The 20 best animated movies on Netflix
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Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures; Netflix (2) 'Minions: The Rise of Gru' (2022); 'Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio' (2022); 'The Sea Beast (2022)'
There's no limit to what the imagination can dream up — and with animation, there's no limit to what filmmakers can accomplish on screen. From stealing the moon, to exploring the sea, to traveling through time, the medium is one of pure potential. Visually gripping, with art rendered in 2-D, 3-D, motion graphics, or stop motion, animation is for all ages. And Netflix has curated an impressive collection, including comedies, cartoons, and a few of the platform's original features. Here are our picks for the best animated movies streaming on the site as of October 2023, including Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and some underrated classics.
<i>Nimona</i> (2023)
Blending medieval folklore and futuristic fantasy, this high-spirited adaptation of the 2015 graphic novel is more timely now than ever. Chloë Grace Moretz gives voice to Nimona, a mischievous shapeshifter who comes to the aid of Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), a knight who has since been ostracized by the kingdom due to his background as a commoner. Naturally, Nimona has her own history with being outcast, and the pair unravel a conspiracy that resulted in the queen's death. Featuring a powerful queer allegory, both Nimona and Ballister try to overcome prejudice from their community while forging a bond due to their circumstances. As EW's critic wrote, "The story admiringly delves into how such monsters are in fact created by a society that refuses to accept their differences." —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watch Nimona: Netflix
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Directors: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, Beck Bennett, RuPaul, Indya Moore, Julio Torres, Sarah Sherman
Related content: The Nimona cast on the film's long journey (and learning to make ostrich noises)
<i>The Adventures of Tintin</i> (2011)
Bringing The Adventures of Tintin to life was decades in the making for director Steven Spielberg, who once referred to the comic book series as "Indiana Jones for kids." The action is set in 1950s Belgium as the inquisitive journalist Tintin (Jamie Bell) purchases a miniature model of a ship called the Unicorn, setting in motion a chaotic series of events that leads to him being kidnapped by a villainous ship collector. On board, he meets Capt. Archibald Haddock (Andy Serkis), whose ancestor was the captain of the real-life Unicorn. Bursting with a high-energy sense of adventure, Tintin is indeed a fun starter pack to the thrilling escapades of Indiana Jones, with dazzling CG animation that uses elements of motion capture. The film won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, and earned yet another Oscar nomination for John Williams for his original score. —K.J.
Where to watch The Adventures of Tintin: Netflix
EW grade: C (read the review)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
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<i>Kung Fu Panda</i> (2008)
Kung Fu Panda may have a gimmicky title, but the sincerity of its storytelling is as effective as any DreamWorks animation released to date. Giant panda Po (Jack Black) is a humble restauranteur living in Ancient China who idolizes a quintet of kung fu masters known as the Furious Five. His dreams become a rude awakening when he stumbles his way into becoming the prophesized Dragon Warrior, and tasked with fighting off a vengeful snow leopard who wishes to obtain the all-powerful Dragon Scroll. Featuring vibrant animation and colorful voice performances from Black, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, and more, Kung Fu Panda delights in slapstick comedy while also delivering its timeless message in unique fashion. As EW's critic put it, "Just about all animated movies teach you to Believe in Yourself...but the image of a face-stuffing panda-turned-yowling Bruce Lee dervish is as unlikely, and touching, an advertisement for that message as we've seen in quite some time." —K.J.
Where to watch Kung Fu Panda: Netflix
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Directors: John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
Cast: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu,
David Cross, Randall Duk Kim, Jackie Chan
Related content: Would Hollywood make Kung Fu Panda today?
<i>Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit</i> (2005)
Following the success of their universally acclaimed shorts, Aardman Animations brought Wallace and Gromit to the big screen for this humorous tale in which the eccentric inventor and his loyal dog are tasked with hunting down a rabbit who's been eating the town's crop of vegetables. But this proves easier said than done, as the pair realizes that the dreaded Were-Rabbit may be closer to home than they suspected. Packed with the studio's trademark British wit, and lovingly crafted with stop-motion claymation, the Oscar-winning film is a total delight. As EW's critic wrote, "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit bestows generous blessings on all that's good in Englishness, in moviedom, and, of course, in cheese." —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watch Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit: Netflix
EW grade: N/A (read the review)
Directors: Nick Park and Steve Box
Cast: Peter Sallis, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter
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<i>Bee Movie</i> (2007)
From the twisted mind of Jerry Seinfeld came this oddball DreamWorks comedy about a talking bee (also voiced by Seinfeld) who is outraged by the exploitation of his species for honey and decides to sue the human race. Along the way, he also sort of falls in love with a human florist (Renée Zellweger). Despite (because of?) its wild premise, Bee Movie gets at some potent messaging about workers' rights and the differences between individualism and collectivism. In other words, as EW's critic noted, it's "nutty, ecological, antically funny, and moving, all at the same time." The film has subsequently inspired a surprising number of memes, adding to its bizarro lore. —K.J.
Where to watch Bee Movie: Netflix through Nov. 1
EW grade: A– (read the review)
Directors: Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner
Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Patrick Warburton, Chris Rock
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<i>Puss in Boots: The Last Wish</i> (2022)
Sequels released over a decade after the first film are always a gamble, but Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was one of multiple films from 2022 (Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water) that actually improved upon its predecessor. Eleven years after the first Puss in Boots, the eponymous rascally cat has now burned through eight of his nine lives on his various adventures, reteaming with Kitty Softpaws in pursuit of the Last Wish, which would restore his lives. Along the way, he tries to outrun Goldilocks — hoping to attain the Last Wish for herself — and a menacing wolf who mysteriously stalks Puss. Like other DreamWorks films post-Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the blend of 2-D and 3-D is striking in its visual texture, particularly in action sequences, but its darkly authentic themes of anxiety and the value of friendship resonate most of all. —K.J.
Where to watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish: Netflix
Director: Joel Crawford
Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Wagner Moura
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<i>Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie</i> (2017)
The wildly popular Captain Underpants book series has kept kids entertained since 1997, but it wasn't until 20 years later that the tighty-whities-clad hero made it to the big screen. The First Epic Movie centers on George and Harold, fourth-grader best friends who create the Captain Underpants comic book and hypnotize their strict principal into becoming the superhero — who doesn't actually have superpowers. Kid-friendly without being too mind-numbing to their parents, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie has "charm to spare," praises EW's critic, noting it works "mostly because it never tries to be more or less than what it is." It also spawned a series on Netflix, The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, which ran from 2018 to 2020. —K.J.
Where to watch Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie: Netflix
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Director: David Soren
Cast: Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll, Thomas Middleditch, Jordan Peele, Kristen Schaal
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<i>The Angry Birds Movie</i> (2016)
While it may be damning with faint praise to give credit to The Angry Birds Movie for not being a total disaster...it really could've been much worse. Based on the wildly popular app of the same name, the film follows Red (voiced by Jason Sudeikis), a talking bird who comes to suspect that his island's new pig inhabitants have malicious intent. Your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for punny/juvenile humor, but as EW's review notes, the film "delivers a mildly diverting mix of winky meta-jokes and moral lessons, cannily aimed at both the next generation of tiny consumers and their more sophisticated parents." —K.J.
Where to watch The Angry Birds Movie: Netflix
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Clay Kaytis and Fergal Reilly
Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Kate McKinnon, Sean Penn, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Bill Hader, Peter Dinklage
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<i>Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio</i> (2022)
Codirectors Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson transport the classic story of Pinocchio to World War II-era Italy in this meticulously crafted stop-motion animated film. Following the death of his young son, carpenter Geppetto cuts down a tree and carves a wooden boy, who is subsequently brought to life and dubbed Pinocchio. As the boy ventures to the outside world, he is met with dark forces that attempt to use and corrupt him, all against the backdrop of Benito Mussolini's reign as leader of Fascist Italy. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is a darker take on the tale compared to the well-known Disney adaptation (which also received a far-inferior live-action remake in 2022). From the fraught setting to the detailed creature designs, del Toro and Gustafson create a distinct world while providing valuable life lessons to viewers of all ages. The film became the first Netflix production to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. —K.J.
Where to watch Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Netflix
Director: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson
Cast: Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Burn Gorman, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Tim Blake Nelson, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton
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<i>The Sea Beast</i> (2022)
A brave orphan girl named Maisie stows away aboard a ship of sea monster hunters in The Sea Beast, helmed by Big Hero 6's co-director Chris Williams. The sailors are renowned for their hunting abilities, though their status is threatened by their society's admiral, who wishes to replace them. They go out on one last hunt to track down a powerful sea beast called the Red Bluster, but, as Maisie soon discovers, the creatures may not have the kind of malicious intent for which they've come to be known. With dazzling colors, fast-paced thrills, and classical storytelling, it's easy to see why The Sea Beast became Netflix's most watched animated original film as of October 2022, according to the streamer. The film also earned a Best Animated Feature nomination at the Oscars, following a wave of critical praise. —K.J.
Where to watch The Sea Beast: Netflix
Director: Chris Williams
Cast: Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris, Marianne Jean-Baptiste
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<i>Minions: The Rise of Gru</i> (2022)
Minions fever continues to rage as this sequel to 2015's Minions further explored the origins of the gibberish-speaking yellow creatures. Minions: The Rise of Gru takes us back to supervillain Gru's childhood, centering on his titular rise to power with help from the Minions. The ragtag bunch sets out to make a name for themselves and finds a powerful enemy in the Vicious 6, an evil supergroup hoping to defeat Gru. The film not only gave rise to Gru but also a fascinating trend called the GentleMinions, in which groups of young adults dressed in suits to attend screenings of the film that, more often than not, became rowdy. But the youth were not the only fans of the rambunctious comedy — critics praised it as better than its predecessor, with EW's critic observing, "the main reason to watch remains the celebrity-Madlibs mashup of voice actors," including Oscar winners Julie Andrews to Michelle Yeoh. —K.J.
Where to watch Minions: The Rise of Gru: Netflix
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Kyle Balda
Cast: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin, Alan Arkin, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, Julie Andrews, Russell Brand, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo, Lucy Lawless
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<i>Trolls</i> (2016)
DreamWorks brought the colorful world of Trolls to life in this 2016 jukebox musical. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake voice Princess Poppy and Branch, respectively, a pair of trolls who fight to save their community from the predatory Bergens. Along the way, we get a bevy of pop-flavored musical performances of such classics as "I'm Coming Out," "True Colors," and "September." Timberlake also co-penned and performed the original song "Can't Stop the Feeling," which won a Grammy and earned an Oscar nomination. At a time when films based on previously established brands were commonplace, Trolls exceeded expectations with its sweet and earnest storytelling. While not for the cynically minded, the film resonated with families upon its release in 2016, spawning a 2020 sequel, TV specials, animated series, and a third feature film expected for late-2023. —K.J.
Where to watch Trolls: Netflix
EW grade: B+ (read the review)
Director: Mike Mitchell
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Zooey Deschanel, Russell Brand, James Corden, Gwen Stefani
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<i>Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood</i> (2022)
Richard Linklater returned to rotoscope animation following Waking Life (2001) and A Scanner Darkly (2006), with this nostalgic trip back to the summer of '69. Young Stanley is an imaginative young boy whose investment in the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon causes him to fantasize about being onboard the history-making spaceship. Jack Black voices the adult version of Stanley, looking back on his childhood memories with fondness. Fans of Linklater's Oscar-nominated film Boyhood (2014) will find the director working in familiar territory here, exploring the coming-of-age process with a wistful eye. The dreamlike film earned widespread acclaim from critics, praising its dreamlike atmosphere and vivid animation. —K.J.
Where to watch Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood: Netflix
Director: Richard Linklater
Cast: Jack Black, Milo Coy, Glen Powell, Zachary Levi
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<i>I Lost My Body</i> (2019)
A severed hand goes on a perilous journey to reunite with its owner in this French animated drama. When we're not following the hand's quest, we get to know its owner, Naoufel, who accidentally caused his parents' death and now lives with his uncle in Paris. Working as a pizza delivery driver, Naoufel is also hopelessly infatuated with Gabrielle, a librarian. We ultimately come to learn the series of events that led Naoufel's hand to be severed. I Lost My Body was a huge critical success when it was released in 2019, winning a prize at the Cannes Film Festival and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Its eccentric story combined with its striking 2-D animation make for an unforgettable experience. —K.J.
Where to watch I Lost My Body: Netflix
Director: Jérémy Clapin
Cast: Hakim Faris, Victoire du Bois, Patrick d'Assumçao
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<i>Kung Fu Panda 3</i> (2016)
The legendary adventures of awesomeness continue in the third installment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Jack Black is back to voice Po, who has recently succeeded his now-retired mentor Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) as a kung fu teacher. While struggling to develop his style of instruction, Po happens upon his biological father Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) and the two forge a bond. Po agrees to accompany Li Shan to a secret panda village to learn the art of chi — but, when a supernatural villain threatens to destroy all kung fu masters, Po must overcome his teaching difficulties and find a way to turn a village of pandas into a disciplined fighting force. The Furious Five return, and J.K. Simmons stars as the antagonist, Kai. In keeping with the family theme of the film, four of Angelina Jolie's six kids make voice cameos. And, if you need more convincing, animation, an EW reviewer wrote, "is perhaps the best medium for martial arts, helping it move beyond superhuman physicality into the realm of mystical energy." —Ilana Gordon
Where to watch Kung Fu Panda 3: Netflix
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni
Cast: Jack Black, J.K. Simmons, Bryan Cranston, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Lucy Liu
Related content: Kung Fu Panda 3 filmmaker explains why Kai is the series' first supernatural villain
<i>Klaus</i> (2019)
Regardless of whether or not 'tis the season, Klaus is a Santa Claus origin story that's enjoyable any time of the year. Starring J.K. Simmons as the film's eponymous hero, Klaus tells the tale of a widowed Norwegian lumberman who is recruited by the town's new postman Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) to make toys for him to deliver in an effort to prove his father, the postmaster general, wrong. But, when Klaus' toys begin to cheer up the children of Smeerensburg — a town whose inhabitants are perpetually engaged in a feud between two familial clans — Jesper and Klaus must step out of their comfort zones to help save the town from itself. Klaus isn't just another feel-good film; it's also a film that looks great. Employing unique technology to transform 2-D animation into what looks like 3-D, the film is well-deserving of its Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature (the first of Netflix's original animated features to receive that distinction). —I.G.
Director: Sergio Pablos
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Neda Margrethe Labba, Sergio Pablos, Norm Macdonald, Joan Cusack
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<i>A Whisker Away</i> (2020)
Who among us hasn't pretended to be something we're not, to attract the attention of a crush? In the 2020 Japanese anime film A Whisker Away, a middle-school girl named Miyo struggles with unrequited love as she yearns for her classmate, Kento, who continues to reject her romantic advances. Upon receiving a magical mask capable of turning her into a cat, Miyo is able to spend time with Kento without fear of rejection — but it's a risky proposition, as one day, the transformation could become permanent. The film's Japanese title, which literally translates to Wanting to Cry, I Pretend to be a Cat, tells you all you need to know about the simplicity and heart of the narrative. Packed with sumptuous visuals and a universally relatable core, this winsome coming-of-age story is intended for teens and young adults, but is also a must-see for anime enthusiasts, magical realism fans, and those looking to have their faith in love renewed. —I.G.
Where to watch A Whisker Away: Netflix
Director: Junichi Sato and Tomotaka Shibayama
Cast: Mirai Shida, Natsuki Hanae, Hiroaki Ogi
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<i>The Mitchells vs. the Machines</i> (2021)
Every family has problems, but the Mitchell family has big problems — robot apocalypse-type problems. In this animated comedy, a dysfunctional family's already messy road trip is thrown into further chaos when robots attempt to take over the world. As the only people left to fight them off, it's up to the Mitchells (voiced by Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, and director Mike Rianda) to take out the machines and save humanity. But, to do that, they'll have to ensure their family's connection to each other is stronger than their connection to their phones and iPads. In an ironic twist, The Mitchells vs. the Machines — whose message warns of the dangers of relying too much on technology — employs both hand-drawn and CGI animation to create its visuals. —I.G.
Where to watch The Mitchells vs. the Machines: Netflix
Director: Mike Rianda
Cast: Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, Mike Rianda, Eric André, Olivia Colman
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<i>Over the Moon</i> (2020)
Netflix's original animated feature, Over the Moon is one of the platform's most stunning visual works of art. Directed by Oscar-winner Glen Keane (the Disney animator behind The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast), this vibrant film tells the story of Fei Fei (Cathy Ang), a young Chinese girl mourning the death of her mother. A passionate scientist, Fei Fei finds solace in a story her parents told her about Chang'e (Phillipa Soo) — a goddess who lives on the moon — and decides to build a rocket ship so she can visit her. A vibrant exploration of Chinese culture, grief, and believing in the face of adversity, the film features gorgeous animated sequences, memorable songs, and the voices of John Cho, Ken Jeong, and Sandra Oh. An ambitious feature lovingly crafted by a pedigreed production team, Over the Moon is a family film that will haunt you long after the credits have rolled. —I.G.
Where to watch Over the Moon: Netflix
Director: Glen Keane
Cast: Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, Sandra Oh
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<i>Vivo</i> (2021)
Viva la Vivo! Lin-Manuel Miranda partnered with Netflix for this computer-animated original that starts in Havana and ends in Miami, with stops in Key West and the Everglades along the way. Underscored by Latin beats, propelled by a fast-moving story, and even featuring some rapping, Vivo is a buoyant celebration of Caribbean culture. Miranda stars as Vivo, a kinkajou living in Havana as one half of a street-performing act. When his partner Andrés (voiced by Juan de Marcos González) passes away, Vivo resolves to deliver a song Andrés wrote for his long lost love Marta (Gloria Estefan), who is about to perform her retirement show in Miami. Aided by Andrés' great-niece Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), Vivo hits all the wrong notes in his quest to keep love alive, but his journey is a delight to watch. Musically, Vivo combines mambo, hip-hop, and EDM, and, while it's not Miranda's best-known work, earworms like "My Own Drum" are sure to lodge themselves deep into your subconscious. —I.G.
EW grade: B (read the review)
Director: Kirk DeMicco
Cast: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Zoe Saldaña, Juan de Marcos, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Rooker, Nicole Byer, Ynairaly Simo, Gloria Estefan
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