As Guillermo del Toro famously said, "Animation is cinema." For too long, it was dismissed as a lesser art form, but its unique flexibility allows for storytelling that can be just as powerful—if not more so—than live-action. Over the past decade, animation has enjoyed a golden age rivaling the Disney Renaissance and early Pixar era. From indie darlings to blockbuster sequels, here are 15 of the most perfect animated films from the last 10 years.
15. 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' (2022)
Who expected a sequel to a 2011 Shrek spin-off to tackle existential dread? Puss in Boots: The Last Wish could have played it safe, but instead it delivers a meditation on panic attacks, mortality, and the fear we all face—through the eyes of a swashbuckling cat. Antonio Banderas returns as Puss, who must outrun Death itself (voiced by Wagner Moura). The film's emotional payoff, where Puss accepts his mortality and cherishes his remaining lives, gives the story unexpected gravitas. With stunning camera work, eclectic character designs, and thrilling action, this DreamWorks gem recalls a time when children's movies challenged their audiences.
14. 'Encanto' (2021)
Disney's lush musical Encanto features a heroine who doesn't need superpowers to save her family. Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) struggles with the pressure of living up to her magical relatives, while her grandmother Alma (María Cecilia Botero) adds to the tension. The film explores intergenerational trauma and the power of reconciliation, all set against a vibrant Colombian backdrop. Lin-Manuel Miranda's irresistible songs—including the earworm "We Don't Talk About Bruno"—make this a gift that keeps on giving.
13. 'Turning Red' (2022)
Pixar's Turning Red is a bold, charming take on puberty, following 13-year-old Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang) as she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she gets emotional. Director Domee Shi tackles menstruation, body image, and the chaos of adolescence with honesty and humor. The film celebrates being a teenage girl—from boy band obsessions to fraught mother-daughter dynamics—making it a validation for both its target audience and nostalgic adults. It's one of Pixar's most invigorating films in years.
12. 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train' (2020)
While multiple Demon Slayer films have followed, Mugen Train remains the pinnacle. This feature-length adventure from Ufotable blends breathtaking action with deep character drama. The demonic enemies force the heroes to confront their deepest fears, leading to gut-wrenching moments—especially the fate of Rengoku (Satoshi Hino). It's a brutal, beautiful saga about loss and resilience.
11. 'Belle' (2021)
Mamoru Hosoda's Belle reimagines Beauty and the Beast through the lens of the internet, childhood trauma, and a teenage girl's grief. The film's virtual world, U, is a dazzling digital playground, but its heart lies in the real-world struggles of its protagonist. Hosoda crafts a radically ambitious story that resonates deeply.
These films represent just a fraction of the animated masterpieces from the last decade. For more hidden gems, check out our list of Forgotten Gems: 3D Animated Movies That Nearly Hit Perfection. And if you're in the mood for more cinematic perfection, explore our Top 10 Drama Movies That Unite Audiences Everywhere.
