Top 10 Critically Acclaimed Animated Movies

When it premiered in 1940, "Fantasia" broke new ground in the industry by pairing classical music with meticulously crafted sequences. This Walt Disney production, characterized by its innovative use of the Fantasound system, was one of the first movies to feature multichannel sound, significantly enhancing the cinematic experience. Its ambitious scope and its synthesis of music and animation have not only placed it on numerous "greatest" lists but also garnered it a special Honorary Award at the Academy Awards. "Fantasia's" influence extends beyond cinema, especially in the music video industry. Its ongoing reputation as a pioneering artistic endeavor highlights its acclaim and enduring legacy.

With its stark black-and-white design "Persepolis" stands out as a profoundly personal narrative, exploring the tumultuous life and times of its co-director Marjane Satrapi in post-revolutionary Iran. Based on Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel, it captures the complexities of national identity and personal freedom through a deeply intimate lens. Its unique visual style and emotional depth earned it the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007 and an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Critics have lauded "Persepolis" for its bold storytelling, making it a significant cultural touchstone in modern cinema.

Upon its release in 1988, "Akira" set a new benchmark for the possibilities of animation. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and based on his own landmark manga, this dystopian epic unfolds in Neo-Tokyo, a city reborn from the ashes of World War III. Noted for its detailed images and intense narrative, “Akira’s” influence extends well beyond Japan, reshaping perceptions of what anime can achieve in terms of story and visual effects. It is often credited with introducing anime to Western audiences, and it has been widely acknowledged in many "best of" lists for its profound impact on the genre. It paved the way for anime's global popularity and acceptance as a serious art form.

In 1978, "Watership Down," directed by Martin Rosen, emerged as a compelling adaptation of Richard Adams’ novel. This British film explores the harrowing journey of a group of rabbits seeking a new home, delving into themes of survival and societal structure. Its narrative depth and the emotional stakes of its characters stand out, offering a darker, more poignant look at life and liberty compared to typical fare. The movie’s highly artistic approach and its unflinching portrayal of the realities of the animal kingdom earned it an enduring status. Noted for its thought-provoking content and the emotional impact it has on viewers, "Watership Down" remains a landmark for its mature thematic complexity.

Released in 2004, "The Incredibles" quickly became celebrated for redefining the superhero genre within animated cinema. Directed by Brad Bird, this Pixar offering blends thrilling action with the everyday dilemmas of family life, making it both relatable and exciting. It’s praised for its inventive approach to superhero dynamics, focusing on a family where each member struggles with their identities and societal expectations. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and its sophisticated narrative and technical excellence have placed it on many lists of the top films. "The Incredibles" is often recognized for its clever humor and deep emotional resonance, which appeal to both children and adults alike.

This influential movie is an anthology of various fantastical and sci-fi stories, each segment based on or inspired by stories from the cult magazine of the same name. Known for its adult themes, graphic content, and a rocking soundtrack featuring artists like Black Sabbath and Devo, it offers a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy with a distinctly mature edge. Critics have highlighted its pioneering techniques and the way it pushed the boundaries of the genre at the time. "Heavy Metal" has achieved a cult status, noted for its daring narrative style and the varied artistic directions of its multiple segments. Its influence is seen in how it opened doors for adult-oriented animation in Western cinema.

Released in 2001, “Shrek” revolutionized film with its irreverent humor and satirical take on fairy tales. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, this DreamWorks feature flipped the script on traditional fairy tale narratives by celebrating an ogre as its hero. Its appeal is broadened by clever dialogue, memorable characters, and a storyline that parodies and pays homage to the classics. Winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, "Shrek" is often credited with transforming the landscape by appealing equally to adults and children. Its artistic success spawned a multimedia franchise, reaffirming its impact on pop culture.

There’s no doubt that "Toy Story" marked a monumental moment in cinematic history as the first feature-length film created entirely with computer graphics. It chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their cohort of toys, bringing a new depth to animation. It received universal acclaim for its groundbreaking technology, as well as its emotionally rich narrative that appeals to both children and adults. "Toy Story" was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay, and won a Special Achievement Oscar for its pioneering techniques. It set a new standard for the industry and is frequently cited as one of the greatest animated movies ever made, and sparked an immensely popular franchise.

This French creation, directed by Sylvain Chomet, is celebrated for its distinctive style and inventive approach. Released in 2003, it is a quirky and visually engaging tale that follows an elderly woman and her dog as they team up with a trio of aged music hall singers to rescue her grandson, a Tour de France cyclist kidnapped by the Mafia. This film's unique style, which eschews conventional dialogue for expressive visuals and music, garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Praised for its originality and artistic flair, "The Triplets of Belleville" has been lauded as a masterpiece of modern animation, reflecting a deep appreciation for the nuances of visual creativity.

An instant classic that burst onto the scene in 2018, this spider-epic redefined what a superhero flick could be. Its innovative style, which combines both traditional and computer-generated techniques, mirrors the feel of living comic book pages, setting a new visual standard. Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, it presents a fresh take on the Spider-Man lore, introducing audiences to Miles Morales and multiple other Spider-People from different dimensions. Winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the film was universally praised for its dynamic and vibrant style, as well as the way it embraces diversity and inclusion. Critics and fans alike regard it as a landmark, profoundly impacting the genre.