When Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse swung onto screens in 2018, it revolutionized animation with its groundbreaking visual style and heartfelt multiverse story. Miles Morales' journey became an instant classic, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and earning praise from fans and critics alike. But as dazzling as that film is, the world of animation is vast and filled with movies that push boundaries even further—emotionally, artistically, and narratively.
From Studio Ghibli's dreamlike masterpieces to DreamWorks' soaring dragon tales, here are ten animated films that arguably surpass Into the Spider-Verse in sheer brilliance. These movies don't just entertain; they linger in your soul long after the credits roll.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Hayao Miyazaki's magnum opus is a surreal, emotional journey through a spirit world that mirrors our own struggles with identity and greed. Chihiro's transformation from a scared girl to a courageous heroine is more intimate and profound than any superhero origin. The hand-drawn animation is lush, every frame a painting, and the themes of environmentalism and growing up resonate universally. It's no wonder this film remains the only hand-drawn, non-English-language winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
2. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
DreamWorks' tale of a Viking boy and his injured dragon soars with emotional depth that rivals any live-action drama. Hiccup and Toothless's bond is one of cinema's greatest friendships, and the film's message about empathy over violence is timeless. The flight sequences are breathtaking, and the character arcs are meticulously crafted. It's a rare animated film that makes you laugh, cry, and cheer—all while delivering stunning visuals that hold up over a decade later.
3. The Iron Giant (1999)
Brad Bird's directorial debut is a Cold War-era fable about a boy who befriends a giant robot from space. The film tackles themes of fear, prejudice, and sacrifice with surprising maturity. The animation style blends retro sci-fi with heartfelt character design, and the ending—"You are who you choose to be"—is one of the most powerful moments in animation history. It's a quiet, soulful masterpiece that outshines many flashier contemporaries.
4. Your Name. (2016)
Makoto Shinkai's body-swapping romance is a visual and emotional tour de force. The story of two teenagers who mysteriously swap lives and then must prevent a disaster is intricately plotted and gorgeously animated. The film's exploration of time, memory, and connection is more complex than any multiverse narrative, and its twist will leave you breathless. It became the highest-grossing anime film worldwide, and for good reason.
5. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar's deep dive into the mind of an 11-year-old girl is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. By personifying Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, the film teaches us that all feelings are valid and necessary. The abstract thought sequences and the memory dump are visually inventive, but it's the raw, honest portrayal of depression and growing up that makes this film truly special. It's a movie that helps both kids and adults understand themselves better.
6. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Another Miyazaki epic, this one is a dark, violent meditation on nature versus industrialization. The animation is breathtakingly detailed, from the forest spirits to the demon boars, and the story refuses to paint any side as purely good or evil. Ashitaka's quest for balance is more morally complex than any superhero's journey, and the film's environmental message is more urgent than ever. It's a mature, unflinching work of art.
7. WALL-E (2008)
Pixar's silent sci-fi romance about a lonely robot on a trash-covered Earth is a stunning achievement. The first act has almost no dialogue, yet it tells a complete, heartbreaking story through visual storytelling alone. The film's critique of consumerism and environmental neglect is sharp, but it's the love story between WALL-E and EVE that makes it unforgettable. It's a film that proves animation can be both profound and entertaining.
8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata's swan song is a watercolor masterpiece that adapts a Japanese folktale with breathtaking simplicity. The animation style mimics brushstrokes, giving the film a living, breathing quality. The story of a tiny princess who grows up too fast is a poignant meditation on freedom, happiness, and the fleeting nature of life. It's a quiet, devastating film that stays with you long after viewing.
9. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Laika's stop-motion epic is a visual marvel, blending Japanese folklore with a hero's journey. Kubo's quest to find his father's armor is filled with stunning set pieces—like the giant skeleton and the origami creatures—but it's the emotional core about memory and family that elevates it. The craftsmanship is incredible, with every frame painstakingly animated by hand. It's a testament to the power of traditional techniques in a digital age.
10. Song of the Sea (2014)
Tomm Moore's Irish folklore tale is a visual poem, with hand-drawn animation inspired by Celtic art and mythology. The story of a boy and his mute sister who is a selkie is deeply moving, exploring grief, loss, and the magic of storytelling. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and the film's gentle pace allows its themes to sink in. It's a hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.
While Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse remains a landmark achievement in animation, these ten films prove that the medium's potential is limitless. Whether through hand-drawn artistry, stop-motion craftsmanship, or emotionally complex narratives, they push the boundaries of what animation can achieve. For more animated masterpieces, check out our list of Animated Movies That Are Flawless from Opening Frame to Final Credits and explore how the genre continues to evolve.
