30 Best Animated Movies from the 2010s You Cannot Skip
The 2010s delivered an amazing run of animated stories that felt fresh and timeless all at once. Studios big and small pushed technique and heart in equal measure, serving up adventures that worked for kids and adults without talking down to anyone. From grand quests and clever comedies to intimate portraits and bold experiments, the decade’s best felt alive with personality.
This list gathers standout films from across the world of animation while leaving anime for a separate celebration. You will find CG spectacles, stop motion gems, and modern takes on hand drawn beauty. Each pick earns its spot because it still plays with power today, whether you want a cozy movie night or a full on crowd pleaser.
‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)
This chapter brings the gang to a crossroads as Andy grows up and life pulls everyone in new directions. The story mixes big laughs with tender moments that hit in a quiet and honest way.
The set pieces are inventive and the character work feels richer than ever. It closes a circle with care and gives the toys new meaning that stays with you long after the credits.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
A shy Viking meets a rare dragon and finds courage through empathy rather than force. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless builds scene by scene until it feels like real friendship.
Soaring flight sequences make the world feel wide and free. The music, design, and gentle humor turn a simple idea into something warm and memorable.
‘Tangled’ (2010)
Rapunzel leaves her tower and discovers a life that is messy, funny, and full of wonder. Her spark pairs perfectly with Flynn’s charm, and their banter keeps the story breezy.
Glowing lanterns and lively songs create a bright fairy tale mood. Every scene moves with energy, and the romance lands with a sweet and confident touch.
‘Rango’ (2011)
A lonely chameleon stumbles into a dusty town and pretends to be the hero it needs. The story pokes fun at western myths while still delivering a smart and satisfying adventure.
The imagery is striking and full of texture. Offbeat humor and sharp voice work give the film a quirky bite that stands apart from the pack.
‘Kung Fu Panda 2’ (2011)
Po faces a threat that tests both his strength and his past. The film deepens his journey without losing the joy and food loving charm that made him so lovable.
Action scenes are crisp and inventive. The emotional spine feels real, which gives every victory an extra glow.
‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (2011)
A curious reporter and his loyal dog chase clues across land and sea. The plot sprints from one pulpy thrill to the next with cheerful confidence.
Motion capture and bold camera moves create a playful sense of scale. It captures the spirit of classic serials while feeling brisk and modern.
‘Wreck-It Ralph’ (2012)
An arcade villain wants to be the good guy and ends up finding a new home. The movie treats game worlds with affection and uses them to explore identity with humor and heart.
Visual gags pop in every corner, yet the story never loses focus. By the end, friendship and self worth feel like genuine wins.
‘ParaNorman’ (2012)
A kid who sees ghosts learns that listening is its own kind of bravery. The town’s history hides pain, and Norman’s empathy becomes the key to healing.
Stop motion craft gives every frame a tactile spark. The blend of spooky fun and sincere emotion makes it a perfect pick for all seasons.
‘Ernest & Celestine’ (2012)
A bear and a young mouse form an unlikely bond that upends their strict worlds. Their friendship feels playful and pure, with gentle humor guiding the way.
Watercolor styled animation gives the film a storybook glow. It is a small tale told with such grace that it sticks in your heart.
‘Brave’ (2012)
A headstrong princess clashes with tradition and learns what true courage looks like. Her bond with her mother drives the story and grounds the magic in real feelings.
Rolling landscapes and lively music create a rich sense of place. It celebrates choice, growth, and the messy work of understanding family.
‘Frozen’ (2013)
Two sisters struggle with fear and love as a kingdom slips into winter. The focus stays on their relationship, which gives the big moments real weight.
Songs soar and the comedy lands without undercutting the stakes. It is a warm hug of a movie that still feels fresh with each rewatch.
‘Monsters University’ (2013)
Mike and Sulley meet in college and learn that dreams do not always follow a straight line. The story finds humor in campus life while building toward a thoughtful lesson.
Colorful set pieces and a lively ensemble keep the pace light. It adds heart to the world of monsters by honoring effort as much as talent.
‘The Lego Movie’ (2014)
An ordinary builder is pulled into an anything goes quest that celebrates imagination. The jokes come fast, yet the message about creativity stays clear and kind.
Brick built visuals snap with detail and energy. It is a rare comedy that balances satire with warmth and lands both every time.
‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (2014)
Hiccup faces new challenges as he charts a path between freedom and responsibility. The story grows the world while honoring the bond at its core.
Flights feel grand and the stakes feel personal. It respects its audience and pushes its hero toward thoughtful choices.
‘Big Hero 6’ (2014)
A young inventor and an inflatable health companion help a city in need. Grief and healing sit at the center, wrapped in bright action and quick wit.
The setting blends influences into a joyful vision of tech and community. Baymax steals every scene with gentle humor and sincere care.
‘Song of the Sea’ (2014)
A brother and sister journey through folklore to find their way home. The story moves with quiet magic and a deep love for family.
Hand crafted art creates a soft, dreamlike flow. Every image feels purposeful, and the emotions arrive with gentle strength.
‘Inside Out’ (2015)
A young girl’s emotions learn to work together during a big family move. The film turns an abstract idea into a clear and heartfelt adventure.
Bright characters and clever world building keep it fun while it speaks to change with honesty. It is both entertaining and quietly reassuring.
‘Anomalisa’ (2015)
A weary traveler meets someone who breaks through the noise of his life. The story looks at loneliness with a delicate touch and real compassion.
Stop motion detail makes small gestures feel profound. It is intimate, funny, and quietly devastating in the best way.
‘Shaun the Sheep Movie’ (2015)
Shaun and the flock head to the city and cause good natured chaos. The humor relies on visual wit and clever timing rather than dialogue.
Clay crafted charm gives every gag a cozy feel. It is light, inventive, and perfect when you want a smile that lasts.
‘Zootopia’ (2016)
A rookie cop teams up with a sly fox to solve a mystery in a bustling city. The case is snappy, and the partnership grows in a way that feels earned.
World building packs surprises into every neighborhood. It delivers laughs while nudging viewers to think about trust and fairness.
‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ (2016)
A boy with a magical instrument sets off on a quest shaped by memory and love. The journey feels mythic yet personal, with quiet moments that sing.
Laika’s stop motion craft is astonishing. The scale and texture bring a handmade wonder that turns each scene into a keepsake.
‘Moana’ (2016)
A determined navigator sails beyond the reef to save her people. Her courage, curiosity, and humor make the voyage easy to cheer.
The ocean feels alive and the songs lift the spirit. It celebrates heritage and self discovery with warmth and clarity.
‘Coco’ (2017)
Music calls to a boy who longs to follow his heart. He steps into a vivid world where family history becomes a guide rather than a wall.
The storytelling balances color and feeling with ease. By the end, the final notes feel both joyful and deeply moving.
‘The Breadwinner’ (2017)
A brave girl finds work and voice as she supports her family. The narrative honors resilience without losing sight of hope.
Stylized sequences fold folklore into daily life. It is powerful, humane, and told with striking visual care.
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (2017)
An overconfident hero learns that teamwork beats lone wolf antics. The jokes fly, yet the character growth lands with clear heart.
Action scenes pop like comic panels. It is packed with references while staying welcoming to newcomers.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
Miles Morales discovers his powers and finds community in the unlikeliest way. The story balances humor, momentum, and sincere coming of age beats.
The visual style feels like a living comic. It rewired what blockbuster animation could look like and still feels electric.
‘Incredibles 2’ (2018)
The Parr family returns with new challenges at home and in the city. The balance between heroics and parenting remains the secret sauce.
Set pieces are sleek and inventive. The characters stay lovable, and the laughs keep pace with the action.
‘Isle of Dogs’ (2018)
A boy searches for his pet in a city that has exiled dogs. The quest unfolds with dry humor and a steady sense of wonder.
Stop motion design is precise and playful. It treats companionship with respect and finds beauty in quiet gestures.
‘Toy Story 4’ (2019)
Woody faces a choice about purpose and change as a road trip turns into something bigger. Nostalgia and new ideas meet in a way that feels honest.
Fresh characters add spark while old favorites shine in new light. It closes one door and opens another with gentle confidence.
‘Klaus’ (2019)
A reluctant postman and a solitary toymaker reshape a bitter town. The story leans on simple acts of kindness and watches them grow.
Painterly animation gives the film a cozy glow. It feels like a new holiday classic that works any time of year.
Share your own favorites from the decade in the comments and tell us which picks you would add to the list.
