100 Best Animated Movies of All Time

Some call it “Animation Domination”.

The growth of mainstream animated movies Hollywood releases have changed the landscape of entertainment.

With new technology, animation studios can produce more and more high-quality digital options.

From children’s animated movies like ‘Frozen’ to more adult films, like ‘Avatar’, animation provides something for everyone – as will our list of 100 animation favorites! [Infographic]

Which is the Best Cartoon Movie in the World?

When determining the best cartoon movies of all time, it will eventually come down to personal preference.

Personally, ‘Inside Out’ is hands down my favorite.

It portrays a little girl’s emotions. Through the personification of these various emotions, Pixar has created an effective and intuitive way of communicating concepts that we experience every day.

Also, see our rankings of the best anime movies ever.

Animated movies aren’t just for children. The best of them feature great storylines and lessons that make them endearing to adults. If you love animation, fascinating characters, and entertaining stories, you’ll love our list of the top 100 animated movies.

 

The Top 100 Animated Movies

Toy Story 4

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 6/20/2019
Movie Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Domestic Gross Revenue: $434,038,008

Plot: In the fourth installment of Toy Story, Woody is on a quest to find Forky, a toy Bonnie made. Meanwhile, the other toys try to find a missing Woody and Forky. Although it’s reminiscent of the older installments and includes the same cast, this Disney creation features top-notch animation. (Watch Trailer)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

IMDB: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 12/12/2018
Movie Studio: Sony Pictures Animation, Avi Arad, Pascal Pictures, Lord Miller
Domestic Gross Revenue: $190,241,310

Plot: One of the most unique animated movies, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has visuals similar to that of comics. As a teen, Miles Morales becomes Spiderman and joins forces with other versions of himself to fight evil forces. The movie was so well received that other sequels are in the pipeline. (Watch Trailer)

Inside Out

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 6/19/2015
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $356,921,711

Plot: Riley’s life turns upside down when her family relocates to San Francisco. Her core emotions—joy, anger, sadness, fear, and disgust—struggle to keep up with the move. The movie’s plot is unique and explains emotions very well from a child’s point of view. (Watch Trailer)

Coco

IMDB: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 11/22/2017
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $210,460,015

Plot: Miguel, an aspiring musician, enters the Land of the Dead to lift the ancestral ban on music. His voyage leads him to make new friends, perform at a concert, and much more! Coco did so well at the box office that it spent more days at the number 1 slot than any other animated movie in the 21st century. (Watch Trailer)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 12/21/1937
Movie Studio: Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $184,925,486

Plot: Numerous adaptations have been made, but Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is still one of the most beloved animated films. The plot follows Snow White and the seven dwarves after her evil stepmother exiles her from the kingdom. (Watch Trailer)

Paddington 2

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 01/12/2018
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $40,891,591

Plot: Based on the children’s book, the Paddington movies have the cutest plotlines! In the second installment, the bear takes up a job to collect enough money to buy his aunt a present for her 100th birthday. From humor and drama to action, this movie has it all. (Watch Trailer)

The Incredibles 2

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 06/15/2018
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $608,581,744

Plot: This Pixar and Disney collaboration is a memorable one. In The Incredibles 2, Helen is tasked to fight supervillains while Bob handles household duties. Just like the first part, The Incredibles 2 is full of action and humor with a “dash” (pun intended) of family values. (Watch Trailer)

Zootopia

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 03/04/2016
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $341,268,248

Plot: Judy Hopps ropes in con-wolf Nick Wilde to help her solve a crime in Zootopia. As you can tell, the movie is full of silly puns and humor. Although having anthropomorphic animals is not a new concept, the way the movie shows the animal kingdom and each animal’s role made it stand out. (Watch Trailer)

Up

IMDB: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 05/29/2009
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $293,004,164

Plot: Elderly widower Carl Fredricksen tries to go to Paradise Falls by making his house fly. The movie perfectly encapsulates grief and how one overcomes it after the death of a loved one. To this day, the scene where Carl and his wife fall in love remains iconic. (Watch Trailer)

Toy Story 2

IMDB: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 11/19/1999
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $245,852,179

Plot: Buzz and the other toy friends set off to save Woody from a greedy toy collector who stole him. When Woody finds out that he’s a valuable collectible that was inspired by a popular TV show, he changes his mind about going home and decides to stay. (Watch Trailer)

Toy Story 3

IMDB: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 6/18/2010
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $415,004,880

Plot: Woody, Buzz, and the other toys are accidentally left at a daycare center after Andy leaves for college, forcing them to find their way back home. The film beautifully finds a way to say goodbye to Andy’s character in this installment. (Watch Trailer)

Pinocchio

IMDB: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 02/09/1940
Movie Studio: Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $84,254,167

Plot: The 1940s Pinocchio set a precedent for all its adaptations after that. Pinocchio is a little marionette who dreams of becoming a real boy. However, he has to be truthful or every lie will earn him a longer nose. The movie is about cultivating meaningful relationships by being reliable and trustworthy. (Watch Trailer)

Finding Dory

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 06/17/2016
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $486,295,561

Plot: The enormous success of Finding Nemo gave birth to Finding Dory. In this sequel, Marlin and Nemo help Dory find her parents. The self-deprecating humor with a touch of Disney magic makes this movie a top-rated animated movie in our books. (Watch Trailer)

Finding Nemo

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 05/30/2003
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $380,843,261

Plot: Marlin and Dory go on a mission to find Nemo, Marlin’s son who was abducted from the Great Barrier Reef. The memorable characters, the storyline, and the underwater world fascinated the audience and kept them chuckling, making the movie an instant hit when it was released in 2003. (Watch Trailer)

The LEGO Movie

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 02/07/2014
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $257,760,692

Plot: Ordinary LEGO figurine Emmett is mistaken for a Special, an extraordinary persona with the power to save the world. He becomes part of a group that’s committed to stopping the supervillain Lord Business. Though Emmett is hilariously ill-equipped to handle such a mission, he gives it his all. (Watch Trailer)

Moana

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 11/23/2016
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $248,757,044

Plot: A daring teenager leaves her island and joins forces with Maui, a demigod who used to be powerful. The pair venture into the open ocean, encountering huge monsters and beating impossible odds. Along the way, Moana honors her ancestors and gets to know herself on a deeper level. (Watch Trailer)

Toy Story

IMDB: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 11/22/1995
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $223,225,679

Plot: Although there are many sequels, nothing beats the original 1995 Toy Story. Worried about his importance as a toy, Woody, decides to get rid of the newer toy Buzz Lightyear. Children who have grown up watching the movie enjoy it to this day. (Watch Trailer)

Isle of Dogs

IMDB: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 03/23/2018
Movie Studio: Fox Searchlight
Domestic Gross Revenue: $32,015,231

Plot: In classic Wes Anderson style, Isle of Dogs is a movie with stunning and quirky visuals. After all the dogs in Megasaki City were banned and exiled to a landfill, 12-year-old Atari searches for his dog. Along the way, he meets mongrel friends and goes on an epic adventure. (Watch Trailer)

Kubo and the Two Strings

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 08/19/2016
Movie Studio: Focus Features
Domestic Gross Revenue: $48,023,088

Plot: Kubo embarks on a journey to find his father’s suit of armor in an attempt to defeat an evil spirit. Kubo and the Two Strings was a massive success, amassing a total of $77.5 million. The movie is cute, funny, and adventurous. (Watch Trailer)

How To Train Your Dragon

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 03/26/2010
Movie Studio: Paramount (DreamWorks)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $217,581,231

Plot: Hiccup, a great Viking’s son, must kill a dragon to prove his manhood. However, things begin looking up when he makes friends with one of the most dangerous dragons, Night Fury. The movie has an incredible take on what masculinity should look like. The funny jokes, animation, and characters are a bonus. (Watch Trailer)

Shaun the Sheep Movie

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 08/05/2015
Movie Studio: Lionsgate
Domestic Gross Revenue: $19,375,982

Plot: Shaun and the flock decide to take the day off and venture into the city. As always, trouble ensues, and it’s up to Shaun to set things right. Film enthusiasts have called this Aardman’s best work. The art of narrating a story without a single word being uttered is impressive. (Watch Trailer)

WALL-E

IMDB: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 6/27/2008
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $223,808,164

Plot: Who knew robots could display emotions? Well, Pixar made it happen. A trash-cleaning machine falls in love with another robot. Together, they set off on an adventure that can alter mankind’s fate. This 2008 movie’s fine detailing and overall message captured the hearts of millions. (Watch Trailer)

Dumbo

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 10/23/1941
Movie Studio: RKO
Domestic Gross Revenue: N/A

Plot: A small elephant named Dumbo with gigantic ears is always made fun of until a mouse helps him recognize his full potential. People believe the movie is loosely based on Jumbo, a real-life elephant in Sudan. (Watch Trailer)

Ratatouille

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 6/29/2007
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $206,445,654

Plot: A rat named Remy aspires to become a chef but fails to understand how much humans despise rats. However, he gets closer to his goal after he and a human cook join forces. Ratatouille reintroduced French cuisine to the world and made people (ever so slightly) learn to tolerate rats. (Watch Trailer)

My Life as a Zucchini

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 02/24/2017
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $309,766

Plot: Nine-year-old Courgette (Zucchini) is sent to an orphanage after the passing of his mother. With the help of new friends, he learns to trust and love again. This unique claymation movie tugs at your heartstrings, making you cry, believe in magic, and feel hopeful. (Watch Trailer)

The Incredibles

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 11/05/2004
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $261,441,092

Plot: The Incredibles revolves around Mr. Incredible, a retired superhero who is itching to get back into action after living a boring suburban life. When trouble ensues, his family rises to the occasion. (Watch Trailer)

Only Yesterday

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 01/01/2016 (USA)
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $453,243

Plot: A twenty-something travels to Tokyo’s countryside and reminisces about her childhood. This Studio Ghibli creation is as beautiful as they come. From the animation to the plotline and characters, it reminds viewers to stop regretting the could-have-beens and use them instead to move forward with greater wisdom. (Watch Trailer)

The Lego Batman Movie

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 02/10/2017
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $175,750,384

Plot: All Batman movies are dark, serious, no-nonsense stories, giving the satirical Lego Batman Movie a refreshing take on a tired character. Lego Batman and Robin fight Joker’s plans for the Lego city of Gotham. The movie is hilarious and well-animated, making it enjoyable for all ages. (Watch Trailer)

101 Dalmatians

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 01/25/1961
Movie Studio: Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $144,880,014

Plot: This 1961 animation movie has stood the test of time. In pure Dalmation-series style, Cruella de Vil tries to buy Dalmatian puppies for her latest fashion creations but swears revenge when her offers are rebuffed. Even after all these years, the movie remains entertaining and fun to watch. (Watch Trailer)

Beauty and the Beast

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 11/15/1991
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $218,967,620

Plot: This tale that is as old as time has been a fan favorite forever. People love Belle, a bookworm who falls in love with a prince who was cursed to look like a beast. Over the years, there have been many adaptations but none have been as memorable as this Disney animation. (Watch Trailer)

Chicken Run

IMDB: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 06/23/2000
Movie Studio: DreamWorks
Domestic Gross Revenue: $106,834,564

Plot: Rocky and Ginger, a rooster and chicken, decide to escape after learning that their owner wants to kill them. While the plot is hilarious, having a stellar cast definitely helps. The movie has some amazing voice actors, including Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, and Imelda Staunton. (Watch Trailer)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 10/15/1993
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $77,368,668

Plot: The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town who is enamored by Christman Town. His obsession with the town leads him to abduct Santa Claus. Although it is an animated Christmas movie, it may not be for young children so be warned. (Watch Trailer)

Monsters, Inc.

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 11/02/2001
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $290,642,256

Plot: Monsters, Inc. has one of the most unique concepts. The comedy movie was released in 2001 and has become a must-watch. The movie follows Sulley and Mike, two top-performing monsters at Monsters, Inc., whose lives are suddenly disrupted after a human toddler enters their world. (Watch Trailer)

Fantasia

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 01/29/1941
Movie Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Domestic Gross Revenue: $76,408,097

Plot: Critics have claimed Fantasia to be the best experimental Disney movie to date. Blending animation with classical music for over 2 hours, the 1940 movie is one of a kind. It translates various classics, westerns, mythological beings, and fantasy themes into typical Disney scenarios.

Grave of the Fireflies

IMDB: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Release Date: 8/12/2018 (Domestic)
Movie Studio: Fathom Events
Domestic Gross Revenue: $516,962

Plot: Grave of the Fireflies is one of the less popular animated movies from Studio Ghibli, and unjustly so. This short story film is set in the City of Kobe, Japan during World War 2. Seita, a young teenage boy and his little sister, Setsuko find themselves struggling to survive in the final days of the war. (Watch Trailer)

Your Name

IMDB: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 04/07/2017
Movie Studio: FUNimation Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: $5,017,246

Plot: A boy and a girl find a magical connection after their souls are swapped. The duo decide to meet, leading to even more complications. The movie will make you feel all sorts of emotions. In fact, some film critics have called it the greatest love story of all time. (Watch Trailer)

The Iron Giant

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 08/03/1999
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $23,159,305

Plot: Released in 1999, The Iron Giant follows the story of a little boy who makes friends with a robot/alien-like being. However, the government learns about its existence and tries to obliterate it. The movie is lively and entertaining while the characters are memorable. (Watch Trailer)

Spirited Away

IMDB: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 09/20/2002
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $13,750,644

Plot: Chihiro and her parents stumble on an abandoned amusement park and decide to explore it. However, things take a turn for the worse after her parents turn into pigs, and the only way to reverse the curse is by working at the resort for supernatural beings. (Watch Trailer)

Tower

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 09/28/2016
Movie Studio: Kino Lorber
Domestic Gross Revenue: $101,987

Plot: This 2016 movie is, hands-down, the most unique on this list. Tower is a documentary about the infamous sniper who went to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower. He then open-fired on civilians and held hostages in 1966. An amalgamation of archival footage and animation sets this movie apart. (Watch Trailer)

Song of the Sea

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date: 12/19/2014
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $857,522

Plot: Ben and his sister Saorise have the power to turn into seals. They set off on a voyage to protect the world of fairies from evil beings. The movie is based on the Irish legend of the selkie—creatures that live underwater as seals but can also take on human forms and live on land. (Watch Trailer)

The Lion King

IMDB: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 06/15/1994
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $422,783,777

Plot: With some of the best songs and mind-blowing animation, The Lion King is a classic. Even the 2019 adaptation didn’t do as well as the original. For those who don’t know, the movie revolves around Simba, a cub who loses his father and learns to deal with the past. (Watch Trailer)

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date: 06/24/1988
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $156,452,370

Plot: Roger, suspicious of his wife’s infidelity, hires a detective. However, Roger is the primary suspect when his alleged wife’s paramour passes away. The movie is entertaining and humorous. It combines animation with regular film which was a rarity in 1988. (Watch Trailer)

Waltz with Bashir

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 12/25/2008
Movie Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Domestic Gross Revenue: $2,283,849

Plot: This animation is an autobiographical tale of its writer and director, Ari Folman. It’s about an infantry soldier in the 1982 Lebanon war who can only remember fragments of the Sabra and Shatila massacre. Waltz With Bashir is heartbreaking and tackles difficult subject matters like war and death. (Watch Trailer)

Anomalisa

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 12/30/2015
Movie Studio: Paramount
Domestic Gross Revenue: $3,759,286

Plot: Michael Stone lives a seemingly monotonous life and finds it difficult to connect with people. He is strung along on an unexpected adventure when he meets a woman on a business trip. The stop-motion animation contains some graphic scenes that are not suitable for children. (Watch Trailer)

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

IMDB: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 1/3/2019
Movie Studio: Universal Pictures
Domestic Gross Revenue: $160,799,505

Plot: If you thought the first part was fun, wait until you watch How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. In this third release, Hiccup wants the dragons and Vikings to unite. Along the way, he discovers that a villain wants to obliterate the existence of dragons. (Watch Trailer)

Persepolis

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 12/25/2007
Movie Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Domestic Gross Revenue: $4,445,756

Plot: Based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel under the same title, Persepolis is a hard-hitting film. The movie follows Satrapi’s childhood in war-torn Iran and the political scene that led her to go to America. It shows how education can be freeing while teaching viewers to question institutionalized education. (Watch Trailer)

Yellow Submarine

IMDB: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 11/13/1968
Movie Studio: Apple Films, King Features Production
TVC London
Domestic Gross Revenue: $992,305

Plot: If you’re a fan of the Beatles, you know the song “Yellow Submarine.” George Dunning turned the band’s discography into a fun, animated musical. In the movie, the Beatles join Captain Fred in his yellow submarine to free the people of Pepperland from music-hating meanies. (Watch Trailer)

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

IMDB: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 10/05/2005
Movie Studio: DreamWorks
Domestic Gross Revenue: $56,110,897

Plot: Lady Tottington enlists Wallace and his dog Gromit to find the vegetable-destroying beast after it ruins all the farms right before the Giant Vegetable Competition. The Claymation movie featured an all-star cast and used more than 1,000 baby wipes to clean up the clay. (Watch Trailer)

Fantastic Mr. Fox

IMDB: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 11/13/2009
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $21,002,919

Plot: Mr. Fox, a con man-turned-family man, is tired of being a good citizen and goes back to following his animal instincts. However, trouble arises when he is caught and officials decide to end his kind. The movie teaches how to be confident in one’s own skin. (Watch Trailer)

Kiki’s Delivery Service

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 07/29/1989
Movie Studio: Studio Ghibli
Domestic Gross Revenue: $1,004,057

Plot: A young witch named Kiki moves to the seaside where she flies on her magic broom and begins a courier service. However, self-doubt and insecurity get the better of her, causing her to lose her magical powers. It’s up to Kiki to win her powers back in this coming-of-age movie. (Watch Trailer)

Ernest and Celestine

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 12/12/2012
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $262,075

Plot: Ernest, a bear, and Celestine, a mouse, form an unlikely friendship while on the run. Despite living in very different worlds, the duo become friends. The movie is so well written that even children can grasp the nuance of home and what it is. (Watch Trailer)

Aladdin

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 11/13/1992
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $217,350,219

Plot: Aladdin is enlisted by Jafar to retrieve a magic lamp. Along the way, Aladdin falls in love with Princess Jasmine. Though he wants to marry her, he feels unfit because of their widely different places in society. The late Robin Williams’s rendition of the Genie remains one of its most iconic characters. (Watch Trailer)

The Secret World of Arrietty

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 02/17/2012
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $19,587,032

Plot: Unlike normal humans, the Clock family is only 4 inches tall and secretly lives in other people’s houses. All is good until Arrietty becomes friends with the human boy. The Secret World of Arrietty was so well received that more than 7 million people saw it in theaters, breaking records for first-time director Hiromasa Yonebayashi. (Watch Trailer)

Ralph Breaks the Internet

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 11/21/2018
Movie Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Domestic Gross Revenue: $201,091,711

Plot: After the first 2012 Wreck-It Ralph, Ralph and Venellope are now friends. They find a Wi-Fi router, leading them to another adventure. The movie has a jam-packed star cast consisting of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, and Taraji P. Henson, to name a few. (Watch Trailer)

Frozen

IMDB: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 11/22/2013
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $400,953,009

Plot: Frozen is a story about two sisters. Elsa, unable to control her magical powers, isolates herself from the rest of the town. Her absence leads Anna on a quest to find and bring back her sister with the help of some new friends. (Watch Trailer)

The Red Turtle

IMDB: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 01/20/2017
Movie Studio: Sony Classics
Domestic Gross Revenue: $921,974

Plot: The Red Turtle is another masterpiece by Studio Ghibli! A man gets stranded on an uninhabited island that has plenty of fresh water and food. He finally decides to get off the island, but every time he makes a raft to set sail, it gets broken by a red turtle. (Watch Trailer)

Long Way North

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 09/30/2016
Movie Studio: Shout! Factory
Domestic Gross Revenue: N/A

Plot: Set in the late 1800s, Sasha, a young girl, goes on an adventure to learn what happened to her grandfather and save what’s left of her family’s name. This 2015 movie depicts what an epic adventure looks like while keeping the family in mind. (Watch Trailer)

Coraline

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 02/06/2009
Movie Studio: Focus Features
Domestic Gross Revenue: $75,286,229

Plot: Based on British author Neil Gaiman’s novel, Coraline is somewhat dark. It tells the story of a curious young girl who walks through a mysterious door in her new home and finds an inverted version of her real life. But what seems normal soon turns sinister. (Watch Trailer)

I Lost My Body

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 11/21/2018
Movie Studio: Rezo Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: –

Plot: A hand that has been cut off from its body manages to escape the lab in search of the rest of its body. The hand travels around Paris and reminisces about the time when it was part of something. The film is abstract and definitely worth a watch if you like artsy films. (Watch Trailer)

The Breadwinner

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 11/17/2017
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $313,215

Plot: After her father is arrested under false pretenses by the Taliban, a young girl dresses as a boy by cutting off her hair to help provide for her family. The movie is one of a kind! The visuals are spectacular and the story is heartwarming. (Watch Trailer)

Ghost in the Shell

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 02/02/1996
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $515,905

Plot: Set in the future, half-human, half-cyborg Mira learns of her existence and sets off to learn more about her troubled past. This Rupert Sanders movie has outstanding animation and an even more impressive star cast, making it a must-watch, especially for sci-fi fans. (Watch Trailer)

The Little Mermaid

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 11/17/1989
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $111,543,479

Plot: Ariel, one of King Triton’s daughters, seeks a life above the waters. She strikes a deal with Ursula, an evil witch, to be with Prince Eric. But she soon learns that all deals have a catch. This movie made Ariel one of the original Disney princesses. Recently, the movie was remade into a live-action film. (Watch Trailer)

How to Train Your Dragon 2

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 6/13/2014
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $177,002,924

Plot: The second installment of How to Train Your Dragon did better than the first. Hiccup and Toothless once again team up to save all the dragons after Drago, a dragon trapper, tries to capture them all. As you’d expect, the movie is full of action, adventure, and humor. (Watch Trailer)

Lady and the Tramp

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 06/22/1955
Movie Studio: Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $93,602,326

Plot: Even if you haven’t watched the movie, you probably know it because of the classic spaghetti scene. Lady, a well-mannered dog, is blamed for the doings of cats and leaves. On the streets, she falls in love with Tramp, a stray. This is probably one of the cutest love stories! (Watch Trailer)

The Triplets of Belleville

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 11/26/2003
Movie Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Domestic Gross Revenue: $7,007,149

Plot: Madame Souza raised his grandson, Champion, and trained him in cycling. She encourages him to reach his dream of winning the Tour de France. During a race, the Champion goes missing. Madame Suzanne and her companion pooch Bruno team up with the Belleville Sisters to rescue her grandson. (Watch Trailer)

Big Hero 6

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 11/07/2014
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $222,527,828

Plot: Hiro teams up with Baymax and a few other hi-tech heroes to avenge his brother’s death. Together, the band of misfits uncover a shocking mystery. The movie is a sequel to Big Hero 5. Both movies are super entertaining! (Watch Trailer)

Bambi

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 08/21/1942
Movie Studio: RKO
Domestic Gross Revenue: $102,247,150

Plot: Bambi, a fawn next in line to be the prince of the forest, learns about friendship and love. The 1942 movie is heartachingly well done. It has moments where it’ll scare you but also teaches you to cherish life. (Watch Trailer)

Princess Mononoke

IMDB: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 10/29/1999
Movie Studio: Miramax
Domestic Gross Revenue: $4,845,631

Plot: Ashitaka, a young boy, is infected by an animal virus. He witnesses some disturbing things on his journey to find a cure, including a curse on his human companion, Princess Mononoke. The movie depicts the natural course of life and how humanity can affect the lives of animals, forests, and other spirits. (Watch Trailer)

My Neighbor Totoro

IMDB: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 05/07/1993
Movie Studio: 50th Street Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: $2,250,213

Plot: Two girls move to the countryside to be close to their ailing mother. There, they befriend a huge rabbit-like creature who may or may not be an actual spirit. The three have wonderful adventures along the way and make friends with other spirits. (Watch Trailer)

Arthur Christmas

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Release Date: 11/23/2011
Movie Studio: Sony / Columbia
Domestic Gross Revenue: $46,462,469

Plot: Arthur, Santa’s son, learns that a girl will not be getting her present due to a technical glitch. In order to right the wrong, he decides to hand-deliver the present to her before Christmas is over. This is probably one of the few Christmas movies that doesn’t make Santa a hero, lending it a unique take. (Watch Trailer)

Antz

IMDB: 6.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Release Date: 10/02/1998
Movie Studio: DreamWorks
Domestic Gross Revenue: $90,757,863

Plot: Z and Bala, two unmotivated ants from different social hierarchies, bump into each other. In order to get closer to Bala, Z changes positions, disrupting the order of the chain and eventually becoming a hero. The 1998 is voiced by stars like Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Danny Glover, and JLo. (Watch Trailer)

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

IMDB: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Release Date: 2/6/2019
Movie Studio: Rezo Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: $105,806,508

Plot: Five years after Emmett’s first adventure, he goes on a mission to save his friend from the planet Duplon with the help of a new friend Rick Dangervest. Just like all the Lego movies, this one is hilarious, has some non-serious action, and a whole lot of puns! (Watch Trailer)

A Bug’s Life

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Release Date: 11/20/1998
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $162,798,565

Plot: An ant colony is bullied by a group of grasshoppers for food. Flik, an ant inventor, goes in search of fighter bugs that can help his colony get rid of the evil grasshoppers. However, things don’t go as planned. From the creators of Toy Story, the 1998 movie has some great punchlines. (Watch Trailer)

Mary and Max

IMDB: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 01/15/2009
Movie Studio: IFC Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: N/A

Plot: An eight-year-old Mary forms an unlikely friendship with a forty-year-old obese man who is her pen pal. The two communicate for the next 20 years, leaving everyone wondering if they’ll ever meet. This 2009 movie is a gut-wrenching tale of loss and loneliness. (Watch Trailer)

Ponyo

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 8/14/2009
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $15,743,471

Plot: Sosuke, a young boy, becomes friends with a goldfish princess he calls Ponyo. As their friendship blossoms, Ponyo is more drawn to the human world, leading to life-threatening circumstances. Every movie from Studio Ghibli is a masterpiece and Ponyo is no different. The movie addresses environmental and gender issues with ease. (Watch Trailer)

Klaus

IMDB: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date: 11/15/2019
Movie Studio: Netflix
Domestic Gross Revenue: N/A

Plot: Jesper, deemed the most incompetent student from the postal academy, is sent to an island near the Arctic Circle. The people there don’t really exchange letters, leaving him feeling miserable. However, he finds hope when he meets a toymaker called Klaus. The movie is voiced by some talented actors, including Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman, and JK Simmons. (Watch Trailer)

Teen Titans Go! To the Movies

IMDB: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 7/27/2018
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $29,790,236

Plot: In an attempt to break the Teen Titans apart, Slade uses a mind-controlling device and pits them against each other. Although the plot may seem like any other typical superhero film, its action-packed sequences, stellar star cast, and hints of nostalgia make it a memorable one. (Watch Trailer)

Bolt

IMDB: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 11/21/2008
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $114,053,579

Plot: Bolt, a dog who works in a superhero movie, believes his powers to be real and jets off to save his colleague from trouble. Movie fanatics have applauded the animation for being ahead of its time by smashing several genres into one! (Watch Trailer)

Missing Link

IMDB: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 4/4/2019
Movie Studio: United Artists Releasing
Domestic Gross Revenue: $16,649,539

Plot: An eight-feet, hairy Mr. Link hires Sir Lionel Frost to help him find his long-lost relatives. Along the way, Adelina Fortnight accompanies them. Together, the trio experiences the adventures of a lifetime and makes unexpected connections that will bond them for life. (Watch Trailer)

Tangled

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 11/24/2010
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $200,821,936

Plot: A coming-of-age Rapunzel movie, Tangled is credited with starting the trend of “characters with sass” for Disney. As the story goes, Rapunzel is sick of being locked away and decides to escape after she meets a thief named Flynn Rider. The movie has some beautiful visuals and quippy lines that will leave you smiling. (Watch Trailer)

Shrek 2

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 05/19/2004
Movie Studio: DreamWorks
Domestic Gross Revenue: $441,226,247

Plot: Shrek and Princess Fiona are invited to Far Far Away by her parents. However, when her father learns that Fiona married Shrek instead of Prince Charming, he is horrified and plots to separate them. Shrek clearly left a mark on audiences and was easily one of the highest-grossing movies of its time. (Watch Trailer)

ParaNorman

IMDB: 7.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 08/17/2012
Movie Studio: Focus Features
Domestic Gross Revenue: $56,003,051

Plot: Norman Babcock has the ability to speak to ghosts. Things take a turn for the worse when he is forced to help his town by lifting a curse that was cast by a witch. Before long, zombies start rising from the dead and our hero must use his abilities to save the town’s residents. (Watch Trailer)

Frankenweenie

IMDB: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 10/05/2012
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $35,291,068

Plot: Victor revives his pet dog Sparky through a weird science experiment. The now monstrous dog is nothing like the old one, but Victor needs to convince his parents and neighbors otherwise. In typical Tim Burton fashion, this movie is gothic and dark but an exciting watch. (Watch Trailer)

James and the Giant Peach

IMDB: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 04/12/1996
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $28,946,127

Plot: James and the Giant Peach follows James, an orphan, who comes across magic crocodile tongues. He discovers the tongues have magically grown into a giant peach tree garden where he makes lots of friends. The movie has a heartwarming message: that it’s possible to form friendships from the most unexpected experiences. (Watch Trailer)

Shrek

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 05/16/2001
Movie Studio: DreamWorks
Domestic Gross Revenue: $267,665,011

Plot: Shrek and Donkey rescue Princess Fiona from the evil Lord Farquaad and try to get Shrek’s swamp back. This 2001 release shows that appearances can be deceiving. It also teaches self-love, acceptance, and learning to get along with others despite our differences. (Watch Trailer)

Rango

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 03/04/2011
Movie Studio: Paramount
Domestic Gross Revenue: $123,477,607

Plot: Pet chameleon Rango rises to the occasion and volunteers to become the sheriff of a Western Town where he has to investigate the case of missing water. This 2011 animation film had voice actors come together on set and perform their parts instead of doing individual recording sessions. This enabled dialogues to be more fluid and organic. (Watch Trailer)

The Wind Rises

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 2/21/2014
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $5,209,580

Plot: Studio Ghibli’s The Wind Rises explores the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the genius who designed Japanese fighting planes during WWII. The movie also depicts the events that came after the war. It holds a powerful lesson that our actions can have massive and unintended consequences. (Watch Trailer)

Winnie the Pooh

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 07/15/2011
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $26,692,846

Plot: The animated movie is adapted from A.A. Milne’s children’s books. The movie follows Winnie the Pooh as he is greedy for honey and fights bees. It includes his friends Piglet, Tigger, Kanga, and Owl. Although released way back in 1977, the lovable bear remains an icon. (Watch Trailer)

The Simpsons Movie

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 07/27/2007
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $183,135,014

Plot: Homer accidentally pollutes a lake in Springfield. The government’s only option is to create a dome and trap people inside. The Simpsons decide it’s their job to help save their hometown. As you’d expect, the movie is hilarious just like the series. (Watch Trailer)

Boy and the World

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 12/11/2015
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $129,480

Plot: The story follows a boy who wants to reunite his family. The movie perfectly narrates the story through music and visuals. It subtly deals with globalization, capitalism, and so much more. (Watch Trailer)

The Peanuts Movie

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 11/06/2015
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $130,178,411

Plot: Charlie Brown falls in love with a girl who just moved into the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Snoopy is writing a love story. Will they both be successful? Fun fact: Snoopy and Woodstock’s noises are reused from Bill Melendez’s performances from 1965 to 2000. (Watch Trailer)

When Marnie Was There

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 5/22/2015
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $561,085

Plot: Twelve-year-old Anna is sent to the countryside due to her respiratory health. There, she meets a young girl called Marine. The song “Fine on the Outside” by Priscilla Ahn was specially written for this movie. The singer-songwriter resonated with the characters and decided to submit her work. (Watch Trailer)

Millennium Actress

IMDB: 7.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 09/12/2003
Movie Studio: DW / Go Fish
Domestic Gross Revenue: $262,891

Plot: Chiyoko Fujiwara, a now-retired actress, is tracked down by an interviewer and his cameraman. The actress takes them down memory lane in a series of gripping stories that leave them astonished. (Watch Trailer)

Kung Fu Panda

IMDB: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 06/06/2008
Movie Studio: Paramount (DreamWorks)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $215,434,591

Plot: Po, an unfit panda who is enthusiastic about kung fu, is chosen to be one of the Dragon Warriors under Master Shifu. The warriors must fight and take down evil forces that threaten to destroy the Valley of Peace. The movie has a killer star cast and an even better storyline. (Watch Trailer)

Sleeping Beauty

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 1/29/1959
Movie Studio: Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $51,600,000

Plot: Maleficent, a vehement witch, curses Princess Aurora to die at the age of 16. The curse is altered, causing her to go into a deep sleep that she can only awake from by receiving true love’s kiss. Although the plot has become quite controversial in the recent past, people still love this classic. (Watch Trailer)

Wreck-It Ralph

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 11/2/2012
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $189,422,889

Plot: Sick of playing the bad guy in his arcade game, Ralph decides to break loose and play hero. In the process, he accidentally wreaks havoc and threatens all the games in the arcade. The movie takes you through all of Disney’s shows and movies which many seemed to love. (Watch Trailer)

Kung Fu Panda 3

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 01/29/2016
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $143,528,619

Plot: Po must return to the Panda Village and train a group of misfits after Kai, a soul-grabbing bull, captures the essence of all his friends. Jack Black does an awesome job voicing Po. But what makes the movie even more special is Po’s transformation. (Watch Trailer)

The Illusionist

IMDB: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 12/25/2010
Movie Studio: Sony Classics
Domestic Gross Revenue: $2,231,474

Plot: A traveling illusionist makes friends with Alice in Scotland, completely changing both of their lives. This 2010 film is mostly a silent film. However, what it lacks in sound, it more than makes up for in its storyline, charm, and beautifully illustrated scenes. (Watch Trailer)

Tarzan

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 06/16/1999
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $171,091,819

Plot: Tarzan grows up with apes after being the sole survivor of a plane crash. One day, he rescues Jane and must decide between trading his life in the jungle for life in civilization. Tarzan has had many adaptations over the years, but there’s something special about the 1999 animation. (Watch Trailer)

Howl’s Moving Castle

IMDB: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 06/10/2005
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $5,576,743

Plot: When Sophie befriends Howl who lives in a magical flying castle, the evil Witch of Waste tries to destroy their budding romance by making her age prematurely. Howl uses his magic to fight the witch and regain Sophie’s youth.

Honorable Mentions

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

IMDB: 6.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
Release Date: 06/02/2017
Movie Studio: Fox
Domestic Gross Revenue: $73,921,000

Plot: Harold and George hypnotize their principal and make him believe he is a superhero named Captain Underpants. What follows is a series of hilarious moments. But that all changes when they realize something’s not right. The movie features the voices of Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Jordan Peele, and Rick Kroll. (Watch Trailer)

The Secret of Kells

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 03/05/2010
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $676,775

Plot: Young Brendan living in a remote medieval outpost has the adventure of his life when he met a celebrated master illuminator who has an ancient but unfinished book, full of secret wisdom and powers. (Watch Trailer)

Mary and The Witch’s Flower

IMDB: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Release Date: 1/18/2018
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $2,418,404

Plot: Based on The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart. Mary discovers an old broomstick and a rare plant in a nearby forest. The rare flower grants mary magical powers. (Watch Trailer)

The Boy and the Beast

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 03/04/2016
Movie Studio: FUNimation Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: $490,643

Plot: The Boy and the Beast is one of Japan’s best animation movies to come out in 2016. Kyuta, an orphan kid living in the streets came across a beast named Kumatetsu. Kyuta followed Kumatetsu to his world, the world of beasts. Kyuta became Kumatetsu’s apprentice and they trained hard together. Darkness puts the human and beast worlds in mayhem and it is up to them to work together to stop this. (Watch Trailer)

Sausage Party

IMDB: 6.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
Release Date: 8/12/2016
Movie Studio: Sony
Domestic Gross Revenue: $97,685,686

Plot: Not in the top considerations as one of the greatest animated movies of all time, but Sausage Party blends 3D animation and edgy humor to create a truly unique experience. The plot follows Frank, and life is good for Frank (The sausage) and all the other food items. Soon, they’ll realize the truth that they’ll become a meal. They devise a plan to escape from human enemies. (Watch Trailer)

Akira

IMDB: 8.0
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 12/25/1989
Movie Studio: Streamline
Domestic Gross Revenue: $553,171

Plot: Akira is widely considered the greatest animated movies of all time within the anime genre. The story follows a a bike gang leader who’s trying to save his friend from a secret military project. His friend (Tetsuo) discovers his supernatural powers and a final clash is fought in Tokyo. (Watch Trailer)

Tokyo Godfathers

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 01/16/2004
Movie Studio: IDP
Domestic Gross Revenue: $367,131

Plot: Another deep-cut recommendation if you’re looking for highly underrated Japanese cartoon movies to watch. In Tokyo Godfathers, our main character’s bond of friendship is tested when homeless Gin, Hana, and Miyuki discover a newborn baby among the trash. (Watch Trailer)

The Pirates! Band of Misfits

IMDB: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Release Date: 04/27/2012
Movie Studio: Sony / Columbia
Domestic Gross Revenue: $31,051,126

Plot: Pirate Captain has one dream – to beat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the Year Award. (Watch Trailer)

My Dog Tulip

IMDB: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Release Date: 09/01/2010
Movie Studio: New Yorker
Domestic Gross Revenue: $246,574

Plot: A film about a growing friendship between a man and the German shepherd he rescues. (Watch Trailer)

The Princess and the Frog

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Release Date: 11/25/2009
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $104,400,899

Plot: Follow the hilarious adventure of Tiana who is desperate to follow her dreams of becoming a restaurant owner and the frog prince who desperately wants to be human again. (Watch Trailer)

In This Corner of the World

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Release Date: 08/11/2017
Movie Studio: FUNimation Films
Domestic Gross Revenue: $172,147

Plot: Set in Japan during WWII, Suzu an innocent 18-year-old girl married a young man and now she has to try her best to provide food for her family despite the living conditions in their area. (Watch Trailer)

April and the Extraordinary World

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Release Date: 03/25/2016
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $295,488

Plot: A family of scientists is making an invulnerability serum. This serum already produced a talking cat named Darwin. While doing their work a mysterious force that looks like a black cloud appeared where April’s parents got killed, leaving April and Darwin behind. (Watch Trailer)

The Little Prince

IMDB: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 08/05/2016
Movie Studio: Entertainment One
Domestic Gross Revenue: $1,339,152

Plot: A little Girl being prepared by a loving mother for the big grown-up world they are in. The little girl meets their neighbor an Aviator who told her a story about the Little Prince. The Aviator finally introduces the magnificent world of the Little Prince to his friend and the girl sets off on a journey in hoping to put things right when the Aviator got hospitalized. (Watch Trailer)

Miss Hokusai

IMDB: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 10/14/2016
Movie Studio: GKIDS
Domestic Gross Revenue: $222,670

Plot: The cartoon is a story of a ukiyo-e painter, Katsushika Hokusai, and his daughter O-Ei who tries to understand how an artist sees the world.

It explores the coming of age of a young woman and her journey to stepping out of the shadow of her famous father. (Watch Trailer)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

IMDB: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Release Date: 09/18/2009
Movie Studio: Sony / Columbia
Domestic Gross Revenue: $124,870,275

Plot: Based on the children’s book of the same name, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs follows the inventor Flint Lockwood and his latest invention which enables food to fall from the sky like rain. (Watch Trailer)

Mulan

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Release Date: 06/19/1998
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $120,620,254

Plot: For her old father to be saved from death in the war against the Huns, Mulan disguises herself as a man and joins the Chinese army. (Watch Trailer)

Lilo and Stitch

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Release Date: 06/21/2002
Movie Studio: Buena Vista (Disney)
Domestic Gross Revenue: $145,794,338

Plot: A notorious extra-terrestrial fugitive from the law becomes an unusual pet of a Hawaiian Girl. (Watch Trailer)

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Release Date: 09/16/2005
Movie Studio: Warner Bros.
Domestic Gross Revenue: $53,359,111

Plot: Victor is about to get married to his fiancee Victoria when he mistakenly put the wedding band while practicing his wedding vows on the skeletal finger of the enchanted Corpse Bride who is assuming he has married her. (Watch Trailer)

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

IMDB: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date (Streaming): 12/09/2022
Movie Studio: Netflix Animation
Domestic Gross Revenue: $71,614

Plot: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is a modern take on the classic story of a marionette who desperately wishes to become human. The film follows Gepetto, the old wood craftsman who lovingly carves and brings his creation, Pinocchio, to life. As they embark on a mission to make Pinocchio’s dream come true, they must face all manner of challenges—from lack of money to malicious forces trying to lead him astray. Along their journey, they get help from Jiminy Cricket and other magical creatures, learning lessons about hardship and redemption that will shape their paths for years to come. Through it all, their courage and loyalty will be tested as they confront danger with love—and attempt to outwit evil so that dreams can be realized! (Watch Trailer)

Encanto

IMDB: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Release Date: 11/24/2021
Movie Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Domestic Gross Revenue: $256,800,000

Plot: Encanto is the heartwarming story of a magical family living in Colombia. Along the way, she discovers powerful magic within herself and true potential for greatness. Ultimately, this delightful animated musical comedy celebrates the power of overcoming fear, embracing change together, and the value of family. (Watch Trailer)

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Release Date (Streaming): 04/30/2021
Movie Studio: Sony Pictures Animation
Domestic Gross Revenue: –

Plot: The Mitchells vs The Machines chronicles the adventures of Katie, who is off to college, and her family as they battle a tech uprising led by a rogue AI. When their old-school vacation plans are cut short by a tech apocalypse, they’re forced to work together with their creations to save the world. With nice animation and plenty of laughs, this movie follows the Mitchells on an action-packed journey that ultimately teaches them what really matters in life. (Watch Trailer)

My Father’s Dragon

IMDB: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date (Streaming): 11/11/2022
Movie Studio: Netflix Animation
Domestic Gross Revenue: –

Plot: My Father’s Dragon is a beloved children’s classic written by Ruth Stiles Gannett. The screenplay for the animated movie was written by Meg LeFauve. It’s a story of a young boy called Elmer Elevator who decides to embark on an adventure. He has heard of a dragon languishing on Wild Island and is determined to rescue him. With little more than his wits and a good pair of running shoes, Elmer sets out in search of the dragon, navigating the wild and untamed terrain of Wild Island to reach it. (Watch Trailer)

Turning Red

IMDB: 7
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Release Date: 03/01/2022
Movie Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
Domestic Gross Revenue: $20,100,000

Plot: Turning Red follows the story of young high school student Meilin Lee, who is struggling to find her place in the world. Stacy’s world suddenly turns upside down when she finds out that she has a superpower that allows her to transform into a giant red panda whenever she gets angry. Along the way, Meilin is forced to face difficult decisions and confront people in her journey of self-acceptance. (Watch Trailer)

Wendell & Wild

IMDB: 6.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Release Date (Streaming): 10/28/2022
Movie Studio: Monkeypaw Productions | Gothan Group
Domestic Gross Revenue: –

Plot: Wendell & Wild is a stop-motion comedy about two demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, who are tasked with enticing humans’ souls to the afterlife. When the King of Demons orders them to work together on a mission, they must overcome their rivalry to outsmart their adversaries and save the world — all while delivering an uproarious, irreverent magical adventure full of laughs. (Watch Trailer)

The Sea Beast

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Release Date (Streaming): 07/08/2022
Movie Studio: Netflix Animation
Domestic Gross Revenue: –

Plot: The Sea Beast follows the adventure of a young girl named Maisie who snuck aboard a sea monster hunter’s ship in order to join the voyage. She quickly turns his life upside down, as her insight and bravery rival his own. With each twist of adventure that they venture on together, they discover new creatures, new treacherous rifts, and most importantly newfound courage from within themselves. (Watch Trailer)

Sing 2

IMDB: 7.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
Release Date: 12/22/2021
Movie Studio: Illumination Entertainment
Domestic Gross Revenue: $162,790,990

Plot: After tasting success with his local theater troupe, Buster Moon is convinced he can make it to the big leagues. When a talent scout dismisses his work, however, he is determined to prove her wrong and sets out to create the greatest show ever made. With the help of Johnny, Rosita, and Ash, as well as other talented singers they encounter along their journey, Buster launches an ambitious production that rapidly grows into an extraordinary event no one could have anticipated. As new obstacles arise at every twist and turn, Buster takes inspiration from his friends’ unwavering commitment to see it through – all in hopes of realizing his lifelong dream of leading an impressive musical spectacular. (Watch Trailer)

The Bad Guys

IMDB: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Release Date: 04/22/2022
Movie Studio: Dreamworks Animation Studios
Domestic Gross Revenue: $97,233,630

Plot: The Bad Guys follows a notorious gang of animal criminals who are looking for a way to avoid prison. In a clever ploy, the leader Mr. Wolf suggests pretending to be rehabilitated instead; all for them to unexpectedly find that the journey to rehabilitation reaps its own rewards. (Watch Trailer)

Wolfwalkers

IMDB: 8
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Release Date (Streaming): 12/11/2020
Movie Studio: Cartoon Saloon | Melusine Productions
Domestic Gross Revenue: $1,266,570

Plot: An adventurous young hunter and her father are charged with wiping out the last wolf pack in Ireland. They encounter a girl who changes their journey from hunting to an odyssey of self-discovery. The young hunter realizes that reconciling both worlds may indeed be possible in this heartwarming coming-of-age story about friendship and loyalty. (Watch Trailer)

Enchanted

IMDB: 7.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Release Date: 10/20/2007
Movie Studio: Walt Disney
Domestic Gross Revenue: $127,807,262

Plot: Combining animation and filmed scenes, Enchanted pokes fun at fairytales using clichés like “true love’s kiss” and love at first sight. It tells the story of starry-eyed Giselle who meets cynical lawyer Robert and his daughter. It teaches viewers to balance cynicism and romanticism. (Watch Trailer)

Peter Pan

IMDB: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 77%
Release Date: 2/5/1953
Movie Studio: Produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures
Domestic Gross Revenue: $87,404,651

Plot: The classic tale based on JM Barrie’s children’s novel comes alive in this Disney adaptation. Punctuated with memorable songs, scenes, and lines (“All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.”), it’s a beautiful and spirited journey to Neverland, encouraging audiences to indulge their whimsical sides, be positive, and let their imaginations take flight. (Watch Trailer)

Written by Dustin Tyler [Updated June 10, 2023]

Initially focused on web dev, Dustin was introduced to game design by a friend after college and was immediately attracted to the combination of technical skill and creativity required to make an awesome game.

While not a professional game developer himself, he’s utilized his web dev skills and desire to help others by creating a resource where expert game designers can share what they’ve learned with the next generation of aspiring game makers.