Animated movies can captivate audiences of all ages with their colorful visuals, compelling stories, and memorable characters. From heartwarming tales to action-packed adventures, animated films offer something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Animated Movies that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
1. Finding Nemo
After his son is rescued at sea in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a sly clownfish begins an adventure to return him.
Storyline:
Marlin saves his son Nemo from open water, rescuing him and Dory from a Sydney dental clinic, and they battle sea creatures while Nemo and others return to the ocean.
Directors: Andrew Stanton
Lee Unkrich
Writers: Andrew Stanton
Bob Peterson
David Reynolds
Stars: Albert Brooks
Ellen DeGeneres
Alexander Gould
Release date: May 30, 2003 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Japan
Languages: English
Japanese
Russian
Production companies: Pixar Animation Studios
Walt Disney Pictures
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cast:
Albert Brooks is Marlin(voice)
Ellen DeGeneres is Dory(voice)
Alexander Gould is Nemo(voice)
Willem Dafoe is Gill(voice)
Brad Garrett is Bloat(voice)
Allison Janney is Peach(singer)
Austin Pendleton is Gurgle(voice)
Stephen Root is Bubbles(voice)
Vicki Lewis is Deb(voice)
Joe Ranft is Jacques(voice)
Geoffrey Rush is Nigel(voice)
Andrew Stanton is Crush(agent)
Elizabeth Perkins is Coral(voice)
Nicholas Bird is Squirt(voice)
Bob Peterson is Mr. Ray(singer)
Barry Humphries is Bruce(representative)
Eric Bana is Anchor(voice)
Bruce Spence is Chum(voice)
2. The Lion King
The lion prince Simba and his dad are snatched by his vengeful uncle, who wants to claim the throne for himself.
Storyline:
The prince of lions, shattered by his uncle, grows up in Savannah, grappling with his past and the decision to be an outcast or confront his fears.
Directors: Roger Allers
Rob Minkoff
Writers: Irene Mecchi
Jonathan Roberts
Linda Woolverton
Stars: Matthew Broderick
Jeremy Irons
James Earl Jones
Release date: June 24, 1994 (United States)
Country of origin: United States
Languages: English
Swahili
Xhosa
Zulu
Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes
Cast:
Matthew Broderick is Simba(voice)
Jeremy Irons is Scar(voice)
James Earl Jones is Mufasa(voice)
Whoopi Goldberg is Shenzi(voice)
Rowan Atkinson is Zazu(voice)
Niketa Calame-Harris is Young Nala(voice)
Jim Cummings is Ed(voice)
Robert Guillaume is Rafiki(voice)
Moira Kelly is Nala(voice)
Nathan Lane is Timon(voice)
Zoe Leader is Sarafina(voice)
Cheech Marin is Banzai(voice)
Ernie Sabella is Pumbaa(voice)
Madge Sinclair is Sarabi(voice)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas is Young Simba(voice)
Frank Welker is Lion Roars(voice)
Cathy Cavadini is Additional Voices(voice)
Judi M. Durand is Additional Voices(voice)
3. Spirited Away
During her family’s relocation to the suburbs, a troubled 10-year-old girl is enticed by an alternate world ruled by witches, gods, and spirits, where people are transformed into creatures.
Storyline:
Spirited Away (2001) is a Hayao Miyazaki film without a script, allowing the story to evolve through storyboards and production, leaving Miyazaki with no choice but to follow.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Writer:Hayao Miyazaki
Stars: Daveigh Chase
Suzanne Pleshette
Miyu Irino
Release date: March 28, 2003 (United States)
Country of origin: Japan
Language: Japanese
Production companies: Tokuma Shoten
Studio Ghibli
Nippon Television Network (NTV)
Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes
Cast:
Daveigh Chase is Chihiro(English version)(voice)
Suzanne Pleshette is Yubaba(English version)(voice)
Miyu Irino is Haku(voice)
Rumi Hiiragi is Chihiro Ogino(voice)
Mari Natsuki is Yubaba(voice)
Takashi Naitô is Akio Ogino(voice)
Yasuko Sawaguchi is Yûko Ogino(voice)
Tatsuya Gashûin is Aogaeru(voice)
Ryunosuke Kamiki is Bô(voice)
Yumi Tamai is Rin(voice)
Yô Ôizumi is Bandai-gaeru(voice)
Koba Hayashi is Kawa no Kami(voice)
Tsunehiko Kamijô is Chichiyaku(voice)
Takehiko Ono is Aniyaku(voice)
Bunta Sugawara is Kamajî(voice)
Shigeru Wakita
Shirô Saitô
Michiko Yamamoto
4. Toy Story
A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as a top toy in a boy’s bedroom.
Storyline:
Andy, a fan of his bedroom toys, becomes alive when Woody, his favorite, becomes obsessed with Buzz Lightyear. To find Andy, they must confront toy killer Sid Phillips.
Director: John Lasseter
Writers: John Lasseter
Pete Docter
Andrew Stanton
Stars: Tom Hanks
Tim Allen
Don Rickles
Release date: November 22, 1995 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Japan
LanguagesEnglish
Russian
Ukrainian
Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures
Pixar Animation Studios
Runtime: 1 hour 21 minutes
Cast:
Tom Hanks is Woody(voice)
Tim Allen is Buzz Lightyear(voice)
Don Rickles is Mr. Potato Head (representative)
Jim Varney is Slinky Dog(voice)
Wallace Shawn is Rex(voice)
John Ratzenberger is Hamm(voice)
Annie Potts is Bo Peep(singer)
John Morris is Andy(voice)
Erik von Detten is Sid(voice)
Laurie Metcalf is Mrs. Davis(representative)
R. Lee Ermey is Sergeant(voice)
Sarah Rayne is Hannah(singer)
Penn Jillette is a TV Announcer(voice)
Jack Angel is Shark(voice)
Spencer Aste is a Wounded Soldier(voice)
Greg Berg is the local Announcer(voice)
Lisa Bradley is Kid(voice)
Kendall Cunningham is Kid(voice)
5. Inside Out
Riley’s emotions clash as she moves from the Midwest to San Francisco, including fear, joy, anger, displeasure, and sadness.
Storyline:
Riley, a Midwest girl, moves to San Francisco with her father, navigating her emotions within Headquarters despite Joy’s attempts to stay positive.
Directors: Pete Docter
Writers: Pete Docter
Ronnie Del Carmen
Meg LeFauve
Stars: Amy Poehler
Bill Hader
Lewis Black
Release date: June 19, 2015 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Japan
Languages: English
Portuguese
Latvian
Russian
Ukrainian
Production companies: Pixar Animation Studios
Walt Disney Pictures
Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes
Cast:
Amy Poehler is Joy(voice)
Bill Hader is Fear(voice)
Lewis Black is Anger(voice)
Mindy Kaling is Disgust(voice)
Phyllis Smith is Sadness(voice)
Richard Kind is Bing Bong(voice)
Kaitlyn Dias is Riley(agent)
Diane Lane is Mom(voice)
Kyle MacLachlan is Dad(voice)
Paula Poundstone is Forgetter Paula(voice)
Bobby Moynihan is Forgetter Bobby(voice)
Paula Peli is the Dream Director(representative)
Dave Goelz is Subconscious Guard Frank(agent)
Frank Oz is Subconscious Guard Dave(voice)
Josh Cooley is Jangles(voice)
Flea is Mind Worker Cop Jake(voice)
John Ratzenberger is Fritz(voice)
Carlos Alazraqui is Helicopter Pilot(voice)
6. Up
The 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to Paradise Falls with his house stocked with balloons. He accidentally takes an unidentified young stowaway.
Storyline:
Carl Fredricksen and Scout Russell embark on a 64-year journey to South America, encountering new friends and uncovering a plot against them, revealing their childhood idol.
Directors: Pete Docter
Bob Peterson
Writers: Pete Docter
Bob Peterson
Tom McCarthy
Stars: Edward Asner
Jordan Nagai
John Ratzenberger
Release date: May 29, 2009 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Japan
Languages: English
Ukrainian
Russian
Production companies: Pixar Animation Studios
Walt Disney Pictures
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes
Cast:
Edward Asner is Carl Fredricksen(voice)
Jordan Nagai is Russell(voice)
John Ratzenberger is Construction Foreman Tom(voice)
Christopher Plummer is Charles Muntz(voice)
Bob Peterson is Dug(voice)
Delroy Lindo is Beta(voice)
Jerome Ranft is Gamma(voice)
David Kaye is Newsreel Announcer(voice)
Elie Docter is Young Ellie(voice)
Jeremy Leary is Young Carl(voice)
Mickie McGowan is Police Officer Edith(voice)
Danny Mann is a Construction Worker. Steve(voice)
Donald Fullilove is Nurse George(voice)
Jess Harnell is Nurse AJ(voice)
Josh Cooley is Omega(voice)
Pete Docter is Campmaster Strauch(voice)
Mark Andrews is Additional Voices(voice)
Bob Bergen is Additional Voices(voice)
7. The Incredibles
A suburban family of superheroes is compelled to act to save the world.
Storyline:
Bob Parr and Helen, crime-fighting heroes, adopt civilian identities and have three children. Bob returns to combat on an isolated island, requiring a massive family effort.
Director: Brad Bird
Writer: Brad Bird
Stars: Craig T. Nelson
Samuel L. Jackson
Holly Hunter
Release date: November 5, 2004 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Japan
Languages: English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Production companies: Pixar Animation Studios
Walt Disney Pictures
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
Cast:
Craig T. Nelson is Bob Parr(voice)
Samuel L. Jackson is Lucius Best(voice)
Holly Hunter is Helen Parr(voice)
Jason Lee is Buddy Pinevoice)
Dominique Louis is Bomb Voyage(voice)
Teddy Newton is the Newsreel Narrator(voice)
Jean Sincere is Mrs. Hogenson(voice)
Eli Fucile is Jack-Jack Parr(voice)
Maeve Andrews is Jack-Jack Parr(voice)
Wallace Shawn is Gilbert Huph(voice)
Spencer Fox is Dashiell ‘Dash’ Parr(voice)
Lou Romano is Bernie Kropp(voice)
Wayne Canney is the Principal(representative)
Sarah Vowell is Violet Parr(voice)
Michael Bird is Tony Rydinger(voice)
Elizabeth Peña is Mirage(voice)
Bud Luckey is Rick Dicker(voice)
Brad Bird is Edna ‘E’ Mode(voice)
8. How to Train Your Dragon
A young and unhappy Viking who dreams of hunting dragons becomes the unlikely ally of a young dragon. He discovers there could be more to dragons than he initially thought.
Storyline:
Hiccup, a young Viking, fights against rogue dragons on the Island of Berk, but his father, Stoik the Vast, refuses. They form a relationship, expanding their worlds.
Directors: Dean DeBlois
Chris Sanders
Writers: William Davies
Dean DeBlois
Chris Sanders
Stars: Jay Baruchel
Gerard Butler
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Release date: March 26, 2010 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
France
Language: English
Production companies: DreamWorks Animation
Mad Hatter Entertainment
Vertigo Entertainment
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Cast:
Jay Baruchel is Hiccup(voice)
Gerard Butler is Stoick(voice)
Christopher Mintz-Plasse is Fishlegs(voice)
Craig Ferguson is Gobber(voice)
America Ferrera is Astrid(voice)
Jonah Hill is Snotlout(voice)
T.J. Miller is Tuffnut(voice)
Kristen Wiig is Ruffnut(voice)
Robin Atkin Downes is Ack(voice)
Philip McGrade is Starkard(voice)
Kieron Elliott is Hoark the Haggard(voice)
Ashley Jensen is Phlegma the Fierce(voice)
David Tennant is Spitelout(voice)
9. Coco
Miguel, a musician, ventures into the Land of the Dead to locate his legendary great-great-grandfather despite his family’s cultural restrictions.
Storyline:
Miguel, a musician inspired by Ernesto de la Cruz, unexpectedly finds himself in the Land of the Dead, where he meets magician Hector and embarks on an adventure.
Directors: Lee Unkrich
Adrian Molina
Writers: Lee Unkrich
Jason Katz
Matthew Aldrich
Stars: Anthony Gonzalez
Gael García Bernal
Benjamin Bratt
Release date: November 22, 2017 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Mexico
Japan
Languages: English
Spanish
Production companies: Walt Disney Pictures
Pixar Animation Studios
Día de Muertos
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cast:
Anthony Gonzalez is Miguel(voice)
Gael García Bernal is Héctor(voice)
Benjamin Bratt is Ernesto de la Cruz(voice)
Alanna Ubach is Mamá Imelda(voice)
Renee Victor is Abuelita(voice)
Jaime Camil is Papá(voice)
Alfonso Arau is Papá Julio(voice)
Herbert Siguenza is Tío Oscar(voice)
Gabriel Iglesias is the Clerk(voice)
Lombardo Boyar is Plaza Mariachi(voice)
Ana Ofelia Murguía is Mamá Coco(voice)
Natalia Cordova-Buckley is Frida Kahlo(voice)
Selene Luna is Tía Rosita(voice)
Edward James Olmos is Chicharrón(voice)
Sofía Espinosa is Mamá(voice)
Carla Medina is Departures Agent(voice)
Dyana Ortelli is Tía Victoria(voice)
Luis Valdez is Tío Berto(voice)
10. Shrek
A mean lord has to exile fairies to the abyss of an angry ogre who must embark on a mission and save an innocent princess from the lord to return his land.
Storyline:
Shrek, a green ogre, discovers a swamp filled with fairytale creatures and saves Princess Fiona from a dragon-protected castle, uncovering his attraction to her.
Directors: Andrew Adamson
Vicky Jenson
Writers: William Steig
Ted Elliott
Terry Rossio
Stars: Mike Myers
Eddie Murphy
Cameron Diaz
Release date: May 18, 2001 (United States)
Countries of origin: United States
Canada
Sweden
Languages: English
Russian
Ukrainian
Production companies: Dreamworks Pictures
DreamWorks Animation
Pacific Data Images (PDI)
Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cast:
Mike Myers is Shrek(voice)
Eddie Murphy is Donkey(voice)
Cameron Diaz is Princess Fiona(voice)
John Lithgow is Lord Farquaad(voice)
Vincent Cassel is Monsieur Hood(voice)
Peter Dennis is Ogre Hunter(voice)
Clive Pearse is Ogre Hunter(voice)
Jim Cummings is Captain of Guards(voice)
Bobby Block is Baby Bear(voice)
Chris Miller is Geppetto(voice)
Cody Cameron is Pinnochio(voice)
Kathleen Freeman is Old Woman(voice)
Michael Galasso is Peter Pan(voice)
Christopher Knights are Blind Mouse(voice)
Simon J. Smith is Blind Mouse(voice)
Conrad Vernon is Gingerbread Man(voice)
Jacquie Barnbrook is a Wrestling Fan(voice)
Guillaume Aretos is Merry Man(voice)
Conclusion
Animated movies have a magical charm that transports audiences to fantastical worlds and touches their hearts with compelling storytelling. The Top 10 Animated Movies highlighted in this list have entertained, inspired, and connected with viewers worldwide, earning their place as timeless classics in the history of cinema.