Special Report

50 Best Animated Films of All Time

Evan Comen

Published: October 4, 2017 6:00 am

Last Updated: April 7, 2020 10:03 am

Seven of the 50 top-grossing films of all time are animated films. Once confined to the realm of stick figures and flip books, animation has become a medium capable of telling complex, human stories.

Three main studios have pioneered the animated film over the past several decades: Pixar, Disney, and DreamWorks. With almost every release, these studios broke new ground in animation technology and developed practices that are now standard in the industry. Along the way, Hollywood has produced timeless classics that compete with many of the latest animated blockbuster films.

To determine the best animated films of all time, 24/7 Wall St. created an index based on audience ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. The films range from 1937 to this year.

Click here to see the full list of best animated films of all time.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.

50. Brave
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2012
> Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 18 wins & 48 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

49. The Adventures of Tintin
> Animation studio: Weta Digital
> Release year: 2011
> Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 22 wins & 60 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

48. Enchanted
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2007
> Starring: Amy Adams, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden
> Awards: Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 48 nominations

47. The Book of Life
> Animation studio: Reel FX Creative Studios
> Release year: 2014
> Starring: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 28 nominations

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46. Frankenweenie
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2012
> Starring: Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 49 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

45. Arthur Christmas
> Animation studio: Aardman Animations
> Release year: 2011
> Starring: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 22 nominations

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44. Despicable Me 2
> Animation studio: Universal Pictures
> Release year: 2013
> Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Benjamin Bratt
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 65 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of United Artists

43. Yellow Submarine
> Animation studio: Apple Films
> Release year: 1968
> Starring: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon
> Awards: 2 wins & 2 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

42. Despicable Me
> Animation studio: Illumination Entertainment
> Release year: 2010
> Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 40 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

41. Rango
> Animation studio: Industrial Light & Magic
> Release year: 2011
> Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 45 wins & 24 nominations

40. Kung Fu Panda
> Animation studio: DreamWorks
> Release year: 2008
> Starring: Jack Black, Ian McShane, Angelina Jolie
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 37 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

39. The Little Mermaid
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1989
> Starring: Jodi Benson, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 9 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Focus Features

38. Coraline
> Animation studio: Laika
> Release year: 2009
> Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 43 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

37. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
> Animation studio: Touchstone Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
> Release year: 1988
> Starring: Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Joanna Cassidy
> Awards: Won 3 Oscars. Another 20 wins & 21 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

36. The Iron Giant
> Animation studio: Warner Animation Group
> Release year: 1999
> Starring: Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston
> Awards: 20 wins & 18 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

35. The LEGO Batman Movie
> Animation studio: Warner Animation Group
> Release year: 2017
> Starring: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson
> Awards: 8 wins & 11 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

34. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1937
> Starring: Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 11 wins & 5 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Distribution

33. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1977
> Starring: Sebastian Cabot, Junius Matthews, Barbara Luddy
> Awards: 1 nomination

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

32. Aladdin
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1992
> Starring: Scott Weinger, Robin Williams, Linda Larkin
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 29 wins & 20 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

31. Waking Life
> Animation studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
> Release year: 2001
> Starring: Ethan Hawke, Trevor Jack Brooks, Lorelei Linklater
> Awards: 5 wins & 20 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

30. Pinocchio
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1940
> Starring: Dickie Jones, Christian Rub, Mel Blanc
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 4 wins.

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

29. Toy Story 2
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 1999
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 20 wins & 26 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

28. Finding Dory
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2016
> Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill
> Awards: Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 14 wins & 42 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

27. Wreck-It Ralph
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2012
> Starring: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 33 wins & 41 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

26. The Nightmare Before Christmas
> Animation studio: Touchstone Pictures
> Release year: 1993
> Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations

25. Monsters, Inc.
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2001
> Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 13 wins & 38 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

24. Big Hero 6
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2014
> Starring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 16 wins & 57 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

23. Tangled
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2010
> Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 9 wins & 40 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

22. Anomalisa
> Animation studio: Starburns Industries
> Release year: 2015
> Starring: David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tom Noonan
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 73 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox

21. Fantastic Mr. Fox
> Animation studio: 20th Century Fox
> Release year: 2009
> Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 32 wins & 60 nominations

20. Fantasia
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1940
> Starring: Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, Corey Burton
> Awards: 8 wins & 1 nomination

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Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

19. Beauty and the Beast
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1991
> Starring: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Jesse Corti
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 24 wins & 22 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

18. Finding Nemo
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2003
> Starring: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 48 wins & 61 nominations

17. Moana
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Pictures
> Release year: 2016
> Starring: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 78 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

16. The Triplets of Belleville
> Animation studio: Les Armateurs, Production Champion, Vivi Film
> Release year: 2003
> Starring: Michèle Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 19 wins & 38 nominations

15. How to Train Your Dragon 2
> Animation studio: DreamWorks
> Release year: 2014
> Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 14 wins & 60 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

14. Ratatouille
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2007
> Starring: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 64 wins & 42 nominations

13. How to Train Your Dragon
> Animation studio: DreamWorks
> Release year: 2010
> Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 25 wins & 61 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

12. Waltz with Bashir
> Animation studio: Bridgit Folman Film Gang
> Release year: 2008
> Starring: Ari Folman, Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 44 wins & 58 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Toei Company

11. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
> Animation studio: Topcraft
> Release year: 1984
> Starring: Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyōda
> Awards: 3 wins & 1 nomination

10. Up
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2009
> Starring: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, John Ratzenberger
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 74 wins & 81 nominations

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9. The Lion King
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 1994
> Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 33 wins & 30 nominations

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8. Zootopia
> Animation studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios
> Release year: 2016
> Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 39 wins & 64 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

7. Persepolis
> Animation studio: Je Suis Bien Content, Pumpkin 3D
> Release year: 2007
> Starring: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 28 wins & 54 nominations

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6. Kubo and the Two Strings
> Animation studio: Laika
> Release year: 2016
> Starring: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey
> Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 30 wins & 59 nominations

5. Toy Story
> Animation studio: Pixar Animation Studios
> Release year: 1995
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles
> Awards: Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 23 wins & 18 nominations

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4. The Lego Movie
> Animation studio: Warner Animation Group
> Release year: 2014
> Starring: Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks
> Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 73 wins & 61 nominations

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3. WALL-E
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2008
> Starring: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 89 wins & 90 nominations

Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

2. Inside Out
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2015
> Starring: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
> Awards: Won 1 Oscar. Another 94 wins & 111 nominations

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Source: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

1. Toy Story 3
> Animation studio: Disney/Pixar
> Release year: 2010
> Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
> Awards: Won 2 Oscars. Another 58 wins & 91 nominations

Detailed Findings & Methodology

The largest name in the early animation industry, Walt Disney Animation Studios has produced some of the most enduring cartoon films. Some of the studio’s earliest feature films, such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Pinocchio,” and “Fantasia” are listed among the 50 best animated films of all time. The studio also continues to release major box office successes. Some of the studio’s latest releases, such as 2016’s “Moana,” are also on the list.

Pixar, which began in 1979 as part of the Lucasfilm computer vision, spun off into its own company in 1986. Like Disney, Pixar has produced animated classics throughout its tenure. Some of the company’s earliest hits include “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.,” which the company produced in partnership with Disney. Many of Pixar’s films feature technological breakthroughs in animation that have pushed the industry forward as a whole.

More recently, Dreamworks Animation has established a production house that has been able to consistently deliver animated hits from beyond the Walt Disney tutelage. Some of the studio’s most successful films, such as “Kung Fu Panda” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” also rank among the 50 best animated films of all time. Through its 35 films, DreamWorks has helped pioneer the combination of CGI technology and hand-drawn animation.

As animation techniques improved, the medium was used to tell more complex stories. Films like “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” in 1994, “Waking Life” in 2001, “Persepolis” in 2007, and “Anomalisa” in 2015 are just a few examples of animation being used to tell dramatic stories with adult themes and characters and for adult audiences. Five of the 50 best animated feature films are adult dramas.

As animated films began to appeal to both children and adults, they crept into mainstream cinema. In 1992, “Beauty and the Beast” became the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. More than two decades later, ”Up” and “Toy Story 3” were nominated for Best Picture. “Waltz With Bashir,” an Israeli documentary depicting the 1982 Lebanon War, is the only animated film to ever be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.

By 2002, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awarded the first Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Prior to the creation of the Best Animated Feature Oscar, the Academy occasionally bestowed Special Achievement Awards to films such as “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” to acknowledge their outstanding achievements in the medium.

To determine the best animated films of all time, 24/7 Wall St. created an index based on each film’s Rotten Tomatoes average critic rating, Rotten Tomatoes average audience rating, and Internet Movie Database average user rating. To be considered, each film needed to have at least 5,000 Rotten Tomatoes user ratings, 10 approved tomatometer critic reviews, and 10,000 IMDb user ratings.

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