The 2020s have proven to be a remarkable era for animation, with the medium reaching new heights of creativity and emotional resonance. From breathtaking 2D hand-drawn artistry to groundbreaking 3D and stop-motion techniques, the decade has offered a diverse array of animated features that rival the best of any era. As we look ahead to upcoming releases like Wildwood and Shrek 5, it's clear that animation is only getting stronger. Here are the standout animated films of the 2020s so far, ranked.
10. Wolfwalkers (2020)
Irish studio Cartoon Saloon has been a beacon of 2D animation in a 3D-dominated world, and Wolfwalkers is their crowning achievement. This visually stunning tale of Irish folklore and the destructive nature of fear and prejudice feels like a living storybook, with hand-drawn artistry that captivates from start to finish. Though it received critical acclaim upon release, its availability on Apple TV+ limited its reach, but it remains a masterpiece of modern animation.
9. Memoir of a Snail (2024)
From Adam Elliot, the mind behind Mary and Max, comes Memoir of a Snail, a stop-motion gem that defies expectations. With its R-rated humor and darkly comedic tone, it's a far cry from typical family animation, yet it retains the charm and personality that make stop-motion so beloved. Its unique voice and willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects with wit make it one of the most distinctive and underrated comedies of the decade.
8. The Wild Robot (2024)
DreamWorks Animation has been on a hot streak in the 2020s, and The Wild Robot stands as a shining example. This sci-fi family film, based on Peter Brown's novel, tells the story of a robot who must adapt to life in the wild, raising a gosling and finding her own path. With its stunning watercolor visuals and heartfelt narrative about family and belonging, it's a crowd-pleaser that showcases DreamWorks at its best, even rivaling Pixar's golden era.
7. Robot Dreams (2023)
Pablo Berger's Robot Dreams is a dialogue-free triumph that harkens back to the silent era of cinema. The film follows a dog and a robot whose friendship is tested by separation, and it's a poignant exploration of loss and resilience. Its simple yet expressive animation and beautiful score make it a timeless piece that resonates deeply, proving that animation can speak volumes without a single word.
6. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Who would have thought that a sequel to a Shrek spin-off would become one of the decade's best animated films? Puss in Boots: The Last Wish surprised everyone with its stunning stylized animation and surprisingly mature themes of mortality and redemption. It revitalized the franchise with a fresh take on the fairy-tale world, delivering both laughs and emotional depth, and it's a testament to DreamWorks' creative resurgence.
5. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Hayao Miyazaki's return to filmmaking with The Boy and the Heron was a major event, and it did not disappoint. This semi-autobiographical fantasy follows a young boy navigating a world of magical creatures and personal grief. With its breathtaking hand-drawn animation and deeply personal storytelling, it's a masterwork from Studio Ghibli that reaffirms Miyazaki's status as a legend of the medium.
4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
The sequel to Into the Spider-Verse raised the bar for animated superhero films, pushing the boundaries of visual style and narrative ambition. Across the Spider-Verse is a kaleidoscopic journey through multiple dimensions, with each universe boasting its own unique art style. It's a thrilling, emotionally resonant adventure that cements Miles Morales as one of the most compelling heroes in modern animation.
3. Flow (2024)
Latvia's Flow is a wordless, visually stunning tale of a cat navigating a flooded world. This independent gem uses its minimalist approach to explore themes of survival, cooperation, and the fragility of life. Its breathtaking animation and immersive sound design create an experience that is both meditative and gripping, making it a standout of the decade.
2. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
From the creators of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a hilarious and heartfelt family adventure about a quirky family battling a robot apocalypse. Its vibrant, chaotic animation style perfectly matches its energetic comedy and emotional core, making it a modern classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.
1. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo del Toro's stop-motion reimagining of Pinocchio is a monumental achievement in animation. Set against the backdrop of fascist Italy, this darkly beautiful tale explores themes of obedience, love, and what it means to be human. The meticulous craftsmanship and emotional depth make it not just the best animated film of the decade so far, but one of the greatest of all time.
These films represent the incredible diversity and artistry of animation in the 2020s. Whether it's the hand-drawn beauty of Wolfwalkers or the innovative 3D of Across the Spider-Verse, they showcase the medium's power to tell stories that are both visually spectacular and emotionally profound. As the decade continues, we can only expect more animated masterpieces to join this list.
