The phrase “best animated movie” means different things to different people. Some will automatically think of classicDisneymovies or similar family-friendly feature-length cartoons from their childhood, while others will automatically gravitate toward adaptations of their favoritecomic-bookstories. Others still may consider the exotic appeal of anime or the avant-style of artists outside the mainstream as the “best” animation has to offer. The only thing these disparate features have in common is that they’re devoid of live-action components; anything else goes. With this broad range of animated movies in mind, we’ve combed through the available features streaming onNetflixto bring you the best of the best. There’s something here for everyone.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest movies on Netflix, thebest kid and family movies, and thebest animated showson the platform.
‘Migration’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 73% | IMDb: 6.6/10
Universal Pictures’Illuminationbrings us a star-studded cross-country adventure about a family of ducks venturing out of their usual patterns to fly down to Jamaica.Migrationfeatures the vocal talents of comedic heavy hitters likeKumail Nanjiani(The Lego Ninjago Movie),Elizabeth Banks(The Lego Movie),Carol Kane(Vampirina), andKeegan-Michael Key(Transformers One). On their way from New England to Jamaica, the family dips down into New York City to get a view of the Big Apple from the perspective of the wild animals living on the streets who have to fight to survive. It’s a rollicking good time that the whole family can enjoy.
Watch on Netflix
‘Minions’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 56% | IMDb: 6.4/10
AnotherIlluminationbanger,Minionsis an expansion of theDespicable Mefranchise that serves as a prequel to the first movie. This installment flips everything we know about the banana-loving hench creatures on its head as it explores their origins as ancient beings in search of the biggest and most despicable master. Long before they met Gru and his found family, they served under some of the most villainous people in history, and in order to save their species, they must help the world’s first woman supervillain, Scarlet Overkill, steal the Imperial State Crown. As with any Illumination film, the movie is filled with top-tier talents likeSandra Bullock(The Lost City),Jon Hamm(Transformers One), andMichael Keaton(Dumbo).
‘The Lorax’ (2012)
Rotten Tomatoes: 54% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Danny DeVito(Haunted Mansion) lends his distinct voice to this classicDr. Seusscharacter as he brings the original tree hugger to life.The Lorax, featuring the voices ofZac Efron(Scoob!),Taylor Swift(Cats), andJenny Slate(The Great North), expands the anti-pollution, nature-loving lore of the original and infuses it with a full cast of whacky new characters — including a love interest for the 12-year-old boy who teams up with the Lorax to win her affection. A big draw of this film is the animation style that takes Seuss’s illustrations and perfectly translates them into a 3D space. If you’re looking for a fun family film with a bigger message, you can’t go wrong with this feature.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 7.0/10
The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Being the first film adaptation of the hit Nintendo property in 30 years,The Super Mario Bros. Movietakes long-time fans and newcomers alike all over the Mushroom Kingdom in anAvengers-level property crossover. StarringChris Pratt(The Garfield Movie) andCharlie Day(The Lego Movie) as the titular New York plumbers-turned-turtle-stomping saviors, the movie follows them into a new land to take on Bowser, voiced byJack Black(Kung Fu Panda 4), and his army of Koopa Troopa. The movie features breathtaking sequences that feel like they are straight out of modern games, which is a treat for all you nostalgia lovers out there.
‘Trolls Band Together’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% | IMDb: 6.0/10
Trolls Band Together
The third in theTrollsfranchise,Trolls Band Togetheris a whimsical meta-comedy that takes our two main trolls, Poppy and Branch — played byAnna Kendrick(Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) andJustin Timberlake(Trolls World Tour), respectively — to new lands. The story centers around Branch’s past as a member of a defunct boy band of brothers reminiscent of the Jackson 5 who must reassemble to free their captured brother. As you may imagine, Timberlake puts a lot of himself into this journey, as it overlaps with aspects of his own life and career. This leads to a whole smorgasbord of inside jokes for fans of the late ’90s and early 2000sboy band craze. Overall, this is a great addition to a great franchise that hits a lot of high notes.
‘I Lost My Body’ (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 7.5/10
I Lost My Body
One of the most stunning and imaginative works of animation of recent memory,I Lost My Bodytells the strange yet deeply moving story of a severed hand that has escaped from where it is being held in a lab. This is only the beginning, as the hand must now go on a quest to find its body again. Flashing back and forth through time, we come to learn how this horrible injury happened while also following the hand’s perilous journey at the same time. What it becomes is a gorgeous fable whose beautiful animation takes on both a surreal and sentimental quality that is only further complemented by its amazing score and outstanding performances. It is a love story wrapped in the embrace of animated body horror that becomes something far more profound. It is a film that defies easy categorization and becomes all the better for it, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling to remarkable effect. -Chase Hutchinson
‘The Monkey King’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59% | IMDb: 5.8/10
The Monkey King
A prequel to the Ming dynasty novelJourney to the West, this animated feature directed byThe BoxtrollsdirectorAnthony Stacchisees the titularMonkey King(Jimmy O. Yang) fighting a myriad of mythical creatures on his journey to overcoming his biggest foe — himself. A fun animated romp with action packed into every scene,The Monkey Kingalso manages to find its moral heart with a simple yet powerful message about the importance of being humble. With a terrific voice cast backed up by high-quality animation,The Monkey Kingimpressively balances several genres and tones but never strays far from the family-friendly fun at its core. -Jake Hodges.
‘Nimona’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Directed byNick BrunoandTroy Quane,Nimonais a beautifully crafted animated action comedy based on the groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name. StarringChloë Grace Moretzas the title character,Nimonafollows a tenacious young shapeshifter as she forms an unexpected alliance with Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a disgraced knight framed for murder. In addition to the charming story of determination and found family, written byRobert L. BairdandLloyd Taylor,Nimonafeatures gorgeous imagery built on the merger of a futuristic science-fiction aesthetic and traditional medieval elements.– Yael Tygiel
‘Trolls’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 76% | IMDb: 6.4/10
Trollstake the jewel-bellied dolls and creates a fleshed-out world of lore, music, and friendship.Anna Kendrick(Pitch Perfect) stars as the ever-peppy Princess Poppy, along withJustin Timberlake(The Social Network) as the cynical survivalist Branch in an adventure to save their whole kingdom from being eaten by giant creatures called Bergens. This jukebox musical is bright and never takes itself too seriously, which strikes exactly the right tone while not being afraid to have a few darker moments to amp up the drama. Plus, the roster is filled with voice talent from all over Hollywood, includingZooey Deschanel(New Girl),James Corden(Peter Rabbit), andGwen Stefani(Zoolander).
‘The Magician’s Elephant’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 64% | IMDb: 6.6/10
The Magician’s Elephant
The Magician’s Elephantis a beautiful animated film directed byWendy Rogersand based onKate DiCamillo’s book. With an enchanting tale of magic and whimsy,The Magician’s Elephantexplores the ideas like courage, teamwork, and being yourself, along with a delightfully underrated exploration of problem-solving. Featuring an impressive voice cast, includingMandy Patinkin(The Princess Bride),Brian Tyree Henry(Eternals), andBenedict Wong(Doctor Strange),The Magician’s ElephantstarsNoah Jupeas a young boy given the chance to realize his destiny when he accepts three impossible challenges from the king.– Yael Tygiel
