They often invite viewers to incredible worlds characterized by unbelievably hypnotic and breathtaking visuals.

Yet, quality animation continues to dominate the box office and win over critics yearly.

Highly unique films with aesthetic animation are particularly cherished.

Imagery from ParaNorman and The Nightmare Before Christmas

Written and directed by Henry Selick, the film uses stop-motion animation and stars Dakota Fanning as Coraline.

The gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing appearance ofCoralineis a mixture of goofiness and horror.

She tells her infant brother stories to distract herself from her horrible reality and to calm him to sleep.

Spirited Away and Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse imagery

The Breadwinnerwas nominated in the Best Animated Picture category at the Academy Awards in 2018.

The vibrancy adds to the energy of the action sequences, introducing even more thrills for audiences.

Moreover,Akirafeatures some gory and bloody scenes that challenge the perception of animation as a kids' genre.

Optimus Prime from Transformers One & The Wild Robot.

The animation is so essential to the story that anAkiralive-action movie would be difficult to make.

The narrative focuses on the struggle for freedom and coexistence between these species.

The film features surreal and visually distinct animation that explores themes of oppression and rebellion.

Imagery from Flow and Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Fantastic Planetprovides commentary on servitude and the social order.

It explores themes of identity, surveillance, and the psychological toll of substance abuse.

Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson round out the primary cast.

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Based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, Coraline follows Coraline Jones, a lonely young girl who, after moving to a new house with her inattentive parents, discovers a portal to another, more sinister alternate reality behind one of the house’s many doors. Written and directed by Henry Selick, the film uses stop-motion animation and stars Dakota Fanning as Coraline.

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have perhaps changed animation more than anyone or any studio ever.

The nature vs nurture debate is beautifully brought to life with the energetic and aesthetic animation.

Miles and Gwen will unite with new and old Spider-Heroes to face a villain of immeasurable power.

Headshot oF Dakota Fanning

Moreover, you have a punk rock character in Hobie Brown looking like a punk poster come to life.

As she grows into a beautiful woman, she captivates everyone while facing her destined path.

Alongside Hayao Miyazaki, the other most influential artist and director working for Studio Ghibli is Isao Takahata.

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Curious about the circumstances, he investigates what happened to the famous painter.

The 2025 winner of the Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature is a true achievement in animation.

The best animated movies of 2024 comprise long-awaited franchise sequels, surprising hits, and underappreciated masterpieces.

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The Breadwinner is an animated film directed by Nora Twomey. Set in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the story follows Parvana, an 11-year-old girl who disguises herself as a boy to support her family after her father is unjustly imprisoned. The film is adapted from the best-selling novel by Deborah Ellis and explores themes of resilience and courage in a tumultuous socio-political landscape.

Each animal’s eyes are drawn to be beautifully emotive, reflecting their peril and their concern.

So, each time the cat falls off the boat, you might expect to feel your pulse rise.

Akira 1988 Anime Poster

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Fantastic Planet is a 1973 animated science fiction film directed by René Laloux. The story is set on the planet Ygam, where human-like creatures called Oms are enslaved by giant blue alien beings known as Draags. The narrative focuses on the struggle for freedom and coexistence between these species. The film features surreal and visually distinct animation that explores themes of oppression and rebellion.

A Scanner Darkly - Poster

A Scanner Darkly, directed by Richard Linklater, depicts a dystopian future plagued by drug addiction, where an undercover cop, played by Keanu Reeves, grapples with the effects of a powerful drug that alters his reality. The film uses rotoscope animation to capture its dreamlike narrative, featuring performances by Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, and Winona Ryder. It explores themes of identity, surveillance, and the psychological toll of substance abuse.

Headshot Of Robert Downey Jr. In The 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

Headshot Of Keanu Reeves In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate’s ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

Princess Mononoke Movie Poster

In this epic animated fantasy by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke explores the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior inflicted with a deadly curse, as he navigates a battle that pits the industrialized human society against the gods of the forest, alongside San, a fierce girl raised by wolves.

Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse Poster

Miles Morales returns in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. With his identity still safe but  “grounded” by his parents, Miles Morales is visited by his friend from another dimension, Gwen Stacy. Inviting him on a new adventure, Miles jumps at the opportunity but is seemingly accosted by an unknown assailant on his journey. Miles and Gwen will unite with new and old Spider-Heroes to face a villain of immeasurable power.

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Headshot OF Hailee Steinfeld

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The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a Studio Ghibli animated film directed by Isao Takahata. Released in 2013, the story follows a mysterious young princess discovered inside a bamboo stalk by an elderly couple. As she grows into a beautiful woman, she captivates everyone while facing her destined path.

Loving Vincent 2017 Movie Poster

Released in 2017, Loving Vincent is an animated drama/biography film by directors Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman and is the first film to be fully painted via oil canvas. The film follows Armand Roulin as he heads to visit Vincent Van Gogh’s final letter before his apparent suicide to his brother, Theo. Curious about the circumstances, he investigates what happened to the famous painter.

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Headshot Of Jerome Flynn In The Game Of Thrones Final Season Premiere

Headshot Of Saoirse Ronan In The  27th Palm Springs International Awards

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Flow (2024) follows a solitary animal named Cat who must find refuge and collaborate with other species on a boat after a great flood devastates their home. As they sail through mystical, overflowed landscapes, the group navigates challenges and dangers while adapting to a transformed world.

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