There's no denying that this decade has been a golden age for feature animation. The big-hitters at Disney/Pixar still dominated the mainstream with their fair share of fantastic films, while studios like Sony Pictures Animation continued to develop and become forces to be reckoned with. However, the only thing that audiences considered is the quality of the films that are all good. In recent years, we've been treated to several gems from diverse studios and artistic visionaries around the world.
But which film is the best? We have gathered a list of 10 animated movies in each of the last 10 years according to Letterboxd users. This does not always mean that it is the best animated film of the year, but it is the one that receives the most positive reviews, is the most popular, and frequently receives positive overall reviews. Our countdown includes movies like “Turning Red” (2022), “Frozen ” (2013), "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" (2018), and more! We hope you like the list all the same.
#1 Turning Red (2022)
Source: Disney+
When it was released earlier this year, Pixar's "Turning Red" swept the globe by storm. The movie follows 13-year-old Mei Lee, who can turn into a red panda whenever she is embarrassed or feels other strong emotions. This results in some awkward situations in school and back at home. Through "Turning Red", we can learn a lot of crucial lessons about family relationships, change, and friendship in a thoughtful and emotional way. The film also has a distinct art style that wonderfully encapsulates what it was like to be a youngster in the early 2000s.
#2 Encanto (2021)
Source: Disney+
In 2021, Disney released their new hit "Encanto", which tells the story of the powerful Madrigal family. When each member of the family reaches adulthood, they are blessed with a unique gift by the titular place, from extraordinary strength to the ability to create flowers. Mirabel is the only one who discovers her lack of magical ability. With beautiful animation, catchy melodies, sympathetic characters, and an emotionally complicated story, "Encanto" quickly becomes popular over the world. The songs are all catchy and the power hymn like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" takes "Encanto" to new heights.
#3 Soul (2020)
Source: Disney+
In "Soul", we meet a middle school teacher named Joe Gardner, who begins fulfilling his dreams. He gets into an accident, which sets in motion a chain of circumstances that leads to his being enrolled in the You Seminar where new souls learn about their hobbies before being matched with a newborn on Earth. There, he meets 22, who is his key to resuming his life on Earth and making it to his gig on time. The development of his complicated friendship with 22 becomes the major theme of the film, as it is through her eyes that he comes to some important realizations about life and his purpose in the cosmos.
#4 Toy Story 4 (2019)
Source: Disney+
"Toy Story 4" continues the story arcs of characters fans know and love from the iconic franchise, one year after the heartbreaking events of "Toy Story 3." The movie depicts Woody’s misadventures after Bonnie's new toy, Forky, decides to flee. Woody is already contemplating a difficult decision that will change his life while his buddies, such as Buzz Lightyear, decide to search for them. There was a lot of doubt regarding the sequel, given the last "Toy Story" film seemed to be a perfect ending for the long-running film series. With a thought-provoking story about identity, compassion, and responsibility, "Toy Story 4" quickly became as well-known as the previous three.
#5 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Source: Apple TV
While studios try to capture, possess, and hold every superhero franchise under lock and key, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" dares to claim that every version of every legendary character is as significant and valid. The film, directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, stars Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, who inherits the Spider-Man mantle after his predecessor dies and inadvertently opens an interdimensional portal, bringing many Spider-Persons into Miles' world. "Into the Spider-Verse" made the entire film seem like a live-action 3D comic book. The style involves drama, wonderful comedy, and outstanding action. It's a film that introduces Spider-Man - and the animation medium in general - to a whole new world.
#6 Coco (2017)
Source: Disney+
Pixar has never shied away from tackling large adult themes in family films, and its Oscar-winning blockbuster about death is no exception. "Coco" follows Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), whose family has prohibited music from their life, but who is so desperate to be a singer that he journeys to the Land of the Dead to get help from his musician great-great-grandfather. The story is significantly tied to the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me,” which covers almost emotions and says about our characters.
#7 Zootopia (2016)
Source: Disney+
In "Zootopia," Disney depicts the amazing animal world through the eyes of Officer Judy Hopps, who wants nothing more than to show that she is deserving of being the first bunny to join the titular city's police department. When she is given the opportunity to do so through a difficult first case, she unwillingly teams up with con artist Nick Wilde to discover a terrible criminal plot. The film also conveys an important message about prejudice and inclusion, which is just as relevant today as it was when it was first produced.
#8 Inside Out (2015)
Source: Disney+
Whenever it looks like Hollywood has run out of ideas, Pixar always comes out with a new film that stimulates the imagination. Not merely a beacon of ingenuity, "Inside Out" is a beacon of hope for everybody who has ever felt like an outsider. Riley, an 11-years-old girl, could not be more alone when she moves across the country. Her problems may be common, but it doesn’t make them any less heavy-handed or urgent to solve. We're taken on a delightful, tear-jerking, and life-affirming trip about growing up by diving into Riley's mind, where her emotions work. While young children will enjoy the film's vivid colors and light comedy, older children and adults are likely to be moved even more by this deeply emotional triumph.
#9 Big Hero 6 (2014)
Source: Disney+
It can be said that "Big Hero 6" is the most inventive of all the Disney films released this decade. The animated Marvel film deviates from the classic Disney formula: it's not a comedy ("Zootopia", "Wreck-It Ralph",...) or a princess film ("Tangled", "Frozen", "Moana"). The film adapts one of Chris Claremont's lesser-known comic series into a thrilling action-adventure. The star of this movie is the lovable Baymax, which was originally designed to be a healthcare provider. The story gets even more hilarious when robotics prodigy Hiro begins teaching this cute robot. "Big Hero 6" isn't just a fun time; it's also a poignant exploration of grief, with a varied and diverse cast, a stunning future city, and one of the cutest robots in Disney history.
#10 Frozen (2013)
Source: Disney+
The popularity of Disney's version of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" is so overwhelming still now. The movie depicts the story of royal sisters Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel), who are torn apart when Elsa’s secret frost powers are revealed. This is a fascinating family love story that subverts traditional Disney princess clichés while reinvigorating the fairy tales for a new generation of viewers. The songs are all catchy and the power hymn "Let It Go" takes "Frozen" to new heights, propelling it into immediate classic status. "Frozen," like "The Lion King," smashed box office records, won two Academy Awards, and continues to entice audiences years later. The film has become a childhood part of the current generation.