamlessly blending traditional artistry with modern flair. The film’s vibrant visuals pay homage to Chinese culture, showcasing meticulous detail and dynamic action sequences that exhilarate and inspire.
Top10nerScore73.263 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson
WRITERS: Charlie Kaufman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Joe Passarelli
STARRING: David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan
GENRE: Psychological Drama, Puppet Animation
An inspirational speaker becomes reinvigorated after meeting a lively woman who shakes up his mundane existence.
Anomalisa’s stop-motion animation crafts an intimate world, imbuing each character with unique quirks. Its meticulous attention to detail elevates the mundane, while its introspective narrative reflects on the complexities of human connection. An artistic triumph in animation.
Top10nerScore73.327 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Martin Rosen
WRITERS: Martin Rosen, John Hubley
STARRING: John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Michael Graham Cox, Simon Cadell, Terence Rigby, John Bennett
GENRE: Animation, Drama, Adventure, Fable
When the warren belonging to a community of rabbits is threatened, a brave group led by Fiver, Bigwig, Blackberry and Hazel leave their homeland in a search of a safe new haven.
Watership Down exemplifies animation’s power, blending intricate detail with emotive storytelling. Its hand-drawn artistry breathes life into Richard Adams’ epic tale, showcasing a visionary approach that resonates with timeless charm and emotional depth.
Top10nerScore73.356 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Wolfgang Reitherman
WRITERS: Rudyard Kipling, Larry Clemmons, Ken Anderson, Vance Gerry, Ralph Wright
STARRING: Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Bruce Reitherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, Louis Prima
GENRE: Animation, Musical, Family, Fable
The boy Mowgli makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli “The Bare Necessities” of life and the true meaning of friendship.
The Jungle Book wows with its timeless animation, seamlessly blending traditional hand-drawn artistry with innovative techniques. Its vibrant visuals and lively characters pay homage to Rudyard Kipling’s classic tales, enchanting audiences of all ages with its spirited charm.
Top10nerScore73.737 / 100
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DIRECTOR: James Cameron
WRITERS: James Cameron
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mauro Fiore
STARRING: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi
GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Adventure, Computer Animation, Fantasy, Extraterrestrial, Epic
In the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization.
Avatar revolutionized animation with its breathtaking visual style, seamlessly blending CGI with live-action footage. Its innovative techniques set a new standard, inspiring future filmmakers to push boundaries and explore new realms of creativity.
Top10nerScore73.907 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Bruce Timm, Eric Radomski
WRITERS: Alan Burnett, Michael Reaves, Paul Dini, Martin Pasko
STARRING: Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, Mark Hamill, Hart Bochner, Abe Vigoda, Stacy Keach
GENRE: Superhero, Animation, Action, Crime
Andrea Beaumont strolls back into town, rekindling an old romance with Bruce Wayne. At the same time, Batman is mistaken for a masked vigilante assassin who has begun systematically eliminating Gotham’s crime bosses. Now on the run, Batman must solve the mystery, while navigating his relationship with Andrea.
Mask of the Phantasm’s animation flawlessly blends noir aesthetics with dynamic action sequences, elevating Gotham’s dark allure. Its innovative approach to character design and meticulous attention to detail set a new standard for animated superhero films.
Top10nerScore74.211 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Trey Parker
WRITERS: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Pam Brady
STARRING: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes
GENRE: Satire, Musical, Animation, Black Comedy, Absurdist Comedy, Gross-Out Comedy
When the four boys see an R-rated movie featuring Canadians Terrance and Philip, they are pronounced “corrupted”, and their parents pressure the United States to wage war against Canada.
Bigger, Longer & Uncut impresses with its unique animation style, blending simplicity with bold, expressive visuals. Drawing inspiration from traditional cut-out techniques, the film’s satirical edge is amplified by its distinct, inventive approach to animated storytelling.
Top10nerScore74.298 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Marcell Jankovics
WRITERS: László György, Marcell Jankovics
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Zoltán Bacsó
STARRING: György Cserhalmi, Pap Vera, Gyula Szabó, Mari Szemes
GENRE: Animation, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Surrealism, High Fantasy
A horse goddess gives birth to three powerful brothers who set out into the Underworld to save three princesses from three evil dragons and reclaim their ancestors’ lost kingdom.
Son of the White Mare enchants with its vibrant, psychedelic animation and imaginative storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Hungarian folklore, its unique visual style and fluid, dreamlike sequences showcase a groundbreaking technique that remains influential in animation history.
Top10nerScore74.355 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Travis Knight
WRITERS: Chris Butler, Marc Haimes, Shannon Tindle
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frank Passingham
STARRING: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro
GENRE: Adventure, Fairy Tale, Family, Puppet Animation
Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.
Kubo and the Two Strings enchants with its stunning stop-motion animation, blending traditional Japanese art with modern techniques. The film’s intricate visuals and imaginative storytelling create a unique, visually rich experience that mesmerizes audiences.
Top10nerScore74.442 / 100
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DIRECTOR: Jan Švankmajer
WRITERS: Lewis Carroll, Jan Švankmajer
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Svatopluk Malý
STARRING: Kristýna Kohoutová
GENRE: Surrealism, Stop-Motion, Adventure, Fairy Tale, Portal Fantasy, Live-Action Animation, Fantasy
A quiet young English girl named Alice finds herself in an alternate version of her own reality after chasing a white rabbit. She becomes surrounded by living inanimate objects and stuffed dead animals, and must find a way out of this nightmare- no matter how twisted or odd that way must be. A memorably bizarre screen version of Lewis Carroll’s novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.
Alice is a visually stunning film that reimagines the classic tale with unique stop-motion animation. Svankmajer’s intricate, surreal style and inventive techniques bring a fresh, dreamlike quality to the story, offering a distinctive and mesmerizing cinematic experience.
Top10nerScore74.509 / 100
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DIRECTOR: George Dunning
WRITERS: Erich Segal, Al Brodax, Jack Mendelsohn, Lee Minoff
CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Williams
STARRING: Paul Angelis, John Clive, Geoffrey Hughes, Peter Batten, Dick Emery, Lance Percival, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
GENRE: Animation, Fantasy, Musical, Surrealism, Jukebox Musical
The Blue Meanies take over Pepperland, draining it of all its color and music, firing anti-music missiles, bonking people with green apples, and turning the inhabitants to stone by way of the pointed finger of a giant blue glove. As the only survivor, the Lord Admiral escapes in the yellow submarine and goes to Liverpool to enlist the help of the Beatles.
Yellow Submarine delivers a kaleidoscope of vibrant animation, pushing boundaries with its innovative visuals. Its whimsical artistry and imaginative design remain unparalleled, showcasing the era’s psychedelic charm and pushing the boundaries of traditional animation.
