Toy Story, Moana Among Top 20 “Certified Fresh” Animated Movies

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

Highly praised as one of the best animated movies based off of nostalgia alone, Tim Burton’s *The Nightmare Before Christmas* receives high-marks. The film is a stop-motion masterpiece that follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas and tries to bring his own spooky twist to the holiday. The film’s unique aesthetic and hauntingly beautiful music have made it a beloved classic.

Available to stream on Disney+, this film is a perfect watch for both Halloween and Christmas seasons.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

DreamWorks has become a powerhouse of animated movies over the years with several stellar films. DreamWorks’ *How to Train Your Dragon* follows Hiccup, a young Viking who befriends a wounded dragon named Toothless. Together, they challenge the traditions of their village, forging a bond that bridges the gap between humans and dragons. The film’s stunning visuals and heartwarming story make it a standout in animated cinema.

Nominated for two Academy Awards, *How to Train Your Dragon* is available to stream on Peacock.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

*Frozen*, the first of two outstanding animated movies, tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, and their journey to mend their bond after Elsa’s icy powers spiral out of control. Featuring unforgettable songs like “Let It Go,” the movie became a global sensation and a cultural touchstone for a new generation of Disney fans.

*Frozen* won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. Stream this enchanting tale on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%

I sincerely slept on this selection in the collection of animated movies I’d be interested in watching but boy I surprised when I finally did. Pixar’s *WALL-E* is a love story set in a dystopian future where Earth has become uninhabitable. The titular robot, WALL-E, spends his days cleaning up the planet until he encounters EVE, a sleek probe robot, and embarks on an adventure that could save humanity. The film’s environmental message and tender storytelling resonate with audiences of all ages.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, *WALL-E* is available to stream on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Brad Bird’s *The Iron Giant* tells the story of a young boy named Hogarth who befriends a giant robot from outer space. Set during the Cold War, the film explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fear of the unknown. Its timeless message and beautiful animation have made it a cult classic.

*The Iron Giant* received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and artistry. Watch this heartwarming tale on HBO Max.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

This one is probably one of my favorite animated movies of all time. *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* revolutionized animated storytelling by bringing the multiverse concept to life with its unique comic book-inspired art style. The movie follows Miles Morales as he discovers his powers and teams up with other Spider-People to save the universe. The film’s innovative visuals and heartfelt story made it a critical and commercial success.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* is widely regarded as a game-changer in animation. Stream this visually stunning adventure on Netflix.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

DreamWorks’ *Shrek* turns fairy tales on their heads with its irreverent humor and memorable characters. The film follows the titular ogre as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, uncovering the importance of self-acceptance and true love along the way.

*Shrek* became a cultural phenomenon, earning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It’s available to stream on Peacock.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

A far as the best animated films go, this one holds a very dear place in my heart. There was once a time where I cold recite every single word! *The Lion King* is a tale of love, loss, and redemption set against the stunning backdrop of the African savanna. The story follows Simba, a young lion cub, as he comes to terms with the responsibilities of leadership after the tragic loss of his father, Mufasa.

Featuring an unforgettable soundtrack and breathtaking animation, *The Lion King* has earned its place as one of Disney’s most iconic films. Relive Simba’s journey by streaming it on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Disney and Pixar’s *Ratatouille* follows Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking, as he defies the odds to pursue his dream of becoming a chef in a Parisian restaurant. Teaming up with a human kitchen worker, Linguini, Remy proves that anyone can achieve greatness regardless of their background.

With its lush visuals and uplifting message, *Ratatouille* won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains a beloved classic. Watch it now on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

In *The Incredibles*, Pixar explores the challenges of balancing family life with extraordinary abilities. The Parr family, led by retired superhero Mr. Incredible, must come together to save the world from a dangerous villain while navigating their own dynamics. The film’s action-packed sequences and heartfelt storytelling make it a standout in Pixar’s lineup.

The movie’s sharp humor and dynamic animation earned it two Academy Awards and a lasting place in the hearts of audiences. Stream *The Incredibles* now on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Pixar’s *Up* tells the touching story of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed balloon salesman who fulfills his lifelong dream of visiting Paradise Falls by attaching balloons to his house and taking off on an adventure. Joined by a young wilderness explorer named Russell, Carl discovers unexpected friendships and life lessons along the way.

With its heartfelt narrative and iconic opening montage, *Up* resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning two Academy Awards. You can stream this emotional and uplifting tale on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

Set during Mexico’s vibrant Day of the Dead celebration, *Coco* follows young Miguel as he dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. When a magical accident transports him to the Land of the Dead, Miguel embarks on a journey to uncover his family’s secrets and pursue his passion for music. The film’s rich cultural themes and breathtaking visuals captivate audiences of all ages.

*Coco* received widespread acclaim and won two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.” This heartwarming tale is available to stream on Disney+.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%

Pixar’s *Finding Nemo* takes audiences on a breathtaking underwater journey. When young clownfish Nemo is captured by a diver, his overprotective father, Marlin, sets out on a daring rescue mission with the help of the lovable and forgetful Dory. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters and face thrilling challenges, exploring themes of trust, courage, and the bond between parent and child.

The film’s stunning animation and heartwarming story captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. *Finding Nemo* is available to stream on Disney+, making it a must-watch for families and animation lovers alike.

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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

Here is another movie in my lexicon of best animated films. *Inside Out* delves into the emotions inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley as she navigates a move to a new city. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust guide her through the challenges of growing up, with Joy and Sadness taking center stage in a journey that teaches Riley the importance of embracing all her emotions. The film’s innovative storytelling and stunning animation brought Pixar’s creativity to new heights.

With its emotionally resonant narrative and vibrant visual design, *Inside Out* captures the complexity of human feelings in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains a beloved Pixar classic. Watch it on Disney+ to experience this heartwarming and thought-provoking journey.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

In the bustling city of Zootopia, anthropomorphic animals live and work together in harmony. The story follows Judy Hopps, the city’s first bunny police officer, as she teams up with a wily fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious conspiracy. The film cleverly uses its vibrant setting to explore themes of diversity, prejudice, and cooperation, earning widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative.

Beyond its social commentary, *Zootopia* features stunning animation and a cast of unforgettable characters, including the hilarious Flash the sloth. Its blend of humor, heart, and action makes it a standout in Disney’s modern lineup. You can stream *Zootopia* on Disney+ and immerse yourself in this innovative tale.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

The first-ever feature-length animated film, *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs* is a groundbreaking achievement in cinema. The story follows Snow White, a kind princess who befriends seven dwarfs while evading her evil stepmother, the Queen. With its memorable songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Someday My Prince Will Come,” the movie set the standard for animated storytelling and established Disney as a global entertainment powerhouse.

Renowned for its artistic innovation, the film’s use of Technicolor and multi-plane camera technology brought unprecedented depth and realism to animation. *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs* continues to be a beloved classic for audiences of all generations. Watch it now on Disney+ to experience this iconic piece of film history.

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Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

A collection of stories brought to life, *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh* combines A.A. Milne’s beloved tales into a single delightful film. Featuring the honey-loving Pooh Bear and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood, the movie explores themes of friendship, curiosity, and kindness. With its gentle humor and classic hand-drawn animation, the film offers a nostalgic viewing experience for audiences of all ages.

The film’s episodic structure introduces timeless characters like Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore, each with their unique charm and lessons. From Pooh’s quest for honey to Tigger’s bouncing misadventures, the movie’s heartwarming stories are perfect for family viewing. Stream it now on Disney+ to revisit this enchanting classic.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Disney’s *Pinocchio* is a timeless tale that follows a wooden puppet’s journey to become a real boy. Guided by his conscience, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio faces moral dilemmas and dangerous temptations, learning valuable lessons along the way. The film’s stunning hand-drawn animation and unforgettable musical score, including the iconic “When You Wish Upon a Star,” have cemented its place in cinematic history.

Beyond its technical achievements, *Pinocchio* resonates with universal themes of honesty, bravery, and selflessness. The movie’s emotional depth and whimsical storytelling continue to inspire generations. You can stream *Pinocchio* on Disney+ to experience this enduring classic.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

You can’t mention the best animated films without mentioning this classic film. *Toy Story* marked a revolution in animation as the first feature-length film entirely created with computer-generated imagery. Directed by John Lasseter, the movie tells the story of Woody, a cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, as they navigate jealousy, rivalry, and ultimately friendship. The film’s witty dialogue and innovative visuals captivated audiences worldwide, establishing Pixar as a leader in animated storytelling.

The movie’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt themes and memorable characters. From Woody’s realization of the importance of teamwork to Buzz’s hilarious reckoning with his identity, *Toy Story* delivers a narrative that is as entertaining as it is meaningful. Stream it now on Disney+ to revisit this groundbreaking classic.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%

Pixar’s *Toy Story 2* is a masterclass in storytelling that expands on the original film’s themes of friendship and belonging. Woody’s kidnapping by a toy collector sets the stage for a thrilling rescue mission led by Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang. As Woody discovers his past as a TV show star, he faces a poignant choice between fame and the love of his owner, Andy. The film brilliantly balances humor, action, and emotional depth, making it a favorite among fans and critics alike.

With groundbreaking animation for its time, *Toy Story 2* pushed the boundaries of what computer-generated imagery could achieve. The movie’s memorable characters, such as Jessie and Bullseye, quickly became fan favorites. The film’s exploration of existential themes and the value of loyalty resonated with audiences of all ages.

Available to stream on Disney+, *Toy Story 2* remains a must-watch for animation enthusiasts.