My Favourite Animated Films of All-Time

Not many genres have earned the appreciation of animation. Since the 1990’s, the animated genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s stories of talking toys, emotional teenagers or lion kings, the genre has produced several strong movies. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best animated movies that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Inside Out

Emotions have shaped my personality. At an early age, I was affected by emotions that caused my life to face damage. Several years ago, I felt upset when my family made the drastic decision to immigrate to Toronto. The depressing news that my family was moving countries caused me to face mental health issues. Facing emotions of sadness, I found no joy in the prospect of immigration that caused loneliness. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how change causes emotions of teenagers to be turned inside out as powerfully as “Inside Out”. Ever since its release in 2015, Pete Docter’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest animated film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Docter used innovative animated techniques to capture a teenage girl facing despair. Docter is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for making compelling animated movies, and “Inside Out” showcased his strengths as a director. Through stunning animation, Docter captured the hardships that teenage girls go through. For instance, the scene in which Riley experiences sadness when her family moves to San Francisco causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the animated genre. Ultimately, what makes “Inside Out” my favourite animated film of all-time is its message. Unlike most movies in the animated genre, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about the role emotions play shaping lives of teens that would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary glimpse inside minds of teenagers whose emotions are turned inside out, it’s a joyous reminder of a commemorated genre that has achieved success without a doubt producing unforgettable movies that deserve to be talked about.

2. Toy Story

Stories about toys have shaped my identity. As far back as I remember, I’ve enjoyed playing with toys. I recall joy I felt visiting stores to buy a toy when I was a boy. When the day came to throw away toys with which I loved to play, I was so heartbroken I ran out of words to say. As someone treasuring fond memories of toys that shaped my identity, I loved “Toy Story”. Released in 1995, Pixar’s first animated film has stood the test of time as one of the best movies in the genre. John Lasseter has always had an aptitude for making stunning animation, and “Toy Story” showcased his strengths as a director. Lasseter used stunning animation to bring to life colourful toys with strong emotion. For instance, the scene in which Woody first meets Buzz Lightyear who becomes Andy’s favourite toy causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the animated genre. Ultimately, what makes “Toy Story” an animated classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of toys that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Woody’s desire to be Andy’s favourite toy, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has given children feelings of joy by manufacturing timeless films audiences enjoy.

3. The Lion King

“The Lion King” is a legendary animated film that my cousin has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a cousin that loved an animated film about lions with courage. He grew up to adore a classic animated film about lions with a loud roar. I would look forward to watching a film about lions every day with a cousin that shaped my life in a huge way. Nearly 30 years after its release, “The Lion King” remains one of the best animated movies ever made. Rob Minkoff is one of those filmmakers that always had an aptitude for making animation, and his strengths are evident in “The Lion King”. Minkoff used stunning animation to capture colourful lions facing effects of fatherhood causing tension. For instance, the scene in which Mufasa dies causing Simba trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by James Earl Jones, who created a commemorated animated character. Ultimately, what makes “The Lion King” a masterpiece is its bravery. It’s one of those rare animated movies that isn’t afraid to tackle serious issues such as death. As strong as Simba’s desire to overcome his trauma, it’s a bold reminder about a genre attracting audiences to the Cinema.

4. Up

It’s always challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family grieved the loss of a beloved uncle causing sorrow. A tragedy, it impacted my grandfather deeply. Adopting a cynical attitude, he couldn’t cope with death ruining his mood. Few films I’ve seen have captured death that turns the lives of seniors upside down as powerfully as “Up”. Released in 2009, Pete Docter’s moving masterpiece captured an aging senior mourning his wife’s passing. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Up” stand out is its maturity. Docter used stunning animation to capture mature themes of loss in a way that is palatable for young children. For instance, the opening scene in which Carl and Ellie’s marriage is shown before her death causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the animated genre. Ultimately, what makes “Up” an uplifting animated classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about loss rarely seen in animated films that would resonate with everyone. As precious as Carl’s house floating up in the air, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about which audiences care.

5. Soul

Everyone experiences an existential crisis in their lives. Several years ago, my life hit a devastating low when I struggled finding a job causing sorrow. After graduating from university, I struggled to find stable employment leaving me emotionally affected. Facing a dilemma that was frightening, I questioned whether I had purpose for living. As someone affected by existential crisis causing my life to spiral out of control, I adored “Soul”. Released in 2020, Pixar’s most thoughtful movie captured a jazz musician facing an existential crisis. Pixar is a company that has always excelled at making movies about complicated subjects targeted for children, and “Soul” showcased the studio at its best. For instance, the scene in which Joe experiences existential crisis ending up in a world of souls causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the animated genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible vocal performance by Jamie Foxx, capturing a pianist experiencing an existential crisis. Ultimately, what makes “Soul” an animated masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of following one’s life purpose which would resonate with everyone. A soul-stirring achievement, it’s a breathtaking reminder of the strong role that animated movies play motivating children with aimless lives to achieve a goal.

6. Wreck it Ralph

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the animated genre is that it doesn’t take risks. The genre has always followed a safe formula relying on conventions to please children. This has often left little room for surprises in the genre. In a genre that has often lacked originality, it’s worth praising “Wreck it Ralph”. Released in 2012, Rich Moore’s animated movie honoured video-games. Moore used stunning animation to pay tribute to the video-game profession. Unlike any animated movie ever made, “Wreck it Ralph” pays colourful tribute to video-games. Assisted by John C. Reilly who is amazing in the lead role, Moore created a groundbreaking movie offering innovation. As strong as Ralph’s desire to be part of a arcade game, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced unforgettable movies earning fame.

7. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that my teacher has always loved dearly. I remember a high school teacher that adored the comic-book character. He loves discussing a web-spinning hero that shaped his identity. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a teacher that adored the Spider-Man universe, I appreciated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. Released in 2023, Joaquim Dos Santos’ animated movie celebrated the web-swinging hero’s legacy. Dos Santos used stunning animation to honour a hero with passion. Assisted by a terrific vocal performance by Shameik Moore, Dos Santos honoured a legendary superhero. As strong as webs that Spider-Man seeks to weave, it’s a spectacular reminder of a genre that has never lost its abilities to leave audiences captivated through feats it has been able to achieve.

8. Ratatouille

Baking is an activity that my mother has always enjoyed doing. I remember bonding with a mother that sought to become a baker. Nobody in the whole world could bake a cake like my mother did without making a single mistake. As someone treasuring fond memories of a mother that sought to open a bakery, I adored “Ratatouille”. Released in 2007, Brad Bird’s movie depicted a rat with passion for cooking. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Ratatouille” stand out is its depiction of food. Bird used stunning animation to capture a rat with a cooking passion. Assisted by Patton Oswalt who is amazing in the lead role, Bird created a passionate tribute to the art of cooking. As delicious as Remy’s Ratatouille dish, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has managed to accomplish great feats making movies audiences cherish.

9. The Incredibles

Parents are powerful figures that shape children’s futures. I have always shared a strong bond with my parents that I treasure. Shining a bright light in darkness, my parents contributed to my happiness. As someone treasuring memories of a family I consider incredible, I adored “The Incredibles”. Released in 2004, Brad Bird’s movie depicted an incredible animated superhero family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Incredibles” special is its powerful portrait of family. Bird uses awe-inspiring animation to capture bonds of a family on a mission. Assisted by Craig T. Nelson who is amazing in the lead role, Bird creates a compelling family. An incredible portrait of an animated superhero family that is conflicted, it’s an inspiring reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which deserve to be appreciated.

10. Despicable Me 2

Few animated characters in cinematic history are as adorable as the minions. Following creation in 2010, the minions have become beloved icons earning recognition. In 2013, Chris Renaud captured the enduring appeal of minions children value in his movie “Despicable Me 2”. Renaud used stunning animation to capture the appeal of creatures earning affection. Accompanied by Steve Carell who is amazing in the lead role, Renaud created an animated film that’s compelling. Although “Despicable Me 2” can’t quite live up to the greatest animated movies, it honours the legacy of the genre. As strong as Gru’s desire to not be despicable, it’s a dazzling reminder of a genre that has built a powerful legacy producing memorable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love of Cinema that holds a place in my heart that’s special.