The 45 Best Animated Movies For Kids and Parents of All Time

No matter your age group, animated films are made for all of us. They bring joy into our lives and also always contain one or more important messages. We’ve compiled our list of the 45 best-animated movies for you here.

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)


A spider bite gives teenager Miles Morales superpowers. He can suddenly crawl up smooth walls and develops a keen sense of danger. Miles meets Peter Parker, the original Spider-Man. When Peter Parker dies in a fight, Miles suddenly encounters more and more people who have the superhuman powers of a spider. With the help of Peter Parker, who has returned from a parallel world, Miles learns to control and improve his powers. Miles will need all his strength to defeat his adversaries.

Spider-Man: A New Universe has been named the best-animated film of 2018. With its superb animation, the film raises the bar for superhero movies and all animated films. Suitable for children and adults.

2. Bambi (1942)


Fawn Bambi is born in the forest. Together with the other animal inhabitants – rabbits, owls, and a skunk – Bambi experiences many adventures. One day, Bambi’s mother is shot by a hunter as she tries to escape with Bambi from a field back to the woods shelter. Bambi’s carefree childhood ends, and he suddenly has to grow up.

Disney’s Bambi is a timeless classic. A lovingly drawn animated film with irresistibly cute animals and lots of humor, but also a serious, tragic undertone. Many generations of adults and children cried when Bambi’s mother died. This film is one of the best of its genre and will never go out of style.

3. The Lion King (1994)


The little lion Simba is the crown prince in his father’s kingdom, Mufasa. Mufasa is a benevolent ruler, but his brother, Scar, kills one day. Scar blames Simba for Mufasa’s death and drives Simba out of the kingdom. Simba finds a new home with a funny meerkat and his friend, a warthog. Meanwhile, Simba’s hereditary kingdom suffers under the cruel rule of Scar and his hyenas.

A touching storyline and fantastic music made The Lion King a hit movie. Mufasa’s death is a bad moment for us spectators. But young and old alike have laughed heartily at the hilarious duo of Timon and Pumbaa, and everyone has eagerly anticipated the moment when Simba finally defeats his Uncle Scar. The film was later also made into a popular musical.

4. Inside Out (2015)


When her father gets a new job, Riley has to move with her parents from the Midwest of the USA to San Francisco. Riley’s emotions have plenty to do with dealing with the transition. Anger, fear, and sadness threaten to overwhelm Riley until her imaginary friend, Bing Bong, tries to restore Riley’s good humor and hope.

Inside Out is the first animated film to depict the thoughts in a child’s head as characters. Although the film depicts the complex interplay of feelings and emotions, the plot is easy for children and adults to understand. This makes Everything Upside Down one of the most educational animated films.

5. Spirited Away (2001)


Chihiro and her parents get caught in a dark tunnel during an outing. Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs when they come across a town inhabited by ghosts. The little girl must now try to save her parents all alone. She gets into a mysterious spa and meets the strangest deities there. Will Chihiro be able to help her parents?

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Chihiro’s Journey to Wonderland tells of a child’s loneliness and estrangement from her parents. The film is one of the jewels among animated films. He is hand-drawn mainly and at no time looks like a computer-created product. The audience is drawn into Chihiro’s magical world and is always at her side.

6. Dumbo (1941)


Little Dumbo is “delivered” by the stork to his mother in a circus wagon. All the elephants envy Dumbo’s mother for her cute son until Dumbo suddenly sneezes, causing his ears to get really big. From then on, Dumbo is teased and called “Jumbo.” When his mother is also separated from him after a tantrum and locked away, little Dumbo is devastated. A perky circus mouse appears and makes Dumbo a star.

Another classic from the Disney studios. Like Bambi, Dumbo is made in a charming, soft drawing style. The characters are affectionate, interesting, and funny. The music is appropriately chosen and accompanies unforgettable scenes—a good film for children and adults.

7. Coco (2017)


Twelve-year-old Miguel lives in Mexico, and his biggest dream is to become a musician. However, he comes from a family of cobblers, and they are not very enthusiastic about Miguel’s ambitions. The singer Ernesto de la Cruz is Miguel’s role model, and he does everything he can to follow in the footsteps of his idol. Miguel accidentally gets into the realm of the dead and meets his great-great-grandmother Imelda there. The journey to the afterlife teaches Miguel a lot about life and also reconciles him with his family in the end.

Coco is told in colorful, beautiful pictures. A real feast for the eyes. In addition, we advise you to keep tissues handy. Coco shows how deep family ties go and what links the past, present, and future together.

8. Persepolis (2007)


Marjane was eight years old when the Iranian revolution reached her and her family in 1979. The mullahs and women who oppress her parents are only allowed to walk the streets fully veiled. Marjane rebels against Islamization and is sent to Vienna for her own safety. She is taken in by a Catholic boarding school and settles well there. Nevertheless, Marjane is certain that she will eventually return to Iran.

The film is based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. It was published in 2003, and from the beginning, it was considered a masterpiece. In 2007, the material was released as an animated film. An important work with a strong political message.

9. Lady and the Tramp (1955)


When the owners of Susi, the dog, go on vacation, she and the family’s baby are left in the care of a strict aunt. The aunt and her two cats do not make life easy for Susi. Susi is accused of destroying valuable items in the house and must wear a muzzle as punishment. She escapes and meets the mongrel Scamp on the street. The latter frees her from her muzzle and shows Susi the exciting life of a street dog. However, one day Susi is kidnapped by a dog catcher, and Scamp does everything he can to save her.

Susi and Tramp join Bambi and Dumbo in the list of timeless Disney classics. The film brings joy to the whole family, from the smallest child to grandparents. It should not be missing in any DVD collection.

10. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)


Young Hicks lives with his Viking family in the north. Hunting dragons is the most important thing for the Vikings. They must protect their home from dangerous, fire-breathing dragons, and they don’t go about it squeamishly. Hiccup is an introverted boy and not very skilled with weapons. Hiccup has to improve his skills at the dragon school and hunt down nightshade, the most dangerous dragon species of all. Hiccup actually succeeds in hurting nightshade. But then everything comes differently than thought. Instead of killing the animal, Hiccup befriends the dragon thanks to his empathy.

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Dragon Taming Made Easy is a heartwarming movie. The story tells of an unusual friendship, and that empathy can be better than weapons—a light, funny movie for the whole family.

11. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)


Lego Batman Bruce Wayne fights the evil Joker, who wants to take over and rule Gotham City. As the plot unfolds, Bruce Wayne discovers that he accidentally adopted a baby boy at a charity gala. Little Robin is always in a good mood, too good-humored for his adoptive dad Batman. Bruce Wayne is trying to manage his personal life while also having to defeat the evil Joker.

A fun Lego animated movie for the whole family. In this version, Bruce Wayne is a Batman who has to deal with his private life and the question of whether he would be happy as a family man.

12. Snow Queen (2013)


Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered in their parents’ castle. Both become orphans as children when their parents die in a tragic shipwreck. Elsa also has a well-kept secret. She can turn everything around her into ice and snow. When Elsa’s gift accidentally comes to light, she leaves home and retreats into solitude in frustration. Along with Olaf, the jolly snowman, and Kristoff, an intrepid young man, Anna sets out to find her sister.

The hilarious talking snowman Olaf alone makes this winter tale an event. Together with the energetic Anna and the dashing Kristoff, The Ice Queen is an all-around successful film about the deep love of two inseparable sisters.

13. Beauty and the Beast (1991)


Belle is a pretty young woman who lives in a small village. Belle sets out to find him when her father doesn’t return from a ride one day. She ends up in the castle of a terrible beast that holds her father captive. Belle asks the Beast to release her old father in exchange for keeping her hostage. While Belle is in the Beast’s castle, the two become friends, and Belle discovers the Beast’s sad fate.

Beauty and the Beast is an enchanting fairy tale film about a girl who helps a cursed beast to defeat his fate and thus find true love. In 2017, the story was brought to theaters as a live-action film (starring Emma Watson).

14. Finding Nemo (2003)


The little clownfish Nemo rebels against the strict rules of his overprotective father. One day, Nemo is caught by a diver in the middle of the ocean and taken to Sydney to an aquarium. Their worried father tries to find Nemo with the help of the forgetful Dory, a surgeon fish. Together they venture on a dangerous journey through the vast ocean.

Finding Nemo is as popular today as it was when it was first released. He speaks to the hearts of all who watch. Everyone loves the funny, very forgetful Dory and is afraid of the shark Bruce. For adults and children, the concern of Marlin, Nemo’s father, is understandable. We all keep our fingers crossed that he will soon be able to cradle his son safely in his flippers again.

15. Monsters, Inc. (2001)


Monster AG is a company where all kinds of monsters are trained to really scare kids. The children’s screams of fear are collected and converted into electricity. This power is urgently needed for daily life in the world of monsters. One day a little human girl accidentally falls through a door into the monster world. The two monsters, Sully and Mike Glotzkowski, do everything they can to return the little girl to her world in good health.

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Monster AG is a funny animated film that does not have too tragic depths. The characters are endearing and the “training” to become a fright monster is quite interesting for us viewers. It a real fun for the whole family!

16. Toy Story (1995)


Little Andy’s favorite toy is Woody the cowboy. Like the rest of Andy’s toys, Woody is afraid of ending up at the flea market one day. Woody is offended when Andy gets a Space Ranger figure named Buzz Lightyear for his birthday and declares him the new favorite toy. A fight breaks out between him and Buzz Lightyear until both end up in the hands of the cruel Sid, who likes to torture toys.

Toy Story is the first animated film in cinema history to be made entirely on the computer. Pixar needed a whole eight years for the production. But the wait was worth it. Toy Story is an entertaining mix of comedy and western. The film offers both funny and sad moments.

17. The Incredibles (2004)


The superheroes Elastigirl and her husband, Mr. Incredible, try to live a quiet suburban life after a stressful life as saviors of the world. Until one day, they are forced by an old enemy to save humanity from destruction again.

The Incredibles is a special superhero movie. Unlike Batman or Superman, we don’t see heroes in top form here. Elastigirl has round hips after giving birth to three children. The baby is not yet in control of his powers, the young son gets into mischief with his powers, and the eldest daughter is a teenager and behaves like one too. Mr. Incredible is overweight and frustrated with everyday life at work. That’s exactly why adult audiences identify so well with the characters in this extraordinary animated film.

18. Akira (1988)


The Japanese city of Tokyo was renamed Neo-Tokyo after a nuclear disaster. Chaos and violence reign within the city. Kaneda and Tetsuo are two teenagers who belong to one of the many rival gangs. The Japanese military kidnaps Tetsuo and Kaneda sets out to find him. He discovers that Tetsuo has telepathic powers and is being held captive by the government for a secret project.

Akira was released in the late 80s, but to this day is one of the works that changed the world of animated films. The two-hour masterpiece is based on a manga comic and is not suitable for younger children. Nevertheless, it is an important film that should be familiar to any fan of the animated cinema world.

19. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)


Toons (cartoon characters) and humans live side by side. Some people can’t stand these toons. This includes detective Eddie Valiant, who is forced by a murder case to work with the Toon rabbit Roger Rabbit. Together they want to save the toons from extinction by a villain.

This animated film was considered a milestone in the late 80s, dicing real people and animated characters together in one movie. It is a successful mixture of comedy and drama. Actor Bob Hoskins plays detective Valiant, who learns to overcome prejudices against the lovable toons in the course of the film.

20. Ghost in the Shell (1995)


In 2029, humans and cyborgs will live together peacefully. A mysterious hacker named “Puppet Master” threatens the community. The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs sends a special unit to catch the dangerous hacker. Also joining the hunt is cyborg woman Motoko Kusanagi, who hopes the hacker will provide her with more information about the so-called ghosts in her body.

Ghost in the Shell is a mixture of computer-generated images and anime drawings. The film was released in 1995 in Japan and has strongly influenced subsequent animated films in their production. Even the producers of the Matrix trilogy incorporated elements of Ghost in the Shell into their movies. Thus, Ghost in the Shell is one of the most influential animated films.

21. Cars (2006)

22. WALL-E (2008)

23. Zootopia (2016)

24. Moana (2016)

25. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

26. Pocahontas (1995)

27. The Polar Express (2004)

28. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

29. Tarzan (1999)

30. Baymax (2014)

31. Ice Age (2002)

32. Mulan (1998)

33. Brave (2012)

34. Toy Story 2 (1999)

35. Aladdin (2019)

36. Shrek 2 (2004)

37. Happy Feet (2006)

38. Ratatouille (2007)

39. Madagascar (2005)

40. Minions (2015)

41. Coraline (2009)

42. The Little Mermaid (1989)

43. The Lego Movie (2014)

44. Tangled (2010)

45. Hotel Transylvania (2011)

Be sure to check out these masterpieces, the kid in you will be pleased!

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