Animated movies can also offer thought-provoking and emotional experiences, and if you are looking for such movies, here are the top 20 recommendations for you.
Animated movies have successfully engaged, entertained, and captivated generations of movie lovers with their compelling visuals, storytelling, and emotionally enriched production for years. Yet, a lot of people of this age consider animated movies to be built for kids. Well, one thing is for sure; they are missing out big time! Through all these years, global directors and animators have worked together to create some of the best animated movies that feel timeless and evergreen. If you are also looking for such amazing animated movies, here are some of the best of all time.
- Castle in the Sky
‘Laputa’ or ‘Castle in the Sky’ is one of the most compelling works by Miyazaki under Studio Ghibli production that blurs the line between fairy tale and reality. Although the protagonists are two small children, the story is much deeper and offers a reflection of innocence struggling in a world of power and money-hungry people. The story is based on the flying city called ‘Laputa,’ and everyone is after it to find treasure and powerful weapons, including Government agents and sky pirates. The story takes us on an epic adventure, and there are serious environmentalist themes in the movie that will make you question, “What is wrong with us humans?”
- ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Miyazaki created this manga in 1981, which was later decided to be made into a movie for its compelling story. It is also the legendary director’s first movie. It is set in a future world devastated by war and environmental destruction. Nausicaä, the kind and courageous princess of the Valley of the Wind, tries to understand the mysterious toxic forest and its giant insects. Unlike others, she believes that humans and nature can coexist peacefully. The film explores themes of environmental protection, war, compassion, and humanity’s responsibility toward nature. This movie is a must-watch for everyone.
- ‘Aladdin’
Some movies are best if you just keep them in their animated version without trying to make everything live-action, and ‘Aladdin’ from 1992 is the perfect example of that. This story is highly inspired by The Thief of Bagdad and One Thousand and One Nights, and it is safe to say Disney did a great job treating the story. The story follows Aladdin, a poor but kind-hearted young man who discovers a magical lamp containing a powerful Genie. With the Genie’s help, Aladdin tries to win the love of Princess Jasmine and defeat the evil sorcerer Jafar. You will love Abu the monkey and Kali the magic carpet, who have more emotions than humans these days.
- ‘Perfect Blue’
Satoshi Kon is one of the greatest directors in Japan, and ‘Perfect Blue’ is one of those legendary animated movies that inspired Christopher Nolan to make ‘Inception’. This psychological thriller follows Mima Kirigoe, a young pop idol who decides to leave her music career and become an actress. As she takes on increasingly disturbing roles, Mima begins to lose her sense of reality. A mysterious stalker, frightening events, and visions blur the boundaries between her public image and personal identity. The film explores themes of fame, identity, obsession, exploitation, and the pressures faced by performers. The complex storytelling is truly mind-bending and enjoyable.
- ‘Zootopia’
Would it not be amazing if there was a parallel universe where animals can speak and act like humans? Well, that is what ‘Zootopia’ offers, but in a delightful way and with a compelling thriller story. The story follows Judy Hopps, an optimistic rabbit who becomes the first rabbit police officer in the modern city of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Judy teams up with Nick Wilde, a clever fox, to solve a mysterious case involving missing animals. As they investigate, they uncover a larger conspiracy that threatens the city’s peaceful society.
- ‘My Neighbor Totoro’
If you think you are not in touch with your inner child, watch this beautiful movie filled with joy and innocence. It is one of the most beautiful and wholesome movies by Miyazaki that was released in 1988. The story follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers in a hospital. They soon discover magical creatures living in the nearby forest, including the gentle and mysterious Totoro. Through their adventures, the sisters experience wonder, friendship, and the beauty of nature. It is the best movie to go back to childhood.
- ‘The Incredibles’
‘The Incredibles’ is a 2004 American animated superhero film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Brad Bird. The film combines action, comedy, and family drama while exploring themes of teamwork, courage, identity, and family values. The story follows the Parr family, who possess extraordinary superpowers but are forced to live ordinary lives because superheroes have been banned. Bob Parr, also known as Mr. Incredible, secretly returns to superhero work, leading his family into a dangerous adventure. Together, the family must stop the villain Syndrome and save the city.
- ‘Mary and Max’
You must have a brave heart to watch this movie, as it is going to make you cry. It still feels too amazing to see that stop-motion clay animation is capable of offering a more emotionally rich experience than most commercial movies released these days. Directed by Adam Elliot, this Australian movie arrived in 2009 and touched the hearts of audiences. The story follows Mary Daisy Dinkle, a lonely young girl living in Australia, and Max Jerry Horovitz, a middle-aged man living in New York. The two begin a long-distance friendship through letters, sharing their thoughts, fears, and experiences. The film explores themes of loneliness, friendship, mental health, acceptance, and human connection.
- ‘Soul’
‘Soul’ is a 2020 American animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Pete Docter. The story follows Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher and passionate jazz pianist who dreams of performing professionally. After an unexpected accident, Joe’s soul enters a mysterious world where he meets a young soul named 22. Together, they embark on a journey that changes Joe’s understanding of life and purpose. The film explores themes of dreams, identity, purpose, friendship, and the value of everyday moments. This movie encourages viewers to appreciate life rather than simply chase their biggest ambitions.
- ‘Akira’
No matter how many movies come, there will be only one ‘Akira’. It is a 1988 Japanese animated science-fiction film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, based on his manga of the same name. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the movie follows Kaneda, a young biker, whose friend Tetsuo develops powerful psychic abilities after a mysterious accident. As Tetsuo struggles to control his growing powers, the government becomes involved in a secret project connected to Akira, a legendary psychic child. Best known for its detailed animation, intense action, and dark atmosphere, this movie is a must-watch for everyone.
- ‘Wolf Children’
This movie is directed by Mamoru Hosoda, and it is one of the most emotionally rich works by the director that can captivate you. It is a story about a young woman who falls in love with a mysterious man who can transform into a wolf. After his sudden death, Hana raises their two children, Yuki and Ame, who inherit their father’s ability to change between human and wolf forms. She moves to the countryside to give them a peaceful life and freedom to choose their identities. It is a movie about motherhood and family values.
- ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
As mentioned before, some movies are best if they are not transformed into live-action movies, and it goes for this one too. This amazing work by DreamWorks made people fall in love with Toothless, the mightiest dragon. The story follows Hiccup, a young Viking who struggles to fit into his dragon-fighting community. Hiccup discovers that dragons are not the dangerous creatures his people believe them to be. The friendship between Hiccup and Toothless changes the way the Vikings understand dragons and leads to peace between the two groups. The film explores themes of friendship, courage, acceptance, family, and understanding.
- ‘A Silent Voice’
This animated film will break your heart and also fill you with joy, with an emotional representation of bullying and also becoming a good person to acknowledge it. Based on the manga by Yoshitoki Ōima, the movie shows Shoya Ishida, a teenager who bullied a deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya, when they were children. Years later, Shoya is filled with guilt and loneliness and decides to find Shoko and apologize. As they reconnect, both characters struggle with regret, forgiveness, friendship, and emotional pain. The film explores important themes such as bullying, disability, redemption, communication, and empathy.
- ‘The Iron Giant’
‘The Iron Giant’ is a 1999 American animated science-fiction film directed by Brad Bird. Set during the Cold War, the story follows Hogarth Hughes, a young boy who discovers a giant robot from outer space. Instead of fearing him, Hogarth becomes friends with the gentle Giant and teaches him about humanity, friendship, and compassion. However, the government sees the Giant as a dangerous weapon and attempts to destroy him. It is a story of friendship, fear, identity, sacrifice, and the choice between violence and peace.
- ‘Inside Out’
What if your emotions were personified? The story takes place inside the mind of Riley, an 11-year-old girl who moves to a new city with her family. Her emotions, namely Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, guide her through this difficult change. When Joy and Sadness become lost, Riley struggles to cope with her feelings and memories. The film explores themes of emotions, family, growing up, and mental well-being. With creative storytelling, colorful animation, and heartfelt characters, ‘Inside Out’ teaches us that every emotion has an important role in life.
- ‘Ratatouille’
Produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Brad Bird, this movie was released in 2007 and is considered to be a masterpiece. The movie shows Remy, a talented rat who dreams of becoming a great chef in Paris. Despite his family’s disapproval and society’s prejudice against rats, Remy secretly helps Alfredo Linguini prepare delicious dishes by controlling his movements through his hair. Together, they face challenges while trying to prove Remy’s extraordinary cooking talent. The film explores themes of ambition, creativity, friendship, courage, and following one’s dreams.
- ‘Klaus’
‘Klaus’ is a 2019 animated Christmas film directed by Sergio Pablos. The story follows Jesper, a spoiled postman who is sent to a cold and isolated island called Smeerensburg. There, he meets Klaus, a mysterious toymaker who lives alone in the forest. Together, they begin delivering toys to children, slowly bringing happiness and kindness to the divided community. As their acts of generosity inspire others, the town begins to change. The film explores themes of kindness, friendship, generosity, and hope. With its beautiful hand-drawn animation, it is the perfect holiday movie for all.
- ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’
Beautiful Howl has become a crush for many women after seeing him in this movie. This has gained much attention from the new generation with its beautiful representation of love. It is a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The story follows Sophie, a young woman who is transformed into an old woman by a jealous witch. She finds refuge in the magical moving castle of Howl, a mysterious wizard. As Sophie becomes part of Howl’s unusual world, she discovers the importance of love, courage, and self-confidence.
- ‘Princess Mononoke’
This is another masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli that was released in 1997. The movie introduces us to Ashitaka, a young prince who travels west after being cursed by a demon. He becomes involved in a conflict between humans and the spirits of the forest, including San, a brave girl raised by wolves. The film explores themes of environmental destruction, humanity, nature, courage, and coexistence. Rather than presenting simple heroes and villains, it shows the complexity of both sides. With breathtaking animation, powerful characters, and a meaningful message, ‘Princess Mononoke’ is a remarkable animated film.
- ‘Up’
If you are looking for another romantic animated story that can blow your mind, it has to be ‘Up’. Although the movie takes us on an epic adventure, there is a subtle romance, with immersive visuals and good music, which makes it close to the hearts of many movie lovers. This is by far the best Pixar creation released in 2009. The movie follows Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who fulfills his late wife Ellie’s dream by attaching balloons to his house and flying to South America. Unexpectedly, a young boy named Russell joins him on the adventure. Together, they encounter exciting challenges, a rare bird, and a determined explorer.
