Animation has undergone a remarkable renaissance in the 21st century, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the medium. Unlike live-action, every frame of an animated film is meticulously crafted, requiring thousands of hours of painstaking work from dedicated artists. This dedication has led to a golden age of storytelling, where studios take bold risks and audiences reap the rewards.
Since 2010, we've seen a seismic shift in the animation landscape. Pixar, once considered untouchable, has faced both triumphs and missteps, while DreamWorks and Sony Animation have embraced riskier, more innovative projects. Smaller studios like Laika and Aardman have cultivated devoted followings, and international films have found wider audiences than ever before. With highly anticipated releases like Brad Bird's Netflix space opera Ray Gunn and Laika's ambitious Wildwood on the horizon, the future of animation looks brighter than ever.
Here are the best animated movies released since 2010, ranked.
6. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is a definitive take on the classic fairy tale, surpassing even the beloved 1940 Disney version. Del Toro's signature use of practical effects and stop-motion gives the film a handcrafted quality that perfectly suits the story of a wooden puppet yearning to become human. This darker, more mature adaptation acknowledges the original text's political complexities, exploring fascism through the eyes of a child, a theme del Toro previously touched upon in Pan's Labyrinth.
5. The LEGO Movie (2014)
The LEGO Movie was a surprise hit that defied expectations. Instead of a cynical cash grab, Phil Lord and Chris Miller crafted a hilarious satire of the hero's journey and the nature of play. The film cleverly incorporates live-action elements with Will Ferrell, adding emotional depth, and its inventive use of various Warner Bros. franchises, including a standout Will Arnett as Batman, made it a fan favorite.
4. Zootopia (2016)
Zootopia is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that tackles issues of tolerance, classism, and political corruption with surprising depth for a kids' movie. Its immersive worldbuilding and clever animal puns make it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film's relevance has only grown since its release, cementing its status as a modern classic.
3. Flow (2024)
Flow is a true passion project from Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, created using the free, open-source software Blender. This word-of-mouth success, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, proves that big budgets aren't necessary for breathtaking animation. Its success highlights the changing landscape of the medium and the opportunities available to independent creators.
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
While not in the original list, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a groundbreaking achievement that revolutionized animation with its unique visual style. It's a must-watch for any animation fan, and its influence can be seen in countless films since. For more on the best animated films of all time, check out AFI's top animated films.
1. Inside Out (2015)
Pixar's Inside Out is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, personifying the emotions inside a young girl's mind. It's a film that resonates with both children and adults, exploring complex themes of sadness, loss, and growing up. Its clever concept and heartfelt execution make it the best animated movie since 2010.
These films represent the best of what animation has to offer, showcasing the medium's incredible range and emotional power. Whether you're a fan of stop-motion, CGI, or 2D, there's something here for everyone. And for more great animated content, don't miss our list of the most consistent movie trilogies.
