Summary
What makes a great animated movie? Is it their stunning visuals? The boundless possibilities of what they can do? Perhaps even the incredible stories they showcase? Or maybe it’s a combination of all three.
It wasn’t until 2001 that the Academy introduced the ‘Best Animated Feature’Oscarinto its running, with the 2002 74th Academy Award show giving audiences their very first winner. Since then, the awards have gone on to reflect the increasingly high caliber of animated features that continue to be released.
10Zootopia
The 2017 Winner
Notable Quote:“Do you think when she goes to sleep, she counts herself?” - Nick Wilde
Animals living in the city, that’s all. We jest, there’s so much more toZootopiathan that. The film excels not only in its intricate but detailed world-building but also in creating a great pair of central characters in Nick and Judy.
Add to that the poignant story, array of great animated sequences, and countless funny moments that both children and adults will enjoy, and viewers can see why the film was a well-deserved winner.
9Up
The 2010 Winner
Notable Quote:“Thanks for the adventure - now go have a new one!” - Ellie Fredricksen
Upis best known for its heartfelt montage of Ellie and Carl’s life; that alone would earn itself a spot on this list. Despite the rest of the film taking viewers on a colorful and adventurous journey (flying house included), it doesn’t quite match the bar set by that opening. In the end, it’s still a beautiful animation, one that shows viewers that the real adventure of life isn’t the places we go but the relationships we form along the way.
The 2005 Winner
Notable Quote:“Honey - Where’s my super suit?” - Frozone
The Incredibleswas anahemIncredible film. Interestingly, playing on the superhero world trope and showing a super-powered family trying to get through normal day-to-day life was both entertaining and refreshing. The film delivered so many quotable lines and great action sequences and still had the beloved Pixar charm flowing throughout. It got a deserved sequel in 2018, but with such an interesting world, it’s no wonder fans are still hoping foranother trip with the superhero family.
7Coco
The 2018 Winner
Notable Quote:“If there’s no one left in the living world to remember you, you disappear from this world. But you can change that!” - Hector
Cocois a jaw-dropping animation. The sheer vibrancy and creativeness of the film blew many viewers away, but like most Pixar films, it was the heartfelt story that kept them entertained. Even though the film is certainly one ofPixar’s more somber affairs, it is a beautiful film nonetheless. Any animation fan who hasn’t been treated to this excellent film owes it to themselves to check it out.
6Shrek
The 2002 Winner
Notable Quote:“Ogres are like onions. Ogres have layers… Onions have layers.” - Shrek
It’s been over twenty years sinceShrekwas released, and the internet hasn’t stoppedobsessing about him, for good reason.Shrekwas the very first film to take home the accolade, beating out the likes of Pixar’s much-laudedMonsters Inc. The film was an animation that entertained the whole family with jokes to suit all ages and a brilliant central duo of Donkey and Shrek that kept many viewers laughing throughout. Though many fans believethe sequel to be superior,it’s hard to knock what an influential and great animated feature the first entry was.
5Ratatouille
The 2008 Winner
Notable Quote:“Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great.” – Chef Auguste Gusteau
Ratatouilleis a home run; there’s no better way to put it. The film is a success on every front, whether that be the mesmerizing soundtrack, stunning animation, or a main story that had viewers hoping for a rat to make them dinner. There’s a reason Remy is regarded as one ofPixar’s best characters to date, and that’s partly due to the inspiring animated tale that was woven around him.
Notable Quote:“So long, partner.” - Woody
There was bound to be an entry for theToy Storyseries on this list somewhere. Oddly enough,Toy Story 3is one of only three films to have ever been nominated for the Oscars’ overall Best Picture award.Toy Storyhas so many beloved charactersthat fans of the series probably cherish just as much as Andy did. The film was an animation showpiece. It had viewers in tears of laughter and sadness throughout and acted as a fitting farewell for the franchise despite spawning another winning sequel.
3Spirited Away
The 2003 Winner
Notable Quote:“So, Your Name’s Chihiro? What A Pretty Name! And It Belongs To Me Now.” - Yubaba
Spirited Awayremains to this day the only non-English language film to take home the coveted award, which helps showcase just how excellent this film is. If there’s ever a film to showcase the endless possibilities of animation,Spirited Awaywould be it. With an engrossing story backed by wondrous hand-drawn animation,Spirited Awaycaptured the hearts and imagination of so many viewers out thereand continues to doso for any new movie fan who witnesses it.
2WALL-E
The 2009 Winner
Notable Quote:“I don’t want to survive. I want to live.” - Captain
For a character with only 17 lines of dialogue,WALL-Ehas gone down as one of animation’s greatest characters. The film isstill as relevant todayas it was all those years ago. The film itself was a treat for animation fans and general moviegoers alike, thanks to its stunning animation and gorgeous soundtrack. That’s not to even discuss the lovable robotWALL-Ecapturing the hearts of movie fans the world over as he seeks companionship set against the greater story focusing on climate concerns and taking care of the Earth.
1Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
The 2019 Winner
Notable Quote:“That’s all it is, Miles, a leap of faith.” - Peter. B. Parker.
Picking the frontrunner from a pack full of standouts was always going to be a hard task. Likely, the top 5 movies in this list will be interchangeable for many fans, but it’s just too hard to deny what an absolute showcaseSpider-Man: Into The Spider-Verseactually is.
Every aspect of the movie fires on all cylinders. The comic book animation style is nothing short of stunning, the soundtrack is absolutely killer, and the story is a riot filled withso many memorable moments, lines, and gripping action sequences.Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verseis a masterpiece, and somehow, it spawned a sequel that nearly reaches the same heights.
