For those who want to watch animated movies, we’ve got you covered! Here are the best Netflix and Disney animated movie recommendations.

In the world of animated movies, producers aren’t bound by the physical laws of reality, allowing them to stretch the limits of their imagination with the characters they create. These movies aren’t just for kids and teens; they feature incredible animations that even adults can enjoy. Whether it’s cartoon-like movies with colorful visuals aimed at younger audiences, sophisticated jokes for teens, or movies shot using stop-motion techniques in carefully designed environments, the variety is endless.

There are also hand-drawn masterpieces and movies that make use of the latest cutting-edge technologies. Animated movies open up whole new worlds with entertaining stories, attracting viewers of all ages.

I can almost hear you asking, “What are the best animated movies to watch? What do you recommend?” Well, if you’re wondering what animations to watch on Netflix, or which ones are must-sees on Disney Plus, look no further. Here’s the ultimate list of the best animated movies of all time, including those that are set to release in 2024. These are some of the top picks featured on the Netflix and Disney Plus platforms.

Best animated movies according to IMDb score 💯

When we think of the best animated movies, Pixar and Studio Ghibli are usually the first to come to mind. However, there’s a whole world of animation beyond these two giants. Over the years, animated movies have become more artistic and captivating, drawing the attention of a growing audience.

Both major studios and independent creators have succeeded in impressing not only children but also adults with their incredible hand-drawn, stop-motion, or effects-based animated movies.

So, what are the best animated movies of all time? Here’s a list of the most watched animated movies in the world:

Movie List Index

1.Look Up

Top Animated Movies You Must Watch on Netflix & Disney Look Up

Up tells the heartwarming story of Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower who embarks on an adventure to the South American wilderness to fulfill a promise he made to his late wife, Ellie. Along the way, he is joined by Russell, a young wilderness explorer, and Dug, a talking dog, as they take a ride in Carl’s house, lifted by thousands of balloons.

Witty, visually striking, and occasionally moving, the movie has all the elements that make Pixar productions so beloved. Although it was released in 2009, Up remains one of the best animated movies to watch.

Information about Up (2009)

Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
Cast (Voice): Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Bob Peterson
Release Year: 2009
Duration: 96 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: Inside Out (2015), WALL-E (2008), Finding Nemo (2003)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Up on IMDb

2.The Lion King

The Lion King is undoubtedly one of the best animated movies of all time. Adapted from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the story follows the journey of Simba, a young lion cub who dreams of becoming a great king like his father, Mufasa. However, Simba must face his evil uncle, Scar, who schemes to take the throne for himself.

With a colorful cast of iconic characters, unforgettable Disney music, and themes inspired by Shakespeare, The Lion King remains a classic. It’s the perfect animated movie to enjoy with kids, filled with adventure, emotion, and timeless musical numbers.

Information about The Lion King (1994)

Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
Cast (Voice): Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane
Release Year: 1994
Duration: 88 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
Language: English
Age Rating: G
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Similar Movies: Aladdin (1992), Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Jungle Book (1967)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: The Lion King on IMDb

3.Monsters, Inc.

One of the best animated movies ever made, Monsters, Inc. is a nostalgic classic that remains beloved by many. Set in the vibrant city of Monstropolis, the story follows James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, an employee at a corporation that generates energy from children’s screams, and his loyal friend Mike Wazowski. When a young girl named Boo accidentally enters the monster world, Sulley and Mike embark on a mission to return her safely to the human world.

With its imaginative fantasy world and cutting-edge technology, Monsters, Inc. captivates audiences of all ages. We highly recommend this timeless animation!

Information about Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
Cast (Voice): Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi
Release Year: 2001
Duration: 92 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: G
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Similar Movies: Toy Story (1995), Finding Nemo (2003), Shrek (2001)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Monsters, Inc. on IMDb

4.How to Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon transports you to the thrilling Viking village of Berk, where dragons and dragon slayers are a daily part of life. The story follows Hiccup, a young and naive Viking with big dreams, who encounters the powerful Night Fury dragon and begins to rethink everything he knows about dragons. Together, Hiccup and his lovable dragon Toothless embark on an exciting and heartwarming adventure.

Information about How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
Cast (Voice): Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill
Release Year: 2010
Duration: 98 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Similar Movies: Kung Fu Panda (2008), Shrek (2001), The Croods (2013)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: How to Train Your Dragon on IMDb

5.Inside Out

Diving deep into the inner workings of the mind, Inside Out is a Pixar masterpiece that introduces 11-year-old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) and the emotions that drive her. When Riley’s family moves to a new city, her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are thrown into chaos. The premise itself makes the movie worth watching, and the way the emotions are portrayed is both clever and deeply touching. This animated movie won Best Animated Feature at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards, a well-deserved honor for its unique storytelling and heartwarming execution.

Information about Inside Out (2015)

Director: Pete Docter
Cast (Voice): Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
Release Year: 2015
Duration: 95 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Similar Movies: Up (2009), WALL-E (2008), Finding Nemo (2003)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Inside Out on IMDb

6.Howl’s Moving Castle

Fan-favorite Studio Ghibli movie, Howl’s Moving Castle, tells the magical story of Sophie (voiced by Emily Mortimer), a young hatmaker who is transformed into an old woman after an encounter with an evil witch. In order to lift the curse, Sophie seeks out the elusive wizard Howl (voiced by Christian Bale) and his mystical, wandering castle. The movie is filled with stunning visuals, enchanting characters, and a heartwarming narrative, making it a must-watch for any fan of Studio Ghibli.

Featuring iconic characters like Calcifer (voiced by Billy Crystal), Howl’s Moving Castle delivers a fantastical tale of magic, romance and war.

Information about Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast (Voice): Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashuin (Japanese); Emily Mortimer, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal (English Dub)
Release Year: 2004
Duration: 119 minutes
Country: Japan
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
Language: Japanese
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Similar Movies: Spirited Away (2001), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Howl’s Moving Castle on IMDb

7.Toy Story 3

The third installment of the beloved Toy Story series finds the toy owner Andy (voiced by John Morris) all grown up and ready to go to college. With no one to play with them, the toys entertain themselves until they are accidentally donated to a daycare and forced to become toddler toys. Toy Story 3 brings back the iconic group, led by Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen), who must face the uncertain future of all the toys. As melancholic and emotional as it is funny, this animated movieexplores deep themes of loss, love, and moving on, making it a highly effective and touching story about plastic toys.

Information about Toy Story 3 (2010)

Director: Lee Unkrich
Cast (Voice): Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty
Release Year: 2010
Duration: 103 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: G
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Similar Movies: Toy Story (1995), Monsters, Inc. (2001), Finding Nemo (2003)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Toy Story 3 on IMDb

8.Spider-Man (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)

Spider-Man Miles Morales is trying to discover his new powers in a world filled with many spider-people. The animation in Into the Spider-Verse is phenomenal, flowing like a living comic book. Combined with an amazing soundtrack and a variety of lovable spider-based characters, Into the Spider-Verse is a fantastic addition to the Spider-Man universe.

Information about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
Cast (Voice): Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 117 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Similar Movies: The Lego Batman Movie (2017), Big Hero 6 (2014), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on IMDb

9.Finding Dory

The main character in the animated movie, which explores a captivating underwater world, is Dory, a Blue Tang fish who sets out on a journey to find her family and uncover her origins. Finding Dory is the 8th highest-grossing animated movie of all time. With a production budget of $200 million, it earned just over $1 billion at the box office.

Information about Finding Dory (2016)

Directors: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane
Cast (Voice): Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson
Release Year: 2016
Duration: 97 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Similar Movies: Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Finding Dory on IMDb

10.Despicable Me 3

We’ve all heard of Minions—those bright yellow creatures with their own quirky language and a love for bananas. These little guys first appeared 13 years ago in Universal Pictures’ hit animated adventure Despicable Me, and they’ve since become a household name. In the third movie of the series, Gru loses his job after failing to capture a child who has transformed from an ’80s child star into a supervillain, and discovers he has a long-lost twin. With a production budget of $80 million, themovie went on to become the seventh highest-grossing animated movie.

Information about Despicable Me 3 (2017)

Directors: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon
Cast (Voice): Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove
Release Year: 2017
Duration: 89 minutes
Country: United States
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Similar Movies: Despicable Me (2010), Minions (2015), The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Trailer: YouTube Trailer
IMDb Link: Despicable Me 3 on IMDb

The best animated movies (Disney Plus) 👍🏻

Disney+ offers a rich collection of animated movies that includes not only the timeless classics from Walt Disney Animation Studios but also the latest hits and beloved Pixar movies. Disney’s library is filled with deeply emotional stories that explore themes of love, loss, growth, and, of course, family. So, which animated movie should you watch on Disney? Here is a list of the best Disney animated movies:

Turning Red: Dive into this vibrant, coming-of-age story about a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a giant red panda when she gets too excited. It’s a heartwarming and hilarious look at adolescence and family.
Brave: Meet Merida, a fearless Scottish princess with a talent for archery. When her quest to change her fate leads to a magical twist, this movie explores themes of bravery, family, and finding your own path.
Finding Nemo: Join Marlin, a clownfish, on an epic underwater journey to find his son, Nemo. With memorable characters and stunning visuals, it’s a tale of adventure, love, and never giving up.
Raya and the Last Dragon: Follow Raya, a brave warrior princess, as she sets out to find the last dragon and unite her fractured kingdom. It’s a visually dazzling movie with a powerful message about trust and unity.
Cars: Rev up for a fun ride with Lightning McQueen, a race car who finds himself in a small town and learns valuable life lessons. It’s a delightful blend of humor, racing excitement, and heartwarming moments.
Encanto: Step into the magical world of the Madrigal family, where every member has a unique gift except Mirabel. As she uncovers the mysteries of her family’s magic, it’s a celebration of love, family, and self-discovery.
The Incredibles: Follow the superhero family, the Parrs, as they come out of retirement to save the world. With its blend of action, humor, and family dynamics, it’s a superhero adventure with a lot of heart.
Cinderella: Experience the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, who, with a bit of magic and her own kind heart, overcomes her trials and finds her happily ever after. It’s timeless, enchanting, and full of magic.
Beauty and the Beast: Discover the enchanting story of Belle and the Beast in this classic tale of love and redemption. With its beautiful animation and unforgettable music, it’s a movie that captures the magic of fairy tales.
Zootopia: Explore the bustling city of Zootopia with Judy Hopps, a bunny cop, and Nick Wilde, a fox con artist. It’s a clever, fun movie that tackles themes of prejudice and friendship with humor and heart.

The 10 best animated movies on Netflix 🍿

Netflix has an impressive collection of animated movies, including comedies, cartoons, and originals. There are some great animated movies to watch on Netflix, including Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Riot Games’ popular LoL game adaptation Arcane, and classics. Here are the most-watched animated movies on Netflix:

The Magician’s Elephant: Dive into this magical tale where a young boy sets out on a quest to find his long-lost sister and a mysterious elephant, guided by a magician’s prophecy. It’s a whimsical adventure with a touch of enchantment.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio: Experience a dark and enchanting twist on the classic tale with this stop-motion masterpiece by Guillermo del Toro. It’s a beautifully crafted story that brings a new depth to the beloved puppet’s journey.
Vivo: Join Vivo, a lively kinkajou with a passion for music, as he embarks on a vibrant adventure from Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song to his late owner’s long-lost love. It’s a musical treat filled with heart and rhythm.
Wish Dragon: Discover the magic of a dragon who grants wishes in this charming movie about a young man who finds a dragon that can grant him three wishes. It’s a fun and heartfelt journey of friendship and dreams.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Watch as inventor Flint Lockwood’s latest creation causes food to rain from the sky in this hilarious and inventive movie. It’s a tasty blend of comedy and creativity!
The Mitchells vs. The Machines: Follow the quirky Mitchell family as they battle a robot apocalypse during their road trip. This movie is a hilarious and action-packed adventure that celebrates family and technology.
The Sea Beast: Set sail with a young girl who stows away on a legendary sea monster hunter’s ship. It’s a thrilling adventure with stunning visuals and a heartfelt story about bravery and understanding.
Kung Fu Panda 3: Join Po and his friends as they embark on a new adventure when Po’s long-lost father shows up and a new villain threatens the Valley. It’s packed with action, humor, and the spirit of martial arts.
Apollo 10 1/2: Being a Kid in the Space Age: Take a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s with this unique movie that blends live-action and animation to tell the story of a young boy’s dreams during the space race. It’s a charming ode to childhood and exploration.
Over the Moon (A Moon Tale): Follow Fei Fei as she builds a rocket to the moon to prove the existence of the legendary Moon Goddess. This colorful and musical adventure is a heartwarming journey of family and belief.

The best animated movies of 2024 ⌛️

The most watched animated movies in the world are usually old productions that are etched in our memories. You may be looking for new movie suggestions. Here is the list of the best animated movies released in 2024:

Orion and the Dark: Dive into an adventure with Orion, a young boy who must face his deepest fears and find courage when he encounters a dark, mysterious entity. It’s a story full of magic and bravery.
Kung Fu Panda 4: Get ready for more martial arts mayhem with Po in this exciting new chapter. Po faces new challenges and villains, continuing his journey as the Dragon Warrior with plenty of action and humor.
The Garfield Movie: Join the lasagna-loving, wisecracking orange cat, Garfield, in his latest escapade. This movie promises to bring all the classic humor and antics that fans of the beloved comic strip will enjoy.
Inside Out 2: Return to the emotional world inside Riley’s mind with this sequel. Expect to see more adventures and deeper insights into the inner workings of emotions as Riley navigates new stages of life.
Despicable Me 4: Follow Gru and his Minions in their latest misadventures. This installment promises even more hilarious antics and heartwarming moments with your favorite villain-turned-hero and his adorable yellow sidekicks.
Transformers One: Discover the origins of the Transformers in this new movie. It explores the early days of the Autobots and Decepticons, offering a fresh take on the epic battle between these iconic robots.
In Your Dreams: Journey into the fantastical world of dreams with this imaginative movie. It’s a whimsical adventure that explores the power of dreams and the magic that happens when you let your imagination run wild.
Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie: Join Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob SquarePants in her own action-packed adventure. It’s up to Sandy to save Bikini Bottom from a new threat, with lots of underwater fun and excitement.
Ultraman: Rising: Experience the return of Ultraman in this thrilling new movie. It promises epic battles and heroic feats as Ultraman defends Earth from alien threats, blending action with stunning visuals.
Untitled Wallace & Gromit Movie: Look forward to a new adventure with the beloved inventor Wallace and his loyal dog Gromit. Known for their charming escapades and clever humor, this movie will continue their tradition of inventive and delightful storytelling.

Animation has been around since the 19th century, offering a vast array of choices when it comes to the best animated movies of all time. From Walt Disney Pictures to Studio Ghibli to DreamWorks Pictures, there are fantastic animated movies available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for classic gems or the latest releases, here is a list of the world’s most-watched and best animated movies.