18 Best Animated Movies of 2024 (So Far)

As 2024 draws close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the year’s cinematic offerings. While the live-action realm has seen its share of triumphs and disappointments, the animated film landscape has had its own share of highs and lows. Some films dazzled with breathtaking visuals and gripping narratives, while others, unfortunately, fell short of expectations. Yet, in the midst of an overall mixed year, a few standouts have truly set themselves apart, delivering unforgettable experiences that have captivated audiences and critics alike.

Even among the more average animated releases, some moments sparked joy and creativity, whether through innovative animation techniques or memorable characters. These films may not have dominated the conversation like the heavy hitters, but they still brought something special to the table. As we look ahead to 2025, these films deserve recognition for their accomplishments. In this article, we will explore the best animated movies of 2024, ranking them based on their quality and impact, celebrating the triumphs of this vibrant and ever-evolving genre.

The Wild Robot

Based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Peter Brown, it was written for the screen and directed by Chris Sanders, and produced by DreamWorks Animation.

It features the voices of Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames. The film follows Roz (Nyong’o), a service robot shipwrecked on an uninhabited island who must adapt to her surroundings, build relationships with the local wildlife, and become the adoptive mother of an orphaned goose, Brightbill (Connor).

The Wild Robot earns its spot as one of the best animated movies of 2024 through its dazzling animation, emotional depth, and universally appealing storytelling. Directed by Chris Sanders, the film weaves a heartfelt narrative that resonates with both children and adults, blending wondrous visuals with profound themes of connection and beauty. Critics praised its ability to evoke “big feelings” while maintaining great sophistication, comparing its magic to iconic cinematic masterpieces. With a standout vocal performance from Nyong’o and a timeless message, The Wild Robot elevates itself as a landmark in animated storytelling and a triumph for DreamWorks Animation.

Director: Chris Sanders
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal
Rating: PG
Runtime: 102 minutes
Where to watch: Theaters

Flow

Directed by Gints Zilbalodis and written by Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža. The film is notable for being completely rendered on the open-source software Blender and containing no dialogue. A solitary cat, displaced by a great flood, finds refuge on a boat with various species and must navigate the challenges of adapting to a transformed world together.

The film’s depiction of animals as lifelike beings, rather than anthropomorphic caricatures, heightens its emotional impact, creating a captivating blend of realism and surrealism. The computer-generated animation brings a dreamlike quality that complements the story’s moments of peril and wonder, delivering a richly immersive and unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Director: Gints Zilbalodis
Starring: N/A (the animal sounds are from real animals)
Rating: PG
Runtime: 85 minutes
Where to watch: Theatre

Look Back

Look Back (Japanese: ルックバック) is a Japanese animated coming-of-age drama film based on the one-shot web manga of the same name by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The film is directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, who also wrote the screenplay and served as a character designer, and produced by Studio Durian.

It stars Yuumi Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida as two girls with a passion for drawing—the outgoing Fujino (Kawai) and the truant recluse Kyomoto (Yoshida), the latter of whose artistic ability inspires a competitive fervor in Fujino that soon develops into a partnership.

It is one of the best animated movies of 2024, offering a visually stunning and emotionally profound experience that lingers long after its brief runtime. Its character design and animation blend simplicity with deep philosophical resonance, capturing the fleeting beauty of creation and the joy of belonging through art. The film’s poetic storytelling, likened to a haiku, combines accessible narrative elements with rich thematic depth, making it both intimate and universally moving.

Director: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Starring: Yumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida
Rating: 13+
Runtime: 58 minutes
Where to watch: Prime Video

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Inside Out 2

The sequel to Inside Out (2015), it was directed by Kelsey Mann (in his feature directorial debut) and produced by Mark Nielsen, from a screenplay written by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, and a story conceived by Mann and LeFauve. The film tells the story of Riley’s emotions as they find themselves joined by other new emotions that want to take over Riley’s mind.

Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan reprise their roles from the first film, with Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman (replacing Kaitlyn Dias), Liza Lapira (replacing Mindy Kaling), Tony Hale (replacing Bill Hader), Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Paul Walter Hauser joining the cast.

The film received positive reviews from critics and has grossed $1.699 billion worldwide, breaking multiple box-office records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It also became the highest-grossing film of 2024 and the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time.

Inside Out 2 continues to deliver emotional depth and stunning animation, exploring the complexities of adolescence through new characters and emotions like Anxiety and Ennui. Critics have largely praised the film for its colorful palette and its ability to capture the turmoil and joy of growing up, though some found the storyline predictable, particularly regarding Riley’s integration into her new hockey team. The introduction of these new emotions, while mostly well-received, didn’t always leave a lasting impact.

Director: Kelsey Mann
Starring: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Kensington Tallman
Rating: PG
Runtime: 96 minutes
Where to watch: Disney+ and PVOD

Ultraman: Rising

Based on Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultraman franchise. A Japanese-American co-production between Netflix Animation and Tsuburaya Productions, with animation by Industrial Light & Magic, it is the 44th film in the franchise. Directed by Shannon Tindle in his feature directorial debut, who co-wrote it with Marc Haimes.

The film stars Christopher Sean as Ken Sato/Ultraman along with the voices of Gedde Watanabe, Tamlyn Tomita, Keone Young, and Julia Harriman.Ken Sato is a superstar baseball player who returns to Japan to become the latest hero to carry the mantle of Ultraman. However, he is compelled to raise a newborn kaiju monster, the offspring of his greatest enemy, as his own child.

It is one of the iconic franchise by adding a refreshing layer of childrearing to the high-energy action that the franchise is known for. The film’s colorful, family-friendly adventure blends exciting battles with heartfelt moments, making it accessible for all ages while still maintaining the thrill that fans expect.

Director: Shannon Tindle
Starring: Yuki Yamada, Fumiyo Kohinata, Ayumi Tsunematsu, Fumihiko Tachiki
Rating: PG
Runtime: 117 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix

Transformers One

Based on Hasbro’s Transformers toy line. It was directed by Josh Cooley from a screenplay by Eric Pearson, Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, the latter two of whom also conceived the film’s story. The film features voices of Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm, It is set on Cybertron, the home planet of the Transformers, and depicts the origins and early relationship of Optimus Prime and Megatron.

Transformers One breathes new life into the beloved franchise with its vibrant animation and a well-crafted, emotionally engaging storyline. The movie’s ability to balance complex themes with action, and its skillful direction and animation, provide a fresh perspective on the series. While some reviews point to a lack of ambition or overindulgence in action scenes, the film’s emotional core and strong performances—especially from the voice cast—help make it a successful and entertaining addition to the Transformers saga, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Director: Josh Cooley
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key
Rating: PG
Runtime: 104 minutes
Where to watch: Paramount+

Watchmen (Chapter I and Chapter II)

Watchmen is an adult animated two-part (The first part (Watchmen Chapter I) was released on August 13, 2024, while the second part (Watchmen Chapter II) was released on November 26, 2024) superhero film based on the DC Comics limited series Watchmen co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons with co-creator and author Alan Moore choosing to remain uncredited.

It is directed by Brandon Vietti and written by J. Michael Straczynski. It stars an ensemble cast including Matthew Rhys, Katee Sackhoff, Titus Welliver, Troy Baker, Adrienne Barbeau, and Michael Cerveris. Set in an alternate 1985, the film follows a group of outlawed and retired superheroes who investigate a conspiracy following the murder of one of their own. Gibbons served as a consulting producer on the film. Animation for the film was provided by Studio Mir.

Director: Brandon Vietti
Starring: Matthew Rhys, Katee Sackhoff, Titus Welliver, Troy Baker, Adrienne Barbeau, and Michael Cerveris
Rating: R
Runtime: Chapter I: 84 minutes; Chapter II: 89 minutes
Where to watch: Max

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Based on characters created by J. R. R. Tolkien, the film is directed by Kenji Kamiyama from a screenplay by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou. It stars Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, and Miranda Otto. The War of the Rohirrim is set 183 years before Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (2001–2003) and tells the story of Helm Hammerhand (Cox), a legendary king of Rohan, and his family as they defend their kingdom against an army of Dunlendings.

The film offers impressive spectacle, yet its reliance on familiar character tropes and an uneven animation style detracts from the richness of Middle Earth. Instead of feeling like a unique addition to the mythos, it often felt formulaic, with the plot struggling to match the epic scale fans expect. The overall experience left with a sense of missed potential—while there are moments of wonder, they are overshadowed by the film’s generic execution.

Director: Kenji Kamiyama
Starring: Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, Luke Pasqualino, Miranda Otto
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 134 minutes
Where to watch: Theatre, PVOD

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

British stop-motion animated comedy film produced by Aardman Animations and the BBC in association with Netflix, and directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. It is the sixth Wallace & Gromit film and the second feature-length film after The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005).

It features voice cast Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, and Reece Shearsmith. It follows Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces – or Wallace may never be able to invent again.

Director: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham
Starring: Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith
Rating: PG
Runtime: 79 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix

Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds

It is a Belgian-French animated film directed by Benoît Chieux. Chieux also wrote the screenplay, along with Alain Gagnol. Juliette and her sister Carmen are transported to the Kingdom of Winds after finding an enchanted book. They are also transformed into cats. Juliette causes an accident that upsets the Kingdom’s locals, leading to its ruler to give Juliette to the songstress Selma, while also sentencing Carmen to marry his son.

Sirocco earns its place among the best animated films with its bold, psychedelic visual style and original storytelling, drawing comparisons to classics like Spirited Away and Alice in Wonderland while maintaining a unique voice. Its emotional depth, highlighted by themes of empathy, sisterly love, and unapologetic confidence, is complemented by a captivating soundtrack, notably featuring the contributions of Célia Kameni. The film’s creativity and artistry, coupled with its critical acclaim, including a win for Best Animated Film at the 2024 Stuttgart Festival, solidify its status as a standout in the world of animated cinema.

Director: Benoît Chieux
Starring: Loïse Charpentier, Maryne Bertieaux, Géraldine Asselin, Pierre Lognay, Aurélie Konaté
Rating: Not rated (content equivalent to PG)
Runtime: 74 minutes
Where to watch: PVOD

Memoir of a Snail

Memoir of a Snail is an Australian adult stop-motion animated tragicomedy film written, produced and directed by Adam Elliot. It stars the voices of Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Magda Szubanski, Dominique Pinon, Tony Armstrong, Paul Capsis, Nick Cave, and Jacki Weaver. The film’s plot, which is loosely inspired by Elliot’s own life, follows the trials and tribulations in the life of lonely misfit Grace Pudel, from childhood to adulthood.

Its breathtaking stop-motion animation and a heartfelt narrative that delves into themes of hope and resilience. Director Adam Elliot’s dedication to dark yet moving storytelling is complemented by a stellar voice cast and a beautifully evocative score. The film’s imperfections, as noted by critics, enhance its message of human fallibility, making it an emotionally resonant and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Director: Adam Elliot
Starring: Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Eric Bana, Dominique Pinon
Rating: R
Runtime: 94 minutes
Where to watch: Theaters

Moana 2

Moana 2 is the sequel to Moana (2016) and the second installment in the Moana franchise, one of the best adventure musical animated movies of 2024, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. The film was directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller (in their feature directorial debuts) and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, from a screenplay by Jared Bush and Miller.

Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, and Alan Tudyk all reprise their roles from the first film, with Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, and Gerald Ramsey joining the cast.

Set three years after the first Moana, it follows the titular character reuniting with the demigod Maui and assembling a wayfinding crew in order to find the lost island of Motufetu, break its curse, and reconnect the people of the ocean.

The film offers a visually captivating journey but falters when it comes to its story. The stunning animation and vibrant adventure are undeniably enjoyable, yet the plot lacks the inspiration that made the original so memorable. While it delivers moments of charm and fun, it often feels like it’s trying too hard to recapture the magic, without fully succeeding.

Director: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Alan Tudyk, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, and Gerald Ramsey
Rating: PG
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to watch: Theaters

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Despicable Me 4

It is the sequel to Despicable Me 3 (2017), the fourth main installment, and the sixth overall installment in the Despicable Me franchise. The film was directed by Chris Renaud, co-directed by Patrick Delage (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Mike White and Ken Daurio. It stars the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Sofía Vergara, Stephen Colbert, Renaud, Madison Polan, Dana Gaier, Chloe Fineman, and Will Ferrell.

The film sees reformed supervillain and secret agent Gru relocate his family to a safe house when his old rival Maxime Le Mal seeks revenge. Subplots deal with Gru’s family adjusting to their new lives, teenage neighbor Poppy Prescott trying to follow in Gru’s villainous footsteps, and a group of Gru’s Minions becoming superheroes.

It delivered a high-energy adventure that offers plenty of laughs and slapstick moments. While its fast pace and abundance of characters may feel overwhelming and detract from the central plot, the film’s charm lies in its relentless fun and the beloved Minions. Despite critiques of overcrowded storylines and underdeveloped villains, the movie’s ability to keep audiences entertained with its humor and energy ensures its place as an enjoyable, albeit chaotic, addition to the Despicable Me franchise.

Director: Chris Renaud
Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin, Will Ferrell, Sofía Vergara, Joey King
Rating: PG
Runtime: 95 minutes
Where to watch: Peacock and PVOD

Orion and the Dark

Animated fantasy adventure comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and animated by Mikros Animation. It was directed by Sean Charmatz (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Charlie Kaufman, based on the 2014 children’s book of the same name by Emma Yarlett.

The film stars the voices of Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Colin Hanks, Mia Akemi Brown, Ike Barinholtz, Nat Faxon, Golda Rosheuvel, Natasia Demetriou, Aparna Nancherla, Carla Gugino, Matt Dellapina, and Angela Bassett. A boy with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, smiling creature named Dark.

Director: Sean Charmatz
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Paul Walter Hauser, Colin Hanks, Angela Bassett
Rating: TV-Y7
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix

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Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One

It is an animated superhero film featuring the DC Comics superhero team the Justice League and based on the DC Comics storyline Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985–1986) written by Marv Wolfman and pencilled by George Pérez. The films were directed by Jeff Wamester from a script by Jim Krieg. They are the eighth, ninth, and tenth and final installments in the second phase of the DC Animated Movie Universe, as well as the twenty-third, twenty-fourth, and twenty-fifth and final films overall.

It stars Matt Bomer, Jensen Ackles, Meg Donnelly, Zachary Quinto, Darren Criss, Stana Katic, and Jimmi Simpson. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths is a three part film, Part One was released on January 9, 2024, to positive reviews. Part Two was released on April 23, and Part Three was released on July 16, both to mixed reviews.

Director: Jeff Wamester
Starring: Matt Bomer, Jensen Ackles, Meg Donnelly, Zachary Quinto, Darren Criss, Stana Katic, Jimmi Simpson
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch: Max, PVOD

Kung Fu Panda 4

It is an animated martial arts comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation, the fourth installment in the Kung Fu Panda franchise and the sequel to Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016). The film was directed by Mike Mitchell, co-directed by Stephanie Ma Stine (in her feature directorial debut), written by Darren Lemke and the writing team of Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger.

It features Jack Black, Ian McShane, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, and Bryan Cranston reprising their roles from the previous films, with Awkwafina, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, and Viola Davis joining the cast as new characters. In the film, Po (Black), who must find and train his successor as the new Dragon Warrior, teams up with fox bandit Zhen (Awkwafina) to defeat evil sorceress The Chameleon (Davis), before she steals the kung-fu abilities of all masters in China.

The film has garnered a generally positive reception, the plot remains familiar, focusing on Po’s new friends, adversaries, and adventures, but the absence of the emotional depth and the Furious Five leaves a noticeable gap. Despite this, the film still delivers entertaining action sequences and vibrant visuals. For fans of the series, it’s another enjoyable installment, even if it’s not as inspired as its predecessors. However, the film’s predictability and less memorable villain leave it feeling like more of the same, suggesting that this chapter might be the last for the beloved kung fu panda.

Director: Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine
Starring: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis, James Hong, Bryan Cranston
Rating: PG
Runtime: 94 minutes
Where to watch: Peacock, PVOD

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The Tiger’s Apprentice

Based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Laurence Yep, it is directed by Raman Hui and co-directed by Paul Watling and Yong Duk Jhun (in their directorial debuts) from a screenplay by David Magee and Christopher Yost. The film stars the voices of Brandon Soo Hoo, Henry Golding, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, and Michelle Yeoh.

Tom Lee, a Chinese-American boy, after the death of his grandmother, has to be apprenticed to the talking tiger Mr. Hu and learn ancient magic to become the new guardian of an ancient phoenix.

Director: Raman Hui, Yong Duk Jhun, Paul Watling,
Starring: Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh
Rating: PG
Runtime: 84 minutes
Where to watch: Paramount+

Thelma the Unicorn

Directed by Vicky Jenson from a screenplay by Julia Miranda and the writing team of Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin. It features music composed by Alan Menken, who also wrote the songs with longtime collaborator and lyricist Glenn Slater. The film features the voices of Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, Nathan Lane, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Set in the world of magic known as Lumbria, the story follows Princess Ellian (Zegler) who must break the spell that has turned her parents (Bardem and Kidman) into monsters and split her kingdom in two.

Spellbound has received mixed reviews overall, it highlights the film’s colorful animation and clever moral but notes that it struggles to generate genuine charm. During the November – December viewing window, Spellbound secured its #2 position, garnering 15.3 million views the following week.

Director: Raman Hui, Yong Duk Jhun, Paul Watling,
Starring: Henry Golding, Brandon Soo Hoo, Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, Michelle Yeoh
Rating: PG
Runtime: 93 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix

List of Best Animated Movies Of 2024 So Far, Ranked

Here’s a list of the top best animated films of 2024 and where you can watch them.

• The Wild Robot
• Flow
• Look Back
• Inside Out 2
• Ultraman: Rising
• Transformers One
• Watchmen: Chapter 1
• Watchmen: Chapter 2
• The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
• Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
• Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds
• Memoir of a Snail
• Moana 2
• Despicable Me 4
• Orion and the Dark
• Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One
• Kung Fu Panda 4
• The Tiger’s Apprentice
• Thelma the Unicorn
• The Garfield Movie
• Spellbound
• Mars Express
• ME
• Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain
• Ghost Cat Anzu
• Chicken for Linda
• The Concierge
• Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate