Animated movies offer boundless creativity, taking viewers on extraordinary journeys to imaginative worlds. They break the rules of live-action filmmaking, delivering stories with unique artistic styles that appeal to both kids and adults. If you’re looking for family-friendly films that are perfect for movie night, animated films are often the go-to choice. From lighthearted stories to more meaningful ones, these films provide entertainment for all ages. Here are 30 of the best animated movies that have made an impact over the years.
A sequel to the 2015 hit, Inside Out 2 continues following Riley as she navigates her teenage years. New emotions appear, causing further chaos and exploration of her inner world.
A heartwarming family tale about a group of ducks traveling from New England to Jamaica. However, the overprotective father struggles with the idea of leaving their safe nest, making it a story of overcoming fears and embracing new experiences.
In this Pixar film, the four elements—fire, water, air, and earth—are personified, telling a touching story of opposites attracting as fire and water come together in ways no one thought possible.
Mario and Luigi get their own animated adventure. This origin story of how the brothers found themselves in a fantastical world alongside Princess Peach and Toad is action-packed, pitting them against the evil Bowser.
Based on a Japanese novel, this film tells the story of a boy who stumbles upon a magical realm guided by a talking heron. It became a massive hit and claimed the 2024 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
A group of “bad” animals—wolves, sharks, and snakes—try to reform, only to face prejudice and misconceptions. Their journey to walk the straight and narrow shows how we can change how others see us.
Directed by Moana’s Chris Williams, this adventure follows a young orphan and a famous monster hunter who team up on the high seas. The film challenges their understanding of the world and shows that things aren’t always as they seem.
A relatable story of teenage rebellion, Turning Red follows Mei Ling, who transforms into a giant red panda when she experiences strong emotions. It’s a fun, heartwarming look at the push-and-pull of parental expectations.
In this darker stop-motion film by Henry Selick and Jordan Peele, two demons convince a girl to help them return to the land of the living. It offers a blend of humor and spookiness, perfect for older kids and teens.
This colorful Disney film features Mirabel, the only member of her family without magical powers. She embarks on a journey to save her family’s magic, and audiences get treated to the unforgettable song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
When technology goes awry, the Mitchell family must come together to stop a robot uprising. Filled with humor, heart, and an underlying message about over-reliance on tech, it’s a fun film for the whole family.
This Irish film explores folklore, telling the story of a young girl who befriends a mystical wolf-girl. The hand-drawn animation and magical story will captivate audiences of all ages.
This innovative superhero movie introduces multiple Spider-People from different universes, offering visually stunning animation that redefines the genre. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Pixar’s Coco is a touching exploration of family, memory, and the afterlife, following young Miguel as he journeys into the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s history.
A stop-motion fable about a boy who must battle evil spirits with the help of his magical instrument, Kubo is a visually striking film that feels like a living folktale.
This Disney film tells the story of Moana, a young girl who embarks on a hero’s journey across the ocean. The catchy songs, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and beautiful animation make it unforgettable.
A group of animals competes in a singing competition to save a theater. With great musical numbers and heartwarming moments, Sing is a joy for music lovers.
A Japanese film about two teenagers who mysteriously switch bodies in their dreams, Your Name became an international hit for its beautiful animation and emotional storytelling.
In the bustling animal metropolis of Zootopia, a bunny cop teams up with a sly fox to solve a mystery. Along the way, the film tackles themes of prejudice and stereotyping in a thoughtful yet fun way.
Adapted from the beloved French novella, The Little Prince uses both stop-motion and computer animation to tell a quiet, touching story about love, loss, and imagination.
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang make their leap into CGI in this sweet, nostalgic film that stays true to the spirit of the original animated specials.
A mostly wordless film, Shaun the Sheep follows the title character and his flock on a big-city adventure to rescue their farmer. With its visual humor and gentle story, it’s perfect for younger kids.
In this quirky stop-motion film, a boy raised by trolls must navigate human society. The Boxtrolls is full of heart and an underlying message about acceptance.
Disney’s Frozen became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its hit song “Let It Go.” The story of sisterhood and self-acceptance makes it a modern classic.
This stunning film is about a young Viking who befriends a dragon, challenging his tribe’s tradition of hunting the creatures. The flying sequences are breathtaking.