Lights, camera, animation!
In a world where imagination knows no bounds, the artistry of animated movies has captivated audiences of all ages for decades. From visually enchanting fairy tales to chucklesome adventure movies, these cinematic gems can transport us to fantastical realms, evoke a myriad of emotions, and leave a lasting mark on our hearts.
Whether you’re a young child dreaming of magical powers or a grown-up longing for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, animated movies have a unique ability to transcend barriers and ignite the spark of wonder within us all.
In need of some movie night inspiration? Look no further! Our jam-packed article showcases the very best animated films of all time, the top new animated films, and the best classics ever to enter cinema. We also unveil how to watch all the greatest animated masterpieces, new and old, online for free.
Dive into our guide and get one step closer to planning your perfect (and affordable) movie night.
What’s in this Guide
15 Best Animated Movies of All Time
In the realm of beautifully animated films, few films stand as shining examples of the power of storytelling, the artistry of animation, and the enduring magic that can be created on the big screen.
From new releases like The Lego Movie, Soul, and Shrek: Happy Ever After to all-time favourites like Spirited Away, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Wall-E, and more, your choices are endless!
Whether you’re a fan of classic fairy tales, space-age childhood adventures, or thought-provoking narratives, these animated treasures promise to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more. So, grab a loved one, create fond memories, and dive into the world of animation as we celebrate the best of the best in this wonderful genre.
#1 Wall-E
In a post-apocalyptic distant future, where humanity has left Earth, Wall-E, a small and lovable waste-collecting robot, shines as the unlikely hero. With gorgeous animation and dazzling visuals, this Pixar film invites every young girl and young boy out there to reflect on the importance of love, friendship, and preserving our planet.
#2 The Toy Story Film Series
The Toy Story film series is a heartwarming and nostalgic journey that has captivated audiences, young and old, since its release in 1995.
Produced by Pixar Animation Studios, this beloved animated film franchise combines the innovative use of CGI animation, memorable characters, and a classic story that has earned the franchise two wins in the Best Animated Feature Academy Award category. It also has an impressive voice cast, including Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Wallace Shawn.
Spanning multiple box office wins, including the award-winning third instalment, the Toy Story animated series is an art form that takes us on an adventure filled with friendship, loyalty, and the joy of childhood.
Fully realised characters, including the lovable cowboy Woody to the charismatic space ranger Buzz Lightyear, have become beloved characters in the world of feature animation. With each film, the series continues to delight viewers with its imaginative storytelling and timeless themes.
#3 Spirited Away
Produced by the iconic Studio Ghibli and directed by all-time Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a true masterpiece that combines the artistry of classic anime with a mystical narrative.
This iconic movie tells the tale of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who finds herself lost in a magical realm where supernatural beings roam freely.
As Chihiro bravely embarks on a solo journey through the otherworldly dimension to find her parents, she meets strange and wonderful characters along the way, including Kamaji, a spider-hybrid old man, Koanashi (also known as ‘No Face’), a sombre spirit, and Haku, a mysterious young boy.
This heartwarming animated movie touches upon themes of self-discovery, freedom, and the celebration of life.
#4 Monsters, Inc.
Monsters, Inc. is a hilarious and lighthearted film animated by Disney Pixar. This classic family-friendly blockbuster follows a team of dysfunctional monsters who work at a scare factory as professional ‘scarers’. Their job duties involve entering portals that resemble doors which enable the monsters to scare humans and collect their screams.
One day, Sully (John Goodman), the ‘Top Scarer’, and his highly opinionated one-eyed roommate, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), find themselves in a predicament when an adorable little human toddler, Boo, unexpectedly enters their world.
#5 Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is among the most celebrated Disney Pixar movies ever. This awesome animation follows the concerned father, Marlin (Albert Brooks), a clownfish whose adventurous son Nemo (Alexander Gould), gets swept away by divers.
As Marlin voyages through the deepest and darkest depths of the ocean to find Nemo, he encounters a charming but very forgetful blue tang fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) who decides to join him. Together the two swim far and wide to find Nemo, who’s off having his own adventure in a dentist’s fish tank.
#6 Surf’s Up
In this radical tale of surfing penguins (and chickens!), Surf’s Up follows Cody (Shia LaBeouf), an aspiring surf champion being filmed by a documentary film crew who follow him as he leaves his dead-end home in Antarctica and journeys to Pen Gu Island, a tropical paradise that’s home to the most famous penguin surf legends in the world.
Cody hopes to win the island’s biggest surfing competition of the year to prove to his hometown that he isn’t a failure.
#7 Soul
Soul is one of Disney’s more recent films and was a huge box office success. It won the Best Animated Picture nomination at the Golden Globe Awards and achieved two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature Film.
This soulful family animation tells the story of a passionate New York jazz pianist/middle-school band teacher Joe (Jamie Foxx), who’s in pursuit of making it big. However, his plans are flipped upside down when he enters another realm and finds himself on a spiritual journey of self-discovery.
#8 Happy Feet
Graced with the exquisite vocals of Brittany Murphy, Nicole Kidman, and Robin Williams, Happy Feet is both a charming family animation and a magnificent musical that will get the whole family dancing on their feet!
It follows the story of Mumble (Elijah Wood), a misunderstood penguin who doesn’t have a heart song that’s necessary for these penguins to find ‘the one’. However, what Mumble lacks in vocals, he makes up for in dancing — a skill no other penguin has!
#9 The Incredibles
Created by acclaimed writer/director Brad Bird, The Incredibles is one of Disney’s most popular animated superhero movies. This comedic tale shows us the life of a seemingly ordinary nuclear family, but not all is what it seems.
After years of fitting in among civilisation because of a superpower ban, retired superhero Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson) chooses to jump back into his super suit after being invited to a mysterious island. Finding himself in a tricky situation, Mr.Incredible depends on his wife, Helen Parr/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and his kids to save him.
#10 The Shrek Film Series
Featuring a hilarious ensemble of characters, including an outspoken ogre (Mike Myers), a talkative donkey (Eddy Murphy), a fierce princess (Cameron Diaz), and a suave sword-fighting cat (Antonio Banderas), Shrek is an unapologetically witty and unconventional fairytale film series.
With endless adult-humour Easter eggs throughout, Shrek unveils the magical world of Duloc and the enchanted land of Far Far Away, where knights, castles, dragons, fairy godmothers, and bandits reside.
The first Shrek film took the box office by storm and even won the first-ever Academy Award for ‘Best Animated Feature’, and remains a family favourite film that adults, teens, and kids will adore!
#11 Fantastic Mr Fox
From the colourful and quirky mind of Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr Fox delivers stunning stop-motion animation that unfolds the comical tale of Mr Fox (George Clooney), a family man with an overwhelming tendency to steal.
Unable to resist his urges, Mr Fox’s borderline kleptomania endangers himself and his family when three farmers have enough and decide to kill them. In an attempt to beat the humans, Mr Fox develops an elaborate plan with his fellow furry pals.
This captivating film touches upon the importance of family, self-control, and environmentalism, and even displays some World War II references, making it a sophisticated yet fun and family-friendly film.
#12 The Nightmare Before Christmas
Coined by the king of gothic-style films, Tim Burton, and legendary novelist, Michael McDowell, The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the misadventures of a mischievous bony ‘Pumpkin King’ called Jack Skellington (Danny Elfman) who lives in Halloween Town. After becoming bored with his annual routine where he scares humans, Jack stumbles across Christmas Town.
In an attempt to take over the joys and jingles of Christmas Town, Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and takes on his role, but soon realises he may not be cut out for such a merry job.
#13 Fantasia
Fantasia is among the most well-known classic animated movies of all time. Created well before computer animation technology, this enchanting anthology film showcases the best of hand-drawn animation.
In this fantastical tale told by marvellous classical music, Mickey Mouse is a young apprentice of a sorcerer named Yen Sid. In an attempt to try his sorcerer’s magic tricks, Mickey Mouse gets in over his head and loses control of his sorcery.
#14 The Jungle Book
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, The Jungle Book follows an adventurous young child called Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman) who has been raised by a loving pack of wolves. One day, Mowgli decides to wander into the forbidden depths of the jungle.
As he journeys deeper into the unknown, Mowgli encounters a man-eating tiger called Shere Khan (George Sanders), who poses a serious threat to Mowgli’s life. Unexpectedly, Mowgli finds himself protected by the likes of a free-living bear, Balloo (Phil Harris), and noble panther Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot).
#15 The Lego Movie
Get ready for a wild ride filled with creativity, humour, and endless surprises in The Lego Movie! This “stop motion animation” CGI animated feature takes us on an adventure where ordinary construction worker Emmet becomes an unlikely hero in an imaginative Lego universe.
With its clever pop culture references, vibrant animation, and a star-studded cast of voice actors, this adventure-filled film shines a spotlight on its fun characters and animation style, delivering laughter and excitement for both kids and adults alike.
New Animated Movies To Watch Online
With animation giants Walt Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and Sony Pictures Animation producing so much compelling content, watching animated movies continues to be everyone’s go-to entertainment.
If you’re looking for some newly released animation movies to watch tonight, here are some of the best animated movies that have graced the screens recently, plus a couple of top favourites released in the 2000s.
Animated Classics To Watch Online
From the magical Disney animation Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the wildly wonderful dessert plains of the Lion King, there are hundreds of incredibly animated classics to explore — many of which are free to stream!
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant musical with catchy tunes or want something funny and adventurous, we have shortlisted the best timeless animated feature films. Explore our easy-to-browse selection below:
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How To Watch Animated Movies Free Online
Streaming services like Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Foxtel Now, BINGE, Netflix, and many others provide a great deal of content in the animation genre. You can even watch complete franchises in one place, including all the Marvel films on Disney Plus or both Sing movies on Foxtel Now and BINGE.
If you love streaming movies online or on your smart TV, then it only makes sense to sign up for one or two streaming plans, or even more if you’re feeling luxurious. Besides, most streaming services offer free trials, so you can always cancel afterwards. Check out some of the best streaming plans in Australia below:
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Best Internet Streaming Plan for Animated Movies
Want to watch your favourite animated movies without worrying about buffering or poor-quality streaming? Make sure you’ve got the best home broadband plan available to avoid compromising your movie nights.
iPrimus offers affordable plans with reliable connections and fast download speeds, meaning you can stream animations to your heart’s content. Check out iPrimus’ plans for more information, or click on the offer below to take advantage of a sweet broadband deal.
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Animation Movies Streaming With Free Trials
Free trials make it easier to try the many streaming services available and catch all your favourite movies. These offers can range from 7 days to a more generous 30 days. Here are some of the free trials you can take advantage of right now:
Explore More Animation Movies
There are hundreds of animated movies that you can stream on TV instantly. If you’re looking for more options on the best animated movies to watch, you’ll find something entertaining on a range of free-to-air channels and streaming services. With varied selections at your disposal, you can really indulge in heaps of fun animation films whenever you want.
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Other Movie Lists You Might Like
If you’re in the mood for something else, check out other movie lists featuring more top genres:
Best Animated Movies FAQs
Fantasmagoria, or A Fantasy, is believed to be the first-ever animated movie that was created by French director Émile Cohl in 1908. This movie doesn’t have a solid plot and instead displays an experimental and surreal animation of a stick figure performing various actions and gestures, including riding a horse and sword-fighting.
You can watch animated movies for free by signing up for free trial subscriptions on streaming platforms like AppleTV+, Amazon Prime Video, BINGE, and Paramount+. You can also catch some animated films on free-to-air TV from time to time.
The most loved movie genres among families include comedy, adventure, fantasy, animation, and musicals. These genres tend to have something for everyone, ensuring all ages can enjoy watching these kinds of films from start to finish!
Some of the top animated films that both adults and children enjoy the most include Shrek, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Fantastic Mr Fox, and Happy Feet. These films combine adult humour with child-friendly storylines, ensuring everyone gets a good laugh out of them!
