31 Best Animated Movies Of All The Time You Shouldn’t Miss

For many years, animated movies have been capturing audiences’ hearts and minds. With their breathtaking visuals, compelling plots, and endearing characters, animated movies have captivated and amused viewers of all ages, from classic Disney movies to the latest Pixar productions. The best animated movies of all time are binge-watch-worthy.

Animated movies have changed over time from straightforward hand-drawn cartoons to computer-generated masterpieces that redefine the limits of animation. Along the way, they have addressed a wide range of topics and problems, ranging from the fight for identity and belonging to the struggle against injustice and oppression.

The best animated movies are masterpieces that capture audiences’ attention even decades after their initial release. They have a special way of combining humor, drama, and passion that can make us laugh, cry, or even want to change for the better.

Seeing a brilliantly made animated movie has a special quality that can take you to another world and fill you with wonder and awe, whether you’re a child or an adult.

So, here are some of the best animated movies that you can watch anytime:

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

This film depicts the story of Snow White, a beautiful princess who is forced to leave her castle after being targeted by her vile stepmother, the Queen. She seeks refuge in the forest and makes friends with the seven dwarfs.

Then, she sets out on a journey to take her kingdom back with the help of their new friends. This movie was groundbreaking at the time of its release and the best to date. It is among the top 10 best animated movies of all time.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Watch on: YouTube

2. Pinocchio (1940)

Based on the Italian novel “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi, the movie tells the story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. With the help of a magical fairy, Pinocchio is brought to life. It is his journey to prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish if he wants to become a real boy. It is one of the great animated movies of all time.

IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

3. Spirited Away (2001)

It is one of the best animated movies for adults as well as children. The movie tells the story of a girl named Chihiro who gets lost in a magical world of spirits and demons. With the help of a mysterious boy named Haku, Chihiro sets out to find a way back to the human world and save her parents, who were turned into pigs by a powerful witch. Because of its stunning visuals, imaginative storytelling, and complex characters, it is appealing to both children and adults.

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Watch on: Netflix

4. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

It tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Maleficent to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die on her 16th birthday. Her parents had Aurora raised in secret by the three fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather to protect their daughter.

Despite their attempts, Maleficent’s curse eventually comes true, and Aurora slips into a deep sleep that can only be broken by the kiss of true love. This movie cemented its place as one of Disney best animated movies of all time.

IMDb rating: 7.2/10

Watch on: YouTube

5. Beauty and The Beast (1991)

One of the best Disney animated movies, it is based on the French fairy tale and tells the story of Belle, a young woman who becomes a prisoner in the enchanted castle of a beast in exchange for her father’s freedom.

Over time, the girl realizes that the Beast is a kind-hearted prince who a wicked witch cursed. Her love frees him of his spell and reveals his true identity. It conveys the message of the power of love and the importance of looking beyond appearances.

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

6. Aladdin (1992)

In the movie, Aladdin, a young street kid, falls in love with Princess Jasmine and gets involved in a conflict with the wicked sorcerer Jafar. With the help of a magical genie, who grants him three wishes, Aladdin embarks on a mission to foil Jafar’s evil schemes and save Jasmine and the realm of Agrabah. This movie gives valuable lessons about friendship, honesty, and the importance of being true to oneself.

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Watch on: YouTube, AppleTV

7. Finding Nemo (2003)

The movie tells the story of a clownfish named Marlin who sets out to save his son Nemo, who is captured by a scuba diver. Marlin sets off on a risky journey across the ocean with the help of a forgetful but kind-hearted blue tang named Dory. Along the way, he encounters a variety of colorful and fascinating characters, including a bunch of vegetarian sharks and a pelican with a deformed beak. It is among the best new animated movies.

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar, AppleTV

8. Bambi (1942)

It is based on the book “Bambi, A Life in the Woods” by Felix Salten. The movie tells the story of a young deer named Bambi as he grows up in the forest, learns about life and death, and ultimately becomes the Great Prince of the Forest. Bambi has been re-released multiple times over the years and has inspired numerous adaptations and spinoffs, including a sequel, Bambi II, in 2006. It is one of the best animated movies with cute animation.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

9. Shrek (2001)

The plot of the movie focuses on the ogre Shrek, who reluctantly sets out on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower guarded by a dragon. Along the trip, Shrek and a chatty donkey named Donkey meet a variety of fairy tale characters who have been banished to Shrek’s swamp by the evil Lord Farquaad. It conveys the message of acceptance and self-love, making it a timeless classic of animated cinema.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Watch on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

10. The Lion King (1994)

The movie tells the story of Simba, a young lion who must learn to accept his destiny as the rightful king of the Pride Lands and defeat his uncle Scar, who has taken over the throne. It also includes memorable songs, such as “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” composed by Elton John and Tim Rice. This movie is a beloved classic and one of the best animated movies of all time.

IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

11. Toy Story (1995)

This movie revolves around a group of toys that come to life when their owner, a young boy named Andy, is not around. The movie follows the adventures of Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger. It is groundbreaking because of the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and became the first feature-length film created entirely with CGI.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Watch on: AppleTV

12. Up (2009)

The movie tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, who embarks on an adventure to fulfill his lifelong dream of traveling to South America by flying his house using thousands of helium balloons. Along the way, Carl is joined by a young boy named Russell, who inadvertently becomes a stowaway on his flying house. The two form an unlikely friendship and encounter a variety of obstacles and challenges on their journey. It is one of the best new animated movies you can watch.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

13. The Incredibles (2004)

It depicts the story of a family of superheroes, the Parrs, who are forced to live in secret after superheroes are outlawed. The family consists of Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and their children Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack. When Mr. Incredible is offered the chance to use his powers again, he finds himself involved with a villain named Syndrome. The family must come together to save the world and restore the public’s faith in superheroes.

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

14. Wall-E (2008)

It was set up in a future Earth that is uninhabitable due to human waste and pollution. The remaining population has evacuated to a space station called the Axiom. Wall-E is a trash-compacting robot left behind on Earth to clean up the mess. One day, it discovers a small plant and falls in love with a modern robot named EVE who is sent to find the signs of life. The two robots are set on an adventure to save the future of the human race.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar, YouTube

15. Little Mermaid (1989)

It tells the story of a mermaid named Ariel, who dreams of living on land and falls in love with a human prince named Eric. For this, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

Along the way, she befriends many characters and overcomes all the obstacles to be with the one she loves. Its memorable characters, timeless music, and charming story continue to captivate and inspire audiences to this day.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

16. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones and tells the story of a young woman named Sophie who is transformed into an old woman by a witch. Sophie seeks out the help of the wizard Howl, who lives in a fantastical moving castle.

Along the way, she befriends many characters, including a fire demon named Calcifer and a young apprentice named Markl. The movie is praised for its stunning animation, imaginative world-building, and engaging characters.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

17. Ratatouille (2007)

The movie tells the story of a young rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a renowned chef in Paris, even though rats are typically seen as pests in the culinary world. Remy befriends a young human chef named Linguini, and together they work to create culinary masterpieces while hiding Remy’s true identity.

It is an imaginative setting, memorable characters, and a heartwarming story that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world. It is no doubt one of the best animated movies 2023 to watch.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

18. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

It depicts the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovering Christmas Town, where he becomes enamored with cheer and joy. Jack decides to take over Christmas and brings his ghoulish friends along for the ride, leading to chaos and confusion as they try to bring their own macabre spin to the holiday. Along the way, Jack meets Sally, a ragdoll with a crush on him, who tries to convince him to return to his holiday.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

19. Princess Mononoke (1997)

The movie is set in Japan’s Muromachi period and follows a young prince named Ashitaka, who becomes cursed after he saves his village from a rampaging boar god. To lift the curse, he must travel to the forest and meet Princess Mononoke, a human raised by wolves who are fighting against the humans who are destroying the forest and its inhabitants.

This movie has been significant in inspiring numerous works and influencing the art form for years to come. It is among the best animated movies on Netflix.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Watch on: Netflix

20. Coco (2017)

The movie is set on the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It tells the story of Miguel Rivera, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. However, music has been banned in his family for generations because of an ancestral curse, and Miguel sets out to find a way to pursue his passion and unlock the secrets of his family’s past.

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

21. Zootopia (2016)

The film is set in a world where animals have evolved to form societies resembling human civilization, and it follows Judy Hopps, a rookie rabbit police officer who teams up with a cunning fox named Nick Wilde to solve a missing mammal case. This movie tackles themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the dangers of stereotyping as Judy and Nick navigate the complex web of social hierarchies and power dynamics in the animal city of Zootopia.

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

22. Cinderella (1950)

It tells the story of a young girl named Cinderella who lives a life of servitude to her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Despite her hardships, Cinderella maintains her kindness and dreams of attending the royal ball one day and meeting the prince. This timeless story of love and perseverance has captured the hearts of generations of viewers.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar

23. Moana (2016)

The movie tells the story of a young Polynesian girl named Moana who sets out on a journey across the ocean to save her people and discover her own identity. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui, who helps her navigate the treacherous waters and battle mythical creatures.

It has been widely praised for its stunning animation, vibrant music, and strong message of empowerment and self-discovery. Moana is one of the best Disney animated movies.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Watch on: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+Hotstar

24. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

It tells the story of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother, who is in the hospital. While exploring their new surroundings, the girls encounter a mysterious forest spirit named Totoro, who becomes their friend and protector. Its message of friendship, family, and the wonder of the natural world continues to enchant new generations of fans.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Watch on: Prime Video, Netflix

25. Frozen (2013)

Disney’s Frozen depicts the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, living in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has magical powers that allow her to create snow and ice, but after accidentally injuring Anna, she becomes afraid of hurting anyone else and isolates herself from the world.

When Elsa accidentally plunges Arendelle into an eternal winter, Anna sets out to find her sister and save the kingdom. Frozen has become one of the best animated movies for adults too.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Watch on: Prime Video, Netflix

26. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

The movie tells the story of Po, a clumsy and overweight panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When he is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior to defeat the evil Tai Lung, Po must train with the Furious Five, a group of skilled warriors, and their teacher, Master Shifu, to become the hero he always wanted to be. It is one of the most popular animated films of all time among people of all ages.

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Watch on: Prime Video, Netflix

27. The Iron Giant (1999)

It was set up in the Cold War era in 1957 and follows a young boy named Hogarth Hughes, who discovers a giant alien robot that has crash-landed on Earth. As Hogarth tries to hide the robot from the government, he forms a bond with the giant, who has a peaceful nature but is feared by the military.

Its powerful message about the consequences of fear and the importance of empathy and understanding continues to resonate with audiences today.

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Watch on: Prime Video, AppleTV

28. Dumbo (1941)

The movie tells the story of a young elephant named Dumbo, who is ridiculed by the other circus animals for his oversized ears. Despite being bullied, Dumbo discovers that his large ears allow him to fly, and he becomes a sensation, bringing joy to audiences and eventually earning the respect of his peers. The movie’s legacy as a classic of animation has cemented its place on the list of best animated movies.

IMDb rating: 6.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar, AppleTV

29. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

The movie is based on the book of the same name by Roald Dahl and follows the story of Mr. Fox, a charismatic and cunning fox who, despite his best efforts to go straight, cannot resist his animal instincts to steal from three wealthy farmers. This movie has resonated with audiences of all ages, making it one of the classic animated movies.

IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Watch on: Prime Video, AppleTV

30. Toy Story 3 (2010)

It is the third installment of the Toy Story franchise and follows the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their toy friends as they face the challenges of being left behind by their owner, Andy, who is preparing to leave for college. The movie explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up as the boys struggle to come to terms with their uncertain future.

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar, AppleTV

31. Alice in Wonderland (1951)

The movie is based on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel of the same name and follows the story of Alice, a curious young girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a strange and fantastical world filled with peculiar characters and nonsensical situations.

The movie’s themes of imagination, self-discovery and the power of curiosity make it one of the best animated movies of all time.

IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Watch on: Disney+Hotstar, AppleTV