Top10nerScore74.751 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Haruo Sotozaki
WRITERS: Koyoharu Gotouge
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yuichi Terao
STARRING: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Satoshi Hino
STARRING (ENGLISH): Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Aleks Le, Bryce Papenbrook, Mark Whitten
GENRE: Anime, Fantasy, Chambara, Train Movie
Tanjirō Kamado, joined with Inosuke Hashibira, a boy raised by boars who wears a boar’s head, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, a scared boy who reveals his true power when he sleeps, boards the Infinity Train on a new mission with the Fire Hashira, Kyōjurō Rengoku, to defeat a demon who has been tormenting the people and killing the demon slayers who oppose it!
Mugen Train embarks on a visual odyssey, weaving a tapestry of animation brilliance that steers the audience through a whirlwind of emotions. Its artistry transcends the mundane, offering a ticket to a cinematic realm of boundless wonder.
Top10nerScore74.867 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Byron Howard, Rich Moore
WRITERS: Jim Reardon, Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Phil Johnston, Jennifer Lee, Jared Bush, Josie Trinidad
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nathan Warner
STARRING: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, J.K. Simmons , Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake
GENRE: Computer Animation, Comedy, Buddy, Family, Fable, Crime
Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case – even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery.
Zootopia’s animation seamlessly blends rich detail with vibrant colors, bringing its diverse world to life. Inspired by real-life metropolises, its innovative technique elevates storytelling, creating a visually stunning adventure that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Top10nerScore74.962 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson
WRITERS: Matthew Robbins, Guillermo del Toro, Patrick McHale
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frank Passingham
STARRING: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett
GENRE: Fairy Tale, Puppet Animation
During the rise of fascism in Mussolini’s Italy, a wooden boy brought magically to life struggles to live up to his father’s expectations.
Del Toro’s Pinocchio is a visual feast, blending intricate stop-motion animation with enchanting puppetry. Its darkly whimsical aesthetic pays homage to the original tale while injecting fresh creativity. A striking fusion of Italian folklore and heartfelt storytelling.
Top10nerScore74.984 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson
WRITERS: Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, Roman Coppola, Kunichi Nomura
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tristan Oliver
STARRING: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban, Kunichi Nomura, Frances McDormand, Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig
GENRE: Puppet Animation, Dystopian, Adventure, Comedy
In the future, an outbreak of canine flu leads the mayor of a Japanese city to banish all dogs to an island that’s a garbage dump. The outcasts must soon embark on an epic journey when a 12-year-old boy arrives on the island to find his beloved pet.
Isle of Dogs’ distinctive animation style pays homage to Japanese artistry, blending traditional techniques with modern flair. Its inventive use of stop-motion creates a visually stunning world that immerses audiences in a captivating canine adventure.
Top10nerScore75.143 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Hiroki Doi, Yuria Kozuki, Tomoko Yamaguchi, Kazushige Nagashima, George Tokoro, Yuki Amami
STARRING (ENGLISH): Frankie Jonas, Noah Cyrus, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchett
GENRE: Anime, Children’s, Fantasy, Family
5-year old Sosuke finds and keeps Ponyo, a beautiful goldfish that has used her father’s magic to transform herself into a young girl. The two children embark on an adventure of a lifetime to save the world and fulfill Ponyo’s dreams of becoming human.
Ponyo enthralls with its whimsical animation, blending traditional hand-drawn artistry with vibrant colors, evoking a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s classics. Miyazaki’s seamless fusion of folklore and imagination creates an enchanting visual journey for all ages
Top10nerScore75.341 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Takehiko Inoue
WRITERS: Takehiko Inoue
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Shunsuke Nakamura
STARRING: Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Shinichiro Kamio, Subaru Kimura, Kenta Miyake
STARRING (ENGLISH): Paul Castro Jr., Jonah Scott, Aleks Le, Ben Balmaceda, Aaron Goodson
GENRE: Anime, Sports, Coming-of-Age
Shohoku’s “speedster” and point guard, Ryota Miyagi, always plays with brains and lightning speed, running circles around his opponents while feigning composure. In his second year of high school, Ryota plays with the Shohoku High School basketball team along with Sakuragi, Rukawa, Akagi, and Mitsui as they take the stage at the Inter-High School National Championship. And now, they are on the brink of challenging the reigning champions, Sannoh Kogyo High School.
The First Slam Dunk impresses with its stunning animation style, blending traditional and digital techniques seamlessly. Inspired by Inoue’s iconic manga, the film delivers vibrant visuals and dynamic motion, bringing the exhilarating world of basketball to life.
Top10nerScore75.461 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner
WRITERS: Daniel Pennac
STARRING: Lambert Wilson, Pauline Brunner, Anne-Marie Loop, Pierre Baton, Dominique Collignon
STARRING (ENGLISH): Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy
GENRE: Animation, Family, Buddy, Fable
Celestine is a little mouse trying to avoid a dental career; Ernest is a big bear craving an artistic outlet. When Celestine meets Ernest, they overcome their natural enmity by forging a life of crime together.
Ernest & Celestine’s animation style merges simplicity with depth, evoking a timeless charm. Its watercolor backgrounds and hand-drawn characters breathe life into a heartwarming tale, inspired by the beloved children’s books. A delightful fusion of artistry and storytelling.
Top10nerScore75.532 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
WRITERS: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Barry Peterson, Pablo Plaisted
STARRING: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Liam Neeson, Nick Offerman, Charlie Day
GENRE: Computer Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Family
An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant from gluing the universe together.
The Lego Movie’s groundbreaking animation style effortlessly blends nostalgia with modernity, paying homage to its source material while pushing boundaries. Its innovative use of simulated stop-motion effects and vibrant visuals set a new standard for animated filmmaking.
Top10nerScore75.580 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki, Haruya Yamazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hirokata Takahashi
STARRING: Yasuo Yamada, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Makio Inoue, Eiko Masuyama, Goro Naya
STARRING (ENGLISH): David Hayter, John Snyder, Michael Gregory, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, Kevin Seymour
GENRE: Anime, Adventure, Comedy, Action, Heist Film
After a successful robbery leaves famed thief Lupin the Third and his partner Jigen with nothing but a large amount of expertly crafted counterfeit bills, he decides to track down the forgers responsible—and steal any other treasures he may find in the Castle of Cagliostro, including the ‘damsel in distress’ he finds imprisoned there.
The Castle of Cagliostro’s timeless animation captures Miyazaki’s early genius, blending fluidity with meticulous detail. Its adventurous spirit and homage to classic heist films elevate the genre, inspiring generations with its innovative techniques.
Top10nerScore76.119 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater
WRITERS: Richard Linklater
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Richard Linklater, Tommy Pallotta
STARRING: Wiley Wiggins, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
GENRE: Computer Animation, Surrealism
Waking Life is about a young man in a persistent lucid dream-like state. The film follows its protagonist as he initially observes and later participates in philosophical discussions that weave together issues like reality, free will, our relationships with others, and the meaning of life.
Waking Life’s visionary animation blurs the line between dreams and reality, drawing viewers into a mesmerizing journey of philosophical exploration. Its innovative rotoscoping technique breathes life into profound ideas, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Top10nerScore76.163 / 100
p>DIRECTORS: Ben Sharpsteen, Hamilton Luske
WRITERS: Ted Sears, Otto Englander, Webb Smith, William Cottrell, Joseph Sabo, Erdman Penner
STARRING: Dickie Jones, Cliff Edwards, Christian Rub, Evelyn Venable
GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Fairy Tale, Children’s, Drama
Lonely toymaker Geppetto has his wishes answered when the Blue Fairy arrives to bring his wooden puppet Pinocchio to life. Before becoming a real boy, however, Pinocchio must prove he’s worthy as he sets off on an adventure with his whistling sidekick and conscience, Jiminy Cricket.
With its groundbreaking animation techniques, Pinocchio brings Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to vibrant life. The film’s fluid animation and imaginative character designs set a standard for future animated features, inspiring generations of filmmakers.
Top10nerScore76.416 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
WRITERS: Isao Takahata
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hisao Shirai
STARRING: Miki Imai, Toshiro Yanagiba, Yoko Honna
STARRING (ENGLISH): Daisy Ridley, Dev Patel, Alison Fernandez
GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Anime, Drama, Slice of Life
It’s 1982, and Taeko is 27 years old, unmarried, and has lived her whole life in Tokyo. She decides to visit her family in the countryside, and as the train travels through the night, memories flood back of her younger years: the first immature stirrings of romance, the onset of puberty, and the frustrations of math and boys.
Only Yesterday boasts a sublime animation style, elegantly portraying the tranquility of rural Japan. Its hand-drawn aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail immerse viewers in a world of nostalgic charm, inviting reflection on the essence of life and the beauty of fleeting moments.
Top10nerScore76.779 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
WRITERS: Hayao Miyazaki
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Atsushi Okui
STARRING: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Shohei Hino
STARRING (ENGLISH): Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Karen Fukuhara, Gemma Chan, Christian Bale, Mark Hamill
GENRE: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Isekai, Anime
A young boy named Mahito, yearning for his mother, ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning.
The Boy and the Heron is a soulfully animated gem, exploring thought-provoking themes with Miyazaki’s signature excellence. Boasting incredible animation and a satisfying story, it offers a thrilling journey for both young viewers and those contemplating deeper questions.
Top10nerScore76.800 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Claude Barras
WRITERS: Céline Sciamma, Claude Barras, Morgan Navarro, Germano Zullo
CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Toutevoix
STARRING: Gaspard Schlatter, Paulin Jaccoud, Sixtine Murat, Michel Vuillermoz, Raul Ribera
STARRING (ENGLISH): Erick Abbate, Romy Beckman, Ness Krell, Nick Offerman, Barry Mitchell
GENRE: Drama, Puppet Animation
After his mother’s death, Zucchini is befriended by a kind police officer, Raymond, who accompanies him to his new foster home filled with other orphans his age. There, with the help of his newfound friends, Zucchini eventually learns to trust and love as he searches for a new family of his own.
My Life as a Zucchini’s poignant storytelling is matched by its charming stop-motion animation, reminiscent of a heartfelt storybook come to life. Its delicate technique and emotive character design elevate the narrative, making it a standout in the realm of animated cinema.
Top10nerScore77.075 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Dean Fleischer Camp
WRITERS: Jenny Slate, Elisabeth Holm, Dean Fleischer Camp, Nick Paley
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Eric Adkins, Bianca Cline
STARRING: Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer-Camp, Isabella Rossellini
GENRE: Mockumentary, Stop-Motion, Comedy, Live-Action Animation, Family, Magical Realism
Marcel is an adorable one-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colorful existence with his grandmother Connie and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. But when a documentary filmmaker discovers them amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope at finding his long-lost family.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On enchants with its whimsical animation, evoking nostalgia while pushing boundaries with its innovative technique. Inspired by its titular character, it delivers a delightful blend of charm and creativity, making it a standout in animated storytelling.
Top10nerScore77.093 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Masaaki Yuasa
WRITERS: Robin Nishi, Masaaki Yuasa
STARRING: Koji Imada, Sayaka Maeda, Takashi Fujii
GENRE: Surrealism, Anime, Adventure, Comedy
After a deadly encounter with two yakuza, a loser with a crush on his childhood girlfriend goes to heaven and back, embarking on a psychedelic self-discovery experience with her and his friends.
Mind Game astounds with its bold animation style, pushing the boundaries of conventional techniques. Its vibrant visuals and surreal sequences seamlessly blend various art forms, delivering an immersive experience that transcends traditional storytelling.
Top10nerScore77.338 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Satoshi Kon
WRITERS: Satoshi Kon, Keiko Nobumoto
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Katsutoshi Sugai
STARRING: Toru Emori, Aya Okamoto, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Satomi Koorogi
STARRING (ENGLISH): Jon Avner, Victoria Grace, Shakina Nayfack, Kari Wahlgren
GENRE: Anime, Comedy, Christmas, Drama
During a Christmas Eve in Tokyo, three homeless people, middle-aged alcoholic Gin, former drag queen Hana, and dependent runaway girl Miyuki, discover an abandoned newborn while looking through the garbage. With only a handful of clues to the baby’s identity, the three misfits search the city to find its parents.
Tokyo Godfathers showcases Satoshi Kon’s signature blend of realism and surrealism. Its animation seamlessly captures the bustling streets of Tokyo, while its heartfelt story and diverse characters pay homage to the human spirit. A cinematic triumph in both artistry and storytelling.
Top10nerScore77.551 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Hideaki Anno
WRITERS: Hideaki Anno
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tooru Fukushi
STARRING: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Yuko Miyamura, Akira Ishida, Fumihiko Tachiki, Kotono Mitsuishi, Maaya Sakamoto
GENRE: Anime, Mecha, Post-Apocalyptic, Psychological Drama, Action
In the aftermath of the Fourth Impact, stranded without their Evangelions, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei search for refuge in the desolate red remains of Tokyo-3. But the danger to the world is far from over. A new impact is looming on the horizon—one that will prove to be the true end of Evangelion.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 delivers a visually stunning experience with its innovative animation techniques. Drawing from a rich well of inspiration, it pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending traditional and CG animation for a mesmerizing spectacle that sets a new standard in the genre.
Top10nerScore77.585 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Henry Selick
WRITERS: Henry Selick
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pete Kozachik
STARRING: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, John Hodgman, Ian McShane
GENRE: Puppet Animation, Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Horror, Gothic
When Coraline moves to an old house, she feels bored and neglected by her parents. She finds a hidden door with a bricked up passage. During the night, she crosses the passage and finds a parallel world where everybody has buttons instead of eyes, with caring parents and all her dreams coming true. When the Other Mother invites Coraline to stay in her world forever, the girl refuses and finds that the alternate reality where she is trapped is only a trick to lure her.
Coraline’s animation astounds with its meticulous detail and imaginative flair, transporting audiences to a mesmerizing world of whimsy and wonder. Its blend of stop-motion ingenuity and dark fantasy elements sets a new standard for visual storytelling, leaving viewers spellbound.
Top10nerScore77.602 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: David Hand
WRITERS: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill De Maris, Dorothy Ann Blank, Webb Smith
STARRING: Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne, Harry Stockwell
GENRE: Animation, Fairy Tale, Musical, Children’s, Family
A beautiful girl, Snow White, takes refuge in the forest in the house of seven dwarfs to hide from her stepmother, the wicked Queen. The Queen is jealous because she wants to be known as “the fairest in the land,” and Snow White’s beauty surpasses her own.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs revolutionized animation with its groundbreaking techniques, bringing enchanting characters to life. Its vibrant colors and intricate hand-drawn animation set the standard for generations, inspiring countless filmmakers and artists worldwide.
Top10nerScore77.949 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Sergio Pablos
WRITERS: Sergio Pablos, Jim Mahoney, Zach Lewis
STARRING: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack
GENRE: Animation, Christmas, Family, Comedy
When Jesper distinguishes himself as the Postal Academy’s worst student, he is sent to Smeerensburg, a small village located on an icy island above the Arctic Circle, where grumpy inhabitants barely exchange words, let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up and abandon his duty as a postman when he meets local teacher Alva and Klaus, a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys.
Klaus’ animation elevates the art form with its breathtaking visuals, seamlessly blending traditional and modern techniques. Its inventive approach breathes new life into the beloved Christmas tale, delivering a fresh and heartwarming experience for all ages.
Top10nerScore77.978 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Naoko Yamada
WRITERS: Reiko Yoshida
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kazuya Takao
STARRING: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki
STARRING (ENGLISH): Robbie Daymond, Lexi Cowden, Kristen Sullivan
GENRE: Melodrama, Anime
Shouya Ishida starts bullying the new girl in class, Shouko Nishimiya, because she is deaf. But as the teasing continues, the rest of the class starts to turn on Shouya for his lack of compassion. When they leave elementary school, Shouko and Shouya do not speak to each other again… until an older, wiser Shouya, tormented by his past behaviour, decides he must see Shouko once more. He wants to atone for his sins, but is it already too late…?
A Silent Voice’s animation delicately weaves emotions into every frame, its stunning visuals mirroring the intricate nuances of human connection. With a profound narrative inspired by real-life struggles, it elevates the medium, showcasing the transformative power of empathy.
Top10nerScore77.998 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Pete Docter
WRITERS: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, Mike Jones
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ian Megibben, Matt Aspbury
STARRING: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton
GENRE: Computer Animation, Low Fantasy, Family, Comedy
Joe Gardner is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly gets into an accident that separates his soul from his body and is transported to the You Seminar, a center in which souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must enlist help from the other souls-in-training, like 22, a soul who has spent eons in the You Seminar, in order to get back to Earth.
Soul’s animation dazzles with its vibrant palette and fluid movements, seamlessly blending realism with abstract concepts. Its inventive approach to depicting the metaphysical realm breathes new life into the genre, inspiring awe and contemplation alike.
Top10nerScore78.053 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Lotte Reiniger
WRITERS: Lotte Reiniger
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Carl Koch
GENRE: Silhouette Animation, Fairy Tale, Adventure, Sword and Sorcery
Based on stories from “The Arabian Nights”. A wicked sorcerer tricks Prince Achmed into riding a magical flying horse. The heroic prince is able to subdue the magical horse, which he uses to fly off to many adventures. While travelling, he falls in love with the beautiful Princess Peri Banu, and must defeat an army of demons to win her heart. The film is animated using the silhouette technique.
The Adventures of Prince Achmed revolutionized animation with its silhouette technique, inspired by ancient shadow plays. Its intricate, mesmerizing visuals transport viewers to a magical realm, showcasing the brilliance of Reiniger’s pioneering artistry.
Top10nerScore78.276 / 100
p>DIRECTOR: Sylvain Chomet
WRITERS: Sylvain Chomet
STARRING: Lina Boudreau, Jean-Claude Donda, Charles Linton, Michel Robin
GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Satire
When her grandson is kidnapped during the Tour de France, Madame Souza and her beloved pooch Bruno team up with the Belleville Sisters–an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire–to rescue him.
The Triplets of Belleville showcases unparalleled creativity in animation, seamlessly blending hand-drawn and computer-generated elements. Its quirky characters and whimsical visuals pay homage to classic French cinema, offering a refreshing and innovative cinematic experience.