25 of the Best Animated Films of the 2010s

The New Year is already in full swing and it’s exciting to think about what awaits us in the future, especially regarding animated films. With the growing technology and the vast opportunities finally opening up for different voices to be heard in the animation community, from female-driven films to stories about underrepresented characters, the possibilities are endless for what can be achieved nowadays with the beloved medium. We wanted to take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the best-animated films of the last decade and why they’re so important to the growth and future of animation.

Listed in no particular order are 25 of the best-animated films from the 2010s:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Honestly, Into the Spider-Verse is probably the best Spider-Man adaptation yet. Although the film doesn’t fully focus on the infamous Peter Parker, it follows newcomer Miles Morales as he goes through his own unique journey into becoming a new version of Spider-Man after, drumroll, getting a spider bite. He later ends up meeting different versions Spider-Man as he’s forced into helping his new friends save the multiverse from the Kingpin. This film set the standard for superhero films by not only depicting an African American Spider-Man, but by taking a character that is so drawn out in the media and making it seem original and fresh again.

Coco (2017)

Out of Pixar’s 21 features released, Coco might be the most important film to date. It follows Miguel’s coming of age journey into the Land of the Dead, where he discovers his roots, the importance of family, and the true meaning of life after death. It not only helped push animation further by developing new shading and lighting techniques for the lush worlds of the living and the dead, but also by the opening up the conversation of death to families. It changed the way audiences looked at death and grieving in children’s content and paved the way for similar stories to be depicted in media.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

OK. We’re going to forget about Toy Story 4 at the moment, but up until the last instalment was released in 2019, there was Toy Story 3. The film’s premise is simple: Andy is going to college and Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang are terrified of being left behind. After they accidentally get sent to a day care centre, the toys must find a way to make it home in time before Andy leaves. This film is important because it brought everything full circle for generations of storytellers and animation aficionados alike. For many, it was the perfect end of an era and there was no better way to say goodbye to your old friends as you moved on to the future.

Inside Out (2015)

Only Pixar can make a compelling film about the emotions inside your head. Inside Out focuses on an 11-year-old girl named Riley, who struggles with her new life in San Francisco after moving away from Minnesota. The film also depicts how Riley’s five core emotions (Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness) interact with each other and what is actually happening inside her head while she tries to adjust to life in San Francisco. As with all of Pixar’s films, Inside Out helped push animation technology even further by creating new virtual camera techniques to showcase the differences between the real world and the world inside Riley’s head. Additionally, what makes Inside Out so important to animation is the fact the film helped shine a light on mental health and in turn, helped families openly discuss the importance of all emotions, even sadness.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

Arguably one of DreamWorks best films, How to Train Your Dragon is further proof the animation giant is capable of creating films that not only showcase their stunning visual technology, but that they can also tell heartwarming and compelling stories on par with Disney Animation and Pixar. How to Train Your Dragon delves into the world of the Vikings as we follow Hiccup on his journey into manhood and his attempt to be officially initiated in his tribe. The only catch? Hiccup needs to kill a dragon. Sound easy, right? For most Vikings, sure, but Hiccup ends up befriending one of the deadliest dragon breeds and has to figure out a way to appease his tribe while also keeping his new friend alive.

The Breadwinner (2017)

The Breadwinner is a perfect example of how animation has grown in the last decade by using the platform to shine a light on stories that would otherwise stay in the dark. It’s important because it depicts the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl who lives in Afghanistan and is suppressed under the Taliban rule. After her father is wrongfully accused of a crime and arrested, she takes fate into her own hands and passes herself off as a boy in order to help save her family. The film isn’t ostentatious or trying to show off the latest animation technology, but it’s there to simply tell the story of Parvana through its gorgeous 2D animation designs.

The Illusionist (2010)

French animation master Sylvain Chomet’s second feature-length animated film, The Illusionist pays perfect homage to filmmaker Jacques Tati. The film is actually based on an unproduced screenplay by Tati, which the filmmaker wrote back in ‘56. Despite Tati passing away in ‘82, through the use of traditional 2D animation and breathtaking water colour designs, Chomet was successfully able to capture the essence of the story and atmosphere Tati wanted to create with The Illusionist. (The illusionist character is actually an animated version of Jacques Tati himself!) Chomet’s film is set in ‘50s France and follows a jobless illusionist as he tours through the UK, eventually meeting a young girl named Alice. The duo, forming a unique father-daughter bond, go on a series of magical adventures that end up altering both of their lives.

ParaNorman (2012)

ParaNorman is LAIKA’S second feature film and the Oregon-based studio is in part responsible for helping create a resurgence in blockbuster stop motion animated films. ParaNorman not only pushed the boundaries of stop motion by utilising old school animation techniques with 3D printing, but also told an incredibly compelling story that nearly scared our socks off in the process. Norman Babcock, the protagonist of the film, can speak to ghosts and uses his uniquely creepy talent to help save his town from a deadly curse. ParaNorman is full of spooky sets and bone chilling character designs and helps us remember to embrace who we are. Because despite what others may think, being different is awesome.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

In another triumphant feature released from LAIKA, Kubo and the Two Strings only proves the studio is constantly raising the bar with their films and helping grow animation by effortlessly merging stop motion with CG animation. Compared to their earlier films, Kubo and the Two Strings is massive in terms of story and environment, as the films aesthetics were based heavily on numerous traditional Japanese art forms. Kubo, a young boy, and his Monkey and Beetle companions search for Kubo’s father’s magical suit of armor in order to conquer a malevolent spirit. From a plethora of action packed fight scenes to a jaw dropping skeleton monster design, this film has everything you’d want from a stop motion adventure and more.

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Despite Big Hero 6 being so distinct from Disney Animation’s usual repertoire of musicals and fairytales, it often comes out as underrated amongst the other animated features released in the 2010s. What makes it so special is the fact it was Disney Animation’s first original superhero film (let’s just keep Marvel out of it for now, OK?). The film not only focuses on the loveable relationship between Hiro and his robot creation Baymax, but takes audiences on one epic adventure as Hiro teams up with his tech-savvy friends to help save the futuristic world from destruction. It was just a little glimpse as to what audiences would expect from Disney in the future and how well the studio could take something loosely based off an old Marvel comic and make it their own.

Zootopia (2016)

If Big Hero 6 was any indication of Disney Animation raising the bar and showing us what other stories they’re capable of telling, then Zootopia knocks it out of the park. The film is not only a hilarious buddy-cop comedy, but also a film noir-whodunit mystery that’s jammed packed with important societal themes focusing on racism and prejudice. Judy Hops, a newly recruited police officer, and conman Nick team up to try and solve the mystery of the recent predators who have gone missing. From yes, talking animals (who could go wrong there?), to the gorgeous character designs and the stellar new iGroom technology showcased to render all the fur, Zootopia will go down in the books as an epic achievement for Disney.

Tangled (2010)

Yes, we had to include at least one Disney Animated fairytale in this list and that’s Tangled. Before Anna and Elsa, there was Rapunzel and Flynn. In typical Disney fashion, the studio took a classic fairytale and flipped it on its head in their musical reimagining of Rapunzel. While keeping all the charm and mystery of the original story alive, they managed to create a gorgeous 3D feature film with an all-new story and characters, while peppering it with catchy songs and a romance story that still makes our hearts melt.

My Life As A Courgette (2016)

My Life as a Courgette is a rarity: a successful and Academy Award nominated stop motion film not released from a major US studio. The film is based off Gilles Paris' novel Autobiographie d'une Courgette and is about Icare, a 9-year-old boy who is sent away to a foster home after losing his mother. The film spends most of its time following Icare through his point of view and delving into the relationships he builds with the other children around him, learning the meaning of trust and friendship along the way. The world around Icare is colourful and dazzling to the senses, the characters are uniquely designed, and the film packs all the emotional punches with its somber story.

I Lost My Body (2019)

I Lost My Body is a 2D animated film by French director Jérémy Clapin and based off the book Happy Hand by Guillaume Laurant (who also wrote French cult favourite Amelie). The fantasy drama depicts the harrowing journey of a cut-off hand that’s trying desperately to get back to its old owner, Naoufel. In the process of following the hand as it navigates through Paris, we discover specific memories relating to Naoufel, leading up until the crucial moment when the hand was severed from the body. The film is original, odd, and yet extremely meaningful as it uniquely explores the age-old psychological debate of free will vs. determinism through hand’s voyage and Naoufel’s past.

Shaun The Sheep Movie (2015)

We couldn’t have a list of “Best Animated Films” and NOT include at least one project from Aardman Animations. Shaun the Sheep Movie is Aardman’s own adaptation of their beloved series of the same name. It focuses on Shaun, yes the sheep, and follows him as he ventures into the big city after getting bored of the predicable farm life. Not only is the film full of Aardman’s stop motion charm and visual gags that will keep you laughing for days, but every step of Shaun’s epic adventure in the big city is told without any dialogue; the most you will get are grunts from the farmer. That alone makes the film important and special because it proves you don’t need dialogue to make a great film, only an engaging story full of great animation and loveable characters.

Isle of Dogs (2018)

Dear Wes Anderson, please continue making stop motion films. Sincerely, everyone at Cardiff Animation Festival. Isle of Dogs is Wes Anderson’s second feature length stop motion film, and is set in the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki. After a dog-flu infects the capital, Mayor Kobayashi deports all the dogs to Trash Island to avoid further catastrophe. It’s there we meet Atari, who has crash-landed on the island in search of his dog. Wes Anderson’s incredible attention to detail sets the bar high for other stop motion films. Isle of Dogs if full of lush backgrounds and unique character designs (human and animal alike), not to mention telling a captivating and original story of Atari as he goes about his epic quest to reunite with his best friend.

Lego Movie (2014)

The Lego Movie was released in 2014 and seriously still blows our minds it took THAT long for an animated film to be released about Lego. It could’ve been one of those eye-roll inducing Hollywood films released into the wild based off a random popular Brand with no plot and crude jokes, with its only intention to make millions back for the studio, but it offered something MUCH more. Emmet, your ordinary Lego construction worker, believes he’s the “chosen” one. He’s soon recruited by all of your favourite pop culture superheroes to help save the Lego World from the evil Lord Business. The Lego Movie offers something special for all ages, is full of stunning 3D animation (cleverly done to mimic traditional stop motion), and will surely change the way you look at Lego forever.

The Secret of Kells (2010)

The Secret of Kells is Cartoon Saloon’s first animated feature film and is a fantasy reimagining of the illumination manuscript Book of Kells. It’s heavily based off Celtic mythology as it depicts Cellach preparing his fortress for war from an impending Viking attack. Unbeknownst to Cellach, his nephew, Brendan, has been recruited by an illuminator to go on an epic and magical quest to complete the Book of Kells. The film is important to Irish heritage and stays true to the original source material. It’s also full of soft and airy designs and spectacular 2D animation as it brings the Book of Kells to life on screen.

Song of the Sea (2014)

Song of the Sea is a solid second feature from Cartoon Saloon and follows the same path as the Secret of Kells, drawing heavy inspiration from Celtic mythology and using hand drawn 2D animation to complete the aesthetics. Ben, a 10-year-old boy, finds out his mute little sister, Saoirse, is actually a selkie; a “seal folk” and who can miraculously turn themselves into seals. Saoirse is on a mission to get her voice back and has to free a series of creatures from the clutches of a Celtic goddess in the process. Naturally Ben joins in and the siblings go on an epic adventure to fulfil Saoirse’s destiny.

Ernest & Celestine (2012)

Ernest & Celestine is an adorable 2D animated film based off Gabrielle Vincent’s classic children’s books series of the same name. Ernest & Celestine is essentially about an unexpected bond between Ernest, a bear, and Celestine, a mouse. Overall the film is stunning and was done entirely with hand-drawn animation; there are some moments during the film where it felt as if a watercolour painting was brought to life. The film also draws on some important political themes as it follows Ernest and Celestine causing a ruckus in their respected communities, while also offering some perfectly timed gags even Chuck Jones would be proud of.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a work of art, literally. Director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata created his own visual style inspired from Japanese woodblock prints, using ink-and-charcoal impressionism to visualise his own clever retelling of the classic Japanese folktale. Compared to Takahata’s previous works at Ghibli, The Tale of Princess Kaguya will stand the test of time, not only because it successfully depicts one of Japan’s most famous and epic folk stories, but showcases Takahata’s talent and ambition; raising the bar for what can be achieved in animation outside of Hollywood by using traditional techniques and simple designs.

The Red Turtle (2016)

In a co-production between Wild Bunch and Studio Ghibli comes the Red Turtle, a film about a man who’s shipwrecked on a deserted island and meets a large red turtle; the creature ends up destroying the man’s raft every time he attempts to escape the island. The story is simple, but the striking 2D designs and overall execution of the film helps showcase some crucial themes that should be sought for in everyone’s lives: protecting the environment, friendship, love, and the importance of familial bonds. One of the most striking things about the film is it’s told entirely without dialogue, further proving the importance of animation and how the medium can be used to change the way stories are told.

Your Name (2016)

Your Name is a coming-of-age anime about two Japanese teenagers; a village girl named Mitsuha and city boy Taki, who by strange circumstances wake up one morning in each other’s bodies. The two soon discover they can switch between bodies and use their newfound talent to help each other navigate their lives but also form a deep connection and understanding about each other throughout their adventures. The film is full of spectacular animation and the timeless story itself, full of romance, comedy, and even some time-travelling; is worthy enough to make any best animated film list.

The Wind Rises (2013)

The Wind Rises stands out amongst Hayao Miyazaki’s impressive filmography; you won’t find a whimsical new world full of magical adventures, cuddly creatures, and impossible flying machines here, but more of an honest interpretation of the past and a fictionalised biopic about Jiro Horikoshi; chief engineer of WWII Japanese fighter planes. Miyazaki bases the initial premise on Horikoshi’s life, but merges the truth with fiction; basing some of the key moments in the film on the book The Wind Has Risen, while also sprinkling a bit of his own life and career throughout the film. Despite the tone being noticeably different, the animation is still on par with Miyazaki’s previous films, offering some of the best work in his career.

Anomalisa (2016)

When anyone typically mentions stop motion, they usually tend to think of films about animals going on wild adventures or unique fantasy worlds filled with dazzling new creatures and epic boss battles; but Anomalisa challenges all of those preconceived notions. Yes, it’s a stop-motion film but it really focuses on the banality of everyday life with just your average human beings, definitely a rarity in the blockbuster animation world. Anomalisa is from director Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson and through the use of hyper realistic character designs and animation, tells the story of Michael Stone’s boring life and how everything changes for him the night he meets Lisa.

Did we miss any of your favourite films from the 2010s? If so, leave us a comment below or send us a tweet!