19 Most Iconic Animated Movies of All Time

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Animated movies offer some of the most colorful and immersive movie experiences you’ll ever come across. They’re unrestricted in a way movies aren’t. The imagination can be expressed without the same constraints, making them remarkable to behold. Here are some of the most iconic animations of all time: 

The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King is in a league of animated movies that almost everyone knows and loves. A power struggle between the lions of the animal kingdom throws the jungle into chaos. Simba rises up to follow in his father’s footsteps and save the land from his evil uncle, Scar. 

The Incredibles (2004)

A family of super-powered people is forced to live a normal life when controversy strikes and outlaws the existent population of superheroes. Mr. Incredible tries to relive his glory days and unknowingly drags his family into an unexpected mess that brings the superhero population into the limelight once again. 

Your Name (2016)

Your Name is one of Makoto Shinkai’s most revered titles. Two teenagers magically swap bodies and are forced to pretend to live each other’s lives. They develop a strong emotional bond that changes them and sets them on a life-defining journey. Your Name is an absolutely riveting movie experience. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

While there is some controversy over whether or not Snow White was the first full-length animated feature movie, there can be no doubt about the impact the movie has had over the years. It’s a pioneer, and a most-loved story that has retained its novelty over time.

Soul (2020)

Soul is one of the most profound animated movies produced by Disney. It speaks to the existential questions of passion, fulfillment, and soul. A middle school teacher who had hoped for his life to turn out differently is taken on an ethereal journey that shows him deep truths. 

Akira (1988)

Have you ever heard of the term “Akira slide?” Akira is one of the most popular Japanese animated movies that has impacted even Western cinema and media. Kaneda is a biker on a mission to save his friend, Tetsuo, from a secret government undertaking called Akira

Up! (2009)

An aged widower is changed by the loss of his wife. He makes it his mission to visit Paradise Falls in pursuit of his enduring dream. However, he unknowingly harbors an unwanted passenger on his journey. It would be hard to hold back the tears when you watch this one. 

Shrek (2001)

Shrek the ogre is employed by an evil lord (who sends fairytale characters to Shrek’s swamp) to rescue Princess Fiona. If he succeeds, the lord is to allow Shrek to reclaim his land. The movie communicates a deeper message of acceptance, tolerance, and genuine connection.

Pocahontas (1995)

Roger Ebert in his review said it best. “It is about real issues, even if it treats them with naive idealism.” Pocahontas tells a real story about the clash between Native Americans and Europeans. It narrates a culturally and historically relevant story in the most colorful way. 

Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out is a vivid reimagination of human emotions based on the premise of the existence of 5 principal emotions—joy, anger, fear, sadness, and disgust. Riley and her parents move to San Francisco, causing her to experience a myriad of different reactions that she has to learn to manage. 

Bambi (1942)

Bambi is a story about a little deer who learns about life, love, friendship, and family as he grows up in the forest. That is one side of it. Bambi is also a deeply moving, and maybe even tragic, tale that’s guaranteed to reach in and leave a mark. 

Toy Story (1995)

Did you ever wonder as a child if your toys were sentient with lives of their own? In Andy’s world, they are. Toy Story is a widely accepted and renowned animation that has, since its release, inspired a global franchise and stayed relevant to this day. 

The Jungle Book (1967)

Apart from its timeless plot about a boy who is raised in the jungle by wolves and hunted by a ruthless tiger, The Jungle Book is special for one more reason. It was the last movie produced by Walt Disney before his death. The Jungle Book is an important one. 

Ratatouille (2007)

Remy takes his dreams to Paris. He hopes to become a great chef who’s widely known and revered. However, there’s one little problem. He’s a rat. Regardless, he succeeds in finding an accomplice to help him miraculously achieve his dream. Ratatouille is an unforgettable animated experience. 

Cinderella (1950)

Hardly will you find an animation as widely loved as Cinderella. It evolved into a cultural phenomenon beloved by children (and adults who have fond memories of it) worldwide. A young girl is raised by her stepfamily and made to face untold hardship until she has a magical encounter. 

Finding Nemo (2003)

A touching plot about fatherhood and love narrated with a creative spin. Nemo is captured from his home in the Great Barrier Reef when he wanders out against his father’s instructions. Finding Nemo tells the story of his rescue mission as his father seeks to bring him back home. 

Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away is quite possibly the most famous animated movie by prominent Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. In her quest to save her parents, Chihiro must work in a magical amusement park that functions as a getaway for supernatural beings. It sends a profound message of bravery, self-awareness, friendship, and love. 

Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

One of the most remarkable creations of modern times, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has a reputation that precedes it. With an undeniable animation style and a compelling storyline, the movie cements itself as a true icon in the animated movie genre. It is remarkable. 

Frozen (2013)

Frozen took the world by storm, and everyone was caught in the frenzy. Now, it’s remembered for its heartfelt plot and its impeccable soundtrack. Right from its year of release, it interestingly placed itself as a timeless modern classic, and nobody could say anything to the contrary.

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