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Best Animated Movies of All Time

Best Animated Movies of All Time

Animated movies are among the top grossing Hollywood films today. As seen with the animated “The Addams Family” movie set to be released in theaters Friday, Oct. 11, these films attract some of today’s top industry talent. “The Addams Family,” in particular, features voice acting from Allison Janney, Charlize Theron, and Bette Midler, among others.

In recent years, movies such as “Frozen,” “Toy Story 3,” and “Finding Dory” have grossed over $400 million at the domestic box office, becoming some of the most successful movies of all time. These are the top 100 grossing movies of all time. Though many animated films are primarily aimed at children, studios ensure that they are easily enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Because ticket sales do not always indicate the overall quality of a film, 24/7 Tempo used online audience and critic ratings from Internet Movie Database (IMDb) and Rotten Tomatoes to determine the best animated movies of all time.

Animation has a long history with many exceptional movies released over the years. Already in 1937 Walt Disney Productions released its iconic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which remains one of the most beloved animated films to this day. Disney has been a major force behind animated features ever since, though the studio does not strictly limit itself to animation. These are the best Disney movies of all time.

Beginning with the release of “Toy Story” in 1995, computer animation has grown in popularity and accounts for most animated films released today. In addition to Toy Story, popular computer-animated franchises include The Incredibles and How to Train Your Dragon.

Many of the best animated movies don’t do quite as well financially yet find great acclaim among audiences and critics. Many of these films also come from overseas, especially Japan, which has a robust animation industry.

To determine the best animated films of all time, 24/7 Tempo created an index based on each film’s Rotten Tomatoes average critic rating, Rotten Tomatoes average audience rating, and the Internet Movie Database average user rating. To be considered, each film needed to have at least 10,000 total user votes between IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes as well as 10 approved Tomatometer critic reviews.

We averaged the user ratings from Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, weighted by the number of votes for each. The combined user rating was then averaged with the Rotten Tomatoes critic rating.

Source: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

40. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
> Directed by: Dean DeBlois
> Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
> Runtime: 102 min.

In the sequel to the highly successful original produced by Dreamworks, Hiccup the viking and his friend Toothless the dragon find a cave with wild dragons and prepare for battle. The second of the Dragon trilogy scored 92% among critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and 89% of moviegoers liked the film.

Source: Courtesy of Eleven Arts

39. Millennium Actress (2001)
> Directed by: Satoshi Kon
> Starring: Miyoko Shôji, Shôzô Îzuka, Mami Koyama
> Runtime: 87 min.

“Millennium Actress” is the story of a TV crew sent to interview an aging actress. The crew gives the actress a key, which triggers memories of her life and career. As the different memories intertwine, the movie also chronicles much of Japan’s history. The fantasy movie earned a 93% Freshness rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and 90% of audiences liked it.

Source: GiorgioMorara / Getty Images

38. Incredibles 2 (2018)
> Directed by: Brad Bird
> Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell
> Runtime: 118 min.

Director Brad Bird was up to the challenge of making a worthy sequel to 2004’s “The Incredibles.” Time magazine called this sequel “rapturously entertaining.” It has earned a 94% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed more than $608 million at the domestic box office.

Source: Courtesy of GKIDS

37. The Breadwinner (2017)
> Directed by: Nora Twomey
> Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Noorin Gulamgaus
> Runtime: 94 min.

The Oscar-nominated film tells the story of a young Afghan girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family after the Taliban capture her father and tries to find him. Angelina Jolie was the executive producer of the movie, which is based on a best-selling novel by Deborah Ellis. The movie was directed by Nora Twomey, who also co-directed the Academy Award-nominated fantasy animated motion picture “The Secret of Kells.”

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

36. Finding Nemo (2003)
> Directed by: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
> Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
> Runtime: 100 min.

“Finding Nemo” won over critics with a 99% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its engaging story about a clownfish named Marlin who is separated from his son Nemo in the Great Barrier Reef. Marlin then goes on a perilous quest to find and get Nemo back. The film has grossed almost $381 million.

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

35. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
> Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
> Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma
> Runtime: 103 min.

This charming tale directed by renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki is about a young witch who sets out on an apprenticeship as she learns the tricks of her trade, including how to master a flying broom. The film scored 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb from more than 101,000 voters.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

34. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
> Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
> Starring: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy
> Runtime: 104 min.

Robert Zemeckis’ sly animated take on the noir genre mixes animation and live action. The story is about a rabbit wrongly accused of murder trying to prove his innocence. The comedy delighted critics, who gave it a 97% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Dave Kehr of the Chicago Tribune said the film was “more than a technological wonder, ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ is brilliantly funny, bracingly smart and surprisingly moving.”

Source: Courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures

33. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
> Directed by: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson
> Starring: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne
> Runtime: 83 min.

Walt Disney invested the then-unheard of sum of $1.5 million and took three years to bring the Grimm’s fairy tale to the big screen. To this day, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” remains the standard for animated films. The film has a 98% Freshness rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes. One of the many glowing assessments came from The New Republic’s Otis Ferguson, who said, “To say of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ that it is among the genuine artistic achievements of this country takes no great daring.”

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

32. The Lego Movie (2014)
> Directed by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
> Starring: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks
> Runtime: 100 min.

In “The Lego Movie,” filmed in 3D, a construction worker, believed to be the long-awaited “special,” is tasked with helping to thwart a tyrant who threatens to glue together the Lego universe. Critics lauded the film’s wit and the stop-motion animation technology that brings realism to the characters.

Source: Courtesy of GKIDS

31. My Life as a Zucchini (2016)
> Directed by: Claude Barras
> Starring: Gaspard Schlatter, Sixtine Murat, Paulin Jaccoud
> Runtime: 70 min.

The animated comedy/drama “My Life as a Zucchini” is about a 9-year-old boy nicknamed Zucchini whose mother dies and he has to go to live in a foster home. The Oscar-nominated story from director Claude Barras is about trust, friendship, and the quest for finding true love, combining laughter and heartbreak. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 98% Freshness rating.

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

30. The Little Mermaid (1989)
> Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
> Starring: Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois
> Runtime: 83 min.

“The Little Mermaid” ushered in an exceptionally successful period for animated Disney blockbusters, paving the way for films such as “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), “Aladdin” (1992), and “The Lion King” (1994). The movie won two Academy Awards for its music, including Best Original Song for “Under the Sea.”

Source: Courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures

29. Pinocchio (1940)
> Directed by: Norman Ferguson, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson
> Starring: Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc
> Runtime: 88 min.

Based on a story by 19th century Italian author Carlo Collodi, “Pinocchio” “arguably represents the pinnacle of Disney’s collected works,” according to Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus. Despite only being Disney’s second feature-length animated movie, it has thrilled audiences for nearly 80 years. “Pinocchio” won two Academy Awards for music following its release.

Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

28. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
> Directed by: Sylvain Chomet
> Starring: Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin
> Runtime: 78 min.

Directed by French filmmaker Sylvain Chomet, “The Triplets of Belleville” tells the story of a talented young cyclist who is kidnapped and taken from the French countryside to the big city. The imaginative and unique feature was nominated for two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature.

Source: Courtesy of GKIDS

27. Ernest & Celestine (2012)
> Directed by: Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Benjamin Renner
> Starring: Forest Whitaker, Lambert Wilson, Pauline Brunner
> Runtime: 80 min.

“Ernest & Celestine” chronicles the friendship of a bear and a young mouse. The hand-drawn film won the French César Award for Best Animated Film in 2013 — essentially the country’s version of the Oscars.

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

26. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
> Directed by: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
> Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
> Runtime: 98 min.

Originally released in 3D and in IMAX, “How to Train Your Dragon” is visually thrilling. The movie about a young viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon he dubs Toothless has spawned two sequels as well as multiple television series, though the original remains the most highly regarded among critics and audiences.

Source: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

25. Isle of Dogs (2018)
> Directed by: Wes Anderson
> Starring: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton
> Runtime: 101 min.

“Isle of Dogs” is filmmaker Wes Anderson’s second animated directorial effort following 2009’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” The movie utilizes highly detailed stop-motion animation, which helped garner it an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. Its star-studded cast features Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, and Tilda Swinton.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Distribution Company

24. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
> Directed by: John Lounsbery, Wolfgang Reitherman
> Starring: Sebastian Cabot, Junius Matthews, Barbara Luddy
> Runtime: 74 min.

“The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” is a collection of three animated shorts by Disney, including the Academy Award-winning “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.” The movie has a 100% Freshness rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, who praise its adherence to A.A. Milne’s original stories.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

23. Aladdin (1992)
> Directed by: Ron Clements, John Musker
> Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
> Runtime: 90 min.

“Aladdin” was the top grossing film in 1992. It’s notable for its music — which won it two Oscars — as well as its memorable characters, including Genie, played by Robin Williams. A live action remake of the movie was released in 2019.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

22. Ratatouille (2007)
> Directed by: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
> Starring: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt
> Runtime: 111 min.

Pixar again demonstrated its talent for producing dazzling animation with 2007’s “Ratatouille.” The movie, about a rat named Remy with culinary aspirations, is well written and witty. It took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

21. The Iron Giant (1999)
> Directed by: Brad Bird
> Starring: Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston
> Runtime: 86 min.

“The Iron Giant” is the directorial feature debut from Brad Bird, who would go on to direct both the Incredibles movies and “Ratatouille.” The movie — about a giant metal robot that befriends a boy in 1950s Maine — is described by critics as tender, exciting, and beautiful.

Source: Courtesy of Toei Company

20. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
> Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
> Starring: Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda
> Runtime: 117 min.

“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” is an early directorial effort from Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, who is also responsible for the movies “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) and “Spirited Away” (2001) among others. The film follows Princess Nausicaä as she attempts to pacify warring nations in a futuristic world. Though first released in the U.S. in 1985, it did not receive an English dub until 2005.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

19. The Lion King (1994)
> Directed by: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
> Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
> Runtime: 88 min.

“The Lion King” was a tremendous hit for Disney, ultimately becoming the second highest grossing movie of 1994 behind only “Forrest Gump.” The film, about a young lion named Simba, has become a family classic thanks to its moving storyline and exceptional music, for which it won two Oscars.

Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

18. Persepolis (2007)
> Directed by: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi
> Starring: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands
> Runtime: 96 min.

“Persepolis” is a biographical film based on a comic by Marjane Satrapi about a rebellious girl growing up during the Iranian Revolution. The film is popular among both critics and viewers, with 96% and 92% positive ratings, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Productions

17. Fantasia (1940)
> Directed by: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr
> Starring: Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, Corey Burton
> Runtime: 125 min.

Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” combines animation and classical musical, creating an unforgettable experience. The movie has been released multiple times since 1940 and has been warmly embraced by numerous generations.

Source: Courtesy of Focus Features

16. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
> Directed by: Travis Knight
> Starring: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey
> Runtime: 101 min.

Young Kubo must find the magical suit of armor owned by his late samurai father in order to defeat gods and monsters in “Kubo and the Two Strings.” The movie marries beautiful animation with an action-packed, and somewhat melancholy, plot. Voice talents include Charlize Theron and Ralph Fiennes.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

15. Zootopia (2016)
> Directed by: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
> Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba
> Runtime: 108 min.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia” presents a world populated by animals of all types. Rookie police officer Judy Hopps, a bunny, must team up with a swindler fox to solve a major mystery. The flick won Best Animated Feature Film at the Oscars in 2017.

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

14. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
> Directed by: Henry Selick
> Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
> Runtime: 76 min.

The stop-motion animation used in “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” with characters realized by Tim Burton, gives this picture a singular quality among Disney’s many animated films. With a playfully macabre twist on the animated feature, the company was concerned this movie would be too dark for children and elected to release it under the Touchstone imprint. The company’s worries were unfounded. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a Freshness rating of 95%, and it got an audience score of 91%. Chris Sarandon provides the speaking voice for lead character Jack Skellington, while Danny Elfman handles his singing voice.

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

13. Toy Story 2 (1999)
> Directed by: John Lasseter, Ash Brannon, Lee Unkrich
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
> Runtime: 92 min.

“Toy Story 2” is the sequel to Pixar’s groundbreaking animated story about a gaggle of resourceful toys built on the original’s success. Like the first film, this one has a 100% Freshness rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: Courtesy of IFC Films

12. Mary and Max (2009)
> Directed by: Adam Elliot
> Starring: Toni Collette, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Eric Bana
> Runtime: 92 min.

Australian import “Mary and Max” tells the story of lonely penpals corresponding across two continents over 20 years. Critics lauded the film’s inventive claymation and emotional appeal and gave it a 95% Freshness rating, and 92% of audiences like the film. Cath Clarke of Time Out called the quirky film “a moving celebration of oddness and friendship.”

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

11. Toy Story (1995)
> Directed by: John Lasseter
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
> Runtime: 81 min.

“Toy Story” was a groundbreaking achievement in computer animation and introduced Buzz Light Year’s now-famous quote “To infinity and beyond!” Yet the film almost didn’t get made. In an earlier version of the picture, Tom Hanks’s Woody was less likable, and Disney execs were ready to pull the plug on Pixar’s dream of releasing the first fully-CGI animated feature ever. With a reworked script and a kinder version of Woody, the film outpaced Disney and Pixar’s box office expectations and has grossed more than $395 million, adjusted for inflation. “Toy Story” holds a 100% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: Courtesy of GKIDS

10. Song of the Sea (2014)
> Directed by: Tomm Moore
> Starring: David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Lisa Hannigan
> Runtime: 93 min.

Director Tomm Moore’s “Song of the Sea” is rich in Irish mysticism. It tells the story of an Irish boy and his sister — who can turn into a seal — who try and save the spirit world. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film in 2015. Though not a box office hit, critics gave the film a 99% Freshness rating, and 92% of audiences liked the movie.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

9. Toy Story 4 (2019)
> Directed by: Josh Cooley
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts
> Runtime: 100 min.

The most recent, and possibly last, Toy Story movie is the second most successful film in the franchise, grossing more than $433 million, adjusted for inflation. In “Toy Story 4,” Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the other toys go on a roadtrip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky and discover how big the world is. Critics and audiences responded enthusiastically to the fourth installment of the series, giving it a rating of 97% and 94%, respectively.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

8. Up (2009)
> Directed by: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
> Starring: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger
> Runtime: 96 min.

In “Up,” veteran actor Ed Asner, who audiences know from the television series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Lou Grant,” lends his voice to Carl Fredricksen, an aging balloon salesman who dreams of traveling to faraway lands. Jordan Nagai stars in the sweetly melancholy story opposite Asner in the role of Russell, a young explorer who joins Fredricksen’s adventure. The film holds a 98% Freshness rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

7. WALL·E (2008)
> Directed by: Andrew Stanton
> Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
> Runtime: 98 min.

“WALL·E” was an instant success for Disney and Pixar, piling up over $63 million in its first weekend of its release — it was the No.1 film that weekend. The film follows a lonely trash-cleaning robot on a desolate, future Planet Earth as he falls in love with a visiting robot named EVE. The picture won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2009. It also resonated with critics, who gave it a 95% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Paul Byrnes of the Sydney Morning Herald gushed: “If anyone doubted that Pixar is the most creative outfit in modern motion pictures, this movie should convince them. It is a genuine masterpiece.”

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

6. Coco (2017)
> Directed by: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
> Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt
> Runtime: 105 min.

Hollywood newcomer Anthony Gonzalez voices the lead character Miguel in Disney and Pixar’s 2017 feature “Coco.” Against his family’s wishes, Miguel dreams of becoming a musician and ventures into the world of the dead to meet a musical ancestor, and in the process he uncovers the truth about his family history. The visually stunning movie set in Mexico was a hit among critics, 97% of whom gave it a positive review on Rotten Tomatoes and 94% of audiences liked “Coco.”

Source: Courtesy of Cinemad Presents

5. It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012)
> Directed by: Don Hertzfeldt
> Starring: N/A
> Runtime: 62 min.

This collection of three shorts from Academy Award-nominated director Don Hertzfeldt runs just over an hour in length. Described by Rotten Tomatoes’ Critics Consensus as “an impossibly dense and affecting piece of animated art,” the film follows stick-figure protagonist Bill as his mental state degenerates. It currently has a 100% Freshness rating.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

4. Toy Story 3 (2010)
> Directed by: Lee Unkrich
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
> Runtime: 103 min.

“Toy Story 3” is the most financially successful of the series, grossing more than $480 million at the domestic box office after adjusting for inflation. It was also the top-grossing movie in 2010. Like previous Toy Story entries, “Toy Story 3” features the winning team of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen delivering laughs, adventure, and sentiment that Pixar has come to be known for.

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

3. Inside Out (2015)
> Directed by: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
> Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
> Runtime: 95 min.

Pixar’s “Inside Out” — about a young girl whose emotions, including Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, are manifested as characters — is extremely popular among critics, earning a 98% Freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie benefits from comedic voice actors such as Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, and Mindy Kaling, and it won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film in 2016.

Source: Courtesy of Fathom Events

2. Spirited Away (2001)
> Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
> Starring: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino
> Runtime: 125 min.

“Spirited Away” is about a young girl who finds herself transported to a strange world filled with demons, spirits, and malevolent gods. It is the eighth feature film directed by Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and won the director his sole Academy Award, for Best Animated Feature, in 2003. The movie was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures in the U.S. at the urging of Pixar’s chief creative officer, John Lasseter.

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
> Directed by: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
> Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld
> Runtime: 117 min.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” released only last year, has received nearly unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike. The Oscar-winning movie has a 97% positive rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, a 93% rating from viewers, and an exceptional 8.4 out of 10 on IMDb. The movie stands above its peers — in animation and the increasingly crowded genre of superhero movies — thanks to its innovative visual style and captivating characters.

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