Animation is the art of creating the illusion of movement by using images, drawings, or computer graphics. Animation has a long and rich history, dating back to the early experiments with flip books, zoetropes, and magic lanterns.
Over the years, animation has evolved into a diverse and sophisticated medium, with different styles, techniques, and genres. Animation can be used to tell stories, convey messages, entertain, educate, or inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The purpose of this article is to present the top 10 animation movies of all time, based on IMDb ratings. IMDb is a popular online database that provides information and reviews on movies, TV shows, and celebrities.
Today, we embark on a journey through ten films that have etched their names in the annals of animation history.
Related:
Top 10 Animation Movies of All Time
10. Toy Story (1995) – 8.3/10
Toy Story is the first feature-length computer-animated movie ever made, and the debut film of Pixar Animation Studios. Directed by John Lasseter, Toy Story tells the story of a group of toys that come to life when their owner, Andy, is not around. The toys are led by Woody, a cowboy doll, who is Andy’s favorite toy.
However, Woody’s status is threatened by the arrival of Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, who believes he is a real hero. Woody and Buzz soon find themselves in a series of adventures and dangers, as they try to escape from the clutches of Sid, Andy’s sadistic neighbor, who likes to torture and destroy toys.
Toy Story is a groundbreaking movie that revolutionized the animation industry and set the standard for Pixar’s future films. The movie is praised for its innovative animation, charming characters, witty humor, and heartfelt story.
Toy Story explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, identity, and imagination, and appeals to both children and adults. The movie also spawned three successful sequels, making Toy Story one of the most beloved and influential franchises in animation history.
“To infinity and beyond!” – Buzz Lightyear
9. WALL-E (2008) – 8.4/10
WALL-E is another masterpiece from Pixar, directed by Andrew Stanton. WALL-E is a lonely robot who works as a garbage collector on a deserted and polluted Earth, in the far future. WALL-E has developed a personality and a curiosity for the remnants of human civilization, such as music, movies, and trinkets.
One day, WALL-E encounters EVE, a sleek and advanced robot sent by a spaceship to scan the planet for signs of life. WALL-E falls in love with EVE and follows her to the spaceship, where he discovers the fate of humanity and the secrets of the corporation that rules them.
WALL-E is a stunning movie that combines breathtaking animation, captivating sound design, and minimal dialogue.
The movie is a remarkable achievement in visual storytelling, as it conveys complex emotions and messages through the expressions and actions of the robots.
WALL-E is a movie that challenges and inspires the viewers, as it tackles the issues of environmental degradation, consumerism, obesity, and social isolation. WALL-E is also a movie that celebrates the power of love, hope, and courage, as shown by the unlikely hero and his companion.
“WALL-E.” – WALL-E
8. Coco (2017) – 8.4/10
Coco is a vibrant and colorful movie from Pixar, directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina. Coco follows the journey of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s ban on music.
On the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday that honors the deceased, Miguel accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, where he meets his ancestors and learns the truth about his family history. Miguel also befriends Hector, a charming but forgotten skeleton, who helps him find his great-great-grandfather, Ernesto de la Cruz, a famous singer, and Miguel’s idol.
Coco is a movie that celebrates the culture and traditions of Mexico, as well as the universal values of family, music, and memory.
The movie is a feast for the eyes and ears, as it showcases the stunning animation, the lively music, and the rich voice acting of the cast. Coco is a movie that touches the hearts and souls of the viewers, as it deals with the themes of life, death, and legacy. Coco is also a movie that surprises and delights the viewers, as it reveals the twists and turns of the plot and the characters.
“Remember me, though I have to say goodbye. Remember me, don’t let it make you cry.” – Ernesto de la Cruz
7. Your Name (2016) – 8.4/10
Your Name is a beautiful and romantic movie from Japan, directed by Makoto Shinkai. Your Name tells the story of Mitsuha, a high school girl who lives in a rural town, and Taki, a high school boy who lives in Tokyo.
The two strangers are connected by a mysterious phenomenon: they switch bodies every time they sleep. As they try to adjust to their new lives and communicate with each other, they develop a bond and a curiosity for each other.
However, they soon realize that they are separated by more than just distance and time and that they must find a way to meet before it is too late.
Your Name is a movie that captivates and mesmerizes the viewers, as it blends the elements of fantasy, drama, comedy, and romance. The movie is praised for its stunning animation, especially the detailed and realistic depiction of the landscapes and the cityscapes.
The movie is also praised for its emotional and engaging story, which explores the themes of identity, destiny, and love. Your Name is a movie that transcends the boundaries of language and culture and resonates with audiences around the world.
“I wanted to tell you that wherever you are in the world, I swear that I’ll find you again. No matter what.” – Taki
6. The Lion King (1994) – 8.5/10
The Lion King is a classic and epic movie from Disney, directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff. The Lion King tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is the heir to the throne of the Pride Lands, a kingdom of animals in Africa.
Simba’s life is turned upside down when his father, Mufasa, the king, is killed by his uncle, Scar, who usurps the throne and banishes Simba.
Simba grows up in exile, with the help of his friends, Timon, a meerkat, and Pumbaa, a warthog. Simba eventually returns to his homeland, to confront his uncle and reclaim his rightful place.
The Lion King is a movie that dazzles and inspires the viewers, as it showcases the magnificent animation, the memorable music, and the powerful voice acting of the cast. The movie is a movie that draws from various sources, such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Bible, and African folklore, to create a unique and original story.
The Lion King is a movie that explores the themes of family, responsibility, courage, and redemption, and appeals to both children and adults. The movie also spawned a successful franchise, including sequels, spin-offs, and a Broadway musical.
“Hakuna Matata. It means no worries for the rest of your days.” – Timon and Pumbaa
5. Up (2009) – 8.5/10
Up is a touching and adventurous movie from Pixar, directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson. Up tells the story of Carl, an elderly widower who lives alone in his house, surrounded by the memories of his late wife, Ellie.
Carl’s house is threatened by a construction company that wants to demolish it and build a skyscraper. Carl decides to fulfill his and Ellie’s lifelong dream of visiting Paradise Falls, a remote waterfall in South America, by attaching thousands of balloons to his house and flying away. Along the way, Carl meets Russell, a young and enthusiastic boy scout, who becomes his unlikely companion.
Up is a movie that moves and entertains the viewers, as it balances the elements of comedy, drama, and action. The movie is praised for its emotional and poignant opening sequence, which depicts the life and love of Carl and Ellie in a few minutes.
The movie is also praised for its colorful and imaginative animation, especially the scenes of the flying house and the exotic animals. Up is a movie that deals with the themes of loss, grief, adventure, and friendship, and reminds the viewers to appreciate the simple joys of life.
“Adventure is out there!” – Ellie
4. Inside Out (2015) – 8.5/10
Inside Out is a clever and creative movie from Pixar, directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen. Inside Out tells the story of Riley, an 11-year-old girl who moves from Minnesota to San Francisco with her parents. Riley’s emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – live inside her head and control her actions and memories.
When Joy and Sadness get lost in the vast and complex world of Riley’s mind, they must find their way back to the headquarters, while the other emotions try to cope with the challenges of Riley’s new life.
Inside Out is a movie that amazes and enlightens the viewers, as it presents a novel and original concept of how the human mind works.
The movie is praised for its brilliant animation, which contrasts the realistic and dull outside world with the colorful and imaginative inside world. The movie is also praised for its humorous and touching story, which explores the themes of growing up, emotions, memory, and identity. Inside Out is a movie that makes the viewers laugh, cry, and think, as it shows the importance and complexity of each emotion.
“Take her to the moon for me.” – Bing Bong
3. The Godfather Part II (1974) – 9.0/10
The Godfather Part II is a masterpiece and a sequel from Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel by Mario Puzo. The Godfather Part II tells the story of two generations of the Corleone family, a powerful and ruthless crime dynasty in America. The movie alternates between the past and the present, showing the rise of Vito Corleone, the original godfather, from a poor immigrant to a respected and feared mafia boss, and the fall of Michael Corleone, his son and successor, from a loyal and honorable family man to a cold and isolated tyrant.
The Godfather Part II is a movie that surpasses and complements the original, as it expands and deepens the scope and the characters of the saga. The movie is praised for its superb acting, especially by Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, who play Michael and Vito respectively. The movie is also praised for its epic and tragic story, which explores the themes of power, corruption, family, and history. The Godfather Part II is a movie that defines and transcends the genre of crime drama and is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time.
“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” – Michael Corleone
2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – 9.3/10
The Shawshank Redemption is a moving and inspiring movie by Frank Darabont, based on the novella by Stephen King. The Shawshank Redemption tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover and sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank State Penitentiary, a harsh and corrupt prison in Maine. Andy befriends Red, a veteran inmate, and smuggler, who helps him cope with the brutal and dehumanizing conditions of the prison. Andy also uses his intelligence and skills to improve the lives of his fellow prisoners and to plan his escape and redemption.
The Shawshank Redemption is a movie that uplifts and astonishes the viewers, as it shows the resilience and dignity of the human spirit. The movie is praised for its excellent acting, especially by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, who play Andy and Red respectively. The movie is also praised for its compelling and satisfying story, which explores the themes of hope, freedom, justice, and friendship. The Shawshank Redemption is a movie that touches and transforms the viewers, as it reveals the power and beauty of hope.
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” – Red
The Godfather (1972) – 9.3/10
The Godfather is a masterpiece and a landmark from Francis Ford Coppola, based on the novel by Mario Puzo. The Godfather tells the story of the Corleone family, a powerful and respected crime dynasty in America, led by Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather. The movie focuses on the transformation of Michael Corleone, the youngest son of Vito, from a reluctant and innocent outsider to a ruthless and cunning leader, who inherits and expands his father’s empire. The movie also depicts the conflicts and alliances between the Corleone family and the other mafia families, as well as the impact of the crime world on their personal lives.
The Godfather is a movie that impresses and influences the viewers, as it creates a realistic and captivating portrait of the mafia culture and American society. The movie is praised for its outstanding acting, especially by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, who play Vito and Michael respectively. The movie is also praised for its gripping and complex story, which explores the themes of loyalty, honor, violence, and family. The Godfather is a movie that sets and breaks the standards of filmmaking and is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time.
“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Vito Corleone
Related:
Spirited Away (2001):
This Studio Ghibli masterpiece transports us to a fantastical spirit world where young Chihiro must navigate strange creatures and perilous challenges to save her parents.
With breathtaking visuals, intricate storytelling, and themes of courage and self-discovery, Spirited Away boasts a near-perfect 9.3 rating on IMDb, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and mesmerizing world-building. However, its dreamlike imagery and nuanced themes might be challenging for younger viewers.
