Gone are the days when animation was seen as just kids' stuff. Today, it stands as one of cinema's most expressive and boundless mediums, capable of conveying complex emotions and visionary worlds that live-action often can't touch. Guided by legendary creators, animation has matured into a respected art form where imagination truly has no limits.
We're only halfway through this decade, yet the 2020s have already gifted us with several animated features that aren't just great movies—they're genuine masterworks. These films have shattered expectations, moved audiences to tears, and cemented their place in cinematic history. They represent the pinnacle of what animation can achieve: storytelling that is visually breathtaking, emotionally resonant, and intellectually stimulating.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Who could have predicted that a sequel to a spin-off would become one of the decade's most astonishing cinematic achievements? Puss in Boots: The Last Wish finds the legendary feline (voiced by Antonio Banderas) on his ninth and final life. After a brush with a terrifying wolf, he retreats into domesticity, only to be drawn into a quest for a mythical Last Wish that could restore his lives.
The film is a revelation. Its animation style is explosively creative, blending painterly textures with dynamic action. More importantly, it tackles weighty themes like mortality, anxiety, and legacy with a sincerity rarely seen in family films. It manages to be uproariously funny, thrillingly adventurous, and deeply poignant—a perfect example of how animation can entertain all ages while exploring life's toughest questions. For more on animated films that have stood the test of time, check out our ranking of the greatest animated films ever made.
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Hayao Miyazaki's return from retirement resulted in one of his most personal and enigmatic films. The Boy and the Heron follows young Mahito, grieving his mother's death and struggling with his father's remarriage. Lured by a mysterious heron into a fantastical and dangerous alternate world, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.
This is a profound, symbolic masterpiece, often read as Miyazaki's meditation on art, legacy, and creation itself. The animation is breathtakingly fluid, featuring some of Studio Ghibli's most stunning and surreal imagery. While its dreamlike, allegorical narrative may challenge some viewers, those who engage with it will find a deeply moving and psychologically rich experience that lingers long after viewing.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
This sequel had the monumental task of following the game-changing Into the Spider-Verse. It didn't just meet expectations—it soared past them. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) reunites with Gwen Stacy and is introduced to the Spider-Society, a vast collective of Spider-People from across the multiverse. A conflict arises over how to handle a new villain, The Spot, forcing Miles to question the very rules of being a hero.
The film is a visual symphony, pushing stylistic boundaries even further than its predecessor with its bold, mixed-media aesthetic. Where it truly excels is in its narrative ambition, deconstructing superhero tropes and exploring themes of destiny, rebellion, and individuality. It's a film bursting with heart, humor, and something increasingly rare in blockbuster cinema: a powerful, substantive message. Its cliffhanger ending only heightens the anticipation for the conclusion. For other films that masterfully blend style with substance, explore our list of action movies that never let up.
Robot Dreams (2023)
This poignant, dialogue-free gem from director Pablo Berger tells the simple yet deeply affecting story of Dog, a lonely canine in 1980s New York who builds himself a robot companion. Their joyful friendship faces the test of time, separation, and the changing seasons in a city that moves on without them.
Based on a graphic novel, Robot Dreams is a masterclass in visual storytelling and emotional resonance. Its 2D animation is charmingly elegant, conveying a universe of feeling through expression and movement alone. It's a beautiful, bittersweet meditation on friendship, loss, and the memories that shape us, proving that the most powerful stories sometimes need no words at all.
Flow (2023)
This standout film offers a uniquely imaginative perspective. In a world where a great flood has reshaped civilization, a solitary cat embarks on a perilous river journey to find his missing family. Along the way, he encounters a vibrant, strange, and often dangerous ecosystem of surviving animals aboard floating vessels.
Flow is a triumph of world-building and visual ingenuity. Its post-apocalyptic setting is rendered with stunning detail and a sense of awe, creating a captivating adventure that is both thrilling and contemplative. It explores themes of community, survival, and our connection to nature, solidifying its place as a modern animated classic that expands the medium's narrative possibilities.
These five films demonstrate that the 2020s are a golden age for animation. They are not merely cartoons; they are cinematic landmarks that challenge, inspire, and move us. They prove that the most unforgettable stories are often those told through the limitless canvas of animation, inviting audiences of all ages to see the world—and themselves—in brilliant new ways. For a look at how different genres achieve similar iconic status, see our countdown of heist movie masterpieces.
