Top 10 Best Animated Movies of 2022
#10: “Strange World” (2022)
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For fans of classic adventures like “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Fantastic Voyage,” Disney’s “Strange World” is a pulpy throwback with a few modern twists. The “strange world” itself is a hodgepodge of visual treats and lively creatures, particularly the silent yet expressive Splat. The film might not reach the heights of Disney’s other recent offerings, which, coupled with underwhelming marketing, likely contributed to its poor box office. Like “Treasure Planet,” “Atlantis,” or “The Black Cauldron,” though, this seems like one of those Disney films that’ll develop a cult following. The setting invites numerous creative possibilities and with the inclusion of the studio’s first openly LGBTQ+ young character, “Strange World” should be remembered as a significant stepping stone in the long run.
#9: “The Sea Beast” (2022)
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Chris Williams’ credits include “Bolt,” “Moana,” and “Big Hero 6,” the latter of which won an Oscar. Embarking into uncharted waters, Williams left Disney to direct Netflix’s “The Sea Beast.” The technical wizardry of Williams’ previous films is on full display, especially the water effects. On a writing level, though, this high-sea adventure stands out from Williams’ Disney days. The characters speak with the same gravitas you’d find in a great literary work like “Moby Dick” or “Master and Commander.” Of course, there’s still room for some lighthearted exchanges between Karl Urban’s Jacob and young Zaris-Angel Hator’s Maisie. With action worthy of comparison to “How to Train Your Dragon,” it’s easy to see why “Sea Beast” has become Netflix’s most-viewed original animated film.
#8: “Apollo 10 1⁄2: A Space Age Childhood” (2022)
Some argue that rotoscope isn’t “true” animation. Tommy Pallotta, the animation director of “Apollo 10 1⁄2,” couldn’t disagree more, noting that only the character outlines in Richard Linklater’s film were rotoscoped. Everything else was animated. However you define it, “Apollo 10 1⁄2” isn’t live-action. The rotoscoping perfectly matches the film’s tone, which has one foot in reality and the other in fantasy. As young Stanley inserts himself into the Apollo 11 Moon landing, we see a typical Texas childhood flash by. It was a simpler time when three networks ruled the airwaves, adults picked up six packs for the road, and child safety was an afterthought. With a style reminiscent of home movies and Saturday morning cartoons, it’s an exploration of a bygone boomer era.
#7: “My Father’s Dragon” (2022)
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In a world where CG largely dominates the feature animation market, you can always count on the good folks at Cartoon Saloon to embrace 2D artistry. The Irish studio’s latest film, “My Father’s Dragon,” possesses the aesthetic of a picture book brought to life. Actually, the film was based on Ruth Stiles Gannett’s 1948 novel of the same name. The tale of a young boy who befriends an awkward dragon is a bit more kid-friendly than the studio’s previous efforts like “Wolfwalkers” and “The Breadwinner.” However, there’s still a level of sophistication to the writing, voice acting, and life lessons that appeal to all ages. Director Nora Twomey continues Cartoon Saloon’s string of timeless storytelling, balancing simple concepts with layered lore.
#6: “Wendell & Wild” (2022)
“Wendell & Wild” is a wild film indeed. Such is to be expected when you have the stop-motion expertise of director Henry Selick and the real-world commentary of co-writer Jordan Peele. Visually, this horror comedy is like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” with an Afro-punk twist. With a plot that involves political cover ups, a demonic amusement park, and hair cream that raises the dead, the screenplay can feel like it’s making itself up as it goes along. For those tired of familiar formulas, though, “Wendell & Wild” is a breath of fresh air that dares to be weird purely for the sake of being weird. It’s also a win for representation with one of the most positive portrayals of trans youth we’ve seen in American animation.
#5: “Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers” (2022)
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“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” was lightning in a bottle, but “Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers” comes closer to recapturing the magic of that masterpiece than any film we’ve seen since. This isn’t just because of the seamless blending of live-action and animation, the mystery angle, or the cavalcade of cartoon cameos (some of which we never expected to see in a Disney movie). Hi, Ugly Sonic! It’s the risks “Rescue Rangers” takes that earn the “Roger Rabbit” comparison. From a corrupt grown-up Peter Pan to Flounder being tortured, Disney let the filmmakers go to some hilariously shocking places. It paid off with a meta-comedy that’s clever, creative, and a love letter to animation fans everywhere. It even won an Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie!
#4: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022)
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DreamWorks’ recent output has been hit and miss, but 2022 was a comeback of sorts. With “The Bad Guys,” the studio delivered a stylized heist comedy in the spirit of Steven Soderbergh. The most pleasant surprise was “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” Coming out over a decade after the last film, what seemed like an unnecessary sequel turned out to be a fast-paced comedy, a poignant meditation on life, and a visual feast inspired by “Into the Spider-Verse.” While Puss is a delightful protagonist, every character is a scene-stealer, from Florence Pugh’s gritty Goldilocks to John Mulaney’s “Big” Jack Horner. Just when you thought the “Shrek” franchise had used up its nine lives, this movie proves there’s more laughs and heart to go around.
#3: “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” (2022)
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A peculiar title with an even more peculiar protagonist. And yet, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” is one of the most human cinematic experiences we’ve had all year. The story is every bit as simple as its main character. Behind the simplicity, however, is a profound story about family, grief, and perseverance. Jenny Slate will warm, melt, and lift your heart as Marcel while Isabella Rossellini gives one of her finest performances as his grandmother. Director Dean Fleischer Camp takes an everyday Airbnb and turns it into a world of its own. Once you’ve seen the world through Marcel’s eye, you’ll be encouraged to stop and appreciate the little things in life. There’s always something right under your nose waiting to be discovered.
#2: “Turning Red” (2022)
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Pixar gave us two very different films this year. “Lightyear” was an almost Kubrick-esque take on the iconic Space Ranger. “Turning Red” encompassed the energy, style, and off-the-wall humor of an anime. It’s one of the funniest features Pixar has ever produced with a mix of jokes that are risque without ever going too adult. For kids on the verge of puberty, in particular, this is a great way to normalize concepts like menstruation. For all the laughs and pop songs, there’s also a meaningful mother/daughter story. In an age where many movies feel manufactured, you get the sense that Pixar let director Domee Shi and her crew run wild with “Turning Red.” The results are unique, personal, and sure to inspire future generations. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (2022) More Minion Mayhem & Michelle Yeoh “Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe” (2022) Into the Cornholio-Verse “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” (2022) A Film So Super That the Word is In the Title Twice “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” (2022) We’re Still Singing “Sunny Side Up Summer” “DC League of Super-Pets” (2022) Hot Take, Better Than “Batman v Superman”
#1: “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022)
Disney’s “Pinocchio” is in a league of its own. Guillermo del Toro’s stunning stop-motion version creates another league with a haunting visual style, a bittersweet story, and real-world undertones. Although this is one of the most adult interpretations of the classic story, the film still possesses a childlike sense of wonder. It’s also a movie that understands the perspective of a child. Like many kids, Pinocchio himself can be selfish, naive, and reckless. At his core, though, there’s a genuine soul who wants to do right by his father. As Pinocchio learns the meaning of humanity, Geppetto learns the meaning of parenthood and unconditional love. Pinocchio may be a puppet. Technically, so are his co-stars. Yet, every emotion we see on screen feels real.
