Hi there, animation fans! 👋 Today, we’re going to dive into the world of animated movies – from classics to modern favorites – and rank the best of the best. Whether you’re an avid animation enthusiast or just looking for something new to watch, we’re here to help. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started! 🍿

The Classics 🏰

First up, we have the classics. These timeless films paved the way for animated movies as we know them today and have captured the hearts of generations. These are the movies that started it all:

1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) ❄️

This Disney classic tells the story of an innocent princess and her seven quirky dwarf friends. Snow White was the first full-length animated feature film ever made, and its impact on the industry cannot be overstated. Its beautiful animation, memorable characters, and iconic songs make it a must-watch for anyone interested in animation history.

2. Bambi (1942) 🦌

This heartwarming story follows a young deer named Bambi as he grows up in the forest with his friends Thumper and Flower. Bambi’s story is one of love, loss, and friendship, and its gorgeous animation and emotional depth make it a standout even today.

3. The Lion King (1994) 🦁

While not technically a “classic” in the sense of Snow White or Bambi, The Lion King has become a beloved icon of the animated movie genre. Its stunning animation, memorable songs, and Shakespearean-inspired storyline have made it a favorite for over 25 years. Hakuna Matata!

Illustration of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi, and The Lion King standing together

The Renaissance 🎨

In the 1990s, Disney experienced a resurgence in popularity with a series of critically acclaimed films, dubbed the “Disney Renaissance.” These movies pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling and remain favorites to this day.

4. Beauty and the Beast (1991) 🌹

This tale as old as time tells the story of Belle, a book-loving girl who becomes the prisoner of a beastly prince. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, a testament to its stunning visuals and timeless story.

5. The Little Mermaid (1989) 🧜‍♀️

Ariel, a mermaid princess, dreams of exploring the world above the waves and falls in love with a human prince. The Little Mermaid marked a return to form for Disney after a string of less successful movies and set the stage for the Disney Renaissance. Its catchy songs and colorful animation have made it a classic in its own right.

6. Aladdin (1992) 🧞‍♂️

Aladdin follows the streetwise hero as he finds a magic lamp and falls in love with Princess Jasmine. This movie is known for its memorable songs, fast-paced action, and hilarious sidekick – the Genie, voiced by the late Robin Williams.

Illustration of Belle, Ariel, and Aladdin standing together

The Pixar Revolution 🚀

In the late 1990s, a small animation studio called Pixar burst onto the scene and changed the game forever. With their groundbreaking computer-generated animation and heartfelt storytelling, Pixar movies quickly became some of the most beloved films in the world.

7. Toy Story (1995) 🤠

The first feature-length computer-animated film ever made, Toy Story takes us into the secret lives of our favorite toys. The movie’s innovative animation and witty script paved the way for Pixar’s success in the coming years.

8. Finding Nemo (2003) 🐠

This underwater adventure follows Nemo, a young clownfish who gets separated from his father and must find his way back home. Finding Nemo is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, and overcoming obstacles.

9. Up (2009) 🎈

Up tells the story of an elderly man named Carl who sets out on an adventure to South America in his flying house. This movie deals with themes of love, loss, and aging in a way that is both heartwarming and poignant.

Illustration of Woody and Buzz from Toy Story, Dory and Nemo from Finding Nemo, and Carl and Ellie from Up standing together

Modern Favorites 🎬

Finally, we come to the newest additions to the animated movie world. These films are just as innovative and creative as their predecessors and continue to push the boundaries of what animation can be.

10. Coco (2017) 🎸

Coco tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s wishes. Along the way, he discovers the importance of family and tradition and learns about the power of music. This movie is a celebration of Mexican culture and the importance of honoring our ancestors.

11. Moana (2016) 🌊

Moana is the story of a young girl who sets out on a journey to save her island and discover her true identity as a leader. This movie is known for its gorgeous animation and memorable songs, and its message of empowerment and self-discovery resonates with viewers of all ages.

12. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 🕷️

While not a traditional animated movie, Spider-Verse’s stunning animation and unique storytelling make it a standout film. The movie follows Miles Morales as he becomes the newest Spider-Man and must navigate a multiverse of other Spider-People. This movie is a love letter to comic book fans and a groundbreaking achievement in animation.

Illustration of Miguel from Coco, Moana, and Miles Morales from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse standing together

And there you have it – our ranking of the best animated movies of all time! Whether you prefer the classic fairy tales of old or the cutting-edge animation of the new, there’s something for everyone in the world of animated movies. So next time you’re looking for a movie to watch, why not try one of these timeless favorites? 🎬

Illustration of all the movies listed in this post standing together