30 Best Animated Films of the 2020s (So Far) You Absolutely Must Watch
Animation in the 2020s has been a burst of imagination and craft. Studios leaned into bold visual styles, heartfelt storytelling, and fresh voices. The result is a wave of films that feel adventurous and welcoming at the same time. You can see new techniques on display next to classic hand crafted charm, and the mix keeps surprising you from scene to scene.
This list highlights films that deliver warmth, awe, and memorable characters. Some are splashy crowd pleasers. Others are intimate or quirky. All of them have the kind of staying power that keeps you thinking about them afterward. Grab a cozy seat and dive in.
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)
This sequel takes the look of the first film and pushes it to a new level with shifting styles that match each world and mood. The action is kinetic and clear, yet the quiet moments carry the biggest punch as the characters wrestle with trust and identity.
It stands out for how personal it feels while still being wildly entertaining. Every frame looks designed with care, and the story lands with heart. Fans of superheroes and fans of bold animation will both feel right at home.
‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)
Stop motion artistry gives this classic tale a tactile soul. The puppetry and lighting make every scene feel handcrafted and alive, while the story explores love, grief, and the bonds that shape us.
Its magic comes from the way whimsy and melancholy sit side by side. The film invites you to look closely at small details and big emotions, and it rewards that attention with warmth and wisdom.
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
A painterly look turns swashbuckling action into storybook wonder. Puss faces his own fears with humor and charm, and the supporting cast adds bite and heart.
The film delivers fast laughs and real stakes in equal measure. It is lively, colorful, and surprisingly thoughtful, which makes the adventure feel both fun and meaningful.
‘Soul’ (2020)
A jazz filled journey asks what makes a life feel full. The film balances big questions with gentle humor, blending inventive visuals with music that lifts the spirit.
What makes it special is its calm confidence. It never rushes the ideas or the emotions, and by the end you feel lighter and more present in your own day.
‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)
Hand drawn beauty turns a forest into a living myth. The friendship at the center is tender and brave, and the art shifts in ways that mirror the characters’ growth.
It is a film you want to pause just to savor the lines and textures. The story feels timeless, the pace is inviting, and the final moments glow with hope.
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)
A road trip with a delightfully oddball family becomes a heartfelt tech uprising. The film layers doodles and gags over sincere emotions, and the result is loud, bright, and endearing.
Its secret is how specific the characters feel. You care about every squabble and every joke, which makes the wild climax feel earned and joyful.
‘Encanto’ (2021)
A magical house holds a family that is learning how to listen to one another. Songs carry the story forward, and the colors and costumes pop with life.
The heart of the film sits in small conversations and clear feelings. By the end you feel like part of this family, with a melody stuck in your head and a smile on your face.
‘Luca’ (2021)
A seaside town becomes a summer of discovery for two friends. The film has a gentle pace, warm humor, and a sun kissed palette that feels like a memory.
It shines because it keeps the focus on kindness and curiosity. You finish the story feeling refreshed and grateful for simple joys.
‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ (2021)
A world split by mistrust is brought together by a brave hero and a hopeful dragon. The landscapes feel vast and varied, and the action is crisp and clear.
Trust sits at the center of everything here. The film wins you over with humor, graceful fight scenes, and a final act that believes in people choosing each other.
‘Turning Red’ (2022)
A funny and honest coming of age tale follows a teen navigating big feelings with a very fuzzy twist. The style is playful and expressive, and the friendships feel real.
It captures the rush of growing up with warmth and wit. The story respects both parents and kids, and it leaves you rooting for everyone.
‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’ (2022)
A small shell explores an ordinary home with quiet wonder. The blend of live action and stop motion gives the world a cozy texture, and the humor lands softly and sweetly.
The film celebrates tiny details and gentle bravery. It whispers rather than shouts, and that tender approach makes its insights stick.
‘The Sea Beast’ (2022)
High seas adventure meets heartfelt found family. The ocean looks vast and alive, and the creatures feel both fearsome and misunderstood.
It hooks you with rousing set pieces and keeps you with its empathy. The core relationship grows in ways that feel honest and satisfying.
‘The Bad Guys’ (2022)
A crew of stylish crooks tries to turn a new leaf with chaotic results. The visual flair gives chase scenes a slick snap, and the banter pops.
It is a breezy caper with a soft center. You come for the swagger and stay for the charm, and it sticks the landing with a grin.
‘Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood’ (2022)
Rotoscoped animation turns memory into moving pictures. A kid’s eye view of space fever mixes everyday moments with wide eyed dreams.
The film feels like a story told on a porch at dusk. It glides along on voice, rhythm, and affection, and it leaves a warm glow.
‘My Father’s Dragon’ (2022)
A tender adventure follows a brave child and a gentle dragon in a world full of surprises. The art is graceful and the pacing feels just right for a cozy watch.
Kindness fuels every choice the characters make. The film invites you to care deeply, and it rewards that care with a hopeful finish.
‘The House’ (2022)
An anthology of stop motion tales turns one strange home into three haunting stories. The craft work is intricate, and the tone shifts from darkly funny to quietly unsettling.
It stands out for its confident mood and precise design. This is for viewers who enjoy stories that linger and invite another look.
‘Wendell & Wild’ (2022)
A bold visual style pairs with a smart and spirited lead. The story blends spooky fun with themes of healing and community.
The charm lies in its mix of punk energy and heartfelt beats. It feels personal and playful, with images that stick in your mind.
‘Onward’ (2020)
Two brothers set off on a quest that is equal parts goofy and tender. Magic sits alongside minivans and fast food, which adds laughs and heart.
Its strength comes from how grounded the emotion feels. Even the silliest bits serve a story about love and letting go.
‘Over the Moon’ (2020)
A determined girl builds something amazing to reach a luminous place above. The film bursts with color and songs that soar.
It celebrates imagination and resilience. The journey feels big, yet the message lands in a soft and comforting way.
‘The Willoughbys’ (2020)
A group of resourceful siblings learns what a home can be. The style is quirky and textured, and the jokes come quick.
Beneath the snappy humor sits a warm heart. The film balances oddball antics with sincere affection, which makes the sweetness feel earned.
‘The Croods: A New Age’ (2020)
A prehistoric family meets a modern minded clan and sparks fly. The gags are loud and the action is lively, with bright colors everywhere.
It works because the characters bounce off each other in funny and tender ways. By the end you feel like you have been at a very silly and very loving reunion.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)
A playful adventure brings familiar characters to life with zip and color. The set pieces move fast and the world feels like a joyful playground.
Fans will smile at the nods, while newcomers can enjoy a simple and spirited quest. It is a breezy crowd pleaser that knows exactly what it is.
‘Nimona’ (2023)
A shapeshifting mischief maker and a framed knight form a sharp and funny duo. The art direction feels sleek and expressive, and the humor has real bite.
The film shines when it leans into empathy and acceptance. It is clever, warm, and confident, with a final act that truly soars.
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ (2023)
Sketchy line work and electric colors give these heroes a fresh vibe. The dialogue feels like real teens talking, which brings a burst of energy to every scene.
It is both nostalgic and brand new. The style and the humor work together to make a familiar story feel lively and fun.
‘Elemental’ (2023)
Opposites attract in a city built on clever visual ideas. The world building is playful and detailed, and the central relationship feels honest.
It wins you over with sincerity and warmth. The jokes are light on their feet, and the emotions settle in gently.
‘Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget’ (2023)
Beloved characters return for a caper that mixes cozy charm with daring escapes. The stop motion craft remains delightful, with tactile sets and expressive faces.
It is a comfort watch that still finds fresh laughs. The stakes feel friendly, the teamwork is sweet, and the finale brings a happy sigh.
‘Migration’ (2023)
A family of ducks takes a trip that keeps throwing new surprises. The pacing is brisk, the humor is bright, and the landscapes feel open and inviting.
It balances slapstick with tenderness. You root for this family to spread their wings, and the film makes that journey feel joyful.
‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)
New emotions crash into the party and shake up everything. The ideas are clear and funny, and the character work remains heartfelt.
It clicks because it understands how messy growing up can be. The film finds laughs and comfort in that mess, and it leaves you feeling seen.
‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ (2024)
Po returns with kicks, quips, and a fresh path to follow. The action has crisp rhythm, and the friendships feel warm and steady.
The series charm is still here in full. It mixes goofy humor with sincere growth, which makes the adventure feel satisfying.
‘Orion and the Dark’ (2024)
A boy who worries about everything meets a guide who knows all about night. The style is whimsical and the storytelling feels kind.
It turns fear into curiosity and then into wonder. You finish the film with a softer view of the world and a little extra courage.
Share your own favorites from the decade so far in the comments so everyone can find their next great animated watch.
