We’ve compiled a list of the most emotional animated movies for you. While some animated movies are known for their fun, action, or science fiction elements, others delve deeper into emotional themes, eliciting a range of feelings from their viewers. Emotional animated movies appeal not only to children but also to audiences of all ages, often leaving them teary-eyed and touched. You might be thinking, “An animated movie could never make me cry,” but trust us—these movies will challenge that notion. Here are the animated movies that are sure to bring tears to your eyes.
1.Up
Among the emotional animated movies, Up tells a heartfelt story about unlikely friendships and unpredictable journeys. Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a remarkable adventure by tying thousands of balloons to his house. Russell, a young wilderness explorer, accidentally joins him on this airborne journey. Together, they travel to various locations and encounter colorful characters, including Kevin, an exotic bird, and Dug, a talking dog.
Information about Up (2009)
- Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
- Cast: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Similar Movies: WALL-E (2008), Inside Out (2015), Ratatouille (2007)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Up on IMDb
2.Coco
Living in Mexico, young Miguel dreams of becoming a talented musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. However, his family has been banned from music for generations. On the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a series of mysterious events transport Miguel to the Land of the Dead. Alongside the trickster Hector, he embarks on an extraordinary journey to uncover the true story behind his family history. Among drama animation movies, Coco won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2018.
Information about Coco
- Title: Coco
- Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
- Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach
- Release Year: 2017
- Duration: 105 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Language: English, Spanish
- Age Rating: PG
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Similar Movies: The Book of Life (2014), Moana (2016), Inside Out (2015)
- IMDb Link: Coco on IMDb
3.The Fox and the Hound
In Disney’s animated movie The Fox and the Hound, we follow Tod, a red fox cub, and Copper, a greyhound puppy. The two form an unlikely friendship that challenges their natural instincts. As they grow older, societal expectations push them down different paths and test their bond. Based on loyalty and friendship, this animated movie has received critical acclaim for its storytelling.
Information about The Fox and the Hound (1981)
- Director: Ted Berman, Richard Rich
- Cast: Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, Jeanette Nolan
- Release Year: 1981
- Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Similar Movies: Bambi (1942), The Lion King (1994), Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Fox and the Hound on IMDb
4.The Lion King
In The Lion King, a young lion prince named Simba is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. However, his evil uncle Scar has other plans. The animated movie, produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, tells a story of betrayal, exile, and ultimately redemption. With the help of Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog, Simba reclaims his birthright. This movie, which is among the emotional animated movies, won two Oscars in 1995 for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
Information about The Lion King (1994)
- Director: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
- Cast: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly
- Release Year: 1994
- Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Similar Movies: Aladdin (1992), Mulan (1998), The Jungle Book (1967)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Lion King on IMDb
5.Big Hero 6
In the animated blockbuster Big Hero 6, a tech-savvy teenager named Hiro Hamada uncovers a criminal plot. His brother Tadashi’s inflatable healthcare robot Baymax becomes an unlikely ally. Hiro and Baymax team up with adrenaline junkie GoGo Tomago, meticulous Wasabi, chemistry genius Honey Lemon, and fanatic Fred. Set in the hybrid city of San Fransokyo, this action-packed adventure won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2015. Among the emotional animated movies, the production uniquely combines friendship and superhero elements, providing a fun and emotional journey.
Information about Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
- Cast: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr.
- Release Year: 2014
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: The Incredibles (2004), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Zootopia (2016)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Big Hero 6 on IMDb
6.Grave of the Fireflies
After her home is destroyed and her mother is killed by an Allied firebombing during World War II, a young girl struggles to survive while taking care of her younger sister.
Information about Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Matsuo, Akemi Yamaguchi
- Release Year: 1988
- Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Animation, Drama, War
- Language: Japanese
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Grave of the Fireflies on IMDb
7.Inside Out
Among the emotional animated movies, Inside Out follows a young girl named Riley as she navigates the chaos of a new city and school with the guidance of her unique emotions: Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust. These emotions reside in the Headquarters, the control center in Riley’s mind. While Riley faces unexpected challenges in her life, things also become turbulent in the Headquarters. The movie won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and has a sequel to the series.
Information about Inside Out (2015)
- Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
- Cast: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: WALL-E (2008), Up (2009), Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Inside Out on IMDb
8.WALL-E
WALL-E is the last robot left on Earth, spending his days cleaning up the planet’s garbage. Over 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality and feels very lonely. His life changes when he encounters EVE, a sleek and sculpted probe sent to Earth on a scanning mission. Falling in love with her, WALL-E follows EVE across the galaxy, embarking on a grand adventure.
Information about WALL-E
- Title: WALL-E
- Director: Andrew Stanton
- Cast: Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, and others
- Release Year: 2008
- Duration: 98 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDB Rating: 8.4/10
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Similar Movies: Up (2009), Inside Out (2015), Finding Nemo (2003)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: WALL-E on IMDb
9.Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
The movie follows the adventures of a wild and mischievous stallion as he journeys across the American frontier. When Spirit encounters man for the first time, he forms an extraordinary friendship with a young Lakota man. On his path to becoming one of the greatest heroes of the Old West, the brave young stallion falls in love with a beautiful mare named Rain.
Information about Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
- Director: Kelly Asbury, Lorna Cook
- Cast: Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi, Richard McGonagle
- Release Year: 2002
- Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Similar Movies: The Lion King (1994), Balto (1995), The Road to El Dorado (2000)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron on IMDb
10.Finding Nemo
When his son Nemo is captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank at a dentist’s office, Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, embarks on a daring rescue mission across the ocean. Along with Dory, a forgetful but friendly blue tang, Marlin faces dangerous waters and encounters some interesting sea creatures along the way. This movie, which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 76th Academy Awards, captivates audiences with its incredible storytelling.
Information about Finding Nemo (2003)
- Director: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
- Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe
- Release Year: 2003
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: Finding Dory (2016), Toy Story (1995), The Incredibles (2004)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Finding Nemo on IMDb
11.Bambi
Walt Disney Studios’ animated feature Bambi tells the story of a young deer named Bambi. Bambi discovers life in the forest with his playmate, a rabbit named Thumper, as he enters a world of wonder. As he grows, Bambi forms a friendship with Flower, an adorable skunk. However, as Bambi matures, he must face and overcome the challenges that nature and life present.
Information about Bambi (1942)
- Director: David Hand
- Cast: Bobby Stewart, Hardie Albright, Lucille La Verne, Ann Gillis
- Release Year: 1942
- Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Similar Movies: The Fox and the Hound (1981), The Lion King (1994), Lady and the Tramp (1955)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Bambi on IMDb
12.How to Train Your Dragon series
The Vikings are constantly attacked by dragons, and their animals are stolen. For the Vikings who have reached adulthood, the only thing they must do is kill a dragon. Hiccup, the clumsy and creative son of the village chief, is determined to kill a dragon using a mechanism he developed. However, when Hiccup encounters a very rare dragon, he is unable to kill it. Instead, he sets it free, and over time, a perfect bond forms between them.
Information about How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
- Director: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
- Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson
- Release Year: 2010
- Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: Shrek (2001), Kung Fu Panda (2008), The Croods (2013)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: How to Train Your Dragon on IMDb
13.Balto
In this emotional animated movie, a deadly diphtheria epidemic breaks out in the remote town of Nome, Alaska. With life-saving medicine hundreds of miles away, the locals decide to send a sled dog team. Balto, a half-wolf dog, is chosen to run, but he is ostracized by the lead dog, Steele. When the other dogs get lost in the snow, Balto risks his life to save them and deliver the medicine.
Information about Balto (1995)
- Director: Simon Wells
- Cast: Kevin Bacon, Bridget Fonda, Jim Cummings, Phil Collins
- Release Year: 1995
- Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Similar Movies: The Iron Giant (1999), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Balto on IMDb
14.Brother Bear
In the movie, Kenai is transformed into a bear after recklessly killing one. This unusual situation allows him to see the world from a whole new perspective. During his journey, he encounters an adorable cub named Koda, who adds an element of brotherhood and camaraderie to his wilderness adventure. The movie, which won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, explores themes of transformation, redemption, and respect for nature against a visually stunning Alaskan backdrop. The movie is a captivating blend of humor, emotion, and drama that will appeal to audiences of all ages.
Information about Brother Bear (2003)
- Director: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
- Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Jason Raize, Rick Moranis
- Release Year: 2003
- Duration: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: G
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Similar Movies: The Lion King (1994), Mulan (1998), Pocahontas (1995)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Brother Bear on IMDb
15.The Iron Giant
In the animated movie The Iron Giant, a young Hogarth Hughes encounters a giant alien robot in a small 1950s Maine town. Masterfully crafted by director Brad Bird, the movie explores a story of friendship and fear as Cold War paranoia escalates. Filled with suspense and humor, the movie is a race against time as Hogarth tries to protect his giant friend from government agent Kent Mansley. The movie won 9 Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature.
Information about The Iron Giant (1999)
- Director: Brad Bird
- Cast: Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel, Harry Connick Jr.
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Similar Movies: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Iron Giant (1999), WALL-E (2008)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: The Iron Giant on IMDb
16.Onward
Young elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with mysterious maps, insurmountable obstacles, and unimaginable discoveries. But when their mother discovers her sons have gone missing, she teams up with the legendary manticore to bring them back home.
Information about Onward (2020)
- Director: Dan Scanlon
- Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer
- Release Year: 2020
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: Coco (2017), Inside Out (2015), Monsters, Inc. (2001)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Onward on IMDb
17.Lilo & Stitch
In the heartwarming animated movie Lilo & Stitch, a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo adopts a mischievous alien named Stitch, whom she believes is a dog. As Lilo tries to teach Stitch about ohana (Hawaiian family tradition), they find themselves pursued by extraterrestrial bounty hunters. A unique blend of humor and heart, this Disney movie has won multiple awards for animation.
Information about Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- Director: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
- Cast: Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere, Jason Scott Lee
- Release Year: 2002
- Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Similar Movies: The Emperor’s New Groove (2000), Zootopia (2016), Moana (2016)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Lilo & Stitch on IMDb
18.Spirited Away
In the animated movie by renowned Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, 10-year-old Chihiro stumbles upon an abandoned amusement park with her parents. After her mother and father are transformed into giant pigs, Chihiro realizes that the park is a resort for supernatural beings who want to take a break from their time in the earthly realm. Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku, who explains that she must work there to save her parents.
Information about Spirited Away (2001)
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito
- Release Year: 2001
- Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Language: Japanese (with English subtitles available)
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Trailer: Watch the Trailer on YouTube
- IMDb Link: Spirited Away on IMDb
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